We Inherit The Stars Vol. 1

WE INHERIT THE STARS

Wearemeant formorethan wecanever imagine.

autumn

2024

‘WeInheritTheStars’by LA-PDCagroupworkof theHumanitiesand SocialSciencestrandof Grade12-Bisa culminating performancetaskin Creativenon-fiction whichportraysdifferent monologuesfromthe eventsthatoccurredin outlivesfromliterary reportstotravelogues andmanymore.Wewish toinspirethenextbatch toinheritthestars.

BattleforVictory

AstheLasalliancommunityapproachedtheendoftheLiceolympics 2024,thetension,excitementandeagernesstotakebackthecrownto victorycanbefeltintheair eachhouseexertedtheirindividualefforts, andexhaustingdaysinordertoproudlyrepresenttheirhousesinthe mostawaitedMr.andMs.Liceolympics2024.

Withtheintermissionnumberbyeachrepresentativeofthefourhouses kickingofftheprogramwithabang,thecoliseumisfilledwithcheers andscreamsfromtheaudience.Varyingfromhousecheerssuchas “Parmeniesagadsagad!Halabiralupad!”fromthemightygriffinsand “Dakoamonbalod,Rouenbakodbakod!”fromtheblueblooded hydras,eachhouseiseagertoshouttheirlungsoutinsupportoftheir representativesthatarebattlingforvictory.Thestageisfilledwith blazingaurasfromeachcandidateandunhingedcharismasthatcanbe feltthroughoutthewholecoliseum.

Astheprogramprogressed,allhousesbattledcarryingtheirhouse colorsintheexhibitingofteamsports,witheachparticipantslayingthe battlefieldandleavingnotracewiththefollowingsportssuchasLawn Tennis,Basketball,andVolleyball whichshowcasesevery participant’sstrengthsandtalentsinthefieldofsports.Leavingthe judgesperplexedonwhichhouseshouldbecominghomewiththe victory.

Asthetensionbecomesmoreintense,eachhouseisprayingtobe cominghomewiththetrophy.Holdingeachandeveryone’shandsin hopesforamiracletohappen,holdingeachoftheirbreathswhile waitingfortheannouncementofwinners.Whilerecognizingeach houses’efforts,therecanonlybeonetriumphantvictorwhowillwinthe battle.AstheHouseofParisbeingannouncedaschampionsforthis year’sMr.andMs.Liceolympics,eachhousememberfinallyreleased theirbreaththattheydidn’tknowtheywereholdingforthatlong,each sleeplessnightsandrestlessweekslonggoneastheyjumpedand screamedinhappiness.WiththeHouseofPariswinningthebattle,each housestillportrayedthespiritofsportsmanshipwhichmakesthem victorsintheirownways.

DivingtheWaves ofVictory

Banners of the four mighty houses - Paris, Parmenie, Rouen, and Rheims - stood tall, each one representing a legacy of athletic excellence.The atmosphere was tense and exciting as the students gathered in the USLS swimming pool, ready to give their all and make their houses proud

The House of Rheims showcased their prowess early on, setting a blistering pace in the 4x50 Medley Relay. However, the House of Parmenie wasn't far behind, demonstrating incredible stamina and precision in their strokes. The House of Rouen and Paris too put up a fierce fight, refusing to be left behind. As the races progressed, it became evident that the competition was tight. Every point mattered, and the pressure was palpable. Spectators held their breath as the swimmers touched the finish line, eager to see which house would emerge victorious. After a series of intense races, the results were finally tallied for the overall champion. For the boys, The House of Rheims emerged as the overall champion, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork The House of Rouen claimed the 1st runner-up position, closely followed by The House of Paris as the 2nd runner-up. The House of Parmenie, though trailing slightly behind, displayed commendable spirit and determination, securing the 3rd runner-up spot.

The girls' 4x50 Medley Relay started with a bang. Swimmers from each house demonstrated mastery and grit, effortlessly cutting through the water and leaving a trail of gentle waves in their path. The House of Rheims set the tone early on, with their swimmers displaying remarkable speed and precision in the Medley event. However, the House of Paris wasn't far behind, showcasing their own brand of tenacity and grit. The House of Parmenie and Rouen put up a valiant effort, refusing to be overshadowed As the competition wore on, it became clear that every point would be hard-earned. The swimmers pushed themselves to the limit, determined to bring glory to their respective houses. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering and chanting, urging their favorites on. When the final competition ended, the results were announced.

The House of Rheims emerged as the overall champion, with the House of Rouen taking the 1st runner-up position. The House of Paris claimed the 2nd runner-up spot, while the House of Parmenie secured the 3rd runner-up position. The boys' swimming competition was a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork Each house displayed remarkable spirit and determination, making for an unforgettable event that left the crowd in awe

The 2024 Liceolympics swimming competition was a thrilling showcase of skill and determination, with participants from each house pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory. The competition was fierce, but the true spirit of the event was one of camaraderie and sportsmanship.As the swimmers congratulated each other, it was clear that the 2024 Liceolympics swimming competition had been a resounding success. It was a celebration of agility, teamwork, and school spirit, and a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.

TravelEntry1byjj apolinar

ThereasonwhyIchosethisentryforumortravellogisbecausetravelistheonething thatseparatesmefromtherestoftheendlesscrueltiesoflife.Iwasbornandraised outsidethePhilippinessoyoucansaythecountryIwasborninwasmyfirstever travellogbutwho’stosay.IoncetraveledtoSanFranciscoandNewYorkcityallwhile Iwasinmymothersbelly.FormemyfirsteverdestinationthatIcanremembertruly wasthelandofThailand,Iwasonlyaroundsevenwhenmeandmyfamilywentthere. ItwasonlyablurthatIrememberedtheplaceswewentto.Aroundeighttotenyears oldIhadalreadytraveledhalfofEuropewithmymomssideofthefamily,sincethenI consideredthattriptobeanexperiencethatIwanttofeelagain,tohavedifferent peopleandlearnthedifferentethnicities Toendthistravellog,Iwouldn’tbeableto gototheseplacesifitwasn’tforthecountryIwasbornandraisedinAbuDhabi, UnitedArabEmirates,Ibelievethatthisismyfirsthomeandwilleverbethehomethat Iwillforevermiss.

Wegotplacestobeby jonathancamponion

Ourfamilyisfullofpassionatepeopleaboutvacations.Wewouldplansometimesa yearaheadjusttomakesuretofulfilltheplansforournextdestination.Theyearin 2013inthemonthofDecember,Boholwassuchanunforgettableexperienceforme sinceweweresobusygoingfromplacetoplace.Usually,wewouldrestbutrestwas notinourfamilyvocabularyduringourvacationinBohol.Wewereallcompleteandit wasjustpurejoytoseeeachoneofthem.WewouldjumpplacestootherplacesandI can’tbelievethatallofitwasplanned,itwaslikemyfamilyhadaprogramfloworan itineraryonhowtokeepthisvacationsuprising.Therewasatimewherewesurprised mymombecausehertopfearissnakes.Wewenttoasnakesanctuaryandwhenshe sawthe1stsnakeinthecageshescreamedandranbacktothevan AnIslandcalled ‘’Balikasag’’wasaverybeautifulmarinesanctuary Lastly,savingthebestforlastisthe Chocolatehills.It’sjustspeechlesstorealizethatIwouldjustseethisinmyCivicbooks andnowit’sinfrontofmyeyesandappreciatingthebeautifulcreationofGod.Bohol wassuchaverygratefulexperienceandIwilllookforwardtogoingbackthereagain.

Singaporebyjames ibañez

Asateenager,Idreamoftravelingaroundtheworld.Ichosethisformofentryforum becauseIwanttotellthestoryofhowImadeittoSingapore.Thetripwasasurprise frommyoldersisterformygraduation.IthoughthighlyofSingaporeandwhenI actuallygotthere,thecountryexceededmyexpectations.Thecleanlinessalongthe streets,themodernizationofthebuildings,andhowevidenttechnologyisinthe country’seconomy Singaporeisacountrywherediversityflourishes Somany differentpeopleofdifferentethnicitiesvisitthecountrytoexperiencethecountryfor themselves.Irememberwalkingbypeoplewhospokedifferentlanguagesandfound myselfidolizingthemforsimplybeingthewaytheyare.Myveryfirstoutofthecountry triptaughtmethatindiversity,thereispeaceandharmony.

The days you need people the most, you will realize that you are never alone There was a time when tragedy struck in my compound, and getting ready to go to school was never really the same after that. As flames engulfed the houses near ours, all I thought was one thing. “Turn off the electricity” is something my dad has always taught me if ever the tragedy of the house almost burning was ever experienced again. To someone like me who wasn’t ready for anything like that, my mind raced and everything stopped. “What would happen if our house did burn down?” “What about the other things that were inside?” These were the thoughts I had as I was running to retrieve the items inside the house that I deemed important. When I was outside, I was screaming for help as I was alone. Desperate to get the things my parents worked hard for, my tears not falling as the flames engulfed more. Taking everything I got my hands on, nothing mattered. Calling my friends and my sister, they were the only ones I thought could help me. My sister answered she was still in Manila, crying as I told her what was happening I didn’t know what to do as I watched a part of our house sparkling with the flames.

As the fire truck’s sirens filled my ears, were we saved? The people who helped me told me to calm down as they placed the furniture in front of me. I sighed with relief knowing that at least we had something to start with, I went back inside the house, and the heat of the fire fell inside my room I didn’t care about the consequences, the dangers, I just knew I had to get more and more. The sculptures of the saints my mom had, the videotapes my dad liked to watch, my sister’s yearbook, I went back to it trying to salvage every last bit. My brother came as he heard the news, telling me to not go back anymore as it was too dangerous. He proceeded to go inside, helping the people splash the houses with water. I knew it, I saw it in his eyes, and he was also afraid. The sense of nostalgia flooded my mind as a portion of my room was now burning with flames

And a few minutes later, it was done. The fire died down before it reached our living room. Maybe that was the time when I could finally breathe, I didn’t even notice how my father was already there with my brother, they told me he helped with watering down the fire. I saw how many people helped, I didn’t recognize who they were, not knowing what to say to them except “Thank you”. The bumping of my heart died down as I saw my mother get home, immediately asking me if I was okay. Maybe that was the moment where I couldn’t hold back tears anymore. Maybe it was inevitable to cry after a disaster like that almost taking half of my home.

To the people, it might have been a small act of “Bayanihan” but to me, they were the ones who saved my home. The ones who helped me protect the things that were important to me. I would say that I was lucky, that my home wasn’t fully engulfed by the raging flames that day. I wasn’t one of the people to sleep in an evacuation shelter. Truly, I was lucky enough. To be able to sleep with a roof over my head was a privilege I was really thankful for after that incident. I could really say that I got lucky.

EchoesofLove:A Journeyof Rediscovery

In the beginning and flow of life, there are moments when love seems to wane, fading like a sunset slipping behind the horizon For me, that moment wasn’t a sudden crash, but rather a gradual descent into a canyon of doubts and uncertainties, where the echoes of our laughter seemed to dissipate into the vast emptiness. It began with small cracks in the foundation of our relationship imperceptible at first but growing wider with each passing day We became entangled in the web of routine, our once-spontaneous gestures now scripted and predictable Our conversations lost their depth, skimming the surfaces of trivialities rather than delving into the depths of our souls

I found myself longing for the connection we once shared, a bond forged in the fires of passion and tempered by the trials of life But try as I might, I couldn’t seem to grasp onto the threads of what once held us together, slipping through my fingers like grains of sand As the distance between us grew, so too did the doubts that gnawed at my heart. Was this love real, or merely a mirage conjured by the heat of infatuation? Had we built our castle on shifting sands, destined to crumble at the slightest breeze? In the darkness of doubt, I searched for answers, grappling with the demons of fear and insecurity that haunted my thoughts. But amidst the turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerged - a flickering flame of possibility amidst the encroaching shadows

I began to excavate the ruins of our love, shifting through the rubble in search of the buried treasure that lay hidden beneath. In the quiet moments of introspection, I unearthed fragments of memories - the sparkle in your touch against my skin, the steady rhythm of your heartbeat echoing mine. With each rediscovered moment, I felt a glimmer of hope ignite within me like a beacon guiding me through the darkness. I realized that love is not a destination but a journey, with its twists and turns, highs and lows, and moments of repair and redemption. We embarked on a journey of healing, laying bare our vulnerabilities and scars in the crucible of honesty and forgiveness. We laughed, we cried, we stumbled, but through it all, we never lost sight of the love that bound us together.

In the end, it was the journey of falling out of love and finding it again that taught me the true meaning of resilience and commitment. Love is not always easy, but it is worth fighting for, even when the flames flicker and dim. And that realization, I found a love that burns brighter than ever before, illuminating the path ahead with the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

UnleashingEmotions througheveryNote

When I was a kid, I already knew that I had potential when it came to music, especially singing. I convinced my father to enroll me in voice lessons. I thought about it for a few seconds and decided that there’s nothing to lose if I try. As time goes by, I constantly practice all of my song pieces each and every day so that I can have the opportunity to make my life better someday. However, my father and I had an argument because I wanted to make decisions in my own life. But he still chooses to manipulate me, saying that at my very young age, I can already earn money by using my talent over listening to me. And that's not what I want. It's frustrating to know that someone wants to interfere with your own decisions in life. Why can’t he just support me for what I want? I somehow managed and understood the circumstances because, as much as I love music, it also gives me warmth and comfort. And I didn’t lose hope.

I realized that other people might not know what you’re going through; don’t make them stop what you want to achieve in life. We must stay focused on our aspirations and not allow external opinions or perceptions to sway us from our path. Despite the uncertainties and setbacks we may encounter, staying true to ourselves and our dreams is key to achieving fulfillment and success. So, keep pushing forward, embrace your goals wholeheartedly, and don't let anything or anyone hold you back.

Currently, I believe I have made improvements. I can also play the instruments that I want. I am very happy knowing that music can help me strive to get better, especially with my studies, it truly helps me find more opportunities for my scholarship. I really wanted to thank my mom, friends, and especially my trainer for not giving up and being there for me through competitions, recitals, buskings, etc.

Life is short; don’t waste every inch of it.

AnotherYearPassed

.ThefourthquarteroftheGrade12hasbeensofast,eventhiswholeschool yearfeltlikelightning.InevernoticedituntilthecurrenthappeningsinLiceo butithasbeenexactlyonemonthsinceIhavebeenelectedastheHumanities andSocialSciencesStrandCouncilGovernor.ThemomentIfeltthedayIwon hasnowbeencloudedwithlongingandreminiscing.Icannotsimplyexplain whatIfeelrightnowafteralmostoneyearofmyelection.Iamexcitedtoend thisbutatthesametimeIdon'tfeelanysorrowthatitisgoingtoend.WhenI realizedthatithasbeenoneyearsinceIbecamegovernor,mymindhasbeen filledwiththememoriesandlookingbackonwhatIdidfortheHUMSS studentsthroughouttheyear.

ThoughmywholetenureastheHUMSSGovernorfeltlikelightning,there weresomanythingsIdidandplannedtodo.Duringthebeginningofthe schoolyear,weorganizedtheLiceoSeniorHighSchoolAwarenessProgram wherewewelcomedthenewbatchofstudentsandthereturningstudents, thisincludestheHUMSSstudents.Iwasgladtoseeagreatreceptionand reactionfromthestudentsfromourwelcomingactivity.Alongtheway,the HUMSSCouncil,withmyleadership,reformedthesystemofleadershipinthe HUMSS.Wecreatedamorecomprehensivestrandgovernment,whichwas followedbyotherstrands.Weopenedthefirststrandvolunteersystemforour outreaches,wecreatedastudentwelfaredepartment,weformulated platformsfortheHUMSSstudentstospeakuptheiropinionsoncertainissues, weestablishedahelpcenterthataidedHUMSSstudentsontheirexams. Throughouttheseprojectsandprograms,Iwassohappytoseethatthe HUMSSstudentsareeagertojoin.Imetalotofnewpeople,especiallyfrom thegrade11HUMSS.

Theywouldusuallyapproachmeandaskmeformyopinionsand suggestionsaboutcertainthingsintheirlifeortheirworks.Theyrespectmeso muchthatIbecameamentorforthem,somethingIdidn'texpectfrommyself.I neverrealizedthatIwascapableofbeingsomeonewhomentors,especially givenmytemper.AsIwasmentoringthem,Iwasalsoabletogetsomething fromthem.IlearnaboutthemselvesassuchIlearnotherperspectivesthatI haven'tseenbefore.Ibecamemorecenteredandmorefocusedwhich graduallylostmytemper.ThankstothemIwasabletochangeanddevelop myselfforthebetter.

Asmytenureended,IlookedbacktothosestudentswhoIfirstsawas completestrangersbutnowIhavebecomeaninspirationforthem.Students whoIguidedtoreachbeyondtheircapacityandaimforgreatness.This thinkingofmineiscloudedbymydoubtsifIhavedoneenoughforthem.I questionmylegacyastheHUMSSGovernor.However,theHUMSSstudents wouldapproachmeandthankmeforthethingsIdidforthestrandandfor them.TheyassuredmethatthelegacyIwillbeleavingtothem,willbesafe andcontinued.Forme,thisisthegreatesthonorandrecognitionIcould acceptasastudentleader.MyelectionasaHUMSSGovernordidn'tonlygive meachancetochangeotherstudents’lives.Itchangedmeasapersonforthe best.Something,Icouldreallyusetoreachhigherformyself.AsIdepartfrom myseat,IonlywishforthebestforthemandIhopeallthethingswelearned fromeachotherwillbeusefulforthepathsweareabouttotakenow.

The day my younger brother was born was the turning point in my life. His presence brought a significant change in our family dynamic and my outlook on life. I am the second oldest of my four siblings, including my newborn brother. I had grown used to being the older sibling before he was born, but now that I have a new born baby brother to look after and guide, I felt like I had an entirely different role and had reached a new level of maturity.

His birth story was both joyous and difficult. The responsibilities of raising a newborn required our family to juggle our time and attention between four siblings. Our family became closer as a result of the experience, even with the early difficulties, since we all shared in the joys and obligations of having an addition to the family. As my baby brother grows, I have learned so much as an older brother.

I didn't have the opportunity watch my sister grow as a baby due to our small age gap. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to do so with my baby brother. This experience developed and shaped me as a person mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have learned the importance of being patient, compassionate, and understanding in tending to my baby brother. I have also developed a greater appreciation for the joys of family life, cherishing the moments we spend together as a family.

LoseYourself

When I was young, my family and I went to the mall Recalling now, I forgot what the purpose of us going there was but I fondly remember my mother rushing to find something there. I remember letting go of my father’s hand and running to look at something that I was very excited to see. I remember it being a toy of some sort. After looking around and trying to find my father, he was nowhere to be seen As young as I was, I had already understood the concept that I was lost I cried and cried until a security guard picked me up and helped me find my parents I don’t remember what happened next as I was in a haze and fell asleep from the exhaustion of crying. The next thing I remember is that I was already being held by my father and heading to the car to go home.

Looking back, I realize that in that situation, I probably experienced my first feelings of despair and relief Despair because I realized that my father was gone and that I didn't know what to do in that situation because it has never happened before, and relief because I was returned safely to my father. Those moments were crucial to my personal development because from that point on, I was more careful of my surroundings because I was scared of being lost A simple fear of a child, but I bring that trait with me to this day. How? In the sense that I don't want to be lost in my own thoughts, and that I don't want to lose myself and who I have become today. Reflecting back, I am thankful that the experience above has happened to me

WE INHERIT THE STARS

Wearemeant formorethan wecanever imagine.

JOHNWILFREDA.APOLINAR|KATENICOLEAUSTRIA|JONATHANDAVIDG.CAMPONION| JEDDAHMARIE DELGADO |JUSTINL.GALERO|RODDDAVIDGASATAYA|KYLEAGUILARGETIDA|JAMESCEDRICIBAÑEZ|NIKKI INVENTOR|KLARISSEYANAMAGASPAG|JOSEGABRIELSMILESMORALES