Merlion Times Volume 17 Issue 3

Official Newsletter of Singapore School Manila

THE

MERLI VOLUME

Unleashing SSM’s Fun Festivities

The Roars of Fire, Wind & Water

N

TIMES

17 I S S U E 3

Exploring The Potential of Aspiring Delegates

Un-Dupe The Damage

NEWS

Celebrating The

Rhythms of The Dragon

By: Luna Cai

The rhythmic beats of the drum filled the air, announcing the arrival of the mighty dragons. With a diverse population of students, Singapore School Manila strives to embrace the joy and essence of each culture.

Together with the community, they celebrated the start of another prosperous Lunar New Year last February 8, 2024!

Beyond the Chinese community, the Lunar New Year — also known as the Spring Festival — holds a cultural significance across various Asian nations. Rooted in ancient tradition, it invites communities together, encouraging them to reflect on the past and embrace the incoming year.

On this auspicious date, hallways in SSM overflowed with students donning traditional clothing and elegant red outfits that symbolises luck and good fortune.

Throughout the day, students engaged in various activities, each designed to immerse each one in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.

Preschool to Primary students focused on the beauty of the traditional Chinese dragons, spending their morning crafting vibrant artworks inspired by this mighty creature.

Highlighting its significance, Jocelyn Cordero of S3-B, a Chinese born in the Philippines, expressed an emotional reflection upon celebrating the festival surrounded by her loved ones. “It made me feel like I was back in China making dumplings with my family, and the taste of those dumplings made me miss my family’s hometown.”

For Vicky Ren, another Chinese student from IBDP 1, the experience of dumpling-making with her peers sparked a delightful sense of cultural pride. “I could see that they enjoyed making and eating the dumplings. It made me feel that our culture is so spread out to other countries and it’s also being loved by the other cultures. I feel appreciated.”

As her peers are often guided by the notion that these celebrations are uniform across all Chinese regions, Vicky also takes the initiative to enlighten them about the diverse cultures and traditions of the country. “They might think that dumplings are for every region of China, but when I told them that we don’t eat dumplings in my hometown, Changsha, they were shocked.”

Secondary to Pre-University students spotlighted the delicious delicacies the country had to offer! Under the proficient guidance of the Mandarin teachers, they meticulously filled and shaped their own dumplings; fostering a collective experience that embodied the true essence of the culture. With their round shapes, dumplings ( ; jiǎozi) resemble ancient blocks of valuable metals called ingots, serving as a positive manifestation for hope and aspirations.

饺子

1

This year’s Chinese New Year celebration remains a symbol of shared goals and aspirations, echoing the value of unity and cultural appreciation all around. May the year of the dragon bring you luck and good fortune. , !

(Good luck in the Year of the Dragon & Happy New Year!)

龙年大吉 新年快乐

FUN FACT! Did you know that it is a common tradition in South China to jump over fire ( ) to celebrate the New Lunar Year? Dry grass is first burnt to create a fire which family members then leap over wearing newly bought clothing. Despite the seemingly dangerous act, it was believed that this served as a way to burn off bad luck and instead bring good fortune ( ) into the next year. And while some are unaware of the special tradition, it remains sacred and loved by many.

过火群

SPECIAL SECTION 红红火火

NEWS

UNLEASHING SSM’S By: Kate Siaco

Fun Festivities!

After years of anticipation, the awaited day of joy and celebration had arrived! On February 16, 2024, the community gathered alongside family and friends to curate lifetime memories at Singapore School Manila’s long awaited school fair!

品

嬉

乐

爱

In line with the theme of “Eat , Play , Be Happy , Love ”, the event opened with a traditional energetic lion dance as a quick but meaningful celebration to welcome the Lunar Year of 2024.

Exploring the campus, students found themselves immersed in a wide range of activities throughout the day: from game booths and an art exhibit, to food and beverage stalls.

As the day went on, a few surprises came with it!

The Stand-ins, a student band composed of IBDP 1 students Sophia Castro, Hannah Syquia, and Azriel Valdepeñas featuring Sahara Go of S3-B, performed in the spotlight! The harmonious tunes added to the merry day as students happily explored the campus. From delicious food to fun mini-games to even salon hairstyling services — SSM’s booths catered to all interests .

Many also ventured further into the school, heading up to the MPR(1) to enjoy a very special magic show! Its amazing tricks quickly attracted the attention of audiences, providing endless entertainment for all.

DESCRIBE YOUR FAIR IN A FEW WORDS! “Exciting & successful” – Erin Sy, S3-A “Fulfilling & exhausting” – Sahara Go, S3-B “Chaotic, interesting, lively” – Chelsea Woolcott, S3-B “Fun, energetic, happy” – Charlie Lim, S4-A “Very funny!”

– Kylie Chua, IBDP 2

And as the sun set in the horizon, the SSM community all gathered in the turf to cap off the night with a spectacular LED light performance!

In the end, it was one memorable afternoon, one that was only made possible by the sheer dedicated individuals behind the scenes.

Teacher Mico, one of the facilitators of the Marriage Booth, shared his personal reflection of the event:

“Overall, my expectations were met as the fair indeed had a vibrant ambiance with diverse stalls offering different experiences, from games to food to entertainment.”

And while many of these booth facilitators were SSM staff, some students also had the thrill of handling their own stalls! From simply enjoying the activities to running a booth, Sahara Go of S3-B, observed a drastic change in her fair experience, “When I was young, I really enjoyed the school fair because I could just play and all. But now, since I’m older, it’s a great feeling to actually have a contribution to the overall event and the enjoyment of other people.”

With smiles and laughter scattered all around the school grounds, the sheer happiness that beamed off the faces of each student was truly a refreshing sight. The newfound memories created on this day will only continue to prosper in the hearts of the entire community until the very next school fair!

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NEWS

The Roars OF FIRE, WIND & WATER

By: Aanvi Bagga

Walking through the doors on January 19, 2024, students were not greeted by the usual sea of uniforms, but by the vibrant hues of fiery red, windy white, and cool blue outfits.

More than colours, they represented the growing pride and determination of each team as they kicked off this year’s intramurals.

As per SSM tradition, a cheer competition marked the beginning of the event with splendid energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. A myriad of games were available for students to enjoy, including timeless classics such as the main highlights of basketball, volleyball, and soccer. However, this year presented a more modern twist to the activities, delving into popular electronic games such as Mario Kart and Just Dance, alongside childhood favourites like Jenga and Limbo.

Students gathered in teams to prepare for the games, representing three elements of nature: fire, wind, and water. The Red Team composed of Secondary 2-A, Secondary 3-A and Secondary 4 represented a burning fire, ready to take on the competition ahead. The White Team embodied a howling gust of wind with members from Secondary 1-B, Secondary 2-B and IBDP 1. And lastly, the Blue Team, featuring Secondary 1-A, Secondary 3-B, and IBDP2 symbolised the Earth’s cool waters.

After exhilarating games and a fierce competition, the Blue Team emerged victorious! For the graduating seniors of IBDP 2, this triumph will remain a core memory of their time at SSM. Being awarded as one of the Most Valuable Players, Allen Wu of IBDP 2 reflects on the awaited victory. “It was a great experience to be able to win the championship with my close classmates in my final year.”

More than the desired victory, students embraced the valuable virtues brought about by each sport. From the beginning to the very end, the support remained unwavering through times of victory and defeat. Kiana Mendoza of S3-B who was also awarded Most Valuable Player, shared the secret to a successful intramural.

“Having faith in your teammates is important because from time-to-time, they will be the ones to guide you during the games. It’s also necessary to have trust in yourself, just like when you play frisbee and need the confidence to receive.”

As the cheers fade away, the event concluded with the sound of the final whistle, marking the end of an unforgettable celebration of camaraderie and spirit.

This year’s intrams was more than just a series of games; it was an opportunity for students and staff to grow closer as a community through both teamwork and true sportsmanship.

STAFF ON THE ROLL!

By: Aanvi Bagga

Beyond student enjoyment, this event also served as a perfect opportunity for teachers to unwind from academic duties!

Following the main event, teachers and students bonded over a friendly match of basketball and volleyball. Teacher Melvin recalled the youthful memories the games had sparked, saying:

“I felt young when playing. I felt motivated when playing because it was the first official match with rules and referees against the students.”

Sharing this sentiment, P6-B advisor Teacher Keizzer who had participated in the basketball games, revealed how this competition had not only strengthened bonds between students, but the relationships between the staff as well. “It was a cool and amazing game because we, as teachers, had to be competitive while showing utmost professionalism. Even after the game, I found better communication with the teachers.

Let’s do it again!”

As the event came to a close, all teams had experienced their fair share of victory and losses. Regardless, both students and staff walked off the court with fiery spirit, bright smiles and newfound bonds with one another!

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SPECIAL FEATURES

COMMUNITY CHRONICLES

Exploring the Potential of By: Trinley Edwards

ASPIRING DELEGATES From participating in debate-centred competitions during their high school years, to mentoring Singapore School Manila’s ambitious debaters: the journeys of alumni Shane Go, Lance Sy, and Isa Lauchengco are nothing short of inspiring. Their participation in events such as the Harvard Model Congress Asia (HMCA) to other competitions like the Model United Nations (MUN) have fostered their love for passionate discussion which they continue to pass on to the current students of SSM. Many within the school community remember Shane for his extroverted and outgoing personality, alongside his unwavering commitment for all things MUN. In the five years since he has graduated, his impact remains evident not only in his lasting friendships with the community, but also in the opportunities he has created for other students immersed in the world of debate.

“WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO MENTOR & TRAIN STUDENTS?” SHANE

“Ever since participating in HMCA back in 2016, I became very passionate about giving people tools they needed to succeed. It’s that passion to provide students with the right tools they need to better themselves which is still with me.”

ISA

“I’ve been a big sister for almost 17 years of my life and I think that is what has fueled my practically innate desire to support younger students, especially when it comes to doing something that I was so passionate about.”

LANCE

“To be able to help provide a better glance at what to expect during competition, especially coming from my experience in debate from HMCA, WSC, and MUN. I want to be able to set some set expectations so students are more comfortable competing.”

As the founder of Singapore School Manila’s first ever MUN event – Singapore Schools’ Model United Nations and Congress (SSMUNC) – he has carved pathways and influenced those around him to work towards solving global issues.

Besides hosting such events, Shane has also received numerous accolades for his skill as a delegate — most notably, the Best Delegate award during the 2019 Harvard Model Congress Asia.

However, he continues to preach that awards aren’t and shouldn't be the main focus of these competitions, but rather personal growth.

“Winning an award isn’t the actual win. Growing as a student, growing as a delegate, that’s the actual winning factor.”

- Shane Go

Now tasked with mentoring the school’s current HMCA delegates, he has recently discovered more ways to pursue his passion for debate while growing as an individual. With his current role as an official SSM consultant, he has grown professionally as a youth mentor and debate coach. Though while his role as a friend and a teacher was deemed challenging at first, it only enabled him to become a better educator. "It's a growing and learning experience. Understanding how to be an educator in a professional workspace is something that takes time and practice."

And although Shane achieved great success from his hard work as an individual, he was also supported by fellow SSMUNC Secretariat including Isa Lauchengco, Jacob De Jesus, and Lance Sy — all of whom share the same passion for passing down such essential skills onto future generations.

Isa was best known for her remarkable leadership skills, becoming the President of SSM’s Student Council — Bayanihan — for three years. After high school, she continues to be active in MUN; and now uses her wisdom to inspire new delegates.

“As a mentor, I use my experience to help identify skills that are needed to do well in these competitions. It's about trying to give students a framework then adapt to their style.” - Isa Lauchengco Lance, despite navigating through similar busy schedules, remained dedicated to offering his guidance and expertise as a special guest during the final HMCA training sessions.

Reflecting on his involvement: he emphasises that training students is not merely about following a set formula. "Training the students is not something by the book. It's about learning the skills, gaining insightts, and adapting to prepare them to excel in any situation they encounter."

These established alumni all recognise the significance of giving back to the community that shaped them, taking time to foster the next generation of talented delegates.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

FRONTLINE FEATURES

UN-DUPE the

By: Martina Isidro

DAMAGE Ever gotten back-to-back pop-ups of “new items'', “great discounts” and “coupon code deals”? That’s the sound of ecommerce calling from each and every corner. Wanting to hop on current trends, many turn to online platforms for the cheapest prices and utmost convenience, one of which being the newly introduced TikTok Shop.

Despite only being on the market for two months, TikTok Shop had already thrown thousands of users into disarray after suspending and deactivating account after account without prior notice. Countless shop owners received accusations claiming to have breached the app’s Terms and Service regulations, specifically the recently implemented Anti-Knock Off policy.

This aimed to protect the original sellers from having their products copied and sold at a cheaper price, stating:

“Products offered for sale on TikTok Shop must be authentic and must not generate confusion due to its similarity to a third party’s Intellectual Property.”

WHAT IS TIKTOK SHOP? TikTok has recently emerged as a social media powerhouse, with billions of users logging in to view the latest trends every day.

Leveraging on its large popularity, it officially launched its newest feature The TikTok Shop in September of 2023. With the introduction of features such as shoppable ads, product showcases, and creator partnerships — the brand amplifies the way businesses connect with their audience and sell their products. This has not only benefited the sales of countless businesses, but it has also made shopping a more enjoyable experience for consumers.

Caught in the net, accused businesses quickly had their earnings frozen and even their shops shut down. Many argued that this decision was unnecessary; affecting business owners, delivery companies, and most importantly the consumers.

Alternatively, some users came to the defence of TikTok and the company’s decisions. From the standpoint of a business, allowing copies of products — nicknamed on the app as dupes — puts the platform at risk for major lawsuits.

Regardless, no matter how much we may try to free the internet from scams and illegitimate brands, there will always be a large part of it that will remain. The recent selling of unlicensed merchandise has only made it more difficult to distinguish between real and counterfeit products. This, however, does not mean you as a consumer cannot do anything to help these business owners. Actively supporting legitimate businesses and reporting dupes helps fellow users of TikTok Shop receive the best quality products; alongside keep original businesses from bankruptcy.

Additionally, being more aware as consumers and lessening split second shopping decisions would ultimately make a better shopping platform. Know where your product was made, the procedures behind them and how they were sourced; details like these allow you to be a more responsible buyer.

Nowadays, online shopping is simply inescapable. With new markets coming out everyday, it is important as intelligent consumers and wellaware students that we look past the beauty of these products and bring our attention to not merely what looks good but what is right.

COMMUNITY CHRONICLES By: Abi Co

SUMMER IS HERE!

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Introducing...

STUDIO HIRAYA

Led by the IBDP Business students, Studio Hiraya is a start-up organisation established in 2023. Inspired by the Filipino word “Hiraya”, meaning hope or imagination — their unique clothing, merchandise and accessories offer a newfound sense of creativity and originality to consumers. With the slogan “Where passion meets artistry”, they showcase their passion to continue discovering and creating new products meaningful to today's way of living.

Visit Studio Hiraya’s Instagram!

SPECIAL FEATURES

By: LAYLA! CONGRATS, Abi Co

TALES OF TALENT

On February 16th, 2024, Layla Go of Secondary 4-B was officially declared the first place winner of the 2023 Edition Draw Epilepsy Competition under the category of traditional works!

Ever since her days in Primary, Layla has taken passion in creating beautiful pieces to spread awareness about this chronic disease.

Over the years, she has taken the initiative to continuously improve her craft, spending hours carefully analyzing and comparing the different works of the previous winners before her. With a careful eye, she was able to find numerous patterns and key elements.

In line with the theme “A Beautiful Mind and A Loving Heart”, the piece aimed to convey the feeling of closeness amongst loved ones, inspired by one of her favorite albums entitled “And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow” by Weyes Blood. From the glowing hearts that represent the spread of love to the avid use of various shades of purple, typically used in epilepsy campaigns — Layla makes use of several elements to convey her take on the theme and bring her vision to life.

“I did have my doubts that it wasn’t good enough, but I noticed that the competition was more focused on the concept of the artwork rather than skill... I was really happy to have won!”

Despite a busy schedule, her sheer dedication to her craft and perseverance is what has truly allowed her to grow to reach the level of success she has today.

Congratulations, Layla!

We are so proud of you!

test Your Wits!

By: Shayla Aguilar

GRAB YOUR PRIZE!

Instructions: Figure out the different words associated with Chinese New Year according to the descriptions below!

T

I

T

I

1. The celebration of public holidays, or a celebration that occurs at a set time (every month, annually, etc.)

N

2. According to the Chinese zodiac, this year is the year of this Chinese zodiac, also known as, lóng

The Merlion Times has officially updated its rules!

While prizes are still on a first-come-first-serve basis, there shall now be two winners taken from Primary 1 to Secondary 2 and Secondary 3 to PreUniversity respectively.

G

H

P1 to S2 students must present answered physical copies to Ms.Annaruth at the Library. S3 to PreUniversity students must send a clear picture of their answers to: merliontimes@singaporesch oolmanila.com.ph Remember, only two winners shall be declared.

Best of luck everyone!

CLUES:

P

N

S

N

G

P

3. A red envelope or red packet given during holidays 4. A successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in financial respects; good fortune

B

E

I

T

Y

Note: The dotted lines connect two or more hexagons, this indicates that they contain the same letters.

ISSUE 2.2 WINNERS! Cody Luchangco Drake Lim Dublyn Ty Gracielle Techico Jolin Shi Jaxx Lim Quinton Hou

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The Editorial Board ABIGAIL CO

VANESSA WONG Managing Editor

Junior Executive Editor / Art Director

CHARLY LAM

AANVI BAGGA

KATE SIACO

MARTINA ISIDRO

TRINLEY EDWARDS

Editor-In-Chief

Senior News Editor

Senior News Editor

SHAYLA AGUILAR

Senior Special Features Editor

SIMYUNG SIOW

Junior Special Features Editor

LAYLA GO

Senior Layout Editor

Junior Layout Editor

CHESCA LAUCHENGCO

AKIMI ACUESTA

Senior Special Projects

Junior Special Projects

YVIE GO

Junior News Editor

JING YAN HONG Junior Executive Editor

LUNA CAI

Junior News Editor

Junior Special Features Editor

EOWYN LIM

Junior Layout Editor

CHERRY SY

Junior Special Projects

SAVANNAH GO Junior Layout Editor

RAFA LI

Junior Special Projects

COVER ARTIST Ela Logatoc is an S4 student that enjoys spending time on video games and often does everything with music to keep her company. As a hobby, she likes to create artworks that stretch her imagination.

In the context of the IB learner profiles, this issue covers the significance of effective communication. This is evident in the way the students are seen engaging in dialogue while expressing their thoughts and ideas.