Merlion Times Volume 16 Issue 1

The Refreshing Return of FACE-TO-FACE FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES

By Aanvi Bagga

AftermonthsofpreparationandanticipationsinceFebruary,thegradualreturntolimitedface to faceclassesgave studentsapreviewofpre pandemicnormalcy.Forthefirsttimein2years,studentswereallowedtoattendclasses inpersontwiceaweekinanefforttoeasethemintoadjustingtoclassesbeyondthescreen.

But,nothingbeatsthecomfortofseeingyourfriendsfivetimesaweek,gettingtochatwithteachers,andgreeting theAtesandKuyasinthemorning.Whatwereoncequiet,emptyhallswerenowfilledwiththeindistinctchatterof excited students as everyone at Singapore School Manila was welcomed back to full face to face classes on November2nd,2022!

After two years behind the screen, students and teachers alike were met with anxious butenthusiasticjitters Forsome,itwaseven theirfirsttimesteppingfootoncampusand seeingtheirpeersintheflesh.Othersshared joyousreunionswithfriendstheymissed.

Withthehelpoftheirteachers’kindandcaringnatures,students weregreetedwithacomfortingenvironmentthathelpeddispel the nervous anticipation brought about by the first day of classes. The SSM community also ushered in the return of physical celebrations of events together, that were previously hinderedbyonlinelimitations.AlthougheventsonGoogleMeet wereenjoyable,theexhilarationbournefromactivitiesinperson isincomparable.

Despiteeverythinggraduallygoing back to normal, SSM staff have done a remarkable job of maintainingsafetyproceduresand regulations to ensure everyone's physical well being Mandatory face masks, regular classroom sanitation, and social distancing are just some of the many protocolsenforcedonadailybasis tokeepthecommunityhappyand healthy.

Though it may appear to be a daunting experienceatfirstwithallthenewroutines, andperhapsnewfaces thesereservations are only weighed out by the increase of interactions, efficient learning, and carefree gatherings which have truly made this transitionaremarkablemomentinSSM!

SSM’s Service Fair:

By Charly Lam

What does ‘service’ mean to you?

AccordingtotheMerriam WebsterDictionary,itis

“the contribution to the welfare of others” an act showcased by 10 benevolent organisations invited to SSM’sPre UniversityServiceFairlastSeptember2nd,2022.

During the Service Fair, both Grade 11 and 12 students were introduced to organisations making meaningful contributions to society in several of their own ways. It is held to coincide with the IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) and CSC (Creativity, Sports, and Community) programmes that aim to mould students into holistic,sociallyandenvironmentallyresponsible individuals.

Thedayoffruitfullearningstartedwithanimpactful talk by the keynote speaker, Ms Rina Angelica Gascon Fulo, an advocate of gender equality and women's empowerment. Her words touched the hearts of many as she shared how important one’s actofserviceis.Sheemphasiseshowitfeelsallthe moreworthwhiletolendahelpinghandwhendone fromaplaceofselflessnessbysaying “You give a farmer fish, and they will have food for the day. You teach a farmer how to fish, and they will have food for the rest of their lives.”

Shortly after this enlightening presentation, Pre University students were divided into smaller groups and placedindifferentclassrooms.Theyactivelyparticipatedandlistenedtoseveralorganisations,includingKythe Foundation, 2KK, Smile Train Philippines, World Vision, Kids Who Farm, Kwentuhan Series, Forest Foundation Philippines, Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, The Plastic Flamingo, and A Home For The Angels.Theirtalksmainlyconsistedoftheirorganisation’saims,theiractionplanstoachievethese,andhow studentscancontributeintheirownways.

This event served as a stepping stone for students to make significant contributions to society. They were grantedseveralopportunitiestobroadentheiroutlooksontherealitiesoftheworld,andimportantissuesthat gobeyondacademicswhichundoubtedlyleftthemwithanewfoundappreciationandperspectivetowardsthe importanceofservice

Kaarawan Ng Bansa ARAW NG WIKA

By Abi Co

Kumusta,Kablaaw,NaunsaKa

threewords,differentsounds,onemeaning.Thesearejust someexamplesofthemanydialectsengravedintheheartsofFilipinos hichperfectlyencapsulatesthe country’sdeep rootedhistoryandimmensediversity.

To further highlight the unique traditions of the Philippines,SSMpaidhomagethroughseveraltraditional activities lined up on August 31st, 2022 in commemorationofArawngWika PreschoolandPrimary studentsunleashedtheirenergythroughthekite making activity which was soon followed by Filipino games includingthechildhoodfavourite,Patintero!

ndary students also stretched their imagination in tingtheirveryowntakesonthefamouslocaldessert: -Halo!Groupsworkedtogethertobringtheirspecial to life, incorporating ingredients from chocolate p to waffle sticks before delicately garnishing the productforthejudges.

inggames,kite andHalo Halomakingarejustsome e qualities that make the Philippines a country rich eritage and unconditionally loved by all its people, dingnon locals.

IncomparinghisexperiencesresidinginIndiaandinthePhilippines,AshankSundaram,aSecondary4 Indian student, shares that the nation’s hospitality is one of the characteristics of Filipinos he truly appreciates. “In India, some people are very traditional about hospitality. But in the Philippines, it just seems to come so naturally to Filipinos”.

Tala Alharbi, a Secondary 4 Arabic student, has lived in the Philippines for more than two years. She applaudedthecountry’simportanceforvalues,specifically generosity. Sharingarecentencounterwith alocalwhenhercarunexpectedlybrokedown,shesaid, “This very kind old man approached us and decided to help jumpstart the car, and before we knew it, we were home.” Atrueactofkindness,she says,thatshewouldholdnearanddeartoherheart.

Throughthestoriesandinsightsofthesetwoindividualsalongwiththepreparedactivitiesbytheschool theSSMcommunityisabletowholeheartedlyappreciatethebeautythePhilippineshasinstore!

ursery began with Scottish Caber oss, where a modified "log" of tissue aper was thrown a certain distance. tudents attempted a creative spin on ula Hoops with a relay race that riginated in Greece and Egypt, similar totheKindergartenstudents’activities.

Lower primary demonstrated agility throughLutadeGalo,ahumanformof cockfighting Meanwhile, modified Jianzi, an individual Chinese game where a shuttlecock is kept in the air without hands, challenged the teamwork and cooperation skills of pairedupperprimarystudents

By Aanvi Bagga

Teacher Claire, the event head, stated that these many sports shared one goal: to introduce students to cultural perspectives and instill inclusivity.Inherwords, "Sports connect people with different backgrounds”. Coach Mea, the event’s facilitator, added, "In sports, your nationality doesn’t matter, as long as you have the will to win."

ILLUMINATING CULTURE ILLUMINATING CULTURE

In honour of the diversity that SSM celebrates, take a closer look into the various traditions that make up one of the many cultural festivals celebrated by several individuals of the SSM community – Diwali!

DIWALI DIWALI

AFestivalof Light&Laughter

By Aanvi Bagga

For centuries, an array of hues paint the night sky as fireworks and sparklers are set off on the streets in commemorationofthegrandestfestivalintheHinducommunity-Diwali.ItsnameisderivedfromtheSanskrit word "Deepavali''meaning"rowoflights" Thecelebrationmarkstwothings:thetriumphoflightoverdarkness andnewbeginnings,asitismeanttowelcometheGoddessofWealthandFortune,GoddessLakshmi

AttheheartofanyDiwalicelebration,awidevariety of food and sweets can always be found on any dinner table. Laddoos, Kheer, and Samosas are staples you would never miss! Special oil filled earthen lamps known as ‘diyas’ and colourful sand floor designs called ‘rangoli’ decorate many Hindu households as families and friends come together dressedintheirglamoroustraditionalattire.

The tradition of sending greetings cards and focusing on rituals has slowly evolved through generations. Nowadays, it is more common to send online wishes or host parties with friends and family to honour the significance of the occasion. Many have also switched to environmentallyfriendlyalternativestofireworks,suchas the use of battery operated candles, as people become more aware of the effects these have on the world’s climate

FAMILY SIGNIFICANCE & SPECIAL TRADITIONS

EveryfamilyhastheirowntraditionstocelebrateDiwali.ForTeacherJayaandherfamily, praying,deepcleaning the house, and buying new items and clothes are just some of the rituals they follow to welcome the Goddess of Wealth.Nishita(S4) and her family, on the other hand, enjoy dinner together, play board games, and go out for dessert. Kshitij's (S1) family believes Diwali represents a fresh start. Starting the day early, dressing up in their traditionalattire,andburstingballoonsinsteadoffireworkstowelcomethefestivities.Niharika(P6)andherfamily lavishlyadorntheirhomewithlightsandcolourstosymbolisetheirrespectanddevotiontoGoddessLakshmi.

CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA VS THE PHILIPPINES

AccordingtoTeacherJaya,theabsenceofrelativesistheprimarydifferencebetweenfestivitiesinIndiaand the Philippines. To bridge the physical distance, she makes yearly calls every Diwali to check in with her relatives.

Nishita has heard many stories about how extravagant Diwali is celebrated in India, but she has never experienced it Nonetheless, she feels that the Indian community in the Philippines and Diwali gatherings keep the light of the festival alive. Kshitij feels that the laws of both countries are very different. Since firecrackers,akeyaspectofDiwali,cannotbeutilisedduetoenvironmentalconstraints,heusesalternatives Thewarmthofthefestivalisshowcasedwhenhelightsadarkroomwithrowsofcandlesinstead.Whilstfor Niharika,theavailabilityofdecorationsandsweetsposeachallenge.Hermotherplaysanimportantrolein preservingthespiritofthecelebrationbyplanningaheadandincorporatinglocalproductsintoDiwali.

WHICH ASPECT OF DIWALI DO YOU FIND THE MOST ENJOYABLE?

Teacher

Jaya

“Ienjoyeatingdifferenttypesof Indiansweetsandreceiving gifts.Ialsoappreciatebonding withfamily,whichtrulyletsus experiencethefeelingofthe festiveseason”

Nishi

“Diwaliisveryfunbecauseof thefireworks,thefood,andthe familytime.DuringDiwali,we alsoget“kharchi”,themoney giftedfromrelatives,thatfeels rewarding”

“Ifindfoodtobethebestpart becausemymumisachef.Ialso learnthowtocookbywatching her Ofcourse,Ienjoythemost importantpart,whichiseatingand spendingtimewithmyfamily.”

Kshitij Niharika

“Myfavouritepartswouldbe decoratingthewholehousewith lights,lampsandother decorations,makingsweetswith mymum,andpackingDiwali giftsforfriendsandrelatives”

ASpecialSpooky

SKELE-BRATION

Forthemainactivities,lowerprimarystudents showcased the artist in them and created Calaveras, or colorful skull masks, to match their beautiful costumes. On the other hand, upperprimarystudentsusedricegrains,corn kernels,andsandtodesignTapetes,meaning “rug”,thataddedavibrantpopofcolortothe day’s activities. A mini scavenger hunt was also prepared for all levels as they tried their besttofind10flamboyantskulls.

On October 28, 2022, Preschool to Primary 6 students learnt about one of Mexico’s most significant celebrations:ElDiadeLosMuertos,formallyknownas “theDayoftheDead” Justasthenamesuggests,itisa day for families to welcome back the souls of their deceasedrelativeswithofferingssuchasfood,flowers, photos,andmore.

SSMpreparedvariousmini gamesrevolvingaroundthe festivalandtheMexican inspiredmovie“Coco”!These included“PintheBowtieonMr.Bones”,hitthePiñata, bowling with pins decorated as Kalakas (skeletons), andCoco themedbingo!

But behind any successful event is the extensive behind the scenes preparations that create the most interesting anecdotes! When asked about the planning and execution of each activity, the event head, Teacher Eduard, shared that the pandemic inevitably had a significant impact As much as he desired to unite students across all levels and commemoratethisoccasionasone,therewerestill manyrestrictionsandsafetyprotocolsinplacethat couldnotbecompromised.

“We invited a speaker, the Mexican Ambassador. We created a Google Meet for her live talk instead. She also showed what the Mexican Embassy looked like during the celebration!”

Additionally, Teacher Eduard shared that the event flow was a tricky aspect to manage. To avoid overcrowding and maintain minimal contact for students, teachers came up with the idea of mini walkie talkies and other solutions that would still preservethefunspirit!

Despitethelimitationsandpressureofexecutingthis event, it was truly one for the books. According to Teacher Eduard, the planning committee’s efficiency was paramount to driving the celebration’s success. “I have to give it to Ms. Kris, who worked tirelessly in coordinating the time flow, the Supply Officers and Ms. Lara for ensuring supplies were ready prior to the event, the Art teachers and the Ates and Kuyas for assisting in decorating the halls with Calaveras, Kalakas, and bulletin boards.”

Regardless of the hectic schedules and numerous overtimedaysatwork,“it was all rewarding. You see parents taking pictures of their children, asking permission to watch what they’re doing in the rooms, and kids in their costumes. What's important was that the kids enjoyed the event and their treats!” After an eventful afternoon, rejoicing students went home clutching onto their bags of goodies,carryingwiththemcherishedmemories,and newfound perspectives on the Mexican culture all thanks to the wondrous celebration put together by thefacultyofSSM.

DARE TO COME IN?

SSM’s

By Abi Co

Secondary to Pre University both began the evening with a brief orientation on what activities to expect. Secondary levels were then welcomed with a special performancebyStolenSerotonin,abandconsistingof S4 students including Ashank Sundaram, Dani Tanchay, Timothy Lo, Hannah Syquia, and Sophia Castro! All levels then explored the campus in high spirits to try the exciting activities planned for them. These included puzzle solving, throwing darts to pop balloons, guessing the weight of a pumpkin, a flour blowingcompetition,andarelayactivity.

Aside from the mini games, the highlight of the night wasdefinitelythemuch awaitedescaperooms!Groups of friends put their collaborative and problem solving skills to the test in three challenging rooms: The Panic Room,theInfinityChamber,andaHouseonaHaunted Hill,solvingpuzzlesanduncoveringcluestoultimately escape. Though breaking out of the rooms was not an easy feat for some, they walked away with many unforgettable stories. A few students mentioned, “The teachers were whispering hints to our team as we couldn't understand what was happening!” and “Everyone was just shouting and screaming in the escaperooms”.Manywouldalsocreditthethrillofthe escaperoomstotheteachers’knackforscaring

But as amazing as all these activities were, the pinnacleofthisyear’scelebrationwasundoubtedly theface to faceaspectofitall. “I missed physically being with my friends and playing real life games. It feels different when you are physically present and in the moment with them.”, “It really brought back memories that I missed,” some students shared.

From the various minigames and treats to the formidable escape rooms this 2022 Halloween celebration was nothing short of amazing. This evening will surely remain in the hearts of the communityasoneofSSM’smostmemorableevents yet!

WE LOVE YOU Teachers Appreciation Day

By Charly Lam

AsUncleBenoncesaidtoPeterParker, “With great power comes great responsibility.”Aperfectquoteto describeSSM’steachersandstaffindeed!Andthere’snobetterwaytoshowcasethestudents’immense appreciationforourreal lifeschoolsuperheroesthanthroughaneventdedicatedtoSSM’sfaculty,headed byourbelovedStudentCouncil.

In a galaxy far away called Singapore School Manila, students and staff were greeted with a super morning announcementonOctober5th,2022:asneakpeekinto the small surprises the student body had in store for them throughout the day. From a superhero themed photo booth complete with wearable props, to special messages from the students written on the gratitude walls.Oursuperheroteacherswerewelcomedintotheir classrooms by choruses of chants, a warm cup of coffee and breakfast, specially prepared by their students After all, even superheroes need fuel to stay energisedthroughouttheday!

But wait the fun doesn’t end there! In preparation for the event, each class was tasked to dedicate letters to the teachers and staff that the class leaders went around to deliver later on in the day. Additionally, students were tapped on to showcase the manywaysthefacultyhavehelpedthemover the years through digital comics. The comics had various illustrations of the nurse fixing a child’s injuries, a teacher helping a student understandadifficultsubjectbetter,andmore allofwhichweresenttothestaffonline.

hrough several tokens of ppreciation, this event successfully howcasedthedeepgratitudeofthe SM community for our cherished aff’s dedication. SSM truly would otbethesamewithouttheirhelp!

Beyond the Books

A Derivation of

By Elle Sy

y=mx+c,r²,a²+b²=c² Doyourecogniseanyoftheseformulas?Formanyofus,onelookatanymath equationmakesuswanttorunaway.But,foryoungtalentslikeJansenMonjeof Primary 2 andReese TacuboyofPrimary4,Mathematicshasbecomeanoutletofpassion

ThetwoSSMstudentsshinedamongstthebrightestmathematiciansoftheirageastheymadeittothe podium at the recently concluded Hong Kong International Mathematical Olympiad (HKIMO) 2022 competition

HKIMO is an annual international Mathematics competition that invites several Asian countries to go head to head in solving a series of problems ranging from logical thinking to arithmetic sequences in the HeatRoundbeforeprogressingontotheFinalRound.

Reese’ssilvermedalandJansen’sbronzemedalare testaments to their natural talents in calculating difficult questions. So, what is their formula to success?

With limited time alloted to solving a handful of questions, Jansen describes the feeling of relief everytimehefinishestacklingthemostchallenging problems. On the other hand, Reese eagerly yet anxiously anticipates the results as it could take at leastamonthbeforethewinnersareannounced TostretchtheirMathematicalmindsinpreparation, Reese and Jansen shared that they invest in supplementaryclasses.Thoughsolvingequationsis fun,theyemphasisedthattheyneverforgettostill bekids!Theymaketimetoindulgeintheirfavourite gamesandotherintereststohelpinkeepingthejoy ofMathematicsalive.

Indeed,ReeseandJansenareonthepathtocontinuousimprovementastheyregularlyputtheirskillstothetest. Afterall, “every champion was once a contender that refused to give up”.Eachcompetitiontheyenterservesasa sourceofinspirationforthemtoimprovetheirskillsets Withthesuccesstheyhavebroughthome,thatsenseof accomplishmentfurthergrowstheirloveforMathematics.

Community Chronicles

By Martina Isidro

Wepassbytheminthehalls,greetthemeachday,buthowmuchdoweknowabout thestaffthattakecareoftheSSMcommunity?Findoutmoreaboutthechroniclesand routinesofourdedicatedstaff!

NURSE ODE NURSE ODE

Many may know her as Nurse Odessa, but her kindness and compassion is what makes her hold a special place in the hearts of the SSM community.

This school year, she continues her journey to meethercalling:“toserve,tocareandtohelp” byjoiningtheSSMcommunity.Evenduringthe interview,herdutiesasanurseneverpausedfor a second. She still attended to her patients whenevertheywereinneedofhercare,evenif itmeantforgettingwhereherresponseleftoff.

NotonlydoesNurseOensureourhealthandsafety,herclinicprovidesuswithincomparablecomfortand companionship “When they’re here, it's more than just knowing their names,” she mentions when askedwhatshelovesaboutthecommunity.Sheknowseachstudentbyheartandlearnsmoreandmore aboutthemeveryday,becomingoneofthecorefractionsoftheSSMcommunity

KUYA MOISES KUYA MOISES

Kuya Moises: the warrior of traffic and the saviour from late slips. After starting his job at SSM a few months ago, he has found it quite easy to adjust to his new routine of being our school bus driver

Asakeypartoftheschoolsystem,KuyaMoiseshelpstomakesure thatthestudentsgettotheirdestinationssafelyandontime.When askedaboutwhatmakeshisjobspecial,hesaysthatitswhenthe studentsare “safe and sound”.Hisdailyinteractionswiththekids hedrivesofteninvolves“What’syourbaon?”andthelikes.Hehas come to love these small exchanges, and it brings a smile to his facewhenheisabletodohisjobthebesthecan.

Tales of Talent Revival of THE LEAGUE THE LEAGUE

By Chesca Lauchengco

SSM’sveryownfootballtrio,AndesDiaz,JimmyShi,andRaviUy, rose to triumph as they pushed until thefinalsirenintheBorneoCup,heldinKotaKinabalu,Malaysia.Therisingfootballplayersreallyknow howtokickit,emergingasthechampionsoftheunder 14category.Butbehindeverysuccessstoryisthe resiliencyanddedicationthatallcomeintoplay HowdoAndes,Jimmy,andRavicontinuetochasetheir goalsamidstthe“newnormal”?

Prior to the pandemic, the young players’ schedules revolved around football. With training five times a week, the thought of quitting was never an option. Their drive for excellenceinthesportdidnotjustendatSSM’s footballclub

Becominganofficialplayerforthe Makati Football Club (MFC) gave them the opportunity to represent the country while competing on a world stage. International tournaments and exposure pushed them to be betterathletes,evenifitmeantdevotingmore timeandeffort.

Unfortunately, pandemic restrictions led to lesser time on the field. It was natural for their enthusiasm for constant refinement to be dimmed down. From what was once a 10/10, the footballers felt their passion for the sport drop to a 7. With growing team absences, to suspended practice sessions, the team’s chemistry undoubtedlyfumbled.

This is why, when restrictionsbegantorelax, the players were ecstatic. ForAndes,"it felt great to return to competing in tournaments and gaining that same confidence to play again.” While accordingtoJimmy,"once we returned to training consistently again, getting the comfortable feel of the sport after being gone for long was challenging.”

On the greener side of the field, the world returning to its normal meant that the players were finally back from the sidelines. Despite the excitement uniquely borne from travellingtocompe feat. Players men sought strength f cheerthemon.

Theboys’inspirationbehindfootballstems from having fun and seeing themselves grow as players with every game. Even thoughfootballrequiresgrit,strength,and determination, the boys rarely see it as a chore. Instead, spending time with their friendsandplayingonthefieldisanoutlet for them, citing how “the (recent) trip to Malaysia was almost like an escape from reality” for Jimmy. Truly, when you are doing something you love, it never feels likework.

Whether it’s kicking your first football,orpickingupabrush to create a masterpiece, we all start somewhere. To readers currently on the path to finding their true passions, these young football players have one piece of advice for you “Try to find the joy in what it is you do. From there, you'll be able to get back on your feet and find yourself walking along a path with a lighter mind.”

ToJimmy,Ravi,andAndes,wewishyouthebestofluckinyour futureendeavours!

YEARBOOK YEARBOOK

This year, Gia Co, Kylie Chua, Sophia Castro, Elle Sy, Cydney Soco, Jenelyn Shi, Summer Chua, Renzo Flaviano, Anikka Buen, Ruthie Morales, and Jaelyn Soliman work together to formtheYearbookCommittee.

In two distinct ways, their importance to the Yearbook Committee is certainly evident. As successors,theycontinuetoimproveuponformer yearbooks, making it even more personalised for the students. As the new Committee, they aspire to create a yearbook that connects with its graduating classes, especially now, returning to thefullface to faceenvironment.

Souvenir of the Year

By Martina Isidro

AquotefromGia,servingasone of their biggest motivators to push for excellence and further uplift the quality of this year’s yearbook.

“The yearbook is mostly about recounting who you were and all of your experiences when you were in school”,acharacteristicthattheYearbookCommitteetakesintoconsiderationineverysection.Fromthe write upstothegraduates’photos,theyhopeforthesetobeacohesiverepresentationofthegraduating batches’ individuality. Knowing that the Yearbook is something that immortalises cherished memories fromschool,thiscommitteewantstomakeitasspecialastheycan

Rather than the perfected, professional angle of yearbooks, this Committee promises a more uniqueandempatheticlookintothecolourfullives and personalities of the students, really making it their yearbook. Improving the layout and adding more photos is also a goal for the Committee, in comparison to previous issues of simple collages andonebigformalphoto.

“WE OWE IT TO THE GRADUATING STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM A LAST SOUVENIR.”

By Martina Isidro

Change and continuity. Twowordsthatnotonlydescribethe16thvolumeoftheMerlionTimes,butthe MTEditorialBoarditself,asweenterthenewschoolyearwithnewandfamiliarfaces.

As the heart of the board, they represent the pulse of the newsletter; bringing it to life and connecting all its parts. Jessica Snyder, Liana Wu, Vanessa Wong andYvieGomakeuptheExecutive Editors, collaborating with the rest oftheBoardincreatingeachissue.

Breaking news: exclusive reports on the best of school events! Our News Departmentaimstocreateinsightfulandengagingarticles,piecesthatwill truly highlight the thoughtful events and celebrations commemorated in theschool AbiCo,AanviBaggaandCharlyLammaketheMerlionTimes’ Newsarticlesfullofdifferentperspectivesastheyfindwaystowriteabout the school’s events from unconventional and intriguing angles. Reporting with the most intuitive pieces coming to you each term, the News Departmenthasallthehighlightscovered

Featuringtheschool’smostspecialpartsofitself,SpecialFeatures isheretoconnectthecommunity.

Just as the sun brings colour to our world, the Layout Department bringscolourtotheMerlionTimes.Thedesignandvisualappealofthe newsletterarewhattieinallofourcontentintoacohesiveissue.With thecreativetalentthatCharinaAnggala,SimyungSiowandLaylaGo hold, it is no doubt that the upcoming volume of issues will brighten ourreaders’daystoo Theyhopetomakethisyear’snewslettersmore editorial,includingcolourblocking,studentphotos,andanabundance ofnewwaystopresentourcarefullycuratedcontent.

“WHEN PEOPLE PICK UP THE NEWSLETTER, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING FOR THEM,” bringing together the community and showing that SSM is one big circulatorysystemofitsown

Penny For Your Thoughts

Take a look at SSM’s writers’ two cents on the topics they are passionate about & get inspired!

HISTORY’S HISTORY’S Mean Girls Mean Girls

By Sophia Castro

Everwonderedifwarcouldbeparalleledtoateenrom com?Well,thereareacoupleofthingsifyouthink aboutit betrayalandmanipulation,two facednature,victimcomplexes,andtheriseandfallofthekey characters.MeanGirls,theteencomedyfrom2004,hasastrikingsimilaritytothedeclineoftheUSAand USSR’srelationshipafterWorldWarIIin1945.Theirhostilitymostevidentduringpost warconferences.

In Mean Girls, the film follows the main character, Cady Heron, finally permitted to attend high school after years of being homeschooled. Duringhertimeinthenew high school, she forges friendships with Janis and Ian,whoguideherthrough theschool.However,Cady eventuallymeetsthemost populargirlsintheschool, the queen bees, “The Plastics”.

Regina George, Gretchen Weiners, and Karen Smith befriend Cady, slowly mould her to become one of them. Regina George is the most notable figure in the group, regarded as some kind of trendsetter. While Gretchen and Karen serveasRegina’stwomain friends,Cadyisseenasthe new“weird”girlduetoher lack of familiarity with the environment

The conflict between Cady and Regina originates from the realisation that they want the same thing: Regina’sex boyfriend,AaronSamuels.Thoughtheycontinuetheirfriendship,itistaintedbypettyactions andsabotage.

Contrastingly, the Yalta and Potsdam conferences in 1945 were held to discuss the fate of Germany and her allies, following the World War II atrocities The conference was graced by the attendance of the USSR and the three strongest Western Powers the USA, Britain, and France. The USSR had joined forces with the Western Powers during the war itself to defeat Germany and her allies, even with their striking differences in values. However, the commongroundbetweentheUSSRandtheWesternPowersbegan to disappear beyond their joint victory that eventually created a crackintheirrelationship

After the conferences, conflicts intensified as the USSR’s communist ideologies spread around the world,mainlyinEasternEurope Ideologiesthatthe USA strongly disapproved of due to its stark opposition to the democracy they pushed for. The culmination of the USA’s and the USSR’s petty policiesandactionstowardseachotherduetotheir divergences blew up into a 44 year rivalry, better knownasthe Cold War in1947.

It may sound quite unorthodox right now, but let’s delvefurtherintothis.CadyHeron,themaincharacter of Mean Girls, symbolises the USSR. Both seen as eccentric outsiders who do not share the same experiencesorperspectivesasthemajority.Gretchen’s truevengefulnaturesurfaceswhensherealisesthather closestfriend,Regina,doesnotcareforherasmuchas shedoes SherepresentsFrancebecausealthoughthey may not have much in common, Gretchen proves herselftobethemostbloodthirstyandvindictiveofthe two supporting Plastics, similar to how France seeks theirreparationsafterdrasticdamage.

TheUKisrepresentedthroughKaren,whoismainlypresentamongThePlasticsforcomicrelief.Howher characterblindlyfollowsReginaiscomparabletothewaytheUKfollowsbehindanyoftheUSA’sdecisions aslongastheyareclosetotheirso calledleader.

Finally, the main antagonist of the film and the most powerful of The Plastics and the entire school, Regina George. She sets the bar on what is and is not acceptable, like her rules for who is permitted to sit at her table. Needless to say, she symbolises the USA,the main source of instigation and the nation admired by everyone for its power Both of these characters knew that they were powerful and chose to act upon it with actsofbetrayalandvictimcomplexes,withoutanyeffort tounderstandanyperspectivethatcontradictstheirs.

In its entirety, drama is something that teen films and history just have in common that is not acknowledgedintoday’smedia.Itissuchastrangecoincidence,butunderstandingandlearninghistory likeateendramaisquiteafunwaytounderstandtension

MEET THE WRITER

Sophia is a student from S4 who's known for taking the lead. In her spare time,sheenjoyslookingfornewgenresofmusicandartaswellasplaying withherband.Shewishestoeventuallybringherworktoa3Dscaleasshe aspirestogetintosculpting.

A Forgotten A Forgotten

DEBT DEBT

By Juana Tiaoqui

Secondsturnintominutesthatturnintoyearsthatformages.Timeseemsinconsequential.Inthespace timecontinuumofthingswebelieveasreal,wewouldpresumablyprefertothrowinthetowel,shrugour shoulders and say “well, not everyone can be Greta Thunberg I guess.” It appears that our impact is so minuscule,andirrevocablynullinthegrandscaleoftheuniverse.

Thingsdonotholdvalue,butrather,wearetheones who see value in things. Look at the word “value” likenumbers,asequencethatneverends.However, there are numbers in between numbers, millions of decimal points in between the numbers one and two, tiny universes existing between the seemingly microscopicgapsthatwefailtosee Ifwetakeitasa scale,magnifyit10x100¹⁰orshrinkit89x10 ⁸,we wouldnoteverfindvalueinanythingifwezeroinon whatwewanttosee.

By2025,scientistssaythatclimatechangewillbe irreversible,andthePhilippineswillbedealtwith most of its devastating consequences Within perhaps3years,ifthetemperaturegoesupto 2 degrees, the effects will cause nothing short ofdevastation.Itisquiteanuglythingtohear,so millions more of us prefer switching tabs to our YouTuberecommendationsinstead.Someonewill do something. It's the biggest approaching crisis but billionaires will stop exploiting the neurochemical drama of gullible teenagers for their profit and focus on sustainability in about 5 businessdays,right?

This is humanity, this is the problem. Think of the poor animals who bear the grave consequences. BrieflyremembertheadorablebabypenguinsyouseeonaMicrosoftdesktop,andyouwouldnotthink aboutthemanylongerbecauseyouknowtheywillnotlivearoundlongenoughforyourkidstowitness them.Thedustunfurlsliketorchfireoutofajeepneyanddissipates nestlingitselfdeepintoyouthful lungs.Thelastbreath:astrangledsealraspsbeforetheplasticpackagingwrapcutsawayatitsreddened neck.Thericharenotgoingtostop,aren’tthey?Itallcomesdowntothis,whennationsstarttodrown, theywillbesealedawayfromtheirconsequences

This is how seconds turn into minutes, and eventually turn into forever we signed ourselves offto ThePhilippineswouldnotbesubmergedin water because there was no device invented to magically whisk away the inevitable rise of the sea. It will be because you and I are the same. Lyinginwait.Waitingonlies.Itwillbebecauseof mankind, capable of deep atrocities and compassion, standing there and doing nothing. The world would end, but it would end tomorrow,sowhywoulditaffectanyonenow?

It’ssuchabeautifulthing,tohope However,hopingthatthe nail will be driven into the coffin is not really what drives it into the coffin. Hoping did not bring the Philippines’ independence.Hopingdidnothelpyouacethattest.Thisis humanity. We have the luxury to hope, to need something andbringitforthuntotheworld Wecandoanything Where destruction lies, is where redemption trails after, and we havegotalongwaytogo Suchasthenatureoftheworld,by fixing the planet, we are also slowly uncoiling, unravelling, andhealingourselves.

It all boils down to you. It will start with you, and it will end with you You can save the cute little penguinsfromtheiruntimelydemiseandthelossofanentirecontinent.Youcanchoosetoseevalueina universethatseemstoexpandfasterthanyoucankeepupwithit.Youcandecidetoactonsustainability evenifyoudonotownapubliclimitedcompany.Thedifferencesyouseearenottheonlydifferencesyou make.Byhavingnohope,thereisanincentiveforaction,whichbringsaboutrealhope.How’sthatfora metamodernistparadox?

Purpose is not something to be found, but rather, it is something thatmustbecreated Thecreationof our purpose perhaps begins with the realisation that we all are responsible for the planet’s sustainability and survival.

MEET THE WRITER

Juana is a new IBDP1 student at SSM. Though she dedicated most parts of her life to the arts, such as music and literature, she decided to set upon a path more global issues oriented for her future. Specifically in climate change Her favorite hobby is waxing exaggerated poetry and interweaving philosophywithreality.

Dear Dear SSM, SSM,

By Jessica Snyder

A safe space to ask for guidance & advice from people who can help you best - the Life Coaches!

Question:

Dear SSM, my closest friends have started to spend time with a past friend whom I had a bad experience with. I’m open to reconciliation but how can I approach mending the situation?

Question:

Dear SSM, I feel like I have been losing focus and direction in life recently. How do I seek motivation when I’m burned out?

Answer: Answer:

Time is your best friend Waiting for the dust to settle would give both you and yourfriendthespacetolettheemotionsof thepastexperiencesubside.

Start with some compassion for yourself too. Forgiveness is a crucial step for both parties to be able to move forward. But how much have you actually forgiven yourself for what happened and for feelingthatway?Don’toverlookyourown feelings in the process of reconciliation, becausethosemattertoo.

When you reach the point where you’re ready to take the final step to repair the friendship, start the conversation even ifit'sadifficultonetohave Inhopesthat theotherpersonwilleventuallyreachout, we hesitate and wait it out, but you don’t have anything to lose from being the first one to try. After all, if you don’t try, how willyoueverknowwhattheoutcomewill be?

Everyonewearsdifferenthats astudent, daughter or son, etc. and when we juggle all of the responsibilities, that’s when we tend to lose track of our motivations or experience burnout. So, slowdown!Bekindtoyourselfandtake a break. A real one scrolling through socialmediadoesn’tcountbecauseyour mind is still engaged. Whether it's time spent alone or with loved ones, giving time to yourself to energise is just as important as any other duty in life. Find your happy place and make that somewhereyouvisitoften.

Taking a step back also gives you the opportunity to reflect and realign. Going back to your “Why?” for doing somethingwillserveasareminderofthe goal you’re working towards. Keeping in mindyourpurposeintheresponsibilities youundertakewouldgiveyouasenseof directiontoo!

Question: Question:

Dear SSM, I want to start a new hobby my siblings are excelling in but I feel like I won’t be able to reach their calibre. How do I stop comparing myself to others and stop letting this hinder me?

Answer:

While comparing yourself to others is inevitable,it’srarelyhelpful

Focus on knowing yourself strengths, weaknesses, likes, everything. Everyone definitely has their own set of strengths, and it’s about finding the right sport or hobby that fits those for you Circle back to why you’re starting this new hobby. Is it because it’s something you’re generally interested in, orisitbecauseyoursiblingsareinvolvedinit too?

When the reason you start is because of passion, no matter how different the hobby may be, it takes away from the pressure and urges to compare yourself to others You’ll alsobehappierdoingsomethingyouactually like! Try adopting an attitude of gratitude too.Thesenseofcontentmentwithinwhoyou are helps in making it easier to accept that everyoneisontheirownuniquepath

Question:

Question:

Dear SSM, now that we ’ re back to face to face interactions, how can I find the confidence to start a conversation with my schoolmates and teachers?

Answer:

Remember:Confidenceisnotinnate,it’s built over time and experience. So, seize theopportunityandjuststart! You could slowly build the confidence to start a conversation with your seatmates, and eventuallytalktomoreandmorepeople.

Thefoundationforbuildingconfidence isknowingyourself.Knowingwhoyou truly make the opinions of others hold less weight. It’s easier said than done,forsure,butjustbeyourself!It’s inevitablethattherewillbepeoplewho will like you and there will be people who won’t, but that’s perfectly OK. What’s important is that you’re comfortablewithwhoyouare.

Dear SSM, How do I adjust to delivering presentations in front of a real audience?

Answer:

Practice makes perfect! Even the best presenters don’timmediatelyknowhowtocommandaroomor have the confidence to speak in front of a sea of people. Prepare, practice, and present. Most public speaking or presentation nerves stem from being unprepared. If you’re genuinely aware and knowledgeable about what you have to present, it startstofeelmorenatural

Don’tforgettobemindfulofhowyoutalk Wetend tospeedthroughourtalkingpointsattheheightof our anxiety and then stress over making mistakes because we spoke too fast That’s quite counterproductive. Be conscious of the things you havetoimproveon,taketheleap,andtryagainthe nexttime!

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS... WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...

Looking to showcase your talents? Hone your skill set? Or do you just want to explore something different? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of competitionsandextracurricularactivitiesforyoutochoosefrom.Takealook,andoneofthese justmightpiqueyourinterest.

SSM Short Courses HAPPENING NOW

Needabreakfromthebooks?SSMhasprepareda varietyofactivitiesforstudentstoexpresstheir creativity.

Whetheryou’reinterestedintheArtsorprefer somethingmorephysical,thesespeciallycurated coursesareperfectoutletsforyourindividualities.

Enrolltodayinpottery,shortfilm,programming, photography,orevenfashiondesign!Forourmore athleticstudents,grabthisopportunitytodiscover moreaboutthePhilippineNationalsport,Arnis

Penny For

Thoughts (PFYT)

PFYT,abelovedsectionofournewsletter,is dedicatedtostudentwriterskeenonsharingtheir voicesonanytopictheyarepassionateabout.This istheperfectchanceforinterestedwritersto showcasetheirtalentstothecommunity!

TESTIMONY

BruceJu,aPFYTcontributorfromVolume15 Issue2,believedthatthefeedbackgiventoBruce duringthisexperienceaidedhiminimprovinghis writingskills,albeithefounditratherchallenging

Model United Nations (MUN)

MissedtheHMCAsign upperiod?ModelUnited Nations(MUN)allowsstudentstoexercisetheir debatingskillsandawarenessofglobalissuesas theytakeontherolesofdelegatesfromdifferent countries.

Manila Bay

ManilaBay,thenotoriouspollution hotspotofthePhilippines,currently holdsclean-updrivesatDolomite BeachandalongManilaBaywalk Jointheclean-upcreworforma groupwithfamilyandfriendstohelp createadifferenceintheworld!

TESTIMONY

CharinaAnggala(IBDP2)sharesthatoneof herfavouritepartsofjoiningMUNisbeingable tomeetandconnectwithpeoplefrom differentschoolsallovertheworldtodiscuss globalissues

FOR THE FUTURE

New York Times Review Contest

Thiscontestsummons opinionatedstudentstocritique piecesfeaturedintheTimesfora chancetosharetheirreviews globally.Haveyourveryown originalreviewfilledwithwitand thought evokingstancesreadby peopleacrosstheworld.

Harvard Model Congress Asia

Soundsfamiliar?This competitionisheldannuallyfor aspiringstudentsallaroundthe worldtoexercisetheirdebate andcriticalthinkingskills. Createalastingmemoryasyou learnandunderstandmore aboutcurrentworldaffairsin aninteractiveenvironment

TESTIMONIES

IsaLauchengco,SSMalumni,wasn’talways passionateaboutdebatecompetitionsand publicspeaking.Shefirstdecidedtojointhe Congressin2018;enamouredbytheideaof travellingtoHongKong,forthe competition.Duringthis,shediscoveredher potentialandstartedtotakecompeting seriously lateronencouragingherto studyPoliticsandInternationalRelationson herpathtobecomingalawyer

“Doyourresearch.Whatgetsyouto succeediswhatyoureallyknowabout thetopicandyourcountry.With research,confidencecomeseasily becauseyouknowandlovewhatyou're talkingabout,” MartinaIsidro(S3)

Hult Future Leaders Challenge

AttentionallBusinessstudents! TheHultFutureLeadersChallenge isaglobal10 weekcompetition targetinghighschoolstudentsto devisesolutionstoproblemsthat businessescommonlyface. Masteryourfundamental businessandpresentationskills withthisexperience!

TESTIMONY

JoeyShi,whoisleadingTeamShwuch alongwithhissister,joinedthischallenge initiallycluelessasitwasacompletelynew environment.Thankfully,hehadhis teammatesandmentorstoassisthim alongtheway Oneparticularmemory amongtheteamwasbeingsatisfiedwith theircompletedproposal

IMOCSEA

Developyourproblem solving skillsandrelationshipwith numbersthroughthe InternationalMathematics OlympiadCompetitionof SoutheastAsiacompetition, whereyouhavetheopportunity tosharpenyourmathematical skills.

TESTIMONY

“Myadviceistostaycalmandtrust yourgut Trustwhatyouhavestudied andreviewedbeforethecompetition”

PaigeGarcia(S3)

LIANA

VANESSA WONG

YVIE

JESSICA

AANVI