Iridescence Issue 3 (JUL 2024-JAN 2025) by GLCA Iridescence

Christmas Cantata 2024: Embracing the Hope of the Season

JustineLuigiQ.Avengoza

The celebration of Christ’s nativity in the Philippines is known for its thrilling and captivating cultural richness. But is Christmas truly kept as a tradition all for its season of giving gifts and accepting cards?

“Hope is Born,” the theme for this

school year’s Christmas cantata, highlights and resonates with the depths and significance of Christmas.

From countless preparations and declarations of practices, GLCA’s yearly cantata illuminates the true “gift” of the season.

It was a night to remember filled with airy flute sounds and the sweetness of the rich tones of diverse instruments. From the opulence of decorations and lights illuminating the season, Christmas found its real connection and meek reflections.

As angels echoed

their joys of the Savior’s birth, shepherds gathered to behold our Lord and Savior ina manger.

That is what the GLCA Christmas cantata isallabout acantata born out of the Hope of Christmas Jesus Christ.

Hannah Sevilla and Marcus Sebastian opened this year's cantata, filling the Sanctuary with ecstatic and thrilling joy. Their light-hearted jokes and mindful reminders set the stage for the flute ensemble’smedley.

As the airymood settled the Sanctuary’s space, students, staff, parents, and visitors listened to the songs. In an optimistic light, the medley rang its hopeful message through the visitors, depicting the baby’s lowly manger birth.

This year’s cantata was eagerly anticipated not just for its presentation, but because of its resonating

The Hope of Christmas

Christmas is the most important festival celebrated by people around the world. It is a festivityof joy, love, and kindness, when we pour our hearts to share our thoughtfulness with our family, friends, and even strangers.

For generations, the so-called “Christmas spirit,” has been spread throughout and we value its belief thus keeping theseasonalive.

What does Christmas signify? Does

this only mean exchanging gifts, solidifying our relationships, or winning the best Christmasdecorintown?

Either way, this special occasion was conceived like this as always; but it has not been about the One who lay in a lowly manger, received mockery and shame, and died to pay for our sins.

The reason for His birth wasthe greatest gift that no man can ever give, aneverlasting life.

Yet, many rejected Him, despised Him, faced mockery, and humiliated Him in public, but still persevered to save His beloved people. He laid His life on the cross for you and me, to pay the penaltyofoursins.

A ray of hope has a message of salvation to free us from our wretched lives. We are undeserving of His undying grace, despite everything that we have done. Our God will gladly welcome us in

His loving arms without anyresentment.

Living in a world where truths are twisted, we onlyneedtotrust His Word and hope for salvation.

Like a candle that lights our hearts and a warmth sensation that comforts us in any trouble, this joyous season, we must never forget the true hope of Christmas by commemorating this monthaboutourSavior.

message. The cantata portrayed and explained the true meaning of the season. Fromthe heartfelt acting to the soulful rendition of songs, this year’s cantata marked the “reason for the season.”

Born during the season to die and save us from impending doom and condemnation, the Hope of Christmasfulfills the prophecyin light of God’s promise, grace, andmercy.

The cantata affirmed and uplifted this year’s Christmas message ’Hope is Born.’ Profound and passionate instrumentals, imbued with fervent and emotion- al messages, transformed the event celebrated into a momentofgrandeur.

It gracefully depicted Christ’s humble birth, celebrating the historic significance of Christmas and the promise ofHisreturn.

DanaIsabelleCatalo

GLCA Cantata 2024: Elementary students during the cantata proper last December 20.

Photo by Ms. Paula Sanchez

Fresh Futures: Meet the Student Body Officers of 2024

It’s that time of the school year again when the SBO elections will decide which students will be leading in our current schoolyearforproviding better plans and programs in the elementary and high schooldepartments.

The positions for the candidates wereasfollows:President,VicePresidentof Sports, Vice President

CarlosBenedictBatuyong

worthy of thepositions that they applied for.

The positions were tightly contested as the candidates did their all to earn their fellow students’ votes. The speeches that were delivered by our candidateswerefullof passion, excitement, andadoringsupportby their respective support groups in the audience.

The voting differences were close but some battles were simply decided before theyevenbegan.

of Arts andLiterature, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, and lastly, the Grade 6 Representative. Candidates poured in with full determination to prove themselves

CarlosBenedictBatuyong

The results of the following were as follows: Luigi Avengoza (President), Zafina Castaneda (Vice President of Sports), Gwen Lucena (VicePresidentofArts and Literature), Dana Catalo (Secretary), Judith Menor (Treasurer), Alex Jimenez (Auditor) and EzrealIglesia(Grade6 Representative).

“OneÊwordÊIÊ couldÊuseÊtoÊdescribeÊ theÊSBOÊelectionÊ wouldÊbe:Ê "Unexpected.ÊFirst of all, I neverÊexpectedÊ toÊwinÊandÊeven run once againÊin the Organization asÊI would like to allocate my time and effort to my academicÊ andÊ sports performances,” says Mr.ÊLuigi Avengoza, theÊelected president ofÊthe Student Body Organization.

United Under the Flag of the Philippines with GLCA

On August 22nd, GLCA held itsArawngWika,a weekjustbeforethe students took their firstquarterexams.

The day was filled with excitement, drama, and extravagant performances by our belovedstudents from elementary and highschoolalike.

The ‘Pagsasatao’Ê per-

formances of the grades7to10were thehighlightsofthe entire event, quicklyencapsulatingthe audience’s interest and attention with their dramatic and emotion-filled displaysofdialogueas theyportrayedcharacters from poems and novels like Ibong Adarna, Noli MeTangere,andEl Filibusterismo.

After the spectacle of performances and presentationsgivenbyour beloved students, the awarding took place which included awards for poster making, best backdrop, best in Pagsasatao, and the iconic Lakan and Lakambiniawards.

Araw ng Wika: Elementary students perform and show appreciation during the event at the Sanctuary.

Photo by Carlos Benedict Batuyong

SBO Elections: Students delivering their platforms during the election of the new set of SBO officers for S.Y. 2024-2025.

Photo by Carlos Benedict Batuyong

1, 2, 3. GLCA-Conquerors, Sisu!

JustineLuigiQ.Avengoza

gymnasium with competitive tension, the conquerors began their tune-upwithbeaming excitement and thrilling anticipation against Life Academy International, both midgets and high school, in yet another exhilarating matchup.

Starting with their spontaneous first 6, Regina Uriarte, the senior of the Conquerors volleyball team, drove an earlylead for GLCA as the scoreboard showed a point

As services flewbythenet,the Conquerors drove their grit and desperation against Life Academy International with a score of 17-21 in favor of the Conquerors.

With seconds passing, the Conquerors took the first set with a bang, scoring 2125 in the first part ofthegame.

Moving forward to the second set, the GLCA Conquerorstriedto maintain their momentum, biting another victory as

The Conquerors ended with a 2 - 0 record against the midget team of Life AcademyInternation- al, before moving forward against their highschoolteam.

Continuing the- matchup, the Conquerors now faceanexcitingopponent both familiaranduncertainas a year has passed sincetheirlasttune -up against Life Academy International'shighschool team.

Starting the match with a ser-

lead of 4 points, as the scoreboard flashed a 5 - 1 record over the tenacious andenduring Conquerors.

As the Conquerorsdesperatelytriedtotiethe match, errors arose during midgame as LifeAcademy International

ledthegamewitha mined Conquerors before taking the firstsetwitha2514 score.

As time passed,theclimatic event announced Life Academy International as victoriouswitha2 - 1 record from their matchupspree.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS. GRACE LUCEÑA

GLCA volleyball players: GLCA women volleyball players during the tune-up game against LIA.

FirstAiders

“Help!ÊAÊstudentÊ hasÊfainted!”

“KeepÊstill.ÊWeÊ willÊputÊaÊslingÊ onÊyourÊfracturedÊarm!”

“Fire!”Ê“TheÊ restroomÊceilingÊ isÊonÊfire!”

These are some of the words that were exclaimedwhenaccidents and unexpected events occurred while GLCA classes wereinsession.

Impulse and steadiness prompted first aiders to render initial responsestoalleviate

pain and prevent further mishaps as custodians of student safety and school properties. Thankfully, the students were given appropriate treatments while the facilities did not get further harmed.

In the past two months, junior and senior Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade squad members watchedminivideos, listened to lectures on the importance of assisting someone in distress by being first aiders, and eventually tried to

do hands-on practicesontheirnewly learnedskills.

They had to takeitbyheartthat first aid is the initial and immediate assistance given to any person with a medical emergency,withcareaimed to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or promote recovery until medical services arrive.

Young learners were taught how to manage sore, scrape, slash, sprain, scalding, sting, stab, snap, stress,andshockin

practical ways before professional helpcouldcometo the scene to give betterservices.

Cognizant of the limitations and reservations of young people to render immediate help, especially to strangers, a short devotional on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke10:25-37was discussed with themasanimpetus to remind themselvesthatasmembersofacommunity and as part of the curriculum in good citizenship training, they have

alittleparttoplay.

It was emphasized in the training that playing a hero role must not motivate anyone when assisting victims of major accidents that are beyond theircapacity.

Equipping our students with basicknowledgeto sharpen their skills could heighten their commitment as responsible enablers when exigencies arise due to the confidencebuilding measures, which is a touchstoneofservice.

Mr.EdwinC.Gines

Photo by Mr. Edwin C. Gines

GLCABRIGADE 2024-2025

Photos by Mr. Edwin Gines

ILLUSTRATION BY: CASSANDRA ALEXENE JIMENEZ

The Impacts of Social Media on the Human Mind

showinginterest

Social media's pervasive influence on our daily lives is undeniable, especially in thisera.

As a teenager living with an erratic longing to wake up looking at the Messenger and Instagram stories social media has defined its implications inthepresent.

From apps such as Facebook and Instagram, social media now harbors a different reason from when it started.

Since its creation, social media has furthered communication,provided entertainment, and connected individuals across the globe.

With reflections showing and critiques swarming, social media hasbecomeasocialnest that refracts the malicious intent of different people. From people

that becomes a great pursuit,socialmediahas become a breeding groundforcontemptand avarice.

As we continue riding the algorithm of countless apps and websites born out of the media’s longing for profit and income, humans have now becomerobots.

From cookie recipes to online shopping, humans have become dependent and reliant on complacency inhavingeverything.

We have now become automated characters that eat wavelengths and reflections of light as our brains take an influx of elements, thus numbing us ofitsdangers.

Amongthe elements emitted by the smartphone are the words

JustineLuigiQ.Avengoza

"DISTRACTIONS" and "MISINFORMATION”.

These terms explicitly highlight two major issues associated withsocialmediause.

Distractions refer to how social media can distract us from important tasks and realworldinteractions.

In an era where attention is a valuable commodity, the constant notificationsand content updatescanleadtofragmented focus and reducedproductivity.

Misinformation, on the other hand, represents the spread of false or misleading information. Confused with understanding facts and influencing our beliefsanddecisionsbased on inaccuracies, social media refracts rumors, fake news, and biased view- points.

Thus, reflecting the light of reality now becomesashardofhope

that people seem to haveforgottenanddisregarded.

Asinhabitantsof themodernera,maythe image serve as a recurring reminder of the potential mental health implications of excessivesocialmediause.

From burnout to mental exhaustion, social media has become a danger because its abuse. Constant clicking has become a continual engagement with digital content leading to anxiety, depression, andstress.

Furthermore, continuous exposure to distractions diminishes our God-given feature of thinking rationally and logically, especially in a critical time and dilemmaslikethese.

In conclusion, while social media has revolutionized communication and information sharing, it is crucial to be mindful of

itsdetrimentalimpacts.

The symbolic elements in the illustration ranging from the angry smartphone to the receptive human brain emphasize the importance of a balanced relationship with technology.

By nurturing mindful digital habits, we can redefine social media and return to its original purpose as a tool for connection and knowledgeratherthan a source of distraction andmisinformation.

As we traverse the digital landscape, let this illustration remind us to engagecritically with social media, prioritize mental wellbeing, and focus on meaningful, real-world interactions.

Thus, we must remember to “think before we click” as we further our engagements.

Fading Bonds, Silent Cries

Scared, despaired, unprepared, For just one look, just one cold glare. Eyes met, but everything's changed. Around you, I feel lost, estranged. Once it was sweet, a friendship so true, A friendship no one could ever undo. I still recall the joy, the peace, The moments I felt complete.

But “you” and “we” began to fade away.

A drift change, a lingering pain.

I replay it all, the laughs we shared, And wish for the past when you still cared. If only time could heal and restore, The bond we built, the trust we swore.

But here I stand, with hope that won’t last, Holding on to pieces of a friendship lost.

a MoMeNt of traNqUILItY: the goLDeN

The sunset paints the sky in brilliant shades of gold, casting a warm glow that envelops the worldinitsgolden light.

This golden hour brings a sense of tranquility, inviting every-

Notes of the heart

Music is special because it is able to connect without emotions. It cancomfortus,help process feelings, andrelievestress.

Through its rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, it is able to calm us and improve our mood,

giving us a safe spaceforexpression andreflection. It helps us understandemotions we struggle to express, providing a sense of connection and reminding is that we’re not alone inwhatwefeel.

Is It JUst a DreaM or a reaLItY oN Its oWN?

When waking up from a state of time that defies its continuity that holds the fabric of reality, becoming the state where it’s justaphantasmperception that fools our uncomprehendingmortalmindthat we didn’t know howlongwerealize that this place is unsettling.

sUNset

one to embrace thepeacefulambiance as the day comestoanend.

In this serene environment, we reflect on the day’s hard work, finding a sense of completeness and preparing for a newbeginning.

A place wherenightandday didn’t exist and only the purple hue sky filled with celestial bodies and white stars that shinesbrightbrighter than the sun, the buildingsdon’tlook the same as our reality, just a figment of imagination that is present in this dream-like world

with no perception of time can be told where we’ll wake up, is this place where our soul resideswhenwedie?

Orit’sallillusions that will fade into the void and wake you up from your slumber and back to the reality you’rein.

“THE ABANDONED” PHOTO BY HAEKYO JUNG PHOTO BY LEANNAH FAYE P. BORJA

PHOTO BY JOSH NATHAN V. CAPUS

Leannah Faye P. Borja

Zion David S. Catalo

Josh Nathan V. Capus

Gwen Xaris C. Luceña

INDOOR INTRAMURALS 2024

Opening of Intramurals: "Now,

The sports intramuralsareoften regarded as a student's highlight as theygivewaytothe opening of extracurricular pursuits of studentstodelightin while immersing themselvesin.

In addition, intramurals is known for its eclecticandecstaticenvironment where students may utilize an

tional Anthem led by Dana Catalo, who orchestrated the sound of new hopeandbeginnings for the annual intramurals.

After the NationalAnthem was played through the Sanctuary, the GLCA Hymn sounded its music showcasingaConqueror's true character through itsmusical

avenue to showcase and portray their skills in a concise and passion- driven manner while suitingupforvictory.

The program spearheaded its start as the emcees-- Annika Sanchez and Johann Oliverio followed the introduction with representatives to set the start of the Intramurals.

The first part concluded with the singing of the Na-

anddistinctivelyrics conformedtoChristlikeness.

After the hymnsoundedlively and uplifting melodies, the Sanctuary echoed the halls with a soft and peaceful prayer which was led by Marcus Sebastian. Shortly, the prayer ended its pleasandrequestsas the opening remarks started its energetic and captivating expressions opened by

let the

JustineLuigiQ.Avengoza

the SBO President Luigi Avengoza, who elucidated the true meaning of sportsmanship and defined the true meaning of being "sport."

As the warm and humid environment crept to the student's senses, Pastor Batang enlightened the program's meaning with succinct yet resounding reminder about Discipline and Godliness and its application during the sports intramurals.

But first, Pastor Batang showcased his shepherding demeanor as he asked a thought to ponder the students with theexamples:

"Why is change necessary?"

"What is its relevance to our lack of being"human?"

For him, "Godliness is our true goal as God presentsHispromise for the present life-and for the next life tocome."

After the preaching went crescendo, the emcees officially announced the marching of the squad leaders by the assertive and commanding voice ofXianBejado.

As the flags

games begin!"

exemplified its colorfulandvividsymbols,sodidthespirit of sportsmanship circulated the Sanctuary as the commanding voices of the squad leaders filled the entire room with booming yet comforting cries.

Shortly, the video presentation gave way to the event'sconclusionas the squad leaders maintained their composure.

The video depicted the history and sportsmanship ingrained in a Con-

queror's affirmed mindset as the years passed while showcasing the previous batches as the torch signaled the start of the Red and Blue competition.

"The torch of those who followed is yet to be followed by the next generation," which gave way to opening the school year of 20242025's intramurals with the comforting music calming the loud and oppressing deadsilence.

PHOTO BY JUDITH ASRIELLE MENOR

Intramurals 2024: Blue team preparing for their cheer against the Red team.

Photo by Judith Asrielle Menor

PHOTO BY JUDITH ASRIELLE MENOR

The Game of Strategies and Prediction

The indoor intramurals were a mix of excitement, anticipation,andfor some, relief as this was the day the students were waiting for.

It was a time whenstudentscompete against each other in indoor games to have fun and fellowship with each other through indoorsports.

Of course, you can’t have indoor gameswithout boardgames.

These games are meant to test

your mind when it comes to strategy, prediction, and a strong will not to lose,andwhat says all these things other than Games of the Generals (GoG)?

This game is one of the most famous board games inGLCA.

This year,

GoG was held in Grade 8 room at 10:25 AM, headed byMs. Lea Vinuya and assisted by Marcus Sebastian and Alcyone Sabornido.

There was a bit of a snag at the start due to many players assigned to that game who did not show up but was quickly resolved by Ms. Vinuya.

Itwasafierce battle as students of theintermediateand high school from the Lion and Lamb cluster did everythingtoachieve victory.

There was a fearsome and intense atmosphere in theroom.

But in the end, only one could emerge victorious. Thewinnerof the intermediate department was EzrealIglesia of the Lambcluster,while, for the high school the winner was MarcusSebastianof

Ready, Set, Spell: Word Factory at GLCA's

The clock is ticking, the words are forming!

table 1 featured the Blue team Annika Sanchez, Alessandra Sanchez,andJohann Capus competing withoneanother.

On the other hand, table 2, featured Julia Seran, Gwen Lucena, and ZachSmithfromthe Redteam.

the Lamb cluster as well.

Although not everyone could win in the end everyone stillhadfun.

Intramurals

ultimately pulling ahead with 9 points, defeating Alessandra with 7points.

As for the Red team, the first round concluded with Gwen Lucena andJuliaSeransimilarly tying with 5 points each, while Zach earned 3 points.

Bothcompetitors demonstrated sharp thinking and fasthands,butitwas Julia Seran who claimed victory, scoring 11 points against Annika with 8points.

Thegamewas facilitated by Ms. Jennifer Anonuevo, with the Blue team (Lions) against the Red team (Lambs) inabattleofwitsand vocabulary.

The games beganontwotables–

The countdown wason, and the letters were flying as students faced off in athrilling round of Word Factory during Gospel Light Chris- tian Academy’s 2024-2025 indoor and outdoor intramurals.

On the Blue team’s side, the first game ended with AnnikaandAlessandra Sanchez both tying with 3 points each, while Johann Capus closely followedwith2points.

The tiebreaker game between AnnikaandAlessandra commenced, with Annika

In the tiebreaker, Julia Seran showcased a great lead, scoring an impressive 23 points against Gwen Lucena with8points.

The final match saw Annika from the Blue team take on Julia from theRedteam.

The Word Factory competition was displayed as a highlight of the intramurals,withplayers demonstrating their quick thinking and vast vocabularies.

In theend, Julia Seran emerged astheultimate Word Factory champion, bringing pride to the Red team and Lambs.

Angelo Lawrence Oseked

Ma. Annika Denise Sanchez

PHOTO BY CEPHAS JOHANN OLIVERIO

Literary Intrams: “Shhh! The Teacher is Reading!”

Justine Luigi Q. Avengoza

As everyone sat with their thoughts on, ears listening, and eyes glistening, guests and students alike wondered about the special occasion set for this encounter: literaryintramurals.

Opening the intramurals was strikingly set with a bang by the kindergarten students whose performance brought a wide smile to the audience for the cutesy

scenery of literary fables.

From a hungry caterpillar who voyaged for food and adventure to a spiderwhopurposely ignored different animals to finish its art- work on its house the cascading colors of the scenes depicted a colorful and wondrous animation the audience found themselves immersedin.

The characters marched into their flamboyant

and very demure performance with a twist! They twirled, pranced, and marched throughthestageas they electrified the audience with fantastic energybefore ramping up towards their final act.

Up next were the elementary students who soon delved into the vivid and vivacious

luous tones out of the audience's ecstaticglee.

With Alice portraying her familiar and heartthrilling adventure to the Grinch's attention grabbing muffled voice, Willy Wonka finally said something that captivated ears and gustatory sensesaseveryonecommitted to making the literary spirit alive figuratively and literally in everysense.

“Shhh! The teacher is reading!” saidthehighschool students as they lit up the stage in a vivid and resounding performance, portrayingtheartof listening and its conducive and relative learning leading to comprehension and understanding.

atureandnomenclatures.

Creating and depicting vivid expressions out of objections from the modern worldshifted its attention to technological advancements and augments making literature uncover its foldas creativejuices seep out of the unconventional conventions individuals face in the midst of illiteracy.

Ending the

advisers and classes were recognized for their consistent efforts in creating an environment of harmony.

and striking costumes;eachonehad itsownstorytotell, with purposes to fulfill.

The laughter and the sounds of chuckles filled the Sanctuary when characters descended into their personas.

The audience laughedofftheirjoy and amusement while rackingup de - lightfulandmellif-

Utilizing their subtle foreshadowingofliterature while future generations seek their dreams and aspirations by bridging education and utilizing literacy.

The high school students stand for the importance of listening and purposefully creating relationships between liter-

literary intramurals ascostumes floated and glided on their owners, notable

From balancing critiques to uplifting the harmony in being literate each character had his own story to tell which signified the essence of singularity, all the whileas theteacher asked students before continuing to shush them down, hinting the gradual opening of a book, as the student said “Shhh! The teacher is reading!”

*bow*

PHOTO COURTESY OF MS. RONILA SEVA

SPEECH CHOIR PRESENTATION: Grade 6 students delivering their prepared speech choir during the Literary Intrams 2024.

PHOTO BY MS. RUTH BOLDA

TWO LENSES, ONE HEART: I CAPTURED YOUR SMILE, YOU CAPTURED MY HEART

Angel Felicity A. Resulta

Highschool is when some would say is the highlight of your youth, where unexpected and memorable thingshappen.

In the bustling halls of high school, where everyone is attempting to meet the deadline, focusing on their up- coming sports games, finding new hobbiesandinterests...

Two young photographers, Celeste andMateo,bothsharing a passion for capturing theworldthatsurrounds them.

Their paths crossed during the school's annual photography contest. The contest was a dread for both Celeste and Mateo, and they despised each other. Their past encounters aren't sogood...

Before Mateo had transferredintheir high school, Celeste was well known for her photographs and art, often winning big competitions outside school.

That all changed when Mateo stepped in their high school, when everything changed for Celeste. Suddenly, she wasn't the school's top pick for big events and competitions; it was as if she was replaced by him.

Celeste and Mateo both loved capturing candid photos of people around them; it wastheirspecialforte.

This made it even more difficult for both of them; they would often see each other in the spots aroundtheschool, both determined to get the perfectshot.

Situations like these often made them clashed,makingitdifficult for bothofthemto work on their contest submissions.

"SinusundanÊmoÊbaÊ ako?" Celeste annoyingly asked, pointing her camera some place else.

"Ha?ÊDapatÊakongÊ nagtatanongÊsayoÊniyan." Mateo scoffed, pointing his camera

someplaceelseaswell.

They both were at theschoolgarden;the landscape was just recently touched up; bringingmorelifeto it. Many students often come to the school garden to hang out and enjoythemselves.

Both Celeste and Mateo thought that this would be the best place to capture their winningsubmissions.

Just as Mateo was moving his camera around, experimenting with different angles, lightings, and subjects; his camera lenses landedonCeleste.

Celeste was looking down at her camera, adjusting the settings. The sunlight caught her hair and face, giving her a sunkissed look as the soft breeze blowing around her.

Something about this moment caught him off guard; without thinking much, Mateo snapped the photo. He looked down at his camera, admiring the shot he just took withasmile.

AsMateolooked down at his camera, Celeste's camera lens landedonhim; this moment perfectly captured Celeste's interest, the way Mateo looked down at his camera, smiling, pairing it with the sun- setbehindhim. Celeste took a shot of thisscenebeforeher.

As they both looked down at their cameras, they finally both made a decision for their submission pieces.

The day of the contest arrived, and everyone in the school, from students to teachers, is very excited to seeallthesubmissions.

As Mateo prepared his photo submission, he bumped into Celeste; instead of the usual attitude that she displayed towards him, she gave him a softsmile.

"GoodÊluck," Celeste said with a soft smile beforewalkingaway.

After a while, it was finally time to display all the photograph submissions.

As the panel of

judges displayed the photographs, Celeste and Mateo's eyes widened. Right in front of them were photos of themselves,captured in abeautifulmoment.

After the event, Celeste and Mateo bumped into each other again.

After what had happened at the photograph display, theyboth viewed each other in a newperspective.

"ThanksÊforÊcapturingÊ thatÊphotographÊofÊme,Ê isendÊmoÊ ‘yonÊsakinÊ ha... gagawin ko siyangÊ profileÊpicÊko."

Mateo lightly laughed. "Haha,ÊooÊ isesendÊkoÊsayo...ÊThankÊ youÊdinÊha,Ê ‘diÊkoÊnaÊ expectÊ‘yon." Celestesmiled.

Mateo paused and looked at Celeste for a bit before speaking, "MyÊsmileÊwasn'tÊ theÊonlyÊthingÊyouÊcapturedÊinÊthatÊphotograph PatiÊpusoÊkoÊ rin.”

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

News and Literary Editor