The Sage-Volume 1 Issue 1

THESAGE

Volume 1, Issue 1

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOPHIA SCHOOL

Grateful Sophians honor Child Jesus

message It is with great honor to present to the Sophian community the re-launch of the School’s official student publication—The Sage.

The School initially had its newsletter—The Sophian Monarch—in 2000, but the challenges of keeping its circulation and recruiting for its staff halted its operation. The desire to revive the school paper, however, had remained. This year, the School administration convened students who are united by their passion in writing and photography, and bonded by their willingness to impart their talents to fellow students.

The publication is renamed The Sage (adj.-profoundly wise) to complement the School’s philosophy of developing holistic students who acquire wisdom, the highest form of knowledge.

As such, The Sage would serve not only as a mere chronicler of the School’s rich history, but more importantly, as a repository of information that would engage each Sophian to intellectual and relevant discussions concerning his/her role as a student, a Filipino citizen, a future leader of change and a servant of God. This mission will be fulfilled in the seven sections of the The Sage. The News will provide updates on the School’s internal and external activities, while the Snapshots will complement the News section in documenting School affairs through pictures.

Notable Sophian activities will be highlighted in the Features page, while the Filipino section will recount the School’s glorious past as well as the cultural heritage and history of Meycauayan City.

The Sage will open its pages to Sophian students’ views on timely issues through the Hashtag. Meanwhile, a personal account of a student about his/her life and experiences as a Sophian will be featured in the Circle section.

We also believe that a student’s engagement must not be limited within the classroom; thus, in the Issues section, we will present in-depth stories about national or cultural matters that concern their being a student and a citizen.

We hope that through this publication, Sophians will enrich themselves to become prudent individuals who are not only fully aware of the circumstances surrounding them, but have the mind and heart to initiate changes for the better. As the great Indian political leader Mahatma Gandhi said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

We look forward to your valued support in our endeavors.

Onward, Sophians!

—The Sage Staff Publication Year 2016-2017

About the cover IHS

SOPHIA SCHOOL Pre-school | Grade School | Junior High School | Senior High School 573 F. Dazo St. and 159 Abacan St., Calvario, Meycauayan City, Bulacan 3020 (044) 769 6090 | sophia_school@yahoo.com

Grade 8 student Francis Bret Dionisio and Grade 9 student Lorie Mae Santos carry the emblems of the attribute of Simplicity as they usher the carozza bearing the image of the Holy Child Jesus. They are among the 10 pairs of boys and girls who represent distinct attributes inspired by letter initials of the School’s Patron Saint.

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

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4  Sophia School gears up for senior high  Local dances, music feted in NAMCYA meet

5  Staffers join Jr. Inquirer camp

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 Biggest Soiree held at Fairmont Makati  95 students become ‘little’ school officials, teachers  Sophians join Good Friday procession

6  Grade 10 ‘moves up’ in 16th Metaday  Sophian girls bloom at Flores de Maria

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7  Adopt-a-Kid project: Sharing hope, love, blessings with fellow children

8  12th Sadana Festival: Grateful Sophians Honor Child Jesus

12  Reaching out to the Dumagats

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of Doña Remedios

13  Boundless learning, widening perspectives

14  #ToOurNextLeaders

15  Balik-Tanaw: Tanglad Center

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sa Barrio Calvario

16  Snapshots

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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF SOPHIA SCHOOL Writers and Researchers Clarence John G. Belza, Gabrielle Francesca P. Carrillo, Nathaniel T. Mercado,

Mary Grace F. Mijares, Maria Frances Isabel L. Jacinto, Kryztele Mhae D. de Serra, Casie Denyse D.L. Santiago, John Jayson E. Ruiz, Norman Christopher T. Mercado, Alain Mikhail M. Alzona, Ma. Theresa R. Celiz, Kristiana Denisse R. Exaltacion, Kahlil Gibran R. Abacan, Tiarra Ysabela A. Joaquin Editorial Consultant Rafael L. Antonio Publications Adviser Clarisa T. Zuñiga

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news

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OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

Sophia School gears up for senior high

By Clarence John G. Belza Grade 10 All are set for next academic year as Sophia School will be offering academic and technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) tracks of the senior high school (SHS) program.

The Department of Education (DepEd), after conducting series of accreditation, had granted the school to operate SHS program through DepEd Permit No. SHS-652, s. 2016.

Prinicipal Marie Ann Abacan said the administration and staff had conducted meetings to discuss the curriculum for the various strands to be offered, including the competent teachers needed and required physical environment.

“There may be some challenges like the amount of time needed to finish everything but the school will make sure everything will be finished by the second quarter of school year 2016-2017,” Abacan said..

Under the academic track, the School will offer Account-

ancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand and General Academic Strand (GAS).

The School’s TVL track will offer Home Economics strand, with specializations in Food and Beverage Services, Bread and Pastry Production, Cookery, Housekeeping and Bartending.

SHS Department will be located at the old grade school and high school buildings, which are undergoing massive renovation, on Abacan Street.

The buildings will feature new facilities such as airconditioned instructional rooms, multimedia laboratory, bar and kitchen laboratories, learning resource center, cafeteria and basketball half court.

In 2013, former President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act 10533 which

The renovated grade school and high school buildings on Abacan Street will house the Senior High School Department next school year.

—Photo courtesy of the Office of the Principal

mandated universal kindergarten, six years of grade school, four years of junior high school and two years of SHS.

The SHS program consists of 17 core curriculum subjects, seven applied track subjects and at least eight specialized subjects for each track.

Local dances feted in NAMCYA meet

By Gabrielle Francesca P. Carrillo Grade 8

For the first time, Sophia School hosted participants of the 42nd National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) at the

Meycauayan West Central School at Barangay Gasak last Nov. 26, 2015.

The program showcased various traditional and ethnic

dances across the country performed by fellow students and young artists.

The Samasa Magdiwang Ethnic Dance Group from Abra province performed a ritual dance for protection from evil spirits. Meanwhile, the Bonton Elementary School Cultural Dance Ensemble, comprised of students from Manobo tribe of Davao City, showcased a harvesting season dance number.

The Manobo Ethnic

Group presented a dance asking for approval, love and protection from gods and good spirits, while the Pantuyan Elementary School from Canaga, Davao del Sur also presented a harvesting ritual by burning wood as incense to worship their gods.

Students from Tulum Elementary School from General Santos City performed a dance and song number about giving respect to the elderly and valuing nature.

OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

newsbites 95 students become ‘little’ school officials, teachers For a day, the torch was handed to 95 students to become little teachers, officials and support staff members of the school last January.

Started in 2003, the annual event, which is part of the school’s weeklong founding anniversary celebration, showed Sophians’ gratitude and appreciation to education as well as mutual respect among faculty, staff and students. Maria Frances

Isabel L. Jacinto, Grade 6

Sophians join Good Friday procession Some 70 members of the Sophian community joined the annual Good Friday procession on March 25, which culminated at the patio of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church at Barangay Poblacion in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.

Sophia School has been participating in the solemn event since 2009, with its tableau of the adult Jesus Christ—one of the school’s patron saints—with the Children.

The scene is derived from Luke 18:16: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Kryztele Mhae

D. De Serra, Grade 9

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Staffers join Jr. Inquirer camp

By Nathaniel T. Mercado Grade 6 The Sage staffers learned the basics of journalism from award-wining media men of the Philippine Daily Inquirer during its fourth installation of the 2016 Junior Inquirer Summer Camp on May 12, 18 and 23 at the Inquirer main office in Makati and Sophia School in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.

The three-day camp was facilitated by Junior Inquirer editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo who taught effective news and feature writing; Inquirer art and design director Lynett Villariba discussed layout and design; and Raffy Lerma taught basic photography and photojournalism.

Participating students aside from this writer were John Jayson Ruiz, Gabrielle Francesca Carrillo, JC Geronimo, Heleina Tolentino, Gian Clifford Santiago, Klaire Villanueva, Francheska Ysabelle Rivero, Carmela Stephanie Concepcion, Maria

Participants of the Junior Inquirer Camp—Photo courtesy of the Office of the Principal

Frances Isabel Jacinto, Tiarra Ysabela Joaquin, Prinze John Erick Banal, Franchesca Marie Abella, James Andrew Fajardo, Aliyah Denise Chavas, Kate Danna Cayana and Myka Nadine Chua.

On the last day, participants were divided into three groups to produce an eightpage newsletter as output.

Most of the participants wrote stories about travel, movies, music, online gaming, culture, sports, humor, science as

Biggest Soiree held at Fairmont Makati Grade 9 students dazzle in their formal evening wear during the 13th Sophian Soiree at Fairmont Hotel in Makati.

By Mary Grace F. Mijares Grade 9 The annual Sophian Soiree saw its largest number of student participants on Feb. 21 at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

Seventy-three Grades 9 and 10 students of the Junior

High School Department, accompanied by school administrators and faculty, attended the formal evening event, the biggest since 2004.

Each class either presented a social or modern dance number, while some students serenaded the crowd with performances of pop songs

well as commentary on the country’s pressing issues.

A simple ceremony was also held on the third day, during which special awards and certificates of completion were handed to the participants.

The “Kiddie Patrol” team of Ruiz, Carrillo, Geronimo, Tolentino, Santiago and Villanueva was named the best newsletter, while Ruiz, Rivero, Concepcion and this writer were awarded best photographers.

“If I Ain’t Got You” and “Love Yourself.”

Everyone also delivered a prepared short speech in between the program to express gratitude and to encourage camaraderie among participants.

Exemplary students in dashing formal evening wear were awarded for outstanding social graces and dining etiquette. Grade 10 students John Clarence Belza and Jacqueline Urian were named Gentleman and Lady of the Night, respectively, while Kahlil Gibran Abacan was the Resplendent Gentleman of the Night.

Sophian Soiree had been held in several luxury hotels in Metro Manila, including the Shangri-La Manila and Makati, Manila Hotel among others.

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news

OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

Grade 10 ‘moves up’ in 16th Metaday

By Casie Denyse D.L. Santiago Grade 10 A “moving up” ceremony for the first batch of junior high school (JHS) graduates was held during the 16th Metaday on April 5 at Cinema 2 of SM City Marilao in Bulacan.

Instead of conducting graduation rites, the Department of Education implemented a moving up or completion ceremony for Grade 10 students, who will enter the Senior High School next school year.

Thirty-four Grade 10 students completed the four-year JHS program, while 25 Grade 6 students composed the Graduating Grade School Class of 2016.

In behalf of the graduating class, grade school valedictorian Tiarra Ysabela Joaquin expressed gratitude for the learnings and memories which the School had imparted to them.

“We, the graduating class,

Grade 10 students “move up” during the 16th Metaday on April 5.

are no longer what we were before. Each one of us has blossomed into beautiful individuals who are ready to impart knowledge and to conquer the bigger world,” Joaquin said.

Likewise, Grade 10 students Norman Christopher Mercado and Kahlil Gibran Abacan read in tandem a message of gratitude for their batchmates, teachers, and the School.

“Classmates, it was indeed one heck of a ride for we had a lot of good times, achievements, victories and triumphs, and trials and obstacles…but these made us realize that they caused our bond to be stronger,” they said.

Mercado and Abacan also thanked the graduates’ families for their unconditional love and support.

“We assure you that in

the near future, we will give back and will show our gratitude for all the things that you have done for us. Our dear parents, you are the greatest gifts that God has given us,” they said.

Guest speaker Rhodaline Regoso-Jumamil, a CPA lawyer and sister of principal Marie Ann Abacan, delivered an empowering message and a short video presentation for the graduates.

Academic awards were also bestowed to 120 grade school and JHS undergraduates, while eight pupils received the Blue Rays award for exemplary conduct and five received the Green Circle award for outstanding club performance.

Metaday, or Metamorphosis Day, marks a Sophian’s graduation. It alludes the transformation of a butterfly, the School’s mascot, from an egg into an adult one, which has evolved to its fullest potential.

Sophian girls bloom at Flores de Maria

By John Jayson E. Ruiz Grade 8

Grade school pupils lead the Flores de Maria procession on May 21 as little angels carrying the letter initials of the “Ave Maria.”

Ten Sophian students participated in the annual “Flores de Maria” (Flowers of Mary) procession spearheaded by the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Meycauayan City, Bulacan on May 21.

Among the 23 participating young ladies that embodied Marian titles, Grade 9 student Erin Villano represented “Mater Christi” (Mother of Christ) while Mikaela Carrillo, Grade 10, represented “Regina Confessorum” (Queen of the Confessors).

Grade school students

Ymarelle Khade Castro, Michaela Baldomero, Kyla Angela Yatco, Kirsten Denise Labudlay, Princess Shayne Reyes, Roxanne Cabarles, Clara Francesca Urian and Alejah Alexis Neri led the procession dressed as little angels while carrying the initials of “AVE MARIA” (Hail Mary).

Flores de Maria is a holy procession featuring young women who are assigned Marian titles based on the Litany of Loreto. Unlike the Santacruzan which commemorates St. Helena’s finding of the Holy Cross, Flores de Maria venerates the Virgin Mary through offering of flowers during the entire month of May.

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OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

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(1) Some 800 pupils of Bancal Elementary School take part in the Adopt-a-Kid project of junior high school students in cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Read-Along Program; (2) GMA7 actors Hiro Peralta and Kris Bernal read in tandem “Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum.”

Photos courtesy of the Office of the Principal

ADOPT-A-KID PROJECT

Sharing hope, blessings with fellow children

By Norman Christopher T. Mercado Grade 10

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n that moment, they were delighted to see their favorite fairy tale characters and fictional heroes come to life.

Some 800 pupils were treated to a parade of fictional characters and storytelling sessions during the Adopt-aKid project of the Junior High School department at Barangay Bancal in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.

The three-hour outreach activity last Nov. 20, 2015, at Bancal Elementary School was held in collaboration with Philippine Daily Inquirer's Read-Along program.

Rhodora Carable, assistant principal for student affairs, said the Adopt-a-Kid

project has manifested the gratefulness of the Sophian community for the blessings that its members have received by sharing them to those in need.

“Exposure to the adopted school makes our pupils appreciate their own blessings and makes them realize how lucky they are as individuals,” Carable said.

Forging a partnership with the Inquirer Read-Along program would promote love for reading among the benefactors, she added.

The program, which also coincided with the Philippine Book Development month, began with a book character cosplay parade by selected junior high school students who imitated fairy tale characters, mythological Greek gods, action superheroes and national heroes.

Sophian teachers took a lively rendition of the story “Beybi Bibi,” about a duckling which has learned to quack, while GMA-7 actors Kris Bernal and Hiro Peralta read “Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum,” about two dog brothers who always fight with each other.

The kids were also treated to a nutritious lunch courtesy of Cafe Nenzo.

Adopt-a-Kid began in 2006 as a community project of fourth year high school students taking the Citizenship Advancement Training subject.

They were tasked to select a Calvario Elementary School pupil whom they will take care of and bond with for a day every week at the beginning of fourth quarter. In-kind donations were also given to the children.

The program has since become an outreach activity of the high school department, led by the Young Leaders’ Society, the School’s highest-governing student body.

For Grade 10 student Indiana Sunga, the essence of the Adopt-a-Kid is to “give something to the less fortunate that is beneficial and can influence their thinking and paradigms in life.”

Grade 9 student Jasper Amadeo added: “It is done to help the underprivileged children and make us Sophians realize the importance of giving back to our community regardless of gender, age and status.”

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r story

The 3-feet image of the Holy Child Jesus stands atop a carroza adorned by colorful varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

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12TH SADANA FESTIVAL

Grateful Sophians honor Child Jesus

By Alain Mikhail M. Alzona Grade 10

U

pon the thumping of drums accompanied by the melodic tune of lyres, students danced their hearts out for the School’s Patron Saint who has been their source of strength and inspiration.

The Sophian community took to the streets their gratefulness to the Holy Child Jesus through a paradeprocession that culminated the week-long Sadana Festival.

Sadana, acronym for Sayaw, Awit, Dasal Atbp. Sa Niño ay Alay, coincides with the School’s founding anniversary every January, the

feast month of Santo Niño.

“He may just be a little boy but the Child Jesus’ innate values is worthy of emulation by everyone, especially the young students,” said Principal Marie Ann Abacan.

The grand event on Jan. 30—the 12th since 2005—was comprised of streetdancing of students in colorful costumes and props, a convoy of pedicabs and mini-floats carrying boys and girls in dashing attires and a cosplay parade.

Among the float riders, Grade 10 students Eugene Carlo Rivero and Sofia Emille Platon said they felt proud to see spectators mesmerize at the

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(1) A convoy of flower-decorated pedicabs and vehicles carrying students in Filipiniana wear and fancy costumes put a festive mood to the parade-procession; (2) Members of the Baile Senior pause for a photo-op; (3) Members of the Timbrel groove to the beat of Sadana song with their tambourines; (4) The Sophia School Drum and Lyre Band makes its debut in Sadana Festival. —Photos courtesy of the Office of the Principal

OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

colorful pedicabs and minifloats decorated with flowers and unique diorama.

‘Tiring but fun’ Streetdancer Alistair Alzona, Grade 4, said that despite the tiring long route of the parade, everyone's sacrifice paid off upon seeing joyous spectators.

Grade 5 student Juan Iñigo Abacan added: “It was tiring yet fun because I am honoring the Child Jesus with my friends.”

This year's Sadana also saw the first participation of the School’s Drum and Lyre Band which played an exuberant rendition of the Sadana song at the forefront of the procession.

“We felt tired as we had to beat those big drums non-stop

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throughout the parade, but we still had fun,” said Grade 10 student John Patrick Inot.

The lyrics of the Sadana Song was written by Administrator Lorenzo Abacan and the music was arranged by Sophian parent Arthur Esguerra.

cence, Love, Determination, Joy, Enthusiasm, Simplicity, Uniqueness and Self Denial.

For Grade 9 students Andrei Del Prado and Aiezack Mabango, two of the 20 attributes, carrying the emblems were a blessing for they considered those traits as a gift from the Child Jesus.

Grade 9 student Patricia Mhaye Dela Vega said: “I had been an attribute for two years and I feel blessed to be a part of this procession.”

A gift The solemn festivities was highlighted by the threefeet image of the Child Jesus atop a carozza. Aside from flowers, the carriage was also adorned by ornamental fruits and vegetables.

In front of the carozza, 10 pairs of boys and girls carried the emblems, inspired by the letter initials of the “CHILD JESUS,” that represent the Patron’s attributes— Certitude, Humility, Inno-

Bigger, better Not only the students had their share of the fun and joy but the faculty members as well.

Teacher Helbert Tedoso related the preparations of his fellow faculty members in moderating the students for

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(1) Ten pairs of boys and girls carry the emblems of the attributes derived from the letter initials of the Holy Child Jesus; (2) Junior high school students amuse spectators with their costumes inspired by book characters; (3) Spins and Swirls in flower-inspired costumes sway their fiery fans to the beat. —Photos courtesy of the Office of the Principal 2

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this momentous event. “[Teachers] had to plan ahead for this event like the design for our headdresses and the props that the dancers will use. But all of them was worth it because it feels like I’ve been blessed by the Child Jesus,” Tedoso said.

Teacher Rosalinda Dela Vega recounted that Sadana Festival has gotten bigger each year through variations of props and costumes and inclusion in the parade of the Hermano and Hermana Mayor, who symbolize responsible citizens, and cosplayers.

“Every year, we always put in more effort since this is not just an ordinary celebration, but more of an opportunity to thank our Child Jesus for guiding us throughout the years,” Dela Vega said.

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features

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OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

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(1) Sophian teachers distribute relief packs donated by the junior high school students to the Dumagat children; (2) Donned in their traditional attire, Dumagats perform an intermission number to welcome the visiting members of the Sophian community. —Photos courtesy of the Office of the Principal

Reaching out to the Dumagats of Doña Remedios

By Ma.Theresa R. Celiz and Kristiana Denisse R. Exaltacion Grade 10

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ompassion transcends distance and cultural differences.

Junior High School students did not mind the hourslong travel to conduct an outreach activity for some indigenous people of Doña Remedios Trinidad town in the mountainous portion of Bulacan, some 50 kilometers northeast of Meycauayan City.

Spearheaded by the Young Leaders’ Society (YLS), the School’s student council, and accompanied by some faculty members and schools officials, the activity last March 20,

2015, was a heartfelt encounter with the children of the Dumagat tribe, who originally settled in Sierra Madre.

The prevailing issues of illegal logging, mining, deforestation and ethanol project in the mountains had destroyed their settlements, prompting them to temporarily seek refuge on Sitio Kambubuyugan.

Since then, the Parish of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, headed by parish priest Fr. Nap Baltazar, has led missionary and rehabilitation efforts for the Dumagats.

More than their permanent settlement, poverty has stricken Dumagat families that they can barely afford their own food.

It is their destitution that Sophian students were eager to push through the encounter. Upon arrival at the chapel, Sophians felt the hospitality of the Dumagat children who prepared a performance as a sign of welcome.

A short program was held which consisted of storytelling sessions, reading lesson and simple merrymaking.

Grade 9 student Carl Ja-

son Guevarra said he was challenged to teach some kids to read, adding that the textbook was written in English. “[The kids] didn’t have a formal education, so we helped them to read and even pronounce some of the words written in the book,” he said.

Prinze John Erick Banal, Grade 8, said he was grateful to participate in the outreach program but felt sympathetic for the condition of the Dumagat children.

“I felt sad because the children whom we were looking after were unable to have a proper education as the school is too far away from where they are staying at,” Banal said.

All Sophian students donated at least two cans of sardines, rice and textbooks.

With these, YLS were able to collect four sacks of rice, two boxes of sardines and two boxes of books.

Through the activity, Sophians felt it was a blessing and a great example of learning on how to appreciate what they have, as there are people who are less fortunate than they are.

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EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL TOUR

Boundless learning, widening perspectives

By Kahlil Gibran R. Abacan Grade 10

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ho says semestral breaks are only for leisure and being bored at home? Sophia School believes that these times are opportunities for students to enjoy while learning. Luckily, I had the chance to participate in some of the educational and cultural tours which the School has advocated in the last seven years.

The School had its first educational and cultural tour in Thailand in 2009 and 2010.

Singapore was the next destination in 2011, followed by Vietnam (2012), Malaysia (2013), Seoul, South Korea (2014) and Jeju Island, South Korea (2015).

Since then, 48 students had participated in the program.

Some of them even joined yearly in order to visit new places and to learn new things about other countries' cultures and traditions.

I joined the second Thailand tour on Nov. 2-8, 2010, and explored its cultural landmarks inspired by their Buddhist tradition. We visited Samroiyod Wittayakhom School, a public school, and other tourist sites in Samroiyod, Hua Hin and Bangkok like the Wat Huay Mongkol Temple and Wat Jet Yod Temple, the Grand Palace and Mrigadayavan Palace.

We also shopped at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a popular public market in Thailand. We also experienced riding on an elephant in Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo and roamed the streets through “tuk-tuk,” their own version of tricycle.

Thais are really fond of eating spicy foods like Tom Yum Goong, Som Tum and

Pad Thai, a nutty stir-fried noodle dish. When visiting other countries, I recommend trying their foods and learning about some of their traditions to fully understand their cultural and belief system.

I also joined the Malaysia tour on Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2013.

Aside from marveling at the infamous Petronas Tower and Kuala Lumpur Tower in the capital, we also toured the city of Malacca. It has preserved most of the country’s culture and history through its temples, mosques and old structures that were inspired by the religions of Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Roman Catholic.

We also went to Lego Land, a recreational park where iconic global landmarks such as France’s Eiffel Tower, Singapore’s Merlion, Kuala Lumpur Tower and Petronas Tower are replicated in Lego bricks.

My third cultural tour was in Jeju Island, South Korea on Oct. 29- Nov. 2, 2015. It is the best foreign trip I have gone to not because of Kimchi or K-pop, but of its cold weather and well-preserved cultural heritage sites, includ-

ing the natural and manmade forests and attractions like Mt. Halla, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak or the “Sunrise Peak,” Ecoland and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

I also admire South Korea for its people’s way of life, their attitude toward others and their fresh and tasty foods like Bulgogi, Samgyeopsal, Samgyetang and Bibimbap.

The locals in the countries I have been to were really nice. They tried their best to communicate with me despite the language barrier.

Exploring the different parts of the world is something I would never regret doing. The experiences ena-

Sophian students and faculty members take a tour at some cultural sites in Jeju Island, South Korea. —Photos courtesy of the Office of the Principal

bled me to learn and to appreciate more about culture, perspectives and beliefs that are different from ours.

Spending for material things would not give as much satisfaction as spending for experiences and memories you could keep and cherish your whole life. Joining the School’s educational and cultural tour is worth every penny I had spent, because not only did I enjoy exploring new places, but also I learned to value deeper understanding for people from various walks of life.

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hashtag

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OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

#ToOurNextLeaders They should make the country safer for people and prioritize the traffic in Manila.

Myka Nadine R. Chua, Grade 4

Compiled by Tiarra Ysabela A. Joaquin Grade 6 On May 9, Filipino adults will vote for political candidates who they think are deserving and capable to lead the nation in the next three to six years.

While young students cannot participate yet in the upcoming elections, what are the expectations they hope to be acted upon by our next public servants?

Our leaders should find solutions to the garbage problems in the country. Ymarelle Khade B. Castro, Grade 4 They should focus on promoting peace in our country and uniting the Filipinos. Kate Danna D. Cayana, Grade 3

They should arrest all illegal drug users to stop tem from committing crimes. Carmela Stephanie D.C. Concepcion, Grade 5

Our leaders should stop gambling and corruption so that they can start having a new life. Heleina Lourisse Tolentino, Grade 3

Our leaders should make the delinquents follow the laws. Gian Clifford S. Santiago, Grade

They should find better solutions for floods and pollution. Miguel Nicholas B. Figueroa, Grade 4

Hashtag /ˈhaSHtag/ n.- a word or phrase preceded by a hash or pound sign (#) and used to identify messages on a specific topic

They should resolve the problem with crimes especially illegal drug usage, but they should eradicate it in a legal manner and not by illegally killing people. Gabriel S. Rodeadilla, Grade 4

They should fulfill their election promises. Aliyah Denise S.J. Chavas, Grade 3

They should prevent crimes, create better rules and prevent traffic congestion to make our lives longer and better. James Andrew D.C. Fajardo, Grade 3

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OCTOBER 2015-MAY 2016

Sa nakalipas na 20 taon, nagpabagu-bago ang anyo at pasilidad ng mga gusali ng Paaralan upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng lumalaking bilang ng mga mag-aaral. —Retrato mula sa Tanggapan ng Punong-guro

BALIK-TANAW

Tanglad Center sa Barrio Calvario Ni John Jayson E. Ruiz Grade 8

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numang halaman, bago pa man lumago at mamukadkad ng bulaklak o magbunga, ay nagsisimula sa binhi. Gayon din ang Sophia School na nagsimula bilang payak at maliit na paaralan higit 20 taong nakararaan.

Taong 1995 nang itatag ng mag-asawang Lorenzo at Marie Ann Abacan ang “Tanglad Learning Center” sa tabi ng kanilang tahanan sa Kalye Abacan sa Barangay Calvario.

Ayon kay Gng. Abacan, ang katagang “tanglad” (lemongrass), na sumisimbolo sa versatility o maraming kapakinabangan, ay hinango sa dalawang salita: “tang” mula sa salitang tangkas (bundle) at “lad” mula sa pag-unlad.

“Naniniwala kami sa kabuuang pag-unlad ng isang tao, at tulad ng tangkas, hindi dapat nahihiwalay ang anumang aspeto,” ani Abacan.

Aniya, hindi naging madali ang pagtatatag ng

bagong paaralan sa kabila ng mga umiiral na malalaking paaralan sa lungsod. Kaya naman sa pagbubukas ng klase, 30 ang naging unang mag-aaral nito na pawang nasa antas ng pre-school at grade school.

Mayroon lamang tatlong kwarto ang isang palapag na gusali na may maliit na palaruan sa harapan.

Magkatuwang ang magasawang Abacan sa paggabay sa mga munting mag-aaral.

Hindi nagtagal ay binago ang pangalang Tanglad at ginawang Sophia School.

Hango ang “sophia” sa salitang Griyego na nangangahulugang karunungan (wisdom), ang pinakamataas na antas ng kaalaman.

“Ang pangalang ‘Sophia’ ay umangkop sa bisyon at misyon ng ating paaralan dahil kailangang matutunan ng isang bata maging buo (holistic),” ani Gng. Abacan, isang licensed teacher at nutritionist-dietitian.

Aniya, naniniwala ang Paaralan na ang holistic education ay pangunahing salik upang maging ganap ang kabuuang pag-unlad ng isang mag-aaral nang siya ay maging lider ng pagbabago para sa Diyos at bayan.

Tulad ng umuusbong na binhi, patuloy na yumabong ang bilang ng mga mag-aaral na naging hudyat din ng pagpapatayo ng mas malaking gusali at pagdaragdag

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ng mga guro at kawani.

Ipinagkaloob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ang operation permit ng pre-school department noong 1997, samantalang ipinagkaloob naman ang sa grade school noong 2000.

Nagbukas ang high school department noong 2001, at makalipas ang apat na taon, 15 mag-aaral ang naging unang pangkat na nagsipagtapos sa paaralan. Taong 2004 naman nakumpleto ang pagpapatayo ng apat na palapag na high school building.

Subalit naging suliranin ang madalas na pagbaha sa Kalye Abacan dahil sa kalapit na ilog, lalo na sa tuwing sasapit ang tag-ulan.

Noong 2013, binuksan ang bagong apat na palapag na gusali sa kalapit na Kalye Dazo na kasalukuyang ginagawaran ng klase ng tatlong departamento.

Patuloy naman ang pagsasaayos ng dalawang dating gusali upang gawing senior high school buildings sa darating na pasukan.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong humigit-kumulang 350 magaaral ang Paaralan sa tatlong departamento, samantalang mahigit 200 na ang nakapagtapos ng high school sa nakalipas na 10 taon.

“Ang Paaralan ay tulad ng isang nagbubungang puno.

Palagi mo itong inaalagaan upang magpatuloy ang kanyang pamumunga at paglaki,” ani Abacan.

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snapshots

Class Night of grade school pupils

Veggie Galore

First Holy Communion of Grade 3 pupils at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church

International Book Month Celebration

Hands-on activity

Educational Field Trip of Junior High School students in Taal, Batangas

Blue and Green Party