ILAW 2023-2024

NEWS

Duterte accuses Cha-cha of aiming to prolong Marcos Jr. presidency 3

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

ST. BRIDGET SCHOOL’S OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION

SPORTS

Bridgetine athletes shine at 5th OPSCSI Congressional Meet 24

Omnia vincit veritas

FEATURE

Songs that quite 1 literally changed our lives 8

VOLUME 26 | S/Y 2023-2024

FILE PHOTO: Ramil Herrera Jr./Naga City CEPPIO

Caceres Welcomes New Archbishop

BY MONICA JED MORADA

L

The former director and trustee of St. Bridget Sch ool, Most Rev. Fr. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD will now serve as the Fifth Archbishop of Caceres after he was appointed by Pope Francis in February and was recently installed last May 2, 2024.

ast May 1, 2024, before the day of the installation, the Archdiocese of Caceres organized a press conference at the Johannine Hall, Pastoral Center, Metropolitan Cathedral, Naga City.

The bishops across the country had also arrived to witness the solemn installation and canonical possession of the 35th Bishop and 5th Archbishop of Caceres, His grace, Most.

Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon.

Government leaders and the lay faithful gathered to have the civic reception for the Archbishopdesignate. The event was held to recognize Archbishop Alarcon's indispensable role and leadership and showcased the support of the city and the province as he treads his way

towards the local church of Caceres. The new archbishop joined a grand motorcade that painted a symbolic journey of the entrustment to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The act of entrustment profoundly revealed Archbishop Alarcon’s unwavering faith, unrelenting commitment and selfless service to Caceres.

On May 2, 2024, the momentous event filled with excitement and anticipation finally took place. Most. Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon was

formally installed as the new archbishop of Caceres. Most.

Rev. Charles John Brown D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio of the Philippines, led the rite of installation. After the solemn occasion, a testimonial luncheon honoring the new archbishop was held at the auditorium and the covered courts of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City. Relying on God’s abiding love and mercy, Archbishop Alarcon accepted his new position with humility and dedication.

CamSur heat index rises dramatically

BY JESSIE MEIRE LIBRANDO

Dangerous heat levels felt throughout the province as students continue to go to school

A

ccording to the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office of Camarines Sur, the province had experienced moderate to extreme heat index during the month of April. The heat index ranged from 37°C – 46°C during the summer months. The heat index is a crucial measure that indicates how hot it feels to the human body by combining air temperature and relative humidity. This is essential for assessing the risk of heat-related illnesses during hot and humid weather conditions. This has significant considerations for the human body’s comfort.

The extreme heat levels resulted to the implementation of asynchronous classes or distance learning in both public and private schools. The memorandum on the temporary suspension of in-person classes was issued by the Office of the Governor.

Some academic institutions, including St. Bridget School (SBS), had implemented this directive in a creative manner. The SBS administration decided to conduct the face-toface classes in the morning and in the afternoon, the teachers provided activities which the students had to comply with so that they could still continue their studies at the comfort of their homes.

During these days of relatively high temperature, the school set aside the use of school uniforms. The administration allowed the students to wear their comfortable casual attire while inside the campus. These measures were implemented to ensure the well-being of the students.

NEWS / 3

New officers take their oath

OPINION / 18

Rough Journey to Modern ization

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / 19

Solar eclipses: explained

FEATURE / 12

GOMBURZA: From Screen to Reality

SPORTS / 24

Heart, hustle, and honor: Intrams 2023

Stay updated

Follow the school's official Facebook page. *Requires an active internet connection.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

2

SBS holds student gov’t elections New student leaders run to serve their fellow learners

BY RHODEX VALENCIANO II

SSG Auditor-elect Athaliah Claire Quebral, giving a speech at the 2023 Elections Miting de Avance.

PHOTO: John Sidrick Salamanque

Neophytes and veterans fight head-to-head to win the votes of fellow Bridgetines

T

he student elections were held on September 21, 2023 within the premises of St. Bridget School. The Student Council Organization (SCO) Election had 3 participating parties, namely LIWANAG, SLICK and SANDIGAN while the Supreme Student Government (SSG) Election had only two parties, that is PROGRESSIVISM and STUDENT ALLIANCE FOR INCLUSION AND LEADERSHIP (SAIL).

In the morning, the electoral campaign and the Miting de Avance were held to

allow the different groups to introduce themselves and to present their respective plans if they would be lucky enough to win in the elections.

The candidates gave t heir speeches. After that, a Question & Answer por tion was done. Each position had one sp ecif ic question that the candidates must answer intelligently. The students cheered for their candidates and applauded the best answers.

The actual elections took place in the afternoon inside the classrooms which served a s v o t i n g p r e c i n c t s. Th e teachers themselves served as the election off icers, while a number of students were selected to assist the teachers during the counting of votes. The votes from different precincts were collected and brought to two separate venues:

Event seeks to ignite truth through journalism

ILAW Publication holds First-Ever Journalism Workshop

O

BY THAD NOBLE

n March 24th, ILAW held its inaugural seminar/workshop aimed at teaching aspiring and current student journalists about the ins and outs of journalism.

The seminar was graced with the appearance of Ms. Jinky Lou Castañeda, the Communication Arts Club moderator, who gave a talk

ab out the imp or tance of responsible and ethical student journalism in the 21st century.

Throughout the day, various speakers from ILAW covered topics ranging from news, editorial, and feature writing; photojournalism; editorial cartooning; videography; and video editing. In the afternoon, hands- on a c tiv i ties wer e conducted to put the students’ learnings to the test.

Ms. Jinky Lou Castañeda giving a talk on responsible journalism.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar

the ballots of the SCO (Junior High School) were submitted at the Students Affairs Off ice while those for t he SSG (Senior High S ch o o l ) w e r e ga t h e r e d a t the SBS Auditorium. All the candidates were anxiously waiting for the results while the rest of the students were excited to know the winners.

They kept on monitoring the progress of the counting of votes. When t he counting ended, the official result of the SCO and SSG election was immediately announced.

Garnering 314 votes, Yeleina Marieth Kalyl C. Aman fr om t he LIWANAG Par ty won as the Chairperson of the Student Council Organization.

Likewise, Jay Mark O. Ojeda of the PROGRESSIVISM Party got 151 votes and became the Chairperson of the Supreme Student Government. When aske d why they wante d to

become an officer, the elected SCO Chairperson declared she was confident in her ability to serve the school and the students. From assembling a li n e up t o p l a n n i n g a n d strategizing for her campaign, she showed her leadership skills and initiative by exe cuting her plans in an organized manner.

The elected SCO Chairperson also provided activities and projects which her team aimed to implement during t he curr ent scho ol year. These included diverse seminars and outreach programs, strengthening the organizational routines and systems, increasing student participation, and monitoring student activities.

As for the elected SSG Chairperson of the PROGRESSIVISM Par ty, he expressed that becoming

part of the Supreme Student Government was a great experience for him. Driven by the aspiration to try something new and be of service to others, he decided to run for the SSG. He wanted t o b e co m e a c a n di d a t e t o give t he Supr eme Student G o v e r n m e nt a n e w s e t o f leaders who are capable, efficient, and responsible.

The elected SSG Chairperson’s policies and projects included the putting up of a suggestion box where students could list down their concerns and conducting team-building activities, such as the Leadership Summit for Students in order to hone their supervision and management skills. Through this activity, the leader in e a ch and ever y o ne co uld be awakened and bring the student body into uncharted horizons.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

3

New Officers Take Their Oath

BY FRANZINE MARIE GABALFIN

Newly-elected class officers take the pledge of service.

PHOTO: Dhen Marc Berot

T

he elected officers of the Student Council Organization (SCO), the Supreme Student Government (SSG), the Parents Council Board (PCB), the Homeroom, the different organizations, and the various clubs of St. Bridget School (SBS) had their oath-taking ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for the school year 2023-2024. The school community – students, faculty, and staff – witnessed the meaningful oath taking ceremony that made public the commitment of the officers to be faithful to their duties, responsibilities and obligations associated with their respective positions.

On the first Friday of October 2023, the elected and appointed leaders of the school had their oath-taking ceremony within the Eucharistic Celebration presided

by Rev. Fr. William M. Parde, the Parish Priest and at the same time, the Director and Principal of SBS. In the homily, Fr. Parde

imparted a meaningful reflection to serve as a poignant reminder for all. He says, “as leaders you should emphasize humility rather than superiority, character rather than competition.” He also pointed out that elected officers must take to heart the duties and responsibilities inherent to their

roles or positions.

After the solemn occasion, the ILAW Publication conducted an interview with Yeleina Marieth Kalyl C. Aman, the SCO Chairperson, where she gave an insightful perspective on her role as a leader. She expressed that “As a Chairperson, I felt

the thrill as we went through the induction. I was ready to take on the role and perform the duties entrusted to me. I felt even more composed and proud when I observed that every officer was responsible enough to show a glimpse of their brand of leadership by simply behaving

well during the entire ceremony.”

Furthermore, she shared a tip-off for her co-officers when she said, “I hope every officer would be able to perform his/her expected output – a leader who can be reliable, accountable, and consistent throughout the whole year.”

Duterte accuses Cha-cha of aiming to prolong Marcos Jr. presidency Former president’s claim adds fuel to ongoing debates

BY JOHN ROBERT IBARLIN

F

for re-election. He expressed his concern that by changing the constitution the term of the president could be extended, a similar tactic used by the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. With discussions unfolding in Congress regarding certain adjustments to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, Duterte urged caution and emphasized potential risks associated with initiating a series of changes. He warned that once changes are introduced into the Constitution, it might set off a chain reaction leading to modifications without clear boundaries and it may bring about undesired changes.

ormer President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his concerns about the prop osed amendments, suggesting that there may be a motive to extend the term of president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. Duterte even compared Bongbong Marcos to his father, former P r e s i d e n t Fe r d i n a n d Marcos Sr., during a speech at a prayer gathering led by his adviser, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, in Liwasang Bonifacio.

"Ang una talagang gumalaw nito, iniba-iba niya, si Marcos (Sr.). Maniwala ka’t hindi, after a few decades, ang pangalawang taong gustong kumalkal ng konstitusyon natin… Marcos ulit!" Duter te stated. The

former president emphasized the similarities between both

scenarios by pointing out that his presidency and the term

of Marcos were restricted to a six-year term with no option

...But remember hindi lulusot ‘yang Cha-cha mo at manatili ‘yung hanggang 6 years ka lang.

Malapit na malapit na.

Rodrigo Duterte

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

4

VIVA LA VIRGEN!

SBS community welcomes Our Lady of Peñafrancia

BY MONICA JED MORADA

T

The Bridgetines attended a para-liturgy presided over

by Rev. Fr. Daniel Vegas. The SBS family also participated in a series of vigils and novena prayers to honor the images of Ina and the Divino The students, faculty, and Rostr o. The follow ing day, staff SBS cordially welcomed the scheduled vigil for each the miraculous image of Our class continued and in the La dy of Peñafr ancia (also a f t e r n o o n , a E u c h a r i s t i c known as Ina) and the Holy celebration was led by the Face of Jesus (Divino Rostro). school principal and director These images were brought by of St. Bridget School, Rev. Fr. the faculty and staff of Buhi William M. Parde Jr. This Institute Foundation to the ser ve d as t he culminating SBS quadrangle on the 24th activity where all teachers of August. and students showed their reverence and love for Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro.

The Bridgetines also went through the traditional "Pagmanto" before transferring the images to the chapel of Brgy. Sta. Elena.

The visit of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and D i v i n o Ro s t r o m a n i fe s t e d the diversity of human spirituality and the depth of faith-experiences of SBS as one synodal community.

he St. Bridget School (SBS) family happily and successfully celebrated the Pagsungko ni Ina.

The SBS community joyfully welcomed the miraculous image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

PHOTO: Sidrick Salamanque

Bridgetines win big at USANT’s 77th

BY TJAE DAUTIL

Junior High School students took the center stage in the Battle of the Brains, Extemp orane ous Sp eaking, Cheer Dance and Modern Dance contests, while waiting for the awarding of t he Shor t Film and I n t e r- S c h o o l P h o t o g r a p h y Competitions.

The school’s achievements shone brightly as they secured awards across various events, namely 1st runner-up in Cheer Dance along with Best Male and Female Performer i n t h e s a i d c a t e go r y ; 2 n d pla ce in Cake D e coration; 4th place in Table Skir ting Selected students take part in various competitions throughout USANT’s 77th Foundation Anniversary. and Centerpiece-Making; 3rd PHOTOS: Erick Aguilar, Dhen Marc Berot, Sidrick Salamanque place in Modern Dance with an added award for Best Female Performer.

Fur thermore, in lined up for the first day, the On the second day, other he University of Saint won several awards from the Photography Contest, the audience int ensely lo oke d contests gradually unfolded, Anthony (USANT), various competitions. f o r w a r d t o t h e B a n d a n d i n c l u d i n g t h e F i r s t A i d S B S co nt e s t a nts c ap t u r e d Iriga City, opened The i n a u g u r a l Majorette Exhibition. As the a n d C a r d i o p u l m o n a r y two slots among the Top 10 its doors as it welcomed par ticipants were the DXC day comes to a close, the SBS Resuscitation Competition, photographers. the celebration of its 77th band, t he Major ettes, and contestants were able to reap t h e A c c o u n t i n g Q u i z Despite facing so many Foundation Anniversary t h e M A P E H u n i t s o f t h e several awards, namely 2nd B e e , a n d t h e B a tt le o f t h e challenges and considering after more than a two-year school. The morning started place in Best Marching CTP/ B r a i n s. Th e S B S t e a m g o t the number of participating quarantine caused by the with a lively parade through MAPEH Girls, 4th place in the 2nd pla ce in the Battle s c h o o l s i n t h e w e e k- l o n g COVID-19 pandemic. The St. the streets of Iriga City with Best Marching CTP/MAPEH o f t h e B r a i n s f o r S e n i o r event, the Bridgetines had left an achievement that must Bridget School (SBS) joined the enthusiastic suppor t of Boys, 9th place in DBC/DLC H i g h S ch o o l . Th e s ch o o l’s be surpassed by future SBS Exhibition, and 10th place in involvement in the various the seven-day activity and the SBS faculty and students. the Majorette Exibition. m a t c h e s c o n t i n u e d . T h e contestants.

Among the competitions

T

PHOTO STORY

From Wood to Life Carving History, Shaping Tomorrow

S

hrouded in deep color at the background is a man adding final touches to the saint. While bathed in cascade of warm sunlight at forefront of the image is his son carving fresh wood. The saint, the central element in the image, becomes a tangible link to old and new generations by unfolding two distinct elements: the defined and the formless.

The statue, with its refined details and polished surface, stands as

TOP 25 FINALIST SULAYAW: USANT INTER-SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

a monument to the expertise of the father. On the other hand, the raw wood still in the early stage of carving process exudes a fresh generation of sculptor, encapsulating the newly acquired artistic legacy passed down by the father to his son. The chisel, which was previously possessed by the father, is now in the hands of the son who will continue to car ve their future still transforming humble material into timeless works of art The excellence in their car ved creation stands as a witness to the legacy of their family’s craftmanship passed from a generation to another. All of these frozen through a lens.

PHOTO: Dhen Marc Berot

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

5

Students celebrate Christmas year-ender

BY NICOLE ASHLEY CLADO

O

food that they brought to the party.

As evening came, with the highly anticipated Christmas Ball, the excitement never wane d. Smar tly dresse d for the night, the students arrived one by one. With the looming Christmas break, they were ready to dance all night long.

Th r o ug h o u t t h e C h r i s t m a s p a r t y, the school’s faculty and staff ensured One of the day's highlights the safety and wellwas the arrival of a mascot being of the students. f r o m a p o p u l a r f a s t - f o o d The day wa s f i lle d memories chain. It brought smiles and w i t h laughter to everybody as they a s t h e s t u d e n t s posed for individual or group en j oy e d t he t ime photos. After the photo op, c e l e b r a t i n g w i t h the class programs continued, t heir friends and while the others enjoyed the classmates.

n December 16, 2023, St. Bridget School had a Christmas party for its students to once again experience the spirit of Christmas. The occasion was filled with engaging class activities . Some teachers made their celebration extra special by giving away surprise gifts to the students.

Law prohibiting "No permit, no exam" policy signed Newly-signed law aims to lighten the already heavy load students have

BY REIGNAN CALUBAD

P

resident Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has signed into law the proposal filed by Kabataan Partylist rep Cong. Raoul Manuel that seeks to prohibit schools from barring students with unpaid tuition fees from taking their examinations.

policy, which previously barred students with unpaid tuition and other fees from taking exams. Its goal is to protect students from being penalized excessively due to financial limitations.

RA 11984 applies to all public and private schools, from elementary (K-12) to higher education and technicalvocational institutions (TVIs).

This signifies a significant It directs these schools to allow step in ensuring that financially students with outstanding fees challenged students are not to take exams without needing a overly affected. The newly permit. enacted law puts an end to the Violations of RA 11984 by troublesome ‘no permit, no exam’ educational institutions will

result in administrative penalties imposed by relevant authorities such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Moreover, the law empowers educational institutions to utilize legal and administrative measures, such as requesting promissory notes or withholding student records, to recover unpaid fees. However, it emphasizes that students

PHOTO: Harvey Valenzuela

Turn to Page 16

SocSci club holds clean-up Grade 12 students dance the night crusade in Buhi

BY MARY CLAIRE FABRIGA

BY CHARLIZZE CHLOE PARCON

The Grade 11 – GA/HUMSS conducted a clean-up drive at their designated area at the Old Parola PHOTO: Erick Aguilar

T

The students gathered he Senior High School Department together at the school quadrangle at with the members of six in the morning where various clubs of the Junior initial instructions were given.

Afterwards, each group was High School Department deployed to their designated conducted a cultural clean-up area together with the assigned drive last May 4, 2024 in school personnel who supervised selected heritage sites of the activity.

Buhi.

As they arrived at their

Grade 12 students performed the cotillion dance with their partners as part of their Adieu.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar

L

designers. The words of welcome

ast April 13, 2024, the were expressed by Mr. Junjun F. St. Bridget School Espiritu, the Assistant Principal organized the Adieu and the ceremonial toast was for the graduating students led by Ms. Karen B. Rabacal, with the theme: “Enchanted the chairperson of the General Night under the Northern Academic strand. Fr. William M. Parde, Jr. the Director and Lights.”

Principal delivered an inspiring The event started with an message that officially marked designated areas, the students introduction by Ms. Gabrielle the start of the program.

The Buhi Clean-Up Crusade star ted picking up trash, Joi Towne and Mr. Edgar The chairpersons of the was organized by the Social unrooted overgrown grass, and Peter Collao who served as graduating classes prepared Science Club headed by Mr. cleaned the drainage. Some the hosts of the program. The short farewell messages for their Avelino Lavadia. It was a kick- students brought steel brush to promenade (archaic term for fellow graduates. Each class had off activity for the school’s remove the moss from walls and prom) showcased the students’ their presentation after every celebration of its 61st Foundation statues, while other students glamorous and well-fitted outfits parting message. There was also Anniversary.

Turn to Page 16 designed by town’s local fashion an audiovisual presentation that

showed the memories they made throughout their Junior and Senior High School years at St. Bridget School. It was followed by a slideshow that displayed everyone’s creative shots. The pictures exposed their dream careers as some of them were dressed as doctors, teachers, architects, pilots, and the like.

After this, the most photogenic student received an award.

The most awaited portion was the announcement of the nominees for the Adieu King and Queen. Mr. Edgar Peter Collao and Ms. Daiha Valenciano were Turn to Page 16

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

6

Bridgetines excel at OPSCI brain quest T

A/Y 2023-2024 welcomes new and old Bridgetines

BY LOURDES THERESE DUQUE

BY MA. JOANA FE MAGULJADO

program at exactly nine o’clock in the morning. Each grade level had a one-hour timeslot to finish everything.

The first to par ticipate was the Grade 7 students. Then it was followed by Grades 8,9 and 10. Senior High School participants had their contest in the afternoon.

While waiting for their turn, majority of the participants used their time for review.

The comp etition ende d up with mixed emotions.

Some felt disappointed of t he r esults w hi le many felt remarkably pleased.

Never theless, it was an exciting experience for everyone who proudly represented their respective Senior High School Students pose for a picture before the start of the OPSCSI Brain Quest held s ch o o l s. Th e a c t i v i t y h a d g iven t hem t he chance t o virtually at the SBS computer laboratory. int er a c t w i t h t he ir fellow students and to appreciate elected Bridgetines done online via Quipper – an enormous challenge to many their God-given talents.

O n t h e 22 n d o f A p r i l , c o m p e t e d i n t h e online learning platform of t he contestants as t hey Organization of Private that is currently used by many ne e de d to pr epar e for t he the awarding ceremony was Schools in Camarines Sur Inc. schools all over the country. competition and at the same done where sixty Bridgetines time, to focus on the school’s received their awards while (OPSCSI) Brain Quest held This is the first time that the academic requirements. They online on the 3rd of April competition was held in an maximized their time to get the top 10 winners were given medals. Once again, the 2024. Two months prior to online platform instead of everything set.

Bridgetines had proven that the scheduled date of the the usual face-to-face contest.

A f t e r t h e o r i e n t a t i o n they could compete with the T h e c o n t e s t a n t s w e r e for contestants on February other schools in the district competition, the selected participants were invited to g u i d e d b y t h e i r c o a c h e s 27, the a ctual comp etition while displaying the spirit attend an online orientation. d u r i n g t h e t w o - m o n t h happened on the 3rd of April. o f r e s p e c t , h u m i l i t y a n d The competition was also p r e p a r a t i o n . Th i s w a s a n The day started with a short camaraderie among them.

S

SBS celebrates 61st year with Family Day O

BY MA. JOANA FE MAGULJADO

n May 19, 2024, the SBS had a Family Day as part of the its Foundation Anniversary.

The occasion star ted with a Holy Mass that was led by the parish priest and SBS principal and director, Fr. Wi l l i a m P a r d e J r. I t was followed by a Gimmick p a r a de a r o u n d t h e t o w n’s processional route. Soon came the Band and Majorette Exhibition and the Mass Demonstrations from the different grade levels with their respective themes, namely Philippine culture for Grade 7, KPop for Grade 8, B o ll y w o o d fo r G r a de 9, American Hip-hop for Grade 10, and Afr o -Amer ic an D a n ce fo r G r a de 12. Th e Grade 11 students had their Festival Dances as par t of their performance task (PT) in Contemporary Philippine Ar ts from the Regions.

After the show, all students, parents, and advisers gathered in their designated rooms to have their lunch.

Aside from partaking of what was prepared for their noontime meals, some classes organized a short program for their families.

Grade 11-ABM students wear their colorful masks during the parade for the Family Day Celebration.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar In the afternoon, the variety show was held at the school’s baskeball court. An i n v i t e d Ta e k w o n d o t e a m showed their fighting skills to ever yone. Then came the announcement of w inners of the Mass Demonstration

a n d t h e Fe s t i v a l D a n c e s . p r o g r a m w a s i n t e r r u p t e d Th e M a ss Ka r a Fe s t i v a l o f by a brief rainfall. When it Grade 11 - ABM became the subsided, a raffle draw was overall winner. Af ter that, fa ci li tat e d by t he Par ents t h e R o n d a l l a e n t h u s i a s t s Council Board (PCB) officers manifeste d their awesome – ten consolation prizes were s k i ll s a t p l ay i n g s t r i n g e d d r aw n . Th i s w a s fo llo w e d music al in st r uments. The by a dance number coming

he full implementation of the face-to-face classes at Saint Bridget School had begun on August 14, 2023. The academic and administrative personnel greeted the Bridgetines with a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.

Everything seemed brand new for everybody. A new school year gave everyone an opportunity to create helpful objectives and to become better versions of themselves than the previous one. This year is a fresh canvas for the students to paint their hopes, dreams, and achievements.

Both old and new students entered the campus filled with excitement.

To s t a r t o f f t h e n e w s c h o o l y e a r, a s h o r t program unfolded on the school grounds. Ms. Genevic Calinagan gave the introductor y remarks. She welcome d ever yone with a gr eat deal o f enco ur a g in g words as she spoke about the f irst day of cla sses w hich eventually int r o duce d t he insti tution t o t he sevent h graders and the transferees.

The school director and p r i n c i p a l , Fr. Wi l l i a m M .

Parde, shared a few inspiring words and some instructions.

He also explained the school’s new logo that signaled a fresh start for everyone – students, faculty and staff. After the program, the students went to their respective classrooms to do the usual first-day-ofclass self-introduction and an overview of the different subjects. The students looked for ward to what the school year had to offer them as they embarked on the journey of growth and learning. from the PCB and selected h o m e r o o m p a r e n t s. Ne x t , t h e w i n n e r s fr o m v a r i o u s co mp e t i t i o n s o u ts i de S B S c ame in t o p er form – t he pep squad, the K-pop dance number by selected faculty memb ers, and the mo dern dance by the some students.

A f t e r s e v e r a l performances, the raffle draw resumed as people exp e c t e d t o ge t t he major prizes. The program ended with a community dance, t he most anticipat e d par t o f t h e e v e n t . To p r e p a r e for the Foundation Ball in t h e e v e n i n g t h e s t u d e nt s, including their families, went home and take some rest. Then, the students were again gathered at the campus to have the late afternoon ball which is at the same time, a celebration that highlighted t he multiple v ic t or ies t he students achieved from various competitions during t h e c u r r e n t s c h o o l y e a r.

Indeed, the whole day event i s a celebr ation of fami ly, friendship, talent, and victory.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

Paghabi: Wika at kultura

BY NATHAN XANDRE CAS

A

ng St. Bridget School ay nag-organisa ng isang espesyal na selebrasyon para sa masining, makulay, at makabuluhan na wika at kultura ng Pilipinas.

Upang makiisa sa Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa na ginanap noong Agosto 2023, na may temang “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Inklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan.”

Ang programa ay pinamunuan ng mga magigiting na guro sa Filipino.

Layunin ng pagdiriwang na ipakita ang kahalagahan ng wika at komunikasyon sa pagpapayabong ng ating sariling kultura. Sa pagsasagawa ng iba’t ibang makabuluhang aktibidad at mga palaro gaya ng pag-arte ng mga makasaysayan at kultural na kaganapan, hulaan ng mga Filipinong salita at iba pa. Namangha ang mga guro sa kaalaman at galing na ipinamalas ng mga mag-aaral sa mga palaro. Lubos na naipakita ang kanilang kasanayan at kaalaman sa paggamit ng wikang Filipino at kasaysayan ng bansa. Ang kaganapan na ito ay nakatulong sa pag-unlad at pagpapalaya ng kanilang diwa.

7

Livelihood and feeding projects highlight of SBS outreach program

BY LOURDES THERESE DUQUE

A

special outreach project was done as part of St. Bridget School's 61st Foundation Anniversary on May 11, 2024. The said activity was conducted in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Buhi, Camarines Sur. This was organized and facilitated by the faculty and staff. As an agriculturist of the D epar tment of Agriculture, Mr. Marlon R. Quirante, the resource s p e a ke r, p r e p a r e d a n overview of what backyard farming is all about. The attendees were then served a simple lunch and snack.

SBS faculty and staff organized a livelihood and feeding program in Brgy. Sta. Isabel as part of the During the program, there was also a raffle draw to keep the guests entertained. Seeds were distributed which the attendees could use to start a small backyard farm. This can produce food for the family or they can sell their harvest. Most of the beneficiaries were the barangay

61st Foundation Anniversary celebration of the school.

r esidents, includin g t he indigenous people in Sta. Isabel.

After lunch, the certificate of appreciation was given to the speaker who expertly discussed his topic to the people who were present. Training certificates

were also distributed to all the attendees.

For many years until now, St. Bridget School is known for its outreach activities which help build communities and provide support to the marginalized

sectors of society. It is not how much it gives, but how much love it puts into giving. Helping others may be the secret to living a happier, healthier, wealthier, more productive, and more meaningful life.

A Path of Devotion

Celebrating Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s Feast Day

BY SOFIA SIGUENZA

and a solid initiation to the Christian faith. On January 8, 2024, the St. Bridget School community joined the parish of St. Francis of Assisi in celebrating the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

A well-attended Eucharistic celebration took place in the church. Despite the rainy weather, the Bridgetines, the students from other schools and the parishioners took part in the Marian procession. As a culminating activity, a short program was organized at the parish patio. Among the performers was the SBS Rondalla. This was a fitting end to the novenary masses, processions and the visits (Pagsungko) of Prompt Succor to the different barangays and institutions within the parish.

Meanwhile, the construction of the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Prompt Succor is in progress. The Bridgetines continue to show their strong connection to and profound love for Mary. As a community, their faith in Jesus through Mary is sustained. In spite of the drizzly weather condition, the devotees of Prompt Succor were unaffected and went on to show their reverence and love for her. This emphasized her profound influence on their lives. She is truly a mother who takes care of the needs of her beloved children.

The carosa of Our Lady of Prompt Succor adorned with flowers during the procession held on her Feast Day. Devotion is an important aspect in Christian life. Marian devotions serve as PHOTO: Ezekiel Agravante, Kasandra Ahlea Cuya, Blair Michael Innocentes a tower of strength in the midst of life’s ilipino Catholics are well obedience and faith in God. Mary’s been asked to travel to the United States challenges. In addition, they draw us closer known for their strong footsteps has inspired our culture as of America to provide assistance to the to God who is the end point of Marian piety. devotion to Mary, the Mother Catholic Christians. nuns who were running their schools. Mary is the perfect example of a truly free of Christ. In Buhi, Camarines Sur, On September 21,1851, Pope Pius IX human being. Mary was free either to the massive Christianization of its Locally, we celebrate the feast of the promulgated the devotion to Our Lady of accept or reject God’s offer, but her faith settlers,v who were mostly from the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Prompt Succor. On June 21, 1894, Pope Leo in God was complete. She, therefore, mountains, began in 1605 through Lady of Prompt Succor every January 8. XIII approved the canonical coronation of accepted the singular grace to become the Mother of the Savior. She teaches us the efforts of Fr. Antonio Mendez, a This significant name was given to Mary the wooden image. On June 13, 1928, Pope how to express our freedom responsibly by by Mother Saint Michel.

She promised Pius XI declared that the image of Mary as Franciscan missionary. Every year, always doing good. Mary reminds us that we experience different kinds of that she would have her honored in New Our Lady of Prompt Succor be recognized we should use our freedom in accordance Orleans under the said title if she would as the Patroness of Louisiana and its Marian celebrations. We express with the will of God. We should use it not receive a prompt reply to a letter she sent protector against hurricanes. our love for Mary through prayers, to Pope Pius VII, who was then Napoleon’s St. Bridget School is known as the to harm other people, but instead choose processions and other devotional prisoner. Together with the other sisters premier Catholic school in Buhi, which to help the least, the last, and the lost. activities. Mary is an embodiment of of Mother Saint Andre Madier, she had provides quality education to students Turn to Page 16

F

FEATURE

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

8

Songs that quite literally changed our lives In the age of sharing playlists, top song receipts, and Spotify links, our very own editorial board dug through their mixtapes and found deep cuts that really stuck with them.

THAD’S PICKS SOMEBODY ELSE - THE 1975 CYBER STOCKHOLM I first listened to this SYNDROME - RINA song in 2017 when I was SAWAYAMA

going through the Tumblr The closing tr a ck on p h a s e i n c r e d i b l y l a t e . h e r f i r s t ex t e n de d p l ay During that time, I listened ( E P ) , R I N A , t h i s s o n g to artists from the likes of explores themes of finding Melanie Martinez to Arctic love in the 21st centur y, Monkeys, and t his song where almost everyone is stuck out to me the most. connected to the Internet.

Th e r e h a v e b e e n m a n y Sawayama has explained c r y i n g s e s s i o n s w h e r e that the song is about being this song has been playing p e ss i m i s t i c, o p t i m i s t i c, in the background at the anxious, and free– while loudest volume possible– highlighting the highs and without waking up anyone lows of the digital life that else in the house. has consumed us.

STARRY NIGHT - PEGGY GOU

One of the more upbeat songs on my list, this 90s Detroit house-meets-disco anthem is the perfect summer tune, the type you listen to lounging poolside with shades on.

ERICK’S PICKS THE FALL - LOVEJOY

Starting strong and catching you with skillful bass and guitar play, the song paints the feeling of insecurity and fear amidst being caught in a system of priv ile ge and wealt h, TAMA NA ANG DRAMA ANG BANDANG SHIRLEY accompanied by powerful I first heard this song vocals by the end, spot on! while watching I’m Drunk I Love You, specifically the ABBIE’S PICKS part where Dio and Carson are en route to La Union and are shuffling through DAISY - WAVE TO EARTH I discovered this songs on his iPod, while a tired Jason Ty is out cold song after a close friend in the back seat. For me, re commende d me song s this song evokes feelings from this band. This song of finally moving on and in particular has captured accepting your fate, and my hear t and i find it to that being dramatic is not b e t h e p e r f e c t t u n e t o reminisce about happy going to solve anything. moments and find comfort in the beauty of nature.

LINGER - THE

CRANBERRIES

Are we sensing a bit of a theme here? Despite all the Matty Healy hate (I know he deserves some of it) and how overrated this song may seem to others, this song is one of the GOATs, and that is a hill that I will gladly die on. The dreamy vocals...

TELL ME IT’S NOT A DREAM - 10CM

This song has a unique way of touching my emotions and making me fe el over w helme d ever y time I listen to it. It’s a s on g yo u c an r eally ge t lost in. I particularly like how this song conveys a slice -of-life fe eling and how it captures the beauty

of Que en of Tears. Only K- d r a m a a d d i c t s w i l l understand.

TIP TOE - HYBS

If I were to chill and l i s t e n t o s o m e t u n e s, I would play this song. Ever since i discovered this, I have b e en playing it on r e p e a t c o u n t l e s s t i m e s.

This song matches my vibe and lights up my mood!

YOUR LOVE - BRB. FEAT. JAMES BROWN

EIGHT - IU FEAT. When I am fe elin g a SUGA

little excited, I love to play t his song. For me, This song is an underrated gem.

There are more amazing son g s fr om Br b. t hat deserve recognition, and ‘Your Love’ is def initely one of my favs. It is an upbeat song and uplifting song to brighten up your day.

This song (best listened to during sunset) perfectly encapsulates one’s desire to have happiness and fr e e dom.

IU’s dreamy vocals paired with BTS Suga’s amazing rap verse make it one of the best collaborations in K-pop history.

DAPHNE’S PICKS

MIRRORBALL - TAYLOR SWIFT

Everyone has that one song they can relate themselves to. As for me, If you’re looking for the it’s Mirrorball by Taylor kind of music that you want S w i f t . Th i s s o n g f r o m to listen to all day, then you t he album “Folklore” is s hould def ini t ely che ck fo r t h o s e w h o fe e l l i ke out Laufey’s songs. Falling they have to be different Behind is a summer jazz versions of themselves in song for Gen-Z hopeless order to fit in. romantics.

FALLING BEHIND LAUFEY

CHRISTMAS TREE - V

During the pandemic, I ent er taine d myself by watching K-Dramas and also grew fond of listening to OST’s. I first heard this son g w hen O ur Belove d Summer was air e d t hen it eventually became one of my favorites. From the song’s sweet melody to its beautiful lyrics, it’s a track that is cer tainly wor th dwelling on.

BIG DREAMER - THE COVASETTES

I discovered The Covasettes earlier this year, and I’ve b e en li st enin g to their songs on repeat ever since! Big Dreamer is a feel-good upbeat song that’s underrated. As much as I want to gatekeep it, I believe it totally deserves recognition.

FEATURE

Complicity

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

9

in genocide

Violence peaks after decades of apartheid Israel’s aggression

BY THAD NOBLE

O

n the 7th of October, 2023, the world as we know it changed. Ever since, tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian men, women, and children have been massacred in attacks perpetrated by Israel, one of many acts of aggression that spanned decades. Despite all this, a lot of corporations and governments continue to fund the Israeli death machine, and the majority of public opinion still sides with Israel.

Arabic word for “catastrophe”, was the result of the 1948 conflict

between Arab and Israeli forces after Arabs refused to recognize a 1947 UN resolution dividing Palestine into two states. This caused native Palestinians to be forcefully removed and displaced from their homes en masse. 76 years on, Palestinians have been continually deprived of their rights.

They are held under a constant blockade, with residents in perpetual danger of being shot at or bombed by Israel’s Defence Forces, all the while making it extremely difficult for them to leave. In recent months, the Israeli government has continued to ignore calls for a ceasefire and have extended their attacks beyond the West Bank. As of writing this, the IDF is bombing Rafah, one of the last places for an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians fearing for their lives with nowhere else to go.

There’s a saying by Desmond Tutu that goes along the lines of “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the

known to share their profits and work with the colonial state (most notably Google and McDonalds).

Recently, student-led protests have been flaring up in universities in the United States. One example is at Columbia University, where pro-Palestinian student activists have set up no less than 50 tents on campus demanding the institution stop funding Israel. When the university’s president took action, the students went to her house and screamed throughout the night. The protesters were soon forcefully dispersed by campus and city police, but that didn’t stop them. In fact, it sparked more encampments and protests demanding an end to Israel’s wrath.

Now recently, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted for a bid to give Palestine member status in the United Nations– moving Palestine one step closer to becoming a state, and hopefully marking the end of the horrific attacks against them. Regardless

side of the oppressor.” In times like these, staying quiet only helps the oppressive state of Israel accomplish its goal, which is to wipe out every single Palestinian, and at the same time steal the land that wasn’t theirs to begin with. Staying quiet while innocent children, men, and women are slaughtered makes you just as bad as say, Joe Biden, who is currently taking 26 billion dollars from his country’s coffers and corporations taking a portion of their profits and giving it to Israel for them to spend on missiles they can use on defenseless Palestinian men, women, and children.

What gives me a tiny sliver of hope is that this onslaught of attacks was not entirely met with thunderous applause. People are starting to wake up and hold people accountable. Around the world, grassroots movements and protests were organized, and boycotts arose against companies that have been

of how many resolutions the UN may pass, the Israeli government remains undeterred in wiping out what remains of Palestine.

The message I’m tr ying to get across is that we should acknowledge how lucky and privileged we are right now, that we have electricity, clean running water, and internet and cell service, the many liberties that Palestinians are currently denied access to. Not only that, we have a voice we can use to speak up and raise awareness about what our fellow brothers and sisters in Palestine are currently going through. If you want to stop seeing pictures and videos on your social media feeds of homes and buildings turned into dust or grieving parents holding their dead and mutilated children, screaming for justice which they are slowly losing hope of getting, feel for them and hold those in positions of power and are not doing anything accountable, use your voice and stop being complicit.

A look at the decades of Israel’s oppression against Palestine 1917

The Balfour Declaration was sent to Jewish community leader Lord Rothschild.

1947

1948

More than 750 thousand Palestinians were ethnically cleansed by Zionist militias.

The United Nations split Palestine into two states, leading to the start of Israel and the Arab-Israeli war that lasted from 1948-1949.

1993

2007

Hamas takes control of the Gaza Strip while its rival faction Fatah controls the West Bank.

Palestinian and Israeli leaders signed the Oslo Accords, which aimed for peace between the two states but ultimately failed.

SOURCES: ABC News, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, Reuters, Pew Research Center, UNISPAL, BDS Movement, The National

2012

An eight-day Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip killed 174 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more.

2008-2009

A military assault in Gaza was held that lasted for 23 days and killed 1,400 Palestinians.

2014

2021

A 2 week crisis between Israel and Palestine caused the deaths of 256 civilians.

Israeli forces launched a military operation in the Gaza Strip that killed 2,000 palestinians and wounded ten thousand.

2023

The current military operations in Palestine have killed 36,550 and wounded at least 83 thousand.

FEATURE Practicality Over Passion 10

FRANCES SALVE R. TEMPLONUEVO

I have only been a senior high school student for a year, and yet I have already noticed what I think is a very unfortunate pattern among most senior high school and even college students. I have observed this both in some aspects of my own personal life and in the lives of some of my closest friends and acquaintances. Choosing strands or courses is already a tough task as it is compounded by the lack of job opportunities in certain fields in our country. Most senior high school or college students probably know this, but if it is not obvious enough, I’m referring to having to choose practical courses that would lead to practical jobs over choosing a career based on your own passions and interests. Although that may sound vague, I’m specifically referring to instances where, even though you want to pursue something you are interested in as a possible profession, it isn’t as “practical” as, let’s say, being a doctor, an accountant, an engineer, an architect, a lawyer, and other more commonly known “practical” jobs. Before I go more in depth about this, I’d like to briefly mention that determining whether a job is “practical” or not depends a lot on which type of person you ask. But for this article, I’ll be using the word “practical” relating to common, usually financially stable jobs like the ones I have previously mentioned, as well as jobs or courses that most young people like students are encouraged to take. Think about the jobs most parents usually encourage their children to pursue, those are the types of “practical” jobs I’m referring to. Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against those jobs. They’re great jobs that many people have been successful in. There’s a good reason why students are usually encouraged to pursue those jobs.

If you’re someone who genuinely wants to pursue any of those aforementioned jobs, or a job that most people commonly deem practical, then that’s great, especially if it is what you are passionate about. But if that’s the case, then this article is likely not for you.

I am calling out to students who are like myself, who want to pursue something but are constantly being told to take something more practical. Most cases of this I have seen, at least in my personal surroundings, are with those who want to pursue Psychology, Veterinary courses, Social Sciences, Communication, and even some more creative jobs like becoming a designer or a musician. In my personal case, it’s Animation and Illustration.

I have noticed that it is usually students who end up in STEM or ABM while actually wanting to pursue something else, but they choose those strands to gain more opportunities. And I respect that decision.

If you think about it, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with choosing practicality over passion. In our current economic state, it is more than wise to choose jobs that will bring us financial stability over the years. These jobs are essentially

investments for our future. And it is common to hear people say we should just pursue our passions and interests on the side. But it’s still quite unfortunate to think that so many students are putting aside their personal interests and goals for something they might not enjoy or might even complain about. I personally believe it is much more fulfilling to pursue a career you personally enjoy.

Because if you enjoy it, you’re more likely to stick to it in the long run. Not only that, you will also have your personal, intrinsic motivation to keep pursuing whatever it is you want to pursue.

By that, I mean you’re not just motivated by external values like your salary or retirement. I think working solely for retirement is not a good life goal, but that would be a separate topic.

On the flip side, everything I just mentioned in the previous paragraph is just rich and pretty talk. It’s quite a privilege to say that it would be better to pursue something you enjoy rather than something that may provide you with more financial stability.

Let alone to say it would be easy. Because in reality, it’s not.

Especially when you are young.

I mean, this is the future we’re talking about. We are talking in terms of something you may end up doing for the rest of your life.

It is definitely not easy. I am still trying to figure it out myself and all I know for sure is that there are far too many students right now weighing their options about which path to take. It’s a difficult choice and I don’t have the answer. At least not right now.

But I do still think it’s important to put more attention into this topic, because it’s one that most students get stuck on once they move onto the next stages of higher education. If you’re a junior high school student and this gets a bit overwhelming to read, I don’t blame you. It’s a bit overwhelming for me to write too. Putting those thoughts aside for a moment, we cannot deny that this is likely a dilemma that generations of students before us faced, and generations of students that will be coming after us are still going to face in the future.

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to choosing a course and possibly putting aside what you want for something that may benefit you more in the long run. In fact, to say there are many is merely an understatement. Things like your current financial situation, your current living situation, the current economic state of the world, the demand your home country has for a particular job or service, and even some psychological factors like peer pressure may have an effect on your ability to make the right decision. All of that is blended together in a smoothie of confusion and madness. And I bet that smoothie doesn’t even taste good. Another thing that I have noticed is that in most cases, students get discouraged from pursuing what they want due to the lack of opportunities for that particular career in our country. This stems from a lot more issues that I would not be able to cover in this article.

If you go to a more developed

Pag-äbeg VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

Preserving the cultural identity of Buhi through weaving

TEXT BY MONICA JED MORADA PHOTOS BY ERICK AGUILAR

P

ag-äbeg promotes the unique heritage of the town of Buhi. Weaving is one of the most wellknown talents of Buhinons.

Buhinons continued the legacy of beautiful designs and strength of a proud resident of Buhi. This fabric of cotton changed the lives of so many people and influenced them to create these kinds of unique features.

Women are the weavers of their local weaving communities.

They typically pass this to the younger generations especially to their daughters to continue the weaving process. In Buhi, there is no such thing as distinct designs or patterns in weaving.

The weavers just use their inner creativity and craftsmanship in themselves to create a successful

output. Weaving is not the center of a worth-it task, because it requires an amount of artistry and patience to achieve a better purpose, As this is one of the town’s traditions, we tend to expand the true heart and talent of Buhinons. This brings great focus to the subject and shares the history and legacy of Buhi through its crafts.

The locals appreciate the effort of many traditional Buhinen women to continue and establish the beauty of weaving.

TOP 10 FINALIST SULAYAW: USANT INTER-SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST PHOTO: Erick Aguilar countr y, there will most likely be more opportunities for occupations relating to Psychology or Veterinar y Medicine. But unfortunately, not everyone has the means to just go to another country and work there. There are a lot of factors to consider and, honestly, it’s hard to figure out where to begin.

If that sounds discouraging, let us go back to what I mentioned before about choosing a job you enjoy, and possibly something you are actually passionate about. Andrew Huberman is an American neuroscientist and a podcaster. He did a study, and I’ll be paraphrasing it a bit, where they asked people to walk and measured the speed of these people. The people who were told to just walk, walked slower in comparison to those who were told to walk towards a certain end destination. However, those who actually enjoyed walking tended to walk for much longer.

How does that connect? Well, if, somehow, you do end up having to pursue something that isn’t what you originally wanted for the sake of practicality, and you manage to make that a goal for yourself,

you might find yourself aiming to achieve that goal faster. But you still have to find something, even just one thing, you enjoy about that process or that job so you can actually stick to it in the long run. No one wants to end up miserable in a job they don’t like and didn’t even want in the first place. I know for sure I wouldn’t want that for myself. So if, in case, you don’t have a choice but to push your own passions aside, you still have to find something that will keep you from quitting immediately. Let’s say you put your interests and passions aside in a figurative box and store it somewhere in an archive. Maybe in the future, when you are in a position where you can actually revisit those passions of yours, go do that. Go into that figurative archive and pull out that box and open it again. In most realistic scenarios, that’s usually the case. You usually have to take the more practical route until you’re stable enough to actually revisit your passions again. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Of course, it’s easier said than done.

I’m lucky that, in my case, my passions are more creative and technological. There are many

The town of Buhi gained so much recognition through these masterpieces. They continue to inspire others and make their own unique story with a simple but special fabric. They hereby declare this as a cultural identity that would be kept and preserved continuously. Inabëg products hold such an important role in encouraging and stimulating others to declare their local identity.

The path to greatness was never easy. Life comes with a lot of challenges and hardships. It all comes down to our resolve, on how we face and overcome such difficulty. With ‘Nay Mercy, she wove her path to success. From a young age, she grasped the skill her mother passed down. Back to the present, ‘Nay Mercy used the same skill that her mother weaved to achieve her children’s dreams.

Through such simple and delicate threads, she formed her own greatness and continued to weave the path to excellence, while at the same time, preserving the Buhinon culture and identity, she is truly a lasting legacy. outlets I have online and options I can choose to still pursue my passions remotely. I can still make the kinds of personal art or animation projects I want at home with the use of a laptop, while still balancing maybe taking a more practical course. But that’s not the case for everyone. Not everyone can pursue what they are actually passionate about on the side. And that’s where I think it’s difficult to find a balance.

Don’t take this as if I am encouraging you to take one route or the other, because I’m not.

Again, I don’t have the answer.

From one stressed out student to another, all I can say is that it’s important to find some sort of middle ground or a compromise.

Personally, if I ever end up in a position where I have to choose the more practical route over my passions, I’d feel bitter, that’s for sure. But I also know I’ll find a way and make the effort to pursue what I genuinely want either way. It’s a very difficult decision to make and a tough balance to achieve. And in the end, it’s your choice. I just hope you don’t end up making a choice you might regret.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

2024 OrSem ignites the hearts of Bridgetines

11

BY GEORGE DUQUE, JR.

T

he annual Orientation S e m i n a r, also known as ORSEM, was held at the school auditorium with the theme, “Illuminating Growth, Nurturing Innovators, and Transforming Education.”

From August 7 – 11, 2024, the students managed their time well as they followed the schedule assigned to the different grade levels.

The ORSEM was done to educate freshmen, transferees, and returning students about the school’s policies, the calendar for the entire school year, the salient points of the students handbook, the faculty and staff, and many more. The administrator, the heads of the different offices, the subject area coordinators

Grade 7 students danced to the music as the school welcomed the new batch of Bridgetines.

PHOTO: Harvey Valenzuela and the other members of the administrative staff were involved in the prepared overall program for ORSEM.

During the event, the students are given various fun-filled activities to promote positive social interaction with their fellow

learners. Some faculty members also entertained the students with their own presentation. The event was again a great success

as everybody gave their best to make ORSEM 2024 memorable and meaningful, especially for the newcomers to SBS.

SBS celebrates World Teacher's Day 2024

BY BLAIR MICHAEL INOCENTES

T

he St. Bridget School (SBS) academic personnel joined the celebration of the World Teachers' Day. A simple program was organized by the Student Council Organization (SCO) and the Supreme Student Government (SSG) as a simple gesture of paying tribute to their beloved educators. The teachers were overwhelmed by the messages of gratitude expressed the students.

The faculty and staff joined the OPSCI’s Teachers’ Day Celebration at the Robinsons Place Naga. Selected participants competed during the event on which the school championed the KPop Dance Competition.

Before the program started, story of gratitude towards their organized a separate Teachers’ PHOTO: Giorgen De Leon the letters of gratitude from teachers. This was followed by the Day celebration on October 25, different grade levels were musical bands that presented a 2023 at the Robinson’s Place read by their representatives. mini-concert which regaled Mall in Naga City. Selected SBS It was basically a recognition the audience. Finally, before teachers participated in various and an appreciation of the the program ended, the School competitions, including vocal hard work of the faculty and Director and Principal, Fr. solo, spoken poetry and the staff that mainly led to the goal William M. Parde Jr., delivered K-Pop dance where they grabbed of providing the students with his remarks and led the closing the first place. This OPSCSI event quality education. prayer that signaled the recognized the passion and talent The program opened with conclusion of the activity. of educators and appreciated a dance number performed by I n c i d e n t a l l y, t h e their selfless service – some the members of the Tingraw Organization of Private School kind of heroism that is worth Artists Company that relayed a in Camarines Sur Inc. (OPSCSI) emulating.

The Bridgetines honored the school’s faculty and staff during the World Teachers’ Day Celebration.

PHOTO: Sidrick Salamanque

FEATURE

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

12

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

- George Santayana

BY DAPHNE DE LEON

T

he numerous societal injustices faced by many Filipinos during the Spanish Colonial Era were depicted in Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa,” which features the story of three martyr priests: Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.

They were wrongfully accused of starting the Cavite mutiny in 1872 and were executed by garrote. Aside from the story of the said priests, the award-winning film also addressed many social concerns that are still relevant to what our country is facing nowadays.

GomBurZa

FROM SCREEN TO REALITY

These accusations were later retracted, leading to her release.

Making false statements and accusations can severely impact someone’s life, and the former senator was a victim of an attempt to silence her for being vocal about Duterte’s case about the Davao Death Squad.

PADRINO SYSTEM

In the scene where the conviction was declared, the three priests were to be executed along with Francisco Zaldua.

However, the real masterminds behind the mutiny, masons Maximo Inocencio, Crisanto de los Reyes, and Enrique Paraiso, were released from prison and were only exiled to the Marianas in Guam. According to Filipino Jesuit historian John Schumacher’s theory, the masons were excluded from the execution because of their masonic connection with the Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo. This implies that the three masons were able to avoid punishment for their Recently, the prevailing in many courts. The actions due to their influential of politics, where politicians progress. offer influencers huge sums of Philippine Senate abolished privileged few and those who connections.

The Padrino money just to spread destructive the Divorce Bill since most have connections can escape System is still prevalent in information about their senators used the argument of the justice system, while some many sectors of our society. It opponents. This tactic has been religion, like Richard Gomez, are wrongly accused and receive is a practice where individuals proven to be somewhat effective, who said that the Philippines unfair trials, as seen in the case gain favor or promotion through as some Filipinos can be easily is “largely a Catholic country.” of the three priests who were family affiliation or friendship. deceived, lacking the capacity However, despite this, we can not given a chance to defend For example, during calamities, to fact-check such information all agree that domestic violence themselves before a verdict was clans with close ties to certain is never acceptable; thus, the reached. What’s even worse is politicians are often given legalization of divorce will that, under Duterte’s leadership, priority in receiving government allow spouses to escape abusive “Operation Tokhang” resulted aid. The Padrino System is also relationships. The youth of in the deaths of many innocent rooted in one of the Filipino today are already well-informed individuals. Injustice is not values that is commonly abused about social issues such as these limited to the criminal justice by many: the value of “utang na and actively participate in system; it also affects various loob.” discussions on how they could aspects of our society, as some help make a positive change in people experience poverty due to The story of GomBurZa our society, like how the youth a lack of opportunities caused by shows that justice cannot during the Spanish period corruption and mismanagement prevail within an unfair and called for progressive change in within government agencies. biased system. Their deaths the education system. inspired individuals like Jose Rizal, who dedicated his novel SLANDER

How a historical biopic mirrors the present day

INJUSTICE

As the three priests were imprisoned after being accused, they did not have the opportunity to defend themselves properly against the evidence the authorities had RED-TAGGING they see on social media against them. Father Zamora, In the film, the three priests platforms. who enjoyed gambling, was were advocating for secularism taken into custody after a letter in the priesthood. However, discovered in his home was ACT OF LIBERALISM their idealism was interpreted During Governor-General misread. His arrest resulted as a threat during the Spanish Carlos Maria de la Torre's term, from the letter's reference era, as anyone who opposed the two of Father Burgos' students to "bullets and gunpowder," church during that time was from the University of Santo which was meant to be a code considered a subversion against Tomas, Felipe Buencamino and for gambling money but was the Spanish authority. This is Paciano Mercado, established interpreted literally. During also the case for those who are the Juventud Escolar Liberal. former President Duterte’s time, often labeled as communist This student movement aimed there was significant debate in rebels in the current time for to advocate for progressive Congress about reinstating the trying to promote progress. change and protect students' death penalty. There is no such Aiming to create positive rights in response to the abuses thing as a perfect justice system. societal reform is not an act of by a Dominican friar teacher at Even if we are going to review our rebellion, especially if you’re the university. However, this very own, the Philippine justice only prioritizing the welfare ultimately led to Buencamino's system is flawed, with injustices of your countrymen and the arrest, as betterment of society. Being a they believed catalyst for radical change is not that they had an act of subversion but an act of the support nationalism. of the GovernorMAL-INFORMATION General, The film shows that the who was spread of false and malicious known to information has been a historical be a liberal trend. It also highlighted how leader. We mainstream news outlets can should all be be used to spread propaganda aware that and harm others. In the modern conservative world, fake news can be easily ideology spread and potentially harm does not someone’s reputation. This is contribute particularly evident in the world to societal

Francisco Zaldua was the "El Filibusterismo" to the three main contributor to the three priests featured at the end of priests' convictions. He was the movie. This dedication had beaten up by Spanish authorities a massive effect on Filipinos' and was promised a pardon in views of national identity exchange for his and their awareness of the court testimony mistreatment by the Spaniards. against Father The film has brought to light Burgos, but even a part of history that changed after doing so, he our nation forever. It serves as still received the a reminder that history repeats death penalty itself and reflects our tendency along with the to forget our past.

The film also priests. During serves as proof that we have the Duterte failed to learn from our nation’s administration, past struggles.

Let us all hope former Senator that films like this inspire us Leila de Lima to reflect on the past and learn was wrongfully imprisoned for valuable lessons to prevent the years based on recurrence of our nation’s dark false accusations history. against her.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

13

Artist: Nigella Alexandra Noble

The Great Fake-Out Alice Guo’s identity raises concerns over national security Are we going to let foreigners invade our politics?

BY ANGELA ISHII RICAFRANCA

T

rust and familiarity, which come from shared events and a common heritage, are at the foundation of a local government. If you choose a mayor who is not from the Philippines, there might be a gap between what the people want and what the leader wants to do. While her qualifications and experience are impressive, her status as a non-Filipino raises legitimate concerns about her ability to fully understand and represent the interests of the people of Bamban, Tarlac. The issue here is not just about being a foreigner; it is also about manipulating our local politics. As per Risa Hontiveros, “bad in one thing, bad in all.”

Alice Guo, being accused as a non-Filipino by Sen. Hontiveros, might lack a deep cultural connection and understanding of her constituents, which are crucial in truly representing and advocating their interests. Mayor Guo is so deceptive. She does not even know where she was born or who was her homeschool provider. Also, her birth certificate was stamped 17 years after she was born. The most shocking thing was when she denied having any ties to Hong Sheng, probably the owner of the Hongsheng Gaming Technology, even if the documents say that Guo is the head.

Another thing that makes the issue more complicated is the idea that Mayor Guo supports the POGO industry. In the Philippines, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) business has caused a lot of troubles because of the alleged illegal activities and social issues that came with it. By working with this controversial industry, Guo

The heartfelt ache that moves us forward

BY THAD NOBLE

Whether it be a lost love, a friendship that somehow turned don’t know if it’s because into a sham, or something to do I’m graduating soon, with my future, I would reminisce, and the many years I and at that moment, nothing have spent in high school else came between me and my occasionally rush through my thoughts. Nothing else would brain in the form of memories, matter. That habit of mine is but an almost common called yearning, it’s defined as an occurrence for me nowadays “intense longing for something”, is going to our balcony in the it’s the sense of wanting dead of night with a pillow, something out of your reach. Part blanket, headphones, and of the beauty in yearning is that my MacBook; listening to it comes in all forms, whether an assortment of moody romantic or existential. You can playlists that I have curated; yearn for unrequited love, or that and I would just sit there– on person who never texted you back and just left you on read, or you a sleeping bag spread across can yearn for the uneasiness and the concrete, wrapped in the the uncertainty the future brings softest blanket I dug out from you. my dresser, the night breeze For me, nostalgia and flowing with a distinct hum– yearning often go hand in thinking of the many things hand, when I listen to a certain in my life that would have song, or look at a photo of me panned out differently if I and my friends enjoying life, somewhat played my cards or a photograph of me and my just right. classmates, it evokes a certain

I

feeling inside me, a heaviness in my chest that sometimes makes me think I’m having a heart attack. At times, I would lose my appetite and forgo eating the entire day. Neuroscience says that nostalgia and yearning makes our brain release dopamine, triggering feelings of satisfaction and motivation.

Somehow, the opposite happens with me. Rather than feeling happy, I gain feelings of pain, melancholy, and longing.

While we’re on topic, I recently rewatched one of my most favorite films, Past Lives

by Celine Song. This is one of the films that despite being my favorite, I would avoid like the plague simply because it breaks me every time I watch it. The film revolves around Nora Moon, formerly named Na Young, a writer who immigrated from South Korea to Toronto with her family when she was young.

From that point on, when they

runs the risk of putting the needs of foreign companies ahead of the people of Bamban. The local residents of the town deserve a mayor who will deliver the basic services they badly need. She should not stand with questionable businesses that threaten the town's safety and well-being.

It is depressing to note that the majority of Filipinos struggle to get a National ID, Birth Certificate and other government documents, while these people with money, power, and influence can easily fabricate these papers. Because of such concerns, is it not clear that Alice Guo as mayor poses a big threat to Bamban's welfare and ethics? The town or even the whole country cannot risk its future by choosing a politician who might not have its best interests at heart. It is more important than ever for the people of Bamban to work together to protect the town's character, values, and independence.

boarded the plane to Toronto, her life back home as she knew it was officially over, including her relationship with her childhood love Hae Sung, whom she has built a deep connection w it h. Though t hey reunite 20 years later, Nora is left wondering what her life would be like now if she stayed in Korea with Hae Sung, now that she’s married to a fellow writer, Arthur, who she met at an artist residency after briefly reuniting with Hae Sung through the internet. This film left me teary-eyed and at the same time wondering where would I be now if I lived life differently.

In-yun is powerful, I guess.

Yearning is an art, and despite the heartfelt pain it gives me, It gives me hope that one day I can actually live a life wherein I am satisfied and content. It’s the source of the energy that keeps me going. It’s ingrained in us to long and hanker for the things we want or those we used to have. It’s all a part of human behavior.

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

14

EDITORIAL

In the digital age where the ability to create content is at everyone’s fingertips, almost anyone can be famous.

Behind the screens however, there’s a contagious disease that affects every single one of us. Trends come and go, but at their peak, droves of people flock to it. Some of these trends are harmful and downright dangerous. Now, the question is, are there “good influencers?” Do they positively affect the youth-one of the groups easily swayed and one of the most frequent social media users? Despite the advanced features of the camera and editing, influencers are not without their fair share of controversies.

Not long ago, social media personality and business mogul Rosemarie Tan Pamulaklakin, most notably known as Rosmar, along with fitness influencer and life coach Rendon Labador with their posse of fellow influencers called Team Malakas, went to Coron, Palawan for an outreach program. Things got heated after one of the mayor’s staff took to social media to vent her frustrations regarding the program, and how the vloggers merely drummed up the program with ill intentions.

They are only using the people of Coron for their gain. The Facebook post gained traction prompting the two influencers to storm the local government’s office, confronting the poster and demanding a recorded apology. Word got out and their actions were met with immense backlash, so much so that the provincial government moved to declare the group as “persona non grata.” Barring them from entering the province of Palawan.

Mr. Labador seems to be unable to free himself from the pitchforks of netizens nationwide because aside from the Coron fiasco, he is endlessly ridiculed for the price of one item on the menu of his newly opened restaurant.

Dubbed as “motivational rice,” one cup of this “infused” with pandan costs 100 pesos.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Thaddeus Nathaniel Noble ASSOCIATE EDITORS Erick Rovic B. Aguilar Alexandra Gabrielle B. Lavadia MANAGING EDITORS John Sidrick A. Salamanque Daphne C. De Leon ARTS AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Frances Salve R. Templonuevo FEATURE EDITOR Angela Ishii Ricafranca

Labador defended his pricing by calling it a symbol of people who fight and don’t give up in life. He added that this is also his way of supporting the local farmers. Furthermore, he also said that it should serve as a wake-up call for citizens to raise their standards.

videos. On her 35th birthday, celebrated with her friends and loved ones, somebody took a video of her smearing cake frosting on the forehead of a waiter as she blew her birthday candles. The original video was swiftly deleted, but it took no time for netizens to re-upload it everywhere. She was criticized tremendously, forcing her to apologize to the server for her actions. This shows us that most influencers have a different personality from what they show in front of the camera.

he is indeed “masipag” while emphasizing the importance of education.

WRITERS Alessandra Ciedelle P. Morada Blair Michael J. Innocentes Charlizze Chloe T. Parcon Daphne C. De Leon Franzine Marie G. Gabalfin George L. Duque, Jr. Gwyneth Cassandra D. Dautil, Haya A. Carlos Jannah Dianne V. Ibarbia Jessie Meire I. Librando John Paul S.A. Barazon Karl Friedrich A. Brazal Leira Margareth D. Dautil Lourdes Therese L. Duque Ma. Joana Fe S. Maguljado Ma. Sofia F. Siguenza Maria Socorro R. Templonuevo Nathan Xandre I. Cas

Nicole Ashley Y. Clado Princess Phoebe S. Saltarin Rhodex R. Valenciano III Tjae Angelo D. Dautil

Lionel B. Zaballa Luis Theodore F. Fabriga Ma. Leanne S. Bejerano Maria Kathleen Y. Revistual Mary Laurence Salvacion F. Sumalabe Merry Crisvyl S. Abion Micah Marie H. Hortal Samantha Eunice O. Libreja Shinwei Sean B. Baluyot

minutes of use per day. They are forced by the Chinese government to make these changes to their app, but According to a blog post by why can’t other countries Meltwater and We Are Social, implement that, minus the the number of online users in the brainwashing, of course?

Philippines is rapidly increasing The issues we brought up as the years pass. As of 2024, 86.75 million Filipinos are are just the tip of the iceberg.

On April 2023, three using social media, equivalent They, however, have one vloggers of the YouTube to 73.4% of the country’s thing in common, that is the channel “Tukomi” (brothers population. The internet has engagement they constantly Mark Hiroshi San Rafael and surely been part of Filipinos’ get from producing content Mark Lester San Rafael, along daily lives. The average time feeds their ego to the point with Eleazar Steven Fuentes) spent online is 8 hours and 52 of becoming abusive. The staged a kidnapping prank minutes per day, mostly by the more we patronize their that sparked a controversy. content, the more their younger generation.

The three were dressed viewers, unconsciously or Like a broken record, you up in black outfits and also would hear the same indignant Social media algorithms consciously, adopt what they had black bonnets for that remarks and sentiments every practically feed us what we see in their own lives. Internet particular content.

While time Josh Mojica opens his see and hear. They aim to personalities are called doing their so-called “prank,” mouth. He is notably known increase our screen time and influencers for a reason. Their a police officer who saw as the man behind KCO, or reduce our attention span by purpose must be to use their them immediately drew his Kangkong Chips Original. prioritizing content that pushes platform for good causes. In gun against the vloggers, Many people admired him after us to engage with it. It is up to the modern era, where most unaware that they were his story was featured on TV us to tailor them in a way that people’s lives revolve around doing it for content. Sgt. for becoming a millionaire at a positively impacts our mental social media, online users Ronnie Conmingo, then, filed young age. After several years, health, making sure that we should follow influencers who a complaint for alarm and he was featured in a vlog where interact with influencers who set a positive example, both scandal against the vloggers to he was asked the question are true to themselves and not on-screen and off-screen. For teach them a lesson and raise “diskarte o diploma” on which his so much for the attention and content creators, “There is no awareness that influencers indirect answer was interpreted the money. In China, Douyin such thing as bad publicity.” should not go to such lengths by netizens as “diskarte,” since (China’s version of TikTok) The only antidote to this is only to gain more online views. he later said that he would no users under the age of 14 to continue ignoring these longer finish his studies. He only get educational content influencers who simply do Originally film and television recently went viral again after like science experiments and not care about their material. personality, Alex Gonzaga, rode he posted a video saying that museum exhibits as well as Apart from that, we should be the YouTube hype train in 2017. he is not lazy, prompting a the occasional government mindful of how different social When she created a channel businessman and an Oxford propaganda, pushed in their media algorithms work, so that where she would upload vlogs, graduate to challenge him to for you pages. Not only that, we are more watchful of the comedy skits, and music finish his studies to prove that they are only limited to 40 content we consume daily.

ARTISTS Doriza A. Cornelio Japheth Asher O. Guadalupe Maricor C. Esquivel Mary Sofie Antonete T. Recio Nigella Alexandra L. Noble Pearl Gillian C. Ibarbia Vince Alfred L. Azcarraga PHOTOGRAPHERS Carleen A. Plaza Claire Andrea P. Atutubo Dhen Marc Berot Josaine Paula S.J. Biasca

VIDEOGRAPHERS Ezekiel E. Agravante Mary Claire Loraine B. Fabriga Zoie Alexa Joyce L. Espartinez REPORTERS Godwyn Gabriel S. Beso Judiele L. Villadares Kasandra Ahlea M. Cuya

Monica Jed A. Morada Tristan Angelo C. Catalan Xhanne Frances Claveria CONTRIBUTORS John Robert H. Ibarlin Reignan D. Calubad Sealthiel Hannah B. Sanglay Ianah Kristin K. Punzalan Prince John Angelo B. Sarto SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER Harvey A. Valenzuela, LPT ENGLISH CONSULTANT Elizabeth I. Cuerdo, LPT SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Fr. William M. Parde, Jr.

NEWS

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

15

SBS gives back to the community S

BY HAYA CARLOS

t. Bridget School had organized the annual Share-A-Joy Project – a charitable undertaking activity that has touched the hearts of its beneficiaries and has made others realized their God-given blessings.

Last September 2023, the packs for the recipients.

Last December 19, 2023, Campus Ministry headed by Sr. Rosa Bella Tosoc, DM, launched the project was finally realized. the Share-A-Joy Project where Ninety households with PWD reusable plastic containers were and senior citizens from selected distributed to all classrooms to barangays received Christmas collect donations from students. packs. The event would not Each month, the Campus have been possible without the Ministry handed awards to the generous contributions of the top five classes with the highest SBS students and the assistance of the teachers and other collections.

The beneficiaries were volunteers.

Truly, the material gifts were determined by Ms. Marichu Yaguel, the Outreach Coordinator, just a wayof leading people to the together with some barangay real cause of joy every Christmas officials. Volunteer students and – Jesus of Nazareth. The Share-Afaculty members made an effort Joy Project made people realize to prepare all the Christmas that joy was never dependent on

SBS Holds Student Gov’t Elections

what they had, but on the Lord who taught people to give so that those who are in need may also have decent lives. The teachers and students, who implemented the outreach program, also discovered that sharing uplifts the spirit and brought some kind of fulfilment.

The “Share-A-Joy” showed how collaborative efforts of like-minded individuals can make a positive difference in the community. Small acts of kindness do not remain small as they could generate countless other good deeds from those who received them first.

of the SCO and SSG election was immediately announced.

Garnering 314 votes, Yeleina Marieth Kalyl C. Aman from the LIWANAG Party won as the Chairperson of the Student Council Organization.

RHODEX R. VALENCIANO III Likewise, Jay Mark O. Ojeda of the PROGRESSIVISM Party he student elections were held on September 21, got 151 votes and became the 2023 within the premises of St. Bridget School. The Chairperson of the Supreme Student Council Organization (SCO) Election had Student Government. When 3 participating parties, namely LIWANAG, SLICK and asked why they wanted to SANDIGAN while the Supreme Student Government (SSG) become an officer, the elected SCO Chairperson declared she Election had only two parties, that is PROGRESSIVISM and was confident in her ability to STUDENT ALLIANCE FOR INCLUSION AND LEADERSHIP serve the school and the students.

(SAIL).

From assembling a lineup to planning and strategizing for In the morning, the electoral themselves served as the her campaign, she showed her campaign and the Miting de election officers, while a number leadership skills and initiative Avance were held to allow the of students were selected to by executing her plans in an different groups to introduce assist the teachers during the organized manner.

The elected SCO Chairperson themselves and to present their counting of votes. The votes respective plans if they would from different precincts were also provided activities and be lucky enough to win in the collected and brought to two projects which her team aimed elections. The candidates gave separate venues: the ballots of to implement during the current their speeches. After that, a the SCO (Junior High School) school year. These included Question & Answer portion were submitted at the Students diverse seminars and outreach was done. Each position had Affairs Office while those for the programs, strengthening the one specific question that SSG (Senior High School) were organizational routines and the candidates must answer gathered at the SBS Auditorium. systems, increasing student intelligently. The students All the candidates were anxiously participation, and monitoring cheered for their candidates and waiting for the results while the student activities.

As for the elected applauded the best answers. rest of the students were excited The actual elections took to know the winners. They kept SSG Chair p erson of t he place in the afternoon inside on monitoring the progress of PROGRESSIVISM Party, he the classrooms which served as the counting of votes. When the expresse d that b e coming voting precincts. The teachers counting ended, the official result part of the Supreme Student Government was a great experience for him. Driven by the aspiration to try something new and be of service to others, he decided to run for the SSG. He wanted to become a candidate to give the Supreme Student Government a new set of leaders who are capable, efficient, and responsible.

The elected SSG Chairperson’s policies and projects included the putting up of a suggestion box where students could list down their concerns and conducting teambuilding activities, such as the Leadership Summit for Students in order to hone their supervision and management skills. Through this activity, the leader in each and every one could be awakened and bring the student body into uncharted horizons.

T

The Campus Ministry, together with the SBS faculty and staff handed out Christmas packs to Senior Citizens and PWDs in selected barangays in Buhi.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar, Dhen Marc Berrot

Wildfire Broke Out In Mt. Asog JOHN SIDRICK A. SALAMANQUE and BLAIR MICHAEL J. INNOCENTES

O

n April 22, 2024, a wildfire broke out in Mt. Asog, located at San Nicolas, Iriga City, about a kilometer away from Lake Buhi. Mt. Asog is an active stratovolcano located in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. The mountain has an elevation of 2,011.6 meters (6,600 ft) above mean sea level. The wildfire lasted for several hours before it was put out by local authorities.

News Gulf reported that the Iriga City administrators had employed an incident management team consisting of 250 people, including Barangay Off icials, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. In an interview by the Inquirer, Oaferina said, “The team was dispatched on the ground to create a fire lane in order to prevent loss of lives, further damage to properties and protect the environment.”

According to the Inquirer, the City Mayor suspended all adventures and mountain climbing activities until further notice due to the wildfire at Mt. Asog. This precaution was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of hikers and mountaineers. As the fire spread, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also joined the incident management team. According to the PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Con suelo Ca sti llo, one Super Huey II and a Bell 205 helicopter under the Tactical Operations Wing of Southern Luzon were deployed to perform “heli-bucket” operations in response to the fire outbreak.

Meanwhile, the cause of the forest fire is under investigation, and there are

many speculations about what could have caused it. Some say that the first day of the incident started with a bush fire on a Sunday, April 21, which began to conflagrate in the morning.

On the second day, April 22, 2024, a Facebook video post of Mayor Wilferdo Rex Oliva confirmed that the said bush fires were responsible for the subsequent wildfire outbreak.

Mt. Asog has active fumaroles and hot springs and is home to the newly discovered smallest variant of Rafflesia, the Rafflesia camarinensis, which is endemic in the area. Rafflesia is known as a traditional medicine that aids women during pregnancy and is considered an aphrodisiac which the locals can use as a natural substitute when other medications are not available.

The mountain serves as a rich habitat for some species like fungi, fauna and animals native to the area.

It also supplies drinking and irrigation water to surrounding localities and is home to tenured migrants and indigenous people living around the location.

Keeping this information in mind, as a community, we s hould pr ot e c t Mt. Asog with respect to the beneficial impact it has on the environment and to its Turn to Page 16

NEWS

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

16

Bridgetines celebrate Rosary Month with culminating activity

BY LEIRA MARGARETH DAUTIL

The SBS community prayed solemnly as they meditated to the sorrowful mysteries as part of the culminating activity for the Rosary Month.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar

S

t. B r i dge t S ch o o l conducted a culminating event to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary last October 27, 2023.

The month of October, not only celebrates the devotion to the Holy Rosary, but it is also a time for repentance and peace. The rosary was prayed daily in the school by every

Law pro....from Page 5 must be allowed to take exams regardless of their financial status. For students affected by disasters, emergencies, or other valid reasons, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tasked with issuing certificates confirming their disadvantaged status. These certificates, issued by appropriate authorities, are crucial for the effective enforcement of the law.

Despite the enactment of RA 11984, an official copy of the law from Malacañang is pending, suggesting that additional details regarding its implementation may emerge. This legislative stride represents a significant advancement in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

SocSci club...from Page 5 brought pails of water to wash away the unpleasant odor from the walls and floors of certain sites.

Th e L G U ’s Mu n i c i p a l Environment and Natural Resources Office deployed garbage trucks to carry the collected trash from different heritage sites to the garbage site.

The clean-up drive was successfully concluded at around 9 o’clock in the morning.

The objective of the activity was to help students realize the importance of protecting the local heritage sites, since these places hold an important part in the history of a particular locality.

The initiative also helped create a sense of pride and responsibility among the students of St. Bridget School as they were able to contribute something to preserve and protect historical places.

Grade 12 stu...from Page 5 recognized as the night’s royalty.

After they were awarded, they had their first dance at the school quadrangle. It was followed by the batch’s cotillion accompanied by the beautiful tune and lyrics of the song “Golden Hour.”

Ever yone enjoye d t he dancing and the friendly associations. As the event drew to a close, more and more pictures were taken to immortalize the experience. The graduating batch went home with significant memories they would never want to lose. This night was filled with laughter and tears as they came closer to their graduation day.

A Path of...from Page 7

class inside their respective classrooms.

The culminating activity of the rosary month, organized by the Campus Ministry coincided with the declaration of October

27 as a day of fasting, penance, and prayer for peace every year.

The event was called “Roses for Mary” that made the students offer roses to the image of Mary that symbolized the beads of the

rosary.

For each decade, the Tingraw Artists Company reenacted the corresponding Biblical scenes and ended their presentation with a tableau.

SBS participates in Himuloan Procession

BY Karl Friedrich A. Brazal

O

n October 3, 2023, St. Bridget School participated in the Himuloan Procession. After the Mass, the students, armed with their rosaries, joined the procession around the poblacion of Buhi. The students together with the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi lined up and filled the streets as they recited the Holy Rosary while walking along the designated route.

The Himuloan is a kind of a religious custom that gathers the best fruits of the land and offer them to God as act of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. This practice, which is part of the parish day activity, is a great opportunity to share the goods that are collected with people who are in need –

a practice that is close to the heart of St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved patron saint of Buhi. Besides the Himuloan, the parishioners brought their pets to be blessed by the priests, considering the love that St. Francis had shown to animals and to the environment.

These traditional

The abuse of freedom leads to misery and oppression. Devotion involves getting our hearts to really believe in something and putting our words into loving actions. It may not be an easy task to fulfill, but as long as we trust and believe in the grace of God and Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we can surely face anything that life throws at us.

Wildfire...from Page 15 inhabitants. To contribute to the betterment of our surroundings, we must learn the importance of our environment, and as a start, contribute to overall cleanliness and spread awareness of Mt. Asog’s importance.

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar and Dhen Marc Berrot

practices are well loved by the townspeople as they remind them to be grateful at all times and to take care of everything as trustworthy stewards of the land. The sense of being interconnected with one another and with the whole of creation manifests clearly the mind and heart of St. Francis.

FEATURE

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

Challenging The Status Quo

17

DAPHNE C. DE LEON

D

ue to the significant changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s academic calendar was greatly affected, causing the original schedule of classes from June to March to shift to August until May. Given that the pandemic is no longer a global concern, the Department of Education (DepEd) now intends to gradually revert to the old school calendar starting in the upcoming school year (SY) 2025-2026. But was the pandemic the sole reason for the change of the beginning and the end of the school year?

Something that may not be known to many is that there had already been discussions about shifting the academic calendar even before the COVID-19 outbreak. The main purpose was to align our school calendar with those of other countries, which typically begin in August. This adjustment was intended for students to have greater chances of getting into international programs, which would be beneficial to the country’s current education system. Since the August-May schedule became possible after the pandemic, let us reflect on the huge impact it made on student learning during the school year 2023-2024.

As the country reached the peak of the dry season, schools nationwide suffered because of the scorching heat. Instead of enjoying the supposed summer break from April to May, students

and teachers were confined to the four walls of their classrooms, enduring the intense heat that was not conducive to learning.

The lack of cooling devices such as electric fans, which are essential during hot weather, made it more difficult for everyone to be able to focus during class discussions. This eventually led to the Department of Education’s declaration to suspend in-person classes. More than 7,000 out of the 47,000 schools across the countr y implemented asynchronous and online modes of learning. The high risk of learners and educators getting heat-related illnesses resulted in the public requesting a reversion to the old school calendar from DepEd. Despite the clamor to revert back to the original June to March cycle, DepEd cannot implement it immediately due to several considerations. For

instance, students and teachers would not have enough time to get the rest that they need after the recently concluded school year. Fur thermore, once the transition is carried out, the teachers and other school personnel will also have insufficient time to prepare for the new academic year. Because of these circumstances, the DepEd’s move to revert to the old school calendar may take two to three years. If the government truly wants to make a positive change in the educational system, it should begin by addressing and resolving issues that affect the well-being of students and educators as well.

Only one thing remains clear, that is, the present AugustMay schedule is not ideal in the Philippines. In general, however, is there really a certain period when we can go to school without such climate issues? As

climate change worsens over the years, shifting the school calendar will not allow us to avoid these unpredictable weather conditions. High temperatures and sudden heavy rainfall happen throughout the year, and what we can only do is to ensure that we are always prepared for them.

We should prioritize investing on improving the classrooms to withstand extreme temperatures.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, a l t e r n a t i v e learning modalities, such as modular or online learning, should be made accessible to every student. Having these alternatives will surely benefit learners, especially during times when going to school is not advisable. The Department of Education should always be ready to implement feasible measures in situations like this, rather than simply returning to the old school calendar at the expense of the students.

Sources:

https://www.philstar.com/ headlines/2024/04/11/2346772/governmentworking-revert-old-school-calendar-marcos https://newsinfo.inquirer. net/1928960/hot-weather-prompts-5800schools-to-switch-to-online-classesother-modes#:~:text=MANILA%2C%20 Philippines%20%E2%80%94%20The%20 Department%20of,(ADM)%20in%20their%20 classes. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/ in-depth/why-reverting-old-academicschool-calendar-just-stopgap-measure/ https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/6/teachersgroups-react-to-marcos-backing-thereversion-to-old-school-calendar https://www.pna.gov.ph/ articles/1223632#:~:text=MANILA%20 %E2%80%93%20Amid%20the%20extreme%20 heat,in%20the%20upcoming%20school%20 year. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/ topstories/nation/905842/marcos-saysreverting-to-old-school-calendar-better-forkids/story/#:~:text=We%20also%20have%20 to%20keep,in%202020%2C%22%20he%20 added. https://opinion.inquirer.net/171174/ changing-calendars-for-changing-times https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/ planned-return-to-old-school-calendar-maytake-two-years-says-deped https://www.philstar.com/ other-sections/education-andhome/2017/05/24/1703321/synchronizedschool-calendar-eneficial-education-system https://www.universityworldnews.com/ post.php?story=20140422133320354

FEATURE

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

18

ALEXANDRA GABRIELLE B. LAVADIA

“Para po!” is a phrase commonly known among millions of Filipinos as they ride these colorfully painted jeepneys, often packed with passengers, along with the loud noise, fuming exhaust, and screeching sounds when rumbled to a stop.

This is the daily commuting experience for many who rely on these jeepneys.

J

eepneys are typically a cheaper and more affordable means of public transportation, with fares lower than those of buses, trains, and other options for as low as 13 pesos. Jeepney operators also claim that they have lower maintenance costs compared to other vehicles.

With approximately 200,000 jeepneys nationwide, they are known as the “Hari ng Kalsada” for a reason.

and commuters. This raises the question of whether there is a much-needed upgrade to our transportation system, or if this will only result in leaving drivers and commuters behind.

On June 19, 2017, the Department of Transportation issued the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. This program aims to have safer, more sustainable, and road-worthy vehicles.

Unlike larger cities, this program also covers all provinces But this large scale of nationwide. However, the jeepneys is bound to change necessity of this program in after the government’s plan to smaller towns like Buhi is being replace traditional jeepneys questioned.

These modern or e-jeepneys, with new minibuses for a better imported from other countries, transportation system which led feature larger capacities, are to a crisis. air-conditioned for added Over the past few years, comfort, emit lower pollution to countless opinions have led to reduce environmental impact heated debate on the topic of and have a more standardized jeepney modernization. The authorities were aware of the design.

Many may not be opposed situation but made no effort to to modernization, but officials make a difference. Despite having should consider that the amount numerous jeepney drivers going of 2.5 million pesos per unit for on strike, their concerns were modern jeepneys is out of reach still ignored, with little regard for ordinary jeepney drivers, even for many factors that can impact if the government subsidizes the livelihood of both drivers

C

8.4%, which will reduce the cost by 210,000 pesos. This will not be enough for jeepney drivers to cover all the remaining expenses.

According to a Buhinon jeepney driver, local drivers simply wait for what the government wants to imply regarding any potential changes in public transportation. He also mentioned that minibuses are not quite necessary for provinces. Traditional jeepneys are more accessible and practical for transporting goods in rural areas. Considering the price and the availability of other public vehicles such as tricycles and motorcycles, as well as the short distance from Buhi to Iriga, it would not be worth investing in

the new units.

While jeepney drivers are being pressured to comply with the modernization program, they face uncertainty about what the future holds for them. During the Finance Subcommittee K’s second hearing, Gatchalian noted a “zero” allocation for the program in 2024. “In other words, we compel them to modernize, but we don’t have any support to be given in the next few years,” said Gatchalian.

After numerous protests, the DOTr has only granted jeepney operators an extended consolidation deadline, which has left drivers concerned about having to take on significant debt to meet the modernization

requirements and cover other expenses themselves, with a lack of support from the government.

The plea made by the jeepney driver reflects genuine concern about the implications of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). It would not be fair to assign blame to Jeepney drivers for organizing these transport strikes, for they too have valid justifications.

The current situation arising from this crisis has sparked numerous doubts and fears among jeepney drivers. They have once again been out on the streets to protest, continuing to hope for change. Perhaps their voices will be heard to advocate for further research and analysis of the program’s impact, rather than coercing drivers into participating in the government’s plan.

To fully embrace modernization, it is important for us to thoroughly explore and consider alternative approaches that can provide benefits for everyone involved. Remember that change can be positive if it ultimately leads to improvement and progress for all.

tagline and motto to be “sama sama tayong babangon muli,” when their situation makes it clear that the unity they have been building is a total hoax. The absence of unity, along with their separation, sparks the question of competence. If they cannot duly uphold the values they present and recognize as truth, they are not fit to serve in their position. Seeing how the Vice President decided to step down from her position as the Secretary of the Department of Education and Co-Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict when the president himself chose to give the Vice President these responsibilities further support what I claim and believe in. Are they not on the same page? If

they know they can’t perform the expected duties, why take the job?

Having a clear vision is important for a leader; without it, they can never be as effective as you’d expect them to be. Thus, the question of their leadership’s effectiveness and competence remains, regardless of their relationship. Saying they lack the redeeming qualities and values of a leader isn’t far-fetched either, considering their reason for running seem to be driven by personal interests. Seeing how the President ran to clear his family’s name while the Vice President ran to maintain their political dynasty, it’s not outlandish to think they ran without the people’s interests in mind, focusing instead on what they could gain for themselves.

ERICK ROVIC AGUILAR

ouples who break up are always a hot topic to talk about. Recently, numerous splits have occurred, mostly between celebrity couples. For instance, the breakup of the KathNiel love team shocked Filipinos worldwide. Fans were speechless; some were heartbroken, and others were overjoyed. People had different views about the situation, reflecting the mixed reactions. Most people are already referring to it as the “breakup of the decade.” Now, if we were to take this up a notch and add a bit of politics to the concoction, what do you think we would get?

The unique dynamic between President and Vice President’s our President Marcos Jr. and Vice alliance and relationship bleak.

President Sara Duterte is a hot During a prayer rally in Davao topic among the Filipino people. City that coincided with President Their alliance, named “UniTeam,” Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas rally a play on words for unity, became in Manila last January, the Vice iconic as it struck the hearts of President’s father and former its supporters after winning a President Duterte called Marcos landslide of votes and support in “bangag,” meaning high on drugs, the 2022 national elections. Just as well as someone who wanted to recently, Vice President Sara be a dictator just like his late father, Duterte announced her resignation President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. as a member of the presidential Moreover, the Vice President’s cabinet. Aside from leaving the brother and current Davao City cabinet, she also left the position Mayor, Sebastian Duterte, said of Secretary of the Department of Marcos should step down from his Education (DepEd) and Co-Vice post because he lacks vision for Chairperson of the National Task the country. Their relationship Force to End Local Communist is somewhat similar to a failing Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) marriage that they are trying to effective July 19, 2024. President hold together. However, it is a futile Marcos Jr. duly accepted the attempt, as it causes more harm resignation, so I guess we could than good. say that they’ve “split” and “gone I don’t oppose the Vice on their separate ways,” and the President’s decision to resign as “UniTeam” Alliance is no more than Secretary of the Department of a myth.

Education; it is favorable, as she Furthermore, the Duterte lacks vision for this department family’s beef with President Marcos as well as transparency, which Jr. adds fuel to the fire, making the many Filipinos are asking from

her. During her time as secretary, her a c tions only br ought dissatisfaction and difficulties.

The infamous P150 million in confidential funds, used for unknown reasons, says a lot. The education sector would be in shambles if this continued for the following years. What I am concerned about is her decision to leave the President’s Cabinet.

Considering the numerous problems we are currently facing, especially the issue with China in the West Philippine Sea, the President will need all the support he can get. It would have been wise if they kept personal matters to themselves, especially when they had bigger things to deal with.

They should have left the discord between their families in the past.

But they didn’t, which makes me wonder about their ability to lead and how the following years will play out.

This begs me to question: what happened to the “unity” they are proud of? Is unity still in the room with us? It is quite ironic for their

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 19

Bicolano Engineer Invents Thermal Insulating Powder RHODEX R. VALENCIANO II

A

to the sun. He observed sudden decrease in temperature inside his house. Before, according to Engr. Parco, he could not get a good sleep because of the intense heat inside his house. But after using the paint on his house, the heat subsided.

After testing the product, Engr. Parco now uses Engr. De Castro’s paint mixture in his projects. He claimed that he gets positive feedback from his customers. After a year of studying the quality of his invention, Engr. De Castro had started selling it. A bucket of his powder costs one thousand six hundred twenty pesos or three hundred thirty pesos per kilogram. He now plans to apply for a patent at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to secure a copyright for his invention.

pril 29, 2024 – An engineer from Naga City, Dexter de Castro, invented a solution to the heat problem that many Filipinos are currently worried about. He invented a thermal insulating powder that reduces indoor heat temperature to as much as sixty percent.

According to the information gathered by Jan Milo Severo, a PhilStar writer, Engr. Dexter de Castro expressed that his invention was inspired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) technology.

According to Engr. De Castro, the coating used in space shuttles are made of pre-cracked ceramic tiles. This coating acts as a preventive measure for accidents that may lead people to be burned inside the space shuttle. The inventor used this as a model for his invention. He also used similar materials found in pre-cracked ceramic tiles like

silica, alumina, and nano ceramic particles. These components create the heat-reducing effect

in the paint mixture he invented. two coatings of the said paint on Last year, Engr. Junval Parco the walls of his own residential tested this invention by applying house while directly exposed

W

ith the recent events that 2024 has for us, the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, also known as the Great North American Eclipse, became a highly anticipated event. Beholding the sight of the lifetime, the syzygy of the sun, moon, and Earth, the total solar eclipse moved across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Eclipses occur on our planet when the sun, moon, and Earth line up. The exact alignment determines what kind of eclipse we see. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking at least some of the sun and casting a shadow on our planet.

The moon can block the sun because, on average, it is 400 times smaller than the sun but also 400 times closer to Earth. The two objects thus have a very similar apparent size in our sky. This only occurs during the alignment of the sun and moon when the moon enters the new moon phase and is on the same side of the Earth.

Though one may wonder if a solar eclipse only occurs during a new moon, knowing that a

new moon happens once a month, why is this not true for a solar eclipse?

Well, due to the moon’s orbit around Earth being tilted by approximately five degrees it does not orbit in the same plane as the sun and Earth. Now, this does not necessarily mean that a solar eclipse is not plausible; it is just that the conditions are way too specific.

Conditions like the moon’s shadow hitting Earth when passing the sun only happen twice a year, known as “eclipse season.” When the new moon crosses the Earth-sun or ecliptic plane, a solar eclipse occurs. Additionally, it needs to be perfectly accurate, especially for a total solar eclipse to happen. In other words, it is pretty rare.

The last total solar eclipse in the Philippines occurred on October 24, 1995, which was almost three decades ago. During the 1995 eclipse, only TawiTawi, an island province located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), experienced totality. However, the province was not blessed with clear skies, and since then, there has not been a solar eclipse in the country.

Knowing this, when can we witness a solar eclipse here in the Philippines?

According to NASA, the next one will not be until April 20, 2042. Astronomers refer to the April 2042 eclipse as part of the “Saros 139.” The Saros cycle governs the periodicity and recurrence of solar eclipses, which happen every 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. The first of this

Source:https://www.google.com/ amp/s/www.philstar.com/lifestyle/ modernliving/2024/04/29/235132.6/bicolanoengineer-invents-paint-reportedly-reduces60-percent-heat/amp/

series of eclipses occurred in the year 1501 and will end in 2763. Although the series of eclipses is repeating, their locations still vary.

The solar eclipse will trace its darkest shadow over the entire stretch of Palawan, then go eastward over Masbate, and finally exit the Philippines over Albay. We can expect to see the beautiful Mayon volcano and the solar eclipse—truly a sight of the century. These will surely be a hotspot for spectators and astrophotographers.

Aside from the Philippines, the eclipse will also be prominent on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, Eastern Malaysia, and Brunei.

LITERARY

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

20

Eternal Despair

Perishing Psyche

by: Alessandra Ciedelle Morada

by: Ianah Punzalan

You contemplate the night sky Seeing you shine made me cry Things will never be the same That's why you never came Little did I know you're hurting Now, here I am regretting

Drowning so deep, losing hope, Lies a soul trying to cope.

Silent cries, no one shall know, As tears led to sorrow.

Can't you stay for a while?

I'll even run a mile You've become a star Even though April is still far You made the world look different I really wish you were more patient.

My eyes became swollen Visit my dreams more often I was never a good person That's why I couldn't give you any reason.

With You by My Side by: Jessie Librando

With you by my side, oh I can see it all, those sparkly eyes that make things fall.

Those lovely smiles with the joyous atmosphere make my heart flutter, my dear.

With you by my side, oh I can appreciate it all, your loving and caring attitude makes me want it more.

The way you act got me thinking: This girl’s personality is a blessing, truly a heaven-sent I can’t deny.

So will you embark on this journey without saying goodbye?

Being loved by you is the greatest feeling and I’m never fleeing, from your love so warm and gentle that it makes my life worth living.

With you by my side, oh I can imagine it all, the endless possibilities you and I have together; So won’t you stick with me forever?

Your love makes me delusional to the point that I know it’s not natural; So I just lie here in an empty room feeling emotional.

Thinking of our future makes me nervous, but when I’m with you it’s obvious that whatever the future holds, with you and me, I know it’s going to be easy.

With you by my side, yes I want you by my side forever, I want to be better and grow with you.

With you by my side, I’m happy you’re the best thing that happened to me my whole life.

I know there’s a lot of overthinking, I know there are dark days but trust me I’ll stay with you And choose you; because that’s how much I trust you, adore you, and love you.

Thank you for coming into my life and making it better by simply sticking together.

I wrote this poem not to inspire, but to show my never-ending desire – Desire to love you and protect you at all cost.

In this cruel world, we’ll always be together forever.

Sincerely, Jessie

A Heart’s Soliloquy

By Hannah Sanglay

The beauty of a transparent heart is knowing what’s within In its depths, where love begins, Within my heart’s soliloquy Your name echoes out a symphony.

Your presence, a hypnotic view that transcends into an everlasting beauty Amidst of great despair and sorrow Embrace of solitude, granting my serenity.

Through the labyrinthine depths of your embrace I find solace in every winding trace To love you, a privilege, as if whispered by fate, our paths align In your presence, serendipity intertwines.

With every glance, we see through the veil In love’s sanctuary, we never fail.

Lost in darkness, seeking light, Can’t be found in sight.

Where to go, mind so lost, Needing serenity the most.

Stuck in a cage, breaking through, Chained at this infantile age.

Heart so fragile, it doesn’t speak, Breaking apart, blood will leak.

“Surrender’s Symphony” By: Maria Socorro R. Templonuevo

A Distance Admiration

For all those countless days and nights Somehow, I’m losing all of sight Hiding within the lush bushes The blood in my veins then rushes Eyes that seemingly aimed at me Piercing gazes shot painfully

Thinking of you might be crazy, But you lived in my head rent-free.

If too, spill the tea, Admiring you from afar is the only key.

The jungle called you pulls me in The bugs creeping under my skin Ah, it’s eerily calling me Fill my ears with your melody You, whose habit of controlling All I hear is heavy breathing

by: Prince Sarto

It hurts loving you unfairly, Like a dove, I’ll release you peacefully.

Looking at you from afar tearfully, But still, admiring you is lovely.

With both of my eyes blindfolded I shall give it up all to you My own wounded heart, soul and mind There is nothing else I can do Ending with only destruction A penetrating attraction

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

FEATURE

21

ARTWORKS 22

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

COMICS

23

VOLUME 26 · S/Y 2023-2024 | ILAW

HEART HUSTLE HONOR AND

T

2023 Intramurals return in full force

BY ANGELA ISHII RICAFRANCA

he intramurals, one of the most anticipated events every school year, took place to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The competition was fierce for the very beginning. The Junior High School and Senior High School teams gave their all for the gimmick parade that happened around the población of Buhi. This was followed by the Best Yell contest to show their utmost support to their own respective teams. After the health break and the necessary preparations, the intramurals proceeded with the raising of team flags, taking the oath of sportsmanship, and the lighting of the torch. The SSG Chairperson on Sports, Marc Dominic Corral, oversaw the general flow of the activities. And the ceremonial lighting of the torch officially began the Intramurals 2023.

The Envoys ranked first in badminton (Men’s doubles), table tennis (Women’s singles), dart, volleyball (Boys), and scrabble making them the overall champion for the Junior High

School Department. For the Senior High School Department, the Sentinels got the first place in chess, scrabble, badminton (women’s singles), Game of the Generals, basketball (boys), and

volleyball (boys) and was declared the overall champion in the SBS Intramurals 2023, which took place on November 24-27 with the theme “BËGKËS: Together We LIVE, LOVE, LEARN, and PLAY.”

The winners were announced during the Intramural Ball held in the evening of November 27, 2023. Even if there was an intermittent rainfall, it did not stop the students from dancing. The rainfall was a sign

of blessing for the students who participated in the intramurals.

It was nature’s way of applauding the a chievements of the participants and acknowledging their best efforts in the different competitions.

Bridgetine athletes shine at 5th OPSCSI Congressional Meet

BY PHOEBE SALTARIN

T

he athletes of St. Bridget School demonstrated remarkable performances at the OPSCSI 5th Congressional Meet held in Baao, Camarines Sur on January 20 to 21, 2024. The event brought together athletes from various schools which competed with each other across multiple disciplines.

On day one, the participants representing St. Bridget School joined the parade that served as the start of the two-day event.

After the parade, a short program was held at the Baao Municipal Covered Court. In the afternoon, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton, billiards, and kick volleyball (sepak takraw) were among the games that were played. Angel Aguinillo and Kirsten Ilumin finished 4th place in the women’s badminton singles category, while Carl Merilles earned 3rd place in the men’s singles category. The players of basketball and kick volleyball finished 3rd place,

while the other remaining athletes continued to fight for the championship title.

Kirsten Ilumin said, “We are okey, even there are many things that could have done and the obstables abound; many did not believe in us and they told us, we cannot win but we still managed to achieve something” (Okay lang po, kahit maraming pagkukulang, maraming obstacles, maraming hindi naniniwala, nagsasabi sa amin na hindi kami makakaplace man lang, naka-place pa rin kami.) Badminton player Kirsten Ilumin added, “Because of what we had been through, I discovered more and more my

strengths and weaknesses; what I needed to develop and where I excelled in” (Dahil din dito, natutuhan ko yung mga strengths and weaknesses ko, kung saan ako nagkulang, and kung saan ako magaling.).

On the second day of the competition, the athletes competed in women’s volleyball, badminton singles for men, badminton doubles for women, table tennis, and billiards. The Badminton women’s doubles won 2nd place, while the badminton player Vince Azcarraga, the table tennis players Giorgen De Leon and Johanna Arcilla, the billiards player Matthew Padilla,

Volleyball girls players from SBS Shepherds took a photo op before the start of the game together with their coach, Ms. Russel Yamar (back/center).

PHOTO: Erick Aguilar and the volleyball women’s team for their help and support got first place in their respective – mentally and physically games. throughout the entire journey.”

Ishii Ricafranca, the team Indeed, the performance captain of the volleyball team, of the athletes reflects their said, “It is such an honor for extreme dedication and us to be able to represent our training and displayed their school in our favorite sport at skills and sportsmanship the OPSCSI meet. All I can say on the competitive stage is that I am proud of each and without being affected by the every one of us. I also want to numerous limitations and thank our coaches and trainers shortcomings.