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SIMBUHAN NEWSPAPER | S.Y. 2023-2024

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After four years of inactivity, the FEU-C BED Simbuhan brings honor as it bags numerous awards at the recently held annual Division Schools Press Conference S Y 2023-2024, with the theme of “Sustaining Excellence in Campus Journalism through Innovation and Exploration ”

Direction: Student Leaders Take the Charge in Student Leaders Summit ‘23!

thatfilledtheroomwithinspiration

September 20, 2023 – Student leaders of FEU Cavite BED gathered in the Basic Education Department building to attend the Student Leaders Summit 2023 with the theme “One BED: Developing Resilient and Effective Leaders of the Future “

The event serves as a great opportunity to learn about the values and actions of an aspiring leader inside and outside the classroom through engaging discussions and activities

Itaimstoprovideproperpreparation for the responsibilities held by the participantsforSY 2023-2024

To kick off the first session, FEU CaviteBEDDirector,Mr JomarRedubla, shared his valuable insights and experience on “strategic leadership,” elaborating on the characters and effortsnecessarytoattainit

He also tasked the students with creating “five steps or concepts for establishing an organization”, to which he gave feedback for the students to improve.

Afterwards, Ms. Jinna Rendaje, the GradeLevelOfficerforGrades11and12, imparted advice on becoming a sustainableleaderforthepeople,aswell astipsonhowtoobtainit.Followingher talkwasanicebreakeractivityledbythe

ClassViceMayors,andafterwardwasa longtaskofcreatingandpresentingan Action Plan of unique ideas for programs and activities, which stretchedthestudents’criticalthinking andcreativitynotonlyindividually,but asawhole

Each student leader left the event with a certificate of participation, a token that will remind them of the advancement they made on that day, and a mind filled with new ideas and informationtobeusedfortheupcoming trials ahead as student leaders of the FEUCaviteBasicEducationDepartment

Raphy Medina & Akia Malonzo

BRIDGING NEW BEGINNINGS

Igniting Tamaraw Spirits with First Day Hi!

Monday, August 14, 2023 marked a significant day in the academic calendar of FEU - Cavite as it welcomed students to the much-anticipated Schola Brevis event This annual affair kick-started the school year with a wave of enthusiasm, camaraderie, and renewed commitment to educational excellence

The event began with the opening ceremony led by Mr Carlew Contemprato, K-10 English Subject Team Leader at the Basic Education Department, setting the tone for a year filled with learning, growth, and collaboration

The event unfolded with a solemn flag ceremony, lively warm-ups, and insightful messages from the Basic Education Director, Mr Jomar Redubla, sharing the acronym "FEU-C" as a guide for students to excel: "F" for firmness in decisions, "E" for enjoying the educational journey, "U" for understanding the lessons' significance, and "C" for effective communication to express feelings and seek support FEU Cavite Executive Director, Dr Myrna Quinto excite the audience by revealing the merging of the Senior High School and Basic Education departments This groundbreaking merging promises improved opportunities and an even brighter future for students from all levels Dr Quinto's message of gratitude for the students' choice of FEU Cavite as their institution of learning resonated deeply

Afterwards, breakout sessions ensued, allowing PreKinder to Grade 10 students to proceed to their respective classrooms, while SHS students gathered

Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders:

at the FEU Cavite Gym for their inaugural Schola Brevis; Day 1 proved to be enriching as students acquaint themselves, partake in various activities, including engaging intermission numbers that infused enthusiasm into the four-day face-to-face Schola Brevis

The senior high school event featured various engaging activities, including a message from Mr Jomar Redubla, who prompted students to be "uhaw" for knowledge Icebreaker games orchestrated by the Student Council injected a playful spirit, fostering connections among the students led by Student Council President, Ms Chareena Miranda Moreover, intermission numbers motivated the SHS students with a live singing performance by Ren Cassey Cena and Vivea Gomez, and a dance presentation by the Tams DC

A presentation of administrators, faculty, and staff, led by FEU President Mr Juan Miguel R Montinola, introduced the backbone of the institution The exclusive SHS opening celebrated unity, diversity, and the joy of learning

The following day, August 15, 2023, marked the second day of FEU Cavite's Schola Brevis, this time in their designated classrooms The focus of the second day involved mutual introductions and becoming acquainted with FEU Cavite s rules and protocols, illuminating the true essence of being a Responsible Tamaraw, one who embodies the core values of Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness, and Compassion that define FEU-C

n a groundbreaking move for the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department (BED), the inaugural missioning rites held on September 27, 2023, signified a momentous rebranding for the entire department Departing from the usual practices of FEU BED, this event takes on added significance since the merging of the basic education and senior high school departments, focusing on bringing everyone together and highlighting the crucial need for a united and coordinated effort among all members

Under the theme "A Journey into Effective Leadership: Innovation, Vision, Impact," the event gathered Class Officers, Editorial Board members, the Tamaraw Electoral Committee (TEC), the Student Council, Parent Representatives, Assistant Representatives, the Parent Council, and the Faculty Club

Welcoming remarks by Mr John Paul Gonzales, Faculty Club President, emphasized the core values of FEUC: Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness, and Compassion Mr Jomar Redubla, Basic Education Department Director, highlighted the concept that leadership is the acceptance of responsibility, urging FEUC leaders to be visionary

The highlight of this event was the Candle Lighting ceremony, led by Mr Ruben Capisnon, Faculty Club Vice President, Ms Chareena Miranda, Student Council President, Mrs Juvy Amon, Parent Council President, and Mr John Paul Gonzales, Faculty Club President As they passed the lit candle to the student leaders, faculty

Furthermore, the third day served as a guide through the services and facilities that FEU Cavite offers The library, Guidance, Counseling, and Career Office (GCCO), clinic, and communication channels were discussed Thus far, the essence of responsible digital citizenship was discussed alongside accessing academic resources like school Wi-Fi, Microsoft Office accounts, and Canvas

Bringing the Schola Brevis week to a fulfilling close, August 18, 2023, marked the final day of the orientation week, just as the sun ascended, students converged upon the campus once more This day continued with students engaging in vital conversations led by their respective class advisers

The day had students creating their individual student profiles for ID cards and photographs, cementing the sense of belonging to the community Opportunities beckoned as the student publication Simbuhan and the Student Council extended invitations to join their ranks

Undoubtedly, the four-day face-to-face Schola Brevis proved instrumental in enabling students not only to familiarize themselves with peers and advisers but also to embark on a journey of selfdiscovery

Schola Brevis 2023 cast a radiant light upon FEU Cavite's campus, infusing it with a whirlwind of activities, kinship, and enlightenment As students delved into the institution's distinctive ethos, they embraced not only knowledge but also enduring connections Armed with shared values, newfound friendships, and a profound understanding of FEU Cavite's offerings, students stand poised to embark on a journey replete with discovery, growth, and triumph in the forthcoming academic year; bridging new beginnings and igniting the Tamaraw spirits with First Day Hi!

members, and parent representatives; the symbolism of passing the torch of leadership was eloquently portrayed With their candles ablaze, the pledge of the student leaders, faculty, and representatives followed, guided by Mrs Juvy Amon, Parent Council President They solemnly swore to serve the FEU Cavite community to the best of their abilities, supporting the school's pursuit of academic excellence and value formation

Following the pledge, Ms Chareena Miranda's closing remarks stressed a leader's role in standing for what is right The ceremony concluded with hope for new leaders to positively impact their communities, followed by a photography session capturing key participants and the singing of the FEU Hymn, sealing the commitment of emerging leaders to effective leadership

Atasha Kyla Camama, Ren Cassey Cena, & Alzeah Venice Dela Cruz
Ren Cassey Cena & Enrico Gabriel Tumbaga

FEU Cavite Hosts DFOT 2024: Celebrating Talent and Collaboration in Cavite's Private Schools

SIMBUHAN

On February 7, 2024, FEU Cavite once again hosted the Cavite Province Association of Private Schools’ Division Festival of Talents 2024 This event brought together students and their families from private schools across Cavite The campus was alive with excitement and unity as participants gathered to showcase their skills in various activities The festival featured a range of competitions, including quiz bee and contests in areas like dance, singing, and strategic games Students seized the opportunity to display their talents, leaving spectators impressed and inspired

Activities took place across different parts of the campus, ensuring there was always something happening Participants and their families received assistance from school staff and C A T Cadets, fostering a supportive atmosphere throughout the event

The day concluded with an awards ceremony in the Higher Education Gym, where outstanding performers were recognized for their achievements This marked the end of a memorable day filled with talent and creativity

The collaboration between FEU Cavite and the Cavite Province Association of Private Schools reflects a commitment to nurturing young talent By working together, these institutions create an environment where students feel encouraged and supported to explore their abilities Such collaborative efforts not only celebrate individual success but also promote a sense of community among students, educators, coaches, and parents, driving everyone towards unlocking the full potential of each young talent

THE NAME OF THE GAME

WHAT FEU CAVITE BED INTRAMURALS IS ABOUT FOR S.Y 2023-2024

On January 26, 2024, the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department Intramurals had officially ended with a grand reveal of the scorings at the HED Gymnasium, where the venue itself was filled with the shouts of excitement from the four teams: the Black Ravens, the White Hawks, the Yellow Sabres, and the Green Pythons rallied together, ready to showcase their strength, wit, and determination across a myriad of challenges

The inception of this event traces back to November, marked by planning and collaboration, where the proposal went under several different processes “Before we conduct any activities here in school, first of all we have to submit proposals,” Mr Emmanuel Domingo, an organizer for the event, said Several meetings are also made for the creation of committees and team leaders Notably, this year is a groundbreaking decision to merge the Senior High School (SHS) and Pre-Kinder to Grade 10 Intramurals

“Since the Intramurals for this year was different from the previous years due to the merging of SHS and Pre-K to Grade 10, our first move (was) to meet

with Sir Emman, Senior High School to discuss differences between the two Intramurals practices,” Sir Jed Bayas, another organizer for the event, said

To keep spirits soaring, an array of activities awaited participants, spanning various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis, alongside board games like chess, scrabble, and Rubik’s cube Additionally, there were community games, family games, frisbee, and newly introduced e-sports featuring games like Mobile Legends and Call of Duty: Mobile The event also included diverse activities such as Tams Got Talent, community dance, banner making competition, cheer dance competition, and Mr and Ms Wellness Advocates, all brimming with inspiration for everyone involved

At its core, FEU Cavite BED Intramurals 2024 had its priorities and objectives, with an emphasis on the students and what they needed while facing different challenges “Intramurals is an activity for students,” Mr Emmanuel Domingo said “It is an activity where

students can enjoy and be free, to be able to move around ” He also mentioned that it is a chance for students to mingle with one another, and to create leadership skills in Grade 12 students as they take charge for the levels below them

“The Intramurals, for me, is an avenue in which the students can showcase what they have learned or initially know about sports,” Mr Jed Bayas said, describing it as an academic event involving friendly competition “Aside from the general purpose, which was to build sportsmanship and express learnings in Physical Education, what I have observed is the merging of two departments paved the way to more friendships and relationships across BED students, regardless of which levels they came from ”

Comparing this school year’s Intramurals to last year’s Intramurals and even previous Intramural events, this one proved to be the more unique case, being the Intramurals that merged the departments of FEU Basic Education Department together

“Last year was easier to manage because the Senior High School was separated from the rest for Intramurals,” Mr Emmanuel Domingo said “This year, they were combined with the Junior High School and Elementary, so it was challenging ”

“Major point of comparison this year is the combination of the two departments,” Mr Jed Bayas said “That pretty much shows the difference of intramurals with the previous years - we combined games to cater both departments, changed the categories of games, and included new games for the lower levels and new events to the Senior High School

The event proved to be successful, where the objective to ignite the flames within students was accomplished It helped them to go out of the box and to shine It was a way for students to understand the balance between skill and strategy

Nissi Calinao & Faith Ferrer

Simbuhan BED Triumphs at DSPC 2023;

Two students to Compete for Regionals

After four years of inactivity, the FEU-C BED Simbuhan brings honor as it bags numerous awards at the recently held annual Division Schools Press Conference S Y 2023-2024, with the theme of “Sustaining Excellence in Campus Journalism through Innovation and Exploration ”

The event was held from December 5-9 in several designated schools across Cavite province such as Francisco Osorio National High School, Amaya Elementary School, and Tanza National High School IndividualCategories

Chelsea Rhose Saclauso and Ashley Formentera, bothfromSTEM12B,won1stplaceinFeatureWriting Filipino and 2nd place in Copyreading and Headline Writing English, respectively, securing a spot for the upcoming Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) atSantaRosaCityinFebruary28toMarch2,2024

“Satotoolang,himala Nangibalitasaakinngaking mga kaibigan, eksaktong 3:13 PM, gulat at 'di pagkapaniwala talaga ang naramdaman ko Hindi ko naman talaga akalain,” Saclauso says She admitted thatduringthecompetition,shecouldnotseeherself winning,instead,wasalreadycontentedwiththehope thatthejudgewouldreadherworkafterhaving

doubts on her title not being “catchy enough ”

“Sa puntong iyon, sapat na sa akin na ako ay sumubok At kung tutuusin, hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ipinagkalooban ako sa buhay ng isang bagay na higit sa aking hiniling,” she added

Also, Formentera, as a first timer, expressed that his intention upon joining the contest is more on for experience only “Nakakagulat lalo na’t iyon ang unang beses ko na sumabak sa DSPC sa kahit anong kategorya Wala talaga sa isip ko na makapasok sa Top 15 at mas lalo na sa qualifiers (in RSPC),” he expressed Other awardees for individual categories include Vivea Gomez from ABM 12 winning 4th place in Column Writing Filipino and Allyssa Cassandra Zapanta of STEM 12A placing 5th in News Writing Filipino

In addition, STEM 12B students also graciously fought with Azie Linzagan securing 12th place in Editorial Writing English, and Johan Nicole Baltazar and Meil Xyron Mariñas achieving the 14th spot in Science and Health Writing in English and Filipino mediums, respectively

GroupCategory

Ontheotherhand,apartfromtheindividualcategories, FEUCavite’sRadioScriptwritingandBroadcastingTeam #Verifiedalsobroughtforthnumerousawardsinthegroup category:10thPlaceOverallBestGroup,5thPlaceBestin Informercial,and6thPlaceBestinScriptwriting JohnAndreiJuvida,STEM12A,whobaggedthe5thBestin TechnicalApplicationawardfeelsgratefulafterhiswinout ofmorethan30highschoolswhoparticipatedinthe contest“Atfirstnasayanganako,butafterrealizinghowfar thatisalready,there'snootheroptionbuttobehappyfor myselfandfortheotherwinnerstoo,”heexpressed Other#VerifiedmembersfromHUMSS11alsosecured individualawardswithVincentGeraldLabajoyplacing8th BestNewsAnchorandFrankVinceGanabeingpartofthe Top15BestNewsPresenter

Meanwhile, Ms Christine Jay Biangco, the Simbuhan adviser,wasproudoftheteam,knowingthedifficultiesand challengesfacedduringpreparation“Ifeelreallyproudand overwhelmedatthesametime,knowingthechallengesthat wefacedwhilepreparingforDSPC,especiallyintermsof communication Iwasandstillamveryproudofallofyou Weonlyhadverylittlepreparationandkasabayparinniya yungFinalsniyo,andyet,youcameoutvictorious,”she stated

EFEU CAVITE SHS:

xcitement filled the air as the Senior High Incentive: Free Tuition First General Assembly for the academic year 2023-2024 began at the FEU Cavite BED Building

on September 14, 2023 Shift Scholars, Shift Scholar parents, and SHS faculty gathered in the 4th floor PE room to attend the event The session was an opportunity for the scholars, their parents, and school faculty to come together and discuss the benefits of being a shift scholar, requirements, guidelines and regulations, and expected roles

The event started with a prayer led by a shift scholar Vincent Gerald Labajoy from HUMSS (Humanities and Social Science) 11, followed by an opening remark by Vice President of Admissions and Financial Assistance, Dr Michelle S Acomular Dr Acomular shared that the grantees of the SHIFT Scholarship, a special program offered by the school, are exceptionally talented and have passed a rigorous selection process She emphasized that the goal of the scholarship is to identify and support exceptional students who have the potential to help promote a strong start to their education at FEU Cavite, with the hope of eventually pursuing higher education, including the school's newly introduced BS Nursing course

Dr Acomular then provided a brief history of the Senior High Incentive: Free Tuition or the SHIFT Scholarship She explained that the school is seeking to attract and support the best and brightest students and provide them with the support they need to excel academically She noted that prospective shift scholars must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as completing at least from a batch of 30 students, having a GWA of at least 85, and maintaining a good moral standing; failing a subject with a GWA below 85 in any semester would disqualify a student from eligibility for the scholarship

The roles and responsibilities of shift scholars were presented by Ms Christine Jay Biangco She emphasized the importance of meeting academic demands and demonstrating initiative, leadership, and civic engagement Ms Biangco noted that shift scholars are expected to maintain good academic standing, remain active in the school community, and be ambassadors for FEU Cavite at various events She also shared that shift scholars will be required to attend summer classes and pay the corresponding tuition if they fail a subject

Mr Art Santie Poblete, the SHS guidance associate, provided valuable insight on managing academic stress and maintaining a balance between academics and personal well-being He highlighted the importance of positive self-talk, setting time for oneself, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support

The General Assembly concluded with hosts, who thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged attendees to take action for their academic and personal goals

FEU Cavite's exceptional scholarship program is a prime example of the school's commitment to nurturing talent and providing students with a foundation for success With the support of the SHIFT Scholarship, students can achieve their academic aspirations while making their mark on the world, starting at FEU Cavite

Ashley Formentera
Meil Xyron Mariñas

SIMBUHAN

ebruary 17, 2024, was an exciting day for students, teachers, and parents, as they celebrated Family Day for School Year 2023-2024 at the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department’s (BED) open grounds The event was filled with unique booths, each with their own gimmicks that every grade level and section had to consider being creative with

Together with the booths set up by the students, a variety of other stalls and stands were set up on the open grounds, providing guests with array of delectable food and refreshments Not only that, stalls selling different goods and merchandise such as toys and pre-loved items were also a hit among guests

Registration started at 8 AM as both elementary and high School students from different sections finalized their booths to earn as many tickets as they can throughout the event The booths officially started taking in customers at 10 AM, and they were filled up with all sorts of guests and visitors, even from members of the faculty of the school

Those in pre-kinder prepared “TAM’s Target Takedown”, a game of precision with nerf guns which involved the contestants being tasked to aim at their desired prizes, while the kinder students prepared the “Tray-tastic Shot” game, involving a Pingpong and an objective to shoot it in an egg tray to win prizes

The elementary students didn’t fail to showcase their creative juices in bringing out different games with corresponding prizes Grade 1 presented the “Inflatable Tic Tac Toe” utilizing balls to throw, with players taking turns Grade 2 had the “Catch-A-Duck" game, where you pick a rubber duck and look for its number on the bottom Grade 4 had their “FunTastic Four”, showcasing 2 games of Ring Toss and Basketball Shooting “Color Frenzy Carnival” was the show by Grade 5, involving ChopSplit, a game of patience as you segregate nips using chopsticks, and ScoopFrenzy, with a trial of transferring as many balls as possible from one bowl to another, both occurring within a certain time limit Finally, Grade 6 tried the precision and accuracy of their players with their “Archery x Integrity” game with a use of bows and arrows to win prizes

The junior high school levels’ booths were packed with different concepts as well Grades 7 and 8 had their compilation of minigames within their booths such as the “Wild West Adventures Compilation” from Grade 7-Faith that involved Lasso Toss and String Lottery, “Minute 2 Win It” by Grade 7-Fortitude with games like Ring Toss, Water-pong, and Money ball, “Enka-ntadia” of Grade 8-Encouragement with Roll It, Stand-a-bottle, and Bulkan minigames, and the “Endrance Carnival” of Grade 8Endurance, showcasing the games of Beer Pong, Color Game, and Cover the Red Spot

n understanding and enriching the roles and responsibilities of homeroom advisers in FEU Cavite- Basic Education Department, the institution initiated a five-session series Homeroom Advisers Nurturing and Developing Sessions (HANDS) The program started last December 6, 2023, and is still ongoing Its main goal is to instill and attain the core values of Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness and Compassion among the students in the school In an interview with Miss Jinnah Rendaje, the Grade Level Officer for SHS, she explained the importance of having this program to further improve and understand the roles of the teachers in molding the lives of their students and their holistic well-being

Grades 9 and 10, however, had a different approach to their booths, offering products and services for their visitors Grade 9-Charity had their “Charmity” booth, where you can engage in the creation of necklaces, bracelets, and other charms Grade 9-Compassion presented their booth named “COver with COlor”, which added face painting to their services alongside bracelet making Grade 10-Serenity followed the theme of February with “SereniCupid’s Haven”, offering DIY treasures for Custom Gift Boxes as participation for the month of love Grade 10-Simplicity, on the other hand, offered their skills of drawing to recreate their customers with “Simplitures”, starring different artists in the class with their own unique art styles in small polaroid-like papers

Senior High School Students created a theme for their booths that almost entirely resembled peryahan or fair-themed games for guests to take part in Grade 11 Students followed a sports theme, with booths like STEM 11B’s “Horns Up, Take Aim!”, involving a Mini Bowling Game and a Skee Ball Game, STEM 11A’s “Carnival Toss & Target” with the Ping Pong Plunge and the Balloon & Pellet/Dart game, HUMSS 11’s “Humanista Hoopers” booth that recreated a basketball theme, and ABM 11’s “TAMstatic Studios: Shoot & Shutter”, with two different games – the balloon-popping game and a basketball shooting game, where you can have a chance to utilize their photo booth as a prize Grade 12 students also didn’t let the spark die with their carnival-themed booths that easily caught the attention of guests STEM 12A’s “EsPIECEally for You” was a hit among students and families as the game involved having to complete jumbo-sized puzzle pieces On the other hand, STEM12B’s “Nababylugan Ako!” booth had guests coming back for more as their competitive spirits were sparked up with the game’s complicated yet thrilling toss-to-win mechanics ABM 12’s “Hit Me Baby One More Time!” was also another hit – it was a showcase of accuracy, with the objective of hitting a stack of cups with balls At HUMSS12’s “Toss Story”, the common game mechanics of tossing rings into bottles brought out every passing visitor’s inner child, testified with their smiles sent along the way

To spice things up, song performances took place at the center stage of the event, where the bands SER and Thrythm covered Days Gone By from Day6, Enough by CRIMASON, and Paninindigan Kita by Ben&Ben Afterwards, there was a raffle session where participants could win variety of prizes, followed by a Bingo game session that both children, parents, and other guests participated in

Towards the end of this year’s Family Day Celebration, members of the FEU-C community were once again reminded of the special bond that holds together the relationship between members of the family May they be related by blood or have been brought together by an unwavering bond through time and shared experiences, having a “family” that we can proudly be a part of is something rewarding and fulfilling that can help us go through with life’s everyday challenges

When asked about the importance of the program, Miss Jinnah replied, “The teachers play pivotal role in shaping the lives of the students They simply not teach but influence the students’ academic development, personal growth, and character development ”

A Day for Families and Friends: FEU Cavite BED Holds Family Day for SY 2023 – 2024

The program is a five-session series program Each session targets one of the specific skills of a Homeroom Adviser The first session started in launching the HANDS Program that was led by Mr Jomar Redubla who is the proponent of this event Which was followed by explaining their tasks and roles in facilitating homeroom sessions which was lectured by Miss Barbara Jane Isidoro- Umandap, the SAO Coordinator The third session highlighted the roles of advisers as guidance counselors which was lectured by Mr Emelson Reyes, the Guidance, Counseling, and Career Office Head of FEU Cavite, while MS Kristal Joyce Ibarra, former SHS Coordinator, led the 4th session, highlighting advisers as the second parent of youth The event is still ongoing, with one more session of the program left, bringing focus on administrative tasks of the homeroom advisers

Furthermore, as the Homeroom Advisers Nurturing and Developing Sessions (HANDS) program continues its series at FEU Cavite's Basic Education Department, it highlights more the commitment of educators in shaping their students’ lives Three sessions being a success, addressing various aspects of adviser’s roles This program stays firm in its mission As the last two sessions get nearer, HANDS remains steadfast in the institution’s unwavering and firm support to both the students and its teachers

Ervin Owen Lares
Johan Baltazar and Raphael Medina

SIMBUHAN

Testifying Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness and Compassion in the Far East of Cavite

Last February 29, 2024, selected staff from the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department (BED) visited Far Eastern University Manila to have a reorientation for the areas of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) This has been a series of preparations since January of the last year to get ready for the accreditation by the PAASCU

Accreditation by PAASCU is not merely a badge of honor; it serves as a tangible evidence of the institution's quality education, distinguished programs, and positive reviews Somehow, this is an attractive pursuit that proves to the parents and other potential and future students that FEU Cavite is really one of the greats in the Philippine education system To be frank, it is per se a “bragging rights” for all the accredited institutions

According to an interview with Ms Cristine Baluyot-Buladas, the PAASCU conducts a series of accreditation in the Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS) There are 5 levels of accreditation which are the Candidate Status, Level I Accredited Status, Level II Re-accredited Status, Level III Re-accredited Status and Level IV Accredited Status FEU Cavite is currently focused on attaining Level I Accredited Status, having successfully passed the Candidate screening in August 2023

The FEU Cavite BED created teams of skilled and talented teachers to organize every area with leadership of its very own educators The 8 areas namely Leadership and Governance, Quality Assurance, Resource Management, Curricular Programs, Student Services, External Relations, Research Management and Collaboration and lastly is the Results are headed and manned by both faculty from JHS and SHS

Currently, the school is working on the preparations for the Level I Accreditation that is set in November 2024 Extensive brainstorming, documentations and other devising are being completed to get ready for the big day According to Ms Buldas, the institution is passing submitted narratives, formal surveys and other necessary documents needed by the accreditors

Furthermore, this sets the school in a high ground as being one of the accepted candidates and now being checked for the first level of accreditation The PAASCU accreditation will not just prove the quality education of the institution but also provides information for continuous development of programs and structures, improve students services and other activities concerning both the learners and the faculty

The FEU Cavite really holds a bright future ahead of it because of the quality education, services and programs it offers; now it will not only be seen but will also be proven with its accreditation status When the faithful day of November 2024 comes, the institution will have its opportunity to prove the testimonies many have given

All in all, this accreditation is a huge attestation of the institution itself, providing its students the promised well-rounded education while abiding to its core values It is the evidence of all the feedback from parents, educators and students alike but now it will be seen on document This accreditation will be testifying the fortitude, excellence, uprightness and compassion in the Far East of Cavite

n line with the Grade 12 Work Immersion course, aiming to enhance practical education experience, the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department has sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with various industries This agreement marks a crucial step forward in preparing students for the workforce by providing them with work immersion opportunities with the help of the industrial companies including Tent King Corporation, 612 Food Chow, Manang A's Catering, Office of the City Prosecutor, Cavite Center for Mental Health, SBCCOM Information Technology Solution, and PassTech Industrial Sales and Service Co

The signing ceremony, guided by the Master of Ceremony, Ms Christine Jay Biangco, held at Room 408 on 7th of March 2024, started with the singing of the National Anthem followed by an opening prayer led by the Work Immersion Point-Person, Ms Darlene Abigail Mendoza

The event commenced with a welcoming remarks by Mr Jomar Redubla, BED Director, extending gratitude for the partnership between the industry companies and emphasizing the importance of work immersion towards to Grade 12 students in applying their knowledge and make them in depth in terms of effective communication, collaboration and teamwork, it will serves as well to know the work ethics and good work habits, while bringing the spirit of FEU Cavite core values

It was followed by a message by Dr Myrna Quinto, FEU Cavite Executive Director, mentioning the importance of having the industry companies for students to show the skills they learned, and she believes that learning should not be limited in 4 corners of classroom, but also outside of school as a way of bridging the gap between school teaching and workplace She also expresses her appreciation for the representatives of each industry company for spending time with FEU Cavite and allowing the

the students to be in their company for them to be able to learn and enhance their skills and competencies

Further insights were shared by Ms Lorivi Sarvida, SHS Academic Affairs Coordinator, mentioning that having the industry-based immersion will give students an opportunity to translate the knowledge and mold their future careers During the event, representatives from industry-based partnerships took the stage to share brief yet insightful information about their respective companies, how it differs to others, and what the company could give to students, by mentioning the skills they are specifically looking for

As the MoA was signed amidst a backdrop of enthusiastic applause and optimistic anticipation, it symbolized a shared vision for the future of education and employment The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement marked not just a momentous occasion but also the beginning of a journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all

Atasha Camama
Elizabeth Pelayo

n the dynamic arena of intellectual prowess, where minds clash and brilliance shines, the recent Battle of the Minds 2024 witnessed a remarkable display of talent and dedication Held on March 18, 2024, at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila University Conference Center (UCC), this competition, organized by the Association of Young Entrepreneurs and Accountants, brought together students of Accountancy, Business, and Managment Strand, all vying for the gold medal and trophy

With fervor and determination, 56 participants from different FEU schools, including FEU Alabang, FEU Cavite, FEU Diliman, and FEU High School-Manila, showcased their expertise in ABM students specialized subjects Among them, the contingent from FEU Cavite emerged victorious, clinching two medals and solidifying their bravery and perseverance in the competition

The triumphant journey of FEU Cavite was spearheaded by 14 exceptional individuals who demonstrated exemplary skill and dedication In the Grade 11 individual category, Atasha Kyla Camama, Kriztia Kaye Penales, and Aaron Gabriel Espiritu showcased their brilliance For the Grade 12 individual category, Vivea Gomez, Elizabeth Pelayo, and Mark Montoya exemplified excellence

Furthermore, FEU Cavite's prowess extended to the group categories, where they fielded two formidable teams Group 1, comprised of Cristine Cabiles, Altheya Javellana, Jed Amon, and Pia Clarisse, showcased outstanding teamwork and ingenuity Meanwhile, Group 2, consisting of Ren Cassey Cena, Shamel Anne Margaret Ferma, Jamie Lynne Simon, and Kristine Alessandra Cuevas, exhibited remarkable cohesion and strategic acumen

At the culmination of the intense competition, FEU Cavite emerged triumphant, with Atasha Camama securing second place in the Grade 11 individual category and Vivea Gomez achieving the same feat in the Grade 12 individual category Their stellar performances underscored FEU Cavite's commitment to excellence and their unwavering dedication to academic pursuits

not only celebrated intellectual brilliance but

of their well-deserved

Cavite Province Association nt brought together students e campus was alive with ase their skills in various quizzes and performances in ed the opportunity to display

, ensuring there was always assistance from school staff ut the event

Higher Education Gym, where evements This marked the ativity

The collaboration between FEU Cavite and the Cavite Province Association of Private Schools reflects a commitment to nurturing young talent By working together, these institutions create an environment where students feel encouraged and supported to explore their abilities

Such collaborative efforts not only celebrate individual success but also promote a sense of community among students, educators, coaches, and

The Battle of the Minds 2024
FEU Cavite basks in the glory
Ren Cassey Cena
Nissi Calinao and Faith Ferrer

SIMBUHAN

AHEAD AT NURTURING FUTURE

With the transition as one department for Basic EducatiON, FEU Cavite BED’s Official School

Publication, Simbuhan, proposes their Annual Operation Plan for the whole school year 2023 – 2024 last August 3 and 7, 2023, investing to general achievements Baby Tamaraws should gain before the school year ends

In connection with the school administration’s campaign of nurturing student’s future, Simbuhan is one with the advocacy of helping students further achieve and establish the school’s mission and vision in their personality; thus, the creation of the proposed plan

The activity aims to create Simbuhan’s mission and vision, serving as the guiding principle for the organization’s operations; set the expected goals for S Y 2023 – ’24 through utilizing the identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the organization while considering the different political, economic, social, and technological factors that may affect the operations of Simbuhan

Ms Christine Biangco, the Student Publication Adviser, said

The Annual Operation Plan is besides the certain deliverables the organization will publish for the whole school year, including the newspaper for every semester and a magazine to end the academic year

The Student Publication had their strategic plan proposal with the following panelists: Ms Marinella Sierra – Subject Team Leader (K-10), Filipino; Mr Carlew Contemprato –Subject Team Leader (K-10) English; Ms Maria Samantha Flores – Strand Team Leader, HUMSS; Ms Shirley Pena –Strand Team Leader, ABM; and Ms Jinna Rendaje – Grade Level Officer (Gr 11-12)

The panelists suggest and question the publication’s motivations and outlook in line with their initiatives and description, ensuring that Simbuhan will extend their utilization of their practices influencing students to take part on the school’s advocacies and campaigns particularly in the key results area of their progress goals

With the action plan already finalized, this sets exciting precedents for the school year, progressing Simbuhan’s advantage to help fellow Baby Tams to make a change not only in the Tamaraw community but the nation included

Stay tuned

TAMangBoto23:

The FEU Cavite Basic Education Department welcomes its newly elected BED Student Council Officers after conducting the 2023 Student Council Elections from September 4 to September 15

The ACTION partylist won by a landslide and only one officer, a Grade 7 senator, won from the POWER partylist The officers are as follows: Executive Officers - Vice President External: Chelsea Rhose Saclauso; Vice President Internal: Frank Vince Gana; Public Information and Media Officer: Atasha Kyla Camama; Peace Officer: Ashley Sumadsad, and Senators - Grade

Sebastian Kurt

Anna Sofia

These newly elected student council officers were formally welcomed by the students during the flag ceremony on September 18 after the results have been announced at the official Facebook page of FEU Cavite BED Student Council, following the elections conducted on September 15, where students casted their votes through ballots in the Basic Education Building The votes were carefully and manually counted by the Tamaraw Electoral Committee (TEC) under the supervision of Ms Barbara Jane T Isidoro Umandap, Student Affairs Coordinator, and Mr John Paul Gonzales, TEC Adviser

Looking back, student leaders started filing their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on September 4 and continued until September 6 They went through different screening processes, led by the chairpersons of each party list, as well as the Tamaraw Electoral Committee (TEC) The applicants were carefully evaluated through the requirements set for their chosen positions until the two partylists were completely formed: the POWER Partylist (Progressive Officers Who Empower Resilience) and the ACTION Partylist

The campaign period lasted from September 11 to September 14 Both parties, with the guidance of their chairpersons showcased their strategies for convincing the student body to vote for the candidates ranging from DP blasts, room-to-room campaigning, distribution of flyers and tokens, and catchy jingles up until the purposeful platforms proposed by the aspiring student leaders On September 14, the FEU-C BED conducted the Miting de Avance for the Student Council Elections via Microsoft Teams, led by the TEC Each candidate was given the chance to talk about their platforms and campaign themselves for the last time before the voting period started The students also had an opportunity to ask inquiries and challenge the candidates This event concluded meaningful discussions, highlighted the commitment of the aspiring student leaders and helped the students to evaluate the candidates that lead to the results of the election

Indeed, leadership is not just about the skills but also character A leader who’s a model of fortitude, excellence, uprightness, and compassion Congratulations to our new student leaders!

o start the month of September, FEU Cavite Basic Education Department (BED) starts the Club Season with

the theme “Student Enrichment and Empowerment through Diverse Session (SEEDS)” in the afternoon of September 06, 2023 During the Club Hunt, Pre-Kinder to Grade 12 students can unleash and showcase their talents and passion while still focusing on their academics FEU Cavite offers a total of 16 Clubs, including the Young Bakers Club, Chiming Bells, Tams Dance Club (for kids), Little Engineers Club, TAMLikha, Eloquent Society, Tams Sports, Logic Pro, Tams Dance Company, Himig Tamaraw, Book Readers Club, Science Club, Simbuhan, and the Student Council

Around 1 o’ clock in the afternoon, students can be seen getting ready, and lines were already forming as they start to prepare themselves to go to their respective classrooms where their chosen clubs were located Some clubs had screening procedures such as, a physical fitness check for Tams Sports, 2 acapella songs for Himig Tamaraw, 1-minute dance piece for Tams Dance Company, General Basic Knowledge in Journalism, Interviews, and Portfolio for Simbuhan, etc As of that day, Simbuhan and Himig Tamaraw were the most noticeable clubs as there were a lot of interested applicants that even outside the classrooms, formed a crowd Each of the clubs prepared a form that will be signed by the club moderators which will be placed in the drop box in the main lobby Around 4:00 p m students started to go home as the club hunting applications were closing Thanks to FEU Cavite BED, it was indeed a wonderful opportunity for the Tamaraws to have some fun doing something that piqued their interest, whether it be an academic club or an interest club, in which they will be able to showcase their talents as well as encourage aspiring students to chase their dreams through joining a club

Chrip Majuelo
ACTION Party POWER Party
Vivea Gomez Keyshia Antoinette Taban
5: Audrey Martinez; Grade 6:
Espin; Grade 7: Lhady Alexxon Soberano, Grade 8: Riz Vann Stuart Taban, Grade 9:
Domingo, Grade 10: Ma Franchesca Baaclo, Grade 11: Aaron Gabriel Espiritu, and Grade 12: Samantha Ricci Peñalba
Anaiah Dimapilis & Elizabeth Pelayo

FEU Cavite welcomes Indonesian Delegates

of the SEA-Teachers Exchange Program

Selamat Siang, Tamaraws!

ednesday, September 20, 2023, FEU Cavite welcomes the 9th batch of Indonesian Student Teacher Delegates of the SEA Student Teacher Exchange program with open arms This momentous event hosted by FEU Cavite collaborates with the university partner schools, especially Far Eastern University Manila

The Delegates will be introduced to various mentoring initiatives as the said occasion aims to embark on a journey of sharing of each our cultures and education As for the guests, they were also introduced to the Philippine culture with the help of chosen students to perform an enthusiastic yet traditional entertainment

The event was kicked off with a cultural presentation led by Ms Zenn Genesis Riva and Mr Enrico Gabriel Tumbaga with a complementary dance by Alienna San Agustin, Aicelle Reyes, Phoemela Bianca Set, Venice Gabrielle Pacursa, Aliyah Hanna Gabrielle Hamor, Akia Shannen Malonzo, Faith Ferrer, and Jade Chrisha Prior of Grade 12 HUMSS

Furthermore, Student Leaders of FEU Cavite comprised of the Student Council, Tamaraw Electoral Committee, Simbuhan Editorial Board and BED Class Officers welcomed the delegates with smiles and cultures etched in thy happy halls

Moreover, the salutation never ends with a short welcome and meeting inside the Audio-Visual Room of FEU Cavite Ms Chareena Miranda, President, Student Council, led the opening prayer, followed by the National Anthem Mr Jomar P Redubla, Director, Basic Education Department, delivered an inspiring and culturemerging welcoming remarks

After that, Dr Rosarito Tatel-Suatengco, Dean, FEU Institute of Education delivered her message to the beaming delegates, motivating them further to the journey that lies ahead

To energize the audience, selected Grade 10 and 11 students performed a dance featuring Bagani, a warrior from Mindanao and a national dance, respectively

The participants are expected to immerse in a variety of the given programs and understand cultural practices for a month aside from the teaching demonstration Following are the anticipated schedules: for the first week, the Indonesian teachers will be observing classes; the second week will be for teaching assistantship; while the third week will be for the preparation of demo teaching; and lastly, the final week will commence the demonstration teaching itself

Additionally, the Indonesian instructors will be partnering with FEU Cavite BED teachers on their respective subjects A ‘Buddy System’ composed of three college students will be assisting the delegates through the course of their stay

On October 11, 2023, the delegates will be having an exciting cultural tour with the help of Tams Travel and Tour of FEU Cavite and Manila before the Closing Program on October 13, 2023

The event ended with the singing of the FEU hymn then proceeded to the open session and meeting of partners and college Buddy Truly, it is a significant moment not only in the FEU community but to the Southeast Asian and Indonesian family May this program strengthen the bond of our cultures, aside from the waiting opportunities to the delegates

FEU Cavite & I-Shou University

Third of October, year 2023 – a Tuesday within the vicinity of FEU Cavite BED Building, marked a historic collaboration bounded by camaraderie and mutual growth, FEU Cavite and, I-Shou University have solidified a remarkable partnership

Early 2023, 23rd of March, a flourishing ducational bond was set in motion with an orientation session that unveiled the International Academic Partnership between FEU Cavite and I-Shou University

The foundation of a remarkable alliance was led by I-Shou University’s distinguished representatives, Dr Arthur Lee, Dean of the International Affairs Office, and Mr Mark Lin, International Student Advisor

In the ensuing weeks, specifically, on April 30, 2023, a team from FEU Cavite teachers and students, embarked on an educational journey to I-Shou University in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan This marked the beginning of a growing friendship between the two institutions, as I-Shou University returned the visit to FEU Cavite, once again led by the esteemed representatives, Dr Arthur Lee and Mr Mark Lin A shared belief of internalization and globalization being attainable through partnerships deeply rooted in friendship was reaffirmed during the visit

A formal introduction by the Master of Ceremony, Ms Christine Jay Biangco, Student Publication Adviser, kicked off the event as she warmly introduced the esteemed representatives of I-Shou University, Dr Arthur Lee and Mr Mark Lin, including the administrators of FEU Cavite headed by Dr Myrna P Quinto, FEU Cavite Executive Director; Mr Matthew Nepomuceno, External Affairs Officer; Mr Jomar D Redubla, Director of the Basic Education Department; and Ms Lorivi Sarvida, the Academic Affairs Coordinator, SHS Area Afterwards the ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by Eunice Shaine Pamplona, FEUC-BED-SC PIMO External Officer, and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem Then on her welcome remarks, Dr Quinto emphasized the imperative role of internationalization in modern education and highlighted the partnership's goal of nurturing 21st century skills in students Dr Quinto’s remark was concluded through underlining the deep friendship that underpins the partnership stating,

"...More than the partnership, we are f i d "

Succeeding the remarks, BED Director –Mr Redubla delivered a message which highlights the transformative power of education and the effectiveness of collaboration in meeting student needs Embedded in his message was gratitude brought by the enduring collaboration that I-Shou University had chosen to build with FEU Cavite After the messages, students who had embarked on the exchange program earlier in the year was introduced by Mr Nepomuceno FEU Cavite SHS graduates from batch 2022-2023, Markoh Pabellano and An-Chi Chen, who passed the rigorous selection process of scholarship applications, are now studying at I-Shou University in Taiwan, majoring in Artificial Intelligence As they embodied the essence of being a tamaraw pride, they later on shared their experiences

Dr Lee introduced Taiwan and I-Shou, emphasizing global excellence in education, highlighted by AACSP Accreditation in 2021 They lauded the welcoming environment and diverse cultural interactions at I-Shou University, expressing their awe at the institution's impeccable organization and systematic approach to education Then on, a discussion of International Foundation Programs relative to offered Mandarin courses at I-Shou University was led by Mr Lin; delving into screening processes, cultural festivals, career opportunities, and the enriching ISU Community as a whole Profound gratitude concluded the event, as led by Ms Biangco, speaking on behalf of FEU Cavite The partnership signified a bright future for both institutions, through education’s power – knowledge and partnership intertwine to foster global excellence in education

Alzeah Venice Dela Cruz
Chelsea Rhose Saclauso
Mia Yzabella Escaño Keyshia Antoinette Taban
International Academic Partnership

FEU Cavite to divide

Simbuhan:

A Glimpse into the Broadcasting Organization

Ann Pangilinan & Anaiah Denise Dimapilis

campus journalist writes, broadcasts, and publishes the truth and only the truth

Being the voices, eyes, and ears of FEU Cavite Basic Education Department, Simbuhan, the official student publication is set to split in the second semester of the S Y 20232024 After being challenged by the pandemic, the organization resumed being active in covering school events and disseminating information in print and online this year Rebuilding was never easy, as there were a lot of plans and things to accomplish, but with the help and dedication of the members, they were able to overcome the trials and revamp the organization Now, a new student publication organization is planned to launch to focus on audio-video production

As the current school year starts, there is only one publication, Simbuhan, handled by the new Director Jomar Redubla, School Paper Adviser Christine Jay Biangco, and the two Editor-in-Chiefs, Racy Ann Pangilinan for Magazine and Broadcasting and Altheya Nicolle Javellana for Newspaper and Newsletter With the news of separating the organization, Ms Biangco together with Ms Javellana will oversee the portion of Simbuhan which will focus on writing, while the broadcasting organization will be managed by Mr Redubla and Ms Pangilinan which will focus on audio-video production Starting next semester, there will be two publications; the name of the other

n the 26th of October 2023, FEU Cavite’s Basic Education Department hosted a culminating activity entitled “A Cup of Mindfulness: Academic Stress Management” that served as a light-hearted session for junior high school and senior high school students as they closed off their 1st Semester Midterm Examinations

The department’s Guidance, Counseling, and Career Office (GCCO) led the event hosted for both the JHS and SHS students Mr Art Santie Poblete, previous counselor of the GCCO department, conducted the talks in separate sessions for the two batches by letting students grow aware of the stress that they had encountered over the first few weeks of school Sir Art made sure to at least let students experience some fun and make valuable realizations throughout the duration of the event

Unraveling the concept of academic stress and diving in through various factors that potentially contribute to its occurrence among students, various solutions and techniques were shared by Sir Art as the talks eventually got deeper and the experiences shared were growing to be more relatable for the learners

Health – may it be physical, emotional, or mental, was one of the more frequently mentioned topics during the duration of the activity “Health is wealth” as some would say, was repeatedly stated by Sir Art to emphasize the importance and significance of the words that struck the minds of the learners Health, above anything, was one thing for students had to uphold to keep education and efficient learning attainable in the midst of continuous assignments and responsibilities both inside and outside the school

Shortly after the thought-provoking talk and lecture took place, the program was concluded with the announcement of a newly launched club that was established in collaboration with the GCCO department called “Peerkadahan” which would serve to be of benefit to learners as a valuable resource for providing support, lending a listening ear, and engaging in activities related to mental health, self-assessment activities, and personality assessments for students

The status of one’s academics is something that the students of today pay close attention to – most especially among those who see it as something that defines their identity as individuals Towards the end of it all, it is still highly crucial for learners to remember that the tension and obstacles we encounter in our day-to-day routines are a part of our journeys towards learning Challenges may be faced and the feeling of being overwhelmed may get ahold of us at some point but it’s only important to keep in mind that deep down inside of each and every one of us, we’ve got the power to conquer it all

that await us and build a solid organization I am anticipating the new exciting JOURNey of the two organizations; I am certain that both will thrive and serve the academe with

contents and guidance, since mas focused na on specific areas, kahit ‘yung EICs hindi na mago-overlap ang tasks As for the cons, I think the biggest one is we’re not really sure if ready na for the divide ang org, given na we’re starting to rebuild it pa lang post-pandemic and if I’m not mistaken, this year lang talaga nagkaroon ng Media Team, even prior to merging Second, the leadership, not just the student-leadership but also, the adviser,” she added Embarking on a new journey, the EICs also expressed their thoughts on the division of the organization “I must express that, in all honesty, my association with the media team has fostered a profound attachment within me This year spent with the media team has undeniably been a remarkable experience for Simbuhan organizations The Media Team will strive to establish a strong organization, serving and broadcasting the latest happenings within and outside the campus

newest organizat flourish and contributions to t According to Magazine and Bro Simbuhan, I can Team has acquir experience in j progressively w members and connections with the news sadden attached to and them in the sam that, I believe it i hone skills and unleash the full potential of journalists in their specializations in the field As Simbuhan focuses on writing for online and print media, our new broadcasting organization will solely focus on media production ”

and unbiased news ”

Johan Nicole Baltazar & Zkyla Romero

SIMBUHAN

In February 16, 2024, the Basic Education Department Student Council of FEU Cavite hosted a valentine event titled "Musikilig" at the HED gymnasium The evening was filled with soulful performances, engaging activities, and a vibrant atmosphere that left a lasting impression on everyone present

students passionate about dancing, delivered a captivating performance that had everyone grooving along

The event was skillfully hosted by Mark Daniel

Adding a touch of poetry to the event, Cristine Cabiles took the stage with a solo spoken poetry piece that resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing her talent and eloquence The event continued with performances by student bands like Afterglow, who enchanted listeners with their original song "Glances," written by one of their band members, Elle Madrid It was then followed by Gunitam, a multi-grade level band that covered popular Valentine s Day tunes, keeping the energy high throughout the night

The excitement peaked with the guest performers, We The Santiago, who serenaded the audience with live performances of their original songs which inspires many such as "Orasan" and covers of popular OPM tracks, creating a concert-like atmosphere that had everyone singing and jumping along

EU Cavite commemorated a significant milestone as it celebrated its 15th founding anniversary with a series of vibrant events, showcasing the school's rich history and vibrant community spirit

The day commenced with the first rays of the sun illuminating the southern horizon, signaling the start of the festivities The Tamaraws of FEU Cavite eagerly geared up for their motorcade parade, gathering as early as 6 am at the FEU Cavite Higher Education Department Led by spirited enforcers and a passionate speaker, the parade traversed through the streets from Barangay Biluso to Silang Bayan, symbolizing the collective pride of being a Tamaraw

Following the motorcade, the celebration continued with a lively program that captivated attendees from start to finish The program began with a literal bang, thanks to the FEU Drummers’ marvelous performance of the Recca, Recca Summa FEU! Chant This energetic performance woke up the crowd and set the tone for the ceremony ahead

Ms Gladys Dialino and Mr Marvin Oria took on the role of Ceremony Masters, guiding the audience through the program with finesse The ceremony commenced

Another highlight of the evening was the surprise performance from Sir Emmanuel Acebuche BED Faculty, whose trendy dance moves and energy earned him cheers and applause from the enthusiastic crowd

Closing the event on a high note were The

commenced with the recitation of the Philippine National Anthem and the FEU prayer, fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among attendees Dr Myrna P Quinto, the FEU Cavite Executive Director, delivered opening remarks, providing insight into FEU's history and the significance of its founding Dr Ildefonso Fulgar III, the HED Dean, and Mr Jomar Redubla, FEU Cavite’s BED Director, followed with heartfelt messages, reflecting on the school's journey and expressing gratitude towards the community

Dr Matthew M Nepomuceno then shared the history of FEU Cavite through heartfelt and nostalgic photos, from the institute’s founding and humble beginnings to what it is today, also mentioning how they persevered through the difficulties along with the school’s notable developments compared to the beginning He also expressed sincere thanks and acknowledgement towards all the hard workers of the FEU family

The program showcased captivating performances by students from both Basic and Higher Education Departments, ranging from dance routines to musical showcases Starting with an adorable dance by Pre-K to Grade 2 students, it escalated with the energetic routines of the White Hawks and the Black Ravens, the

first runner up and the champion of the Intramurals Cheerdance Competition Following these cheerful displays, the Higher Education Department presented heartfelt performances, including a touching song by Ms Joan Pineda and a powerful band performance by the IT Department, all of which resonated with the crowd and demonstrated the unwavering spirit of community empowerment

As the event drew to a close, the FEU Drummers returned to the stage, delivering a powerful closing chant that resonated with the audience Voices united in song as attendees joined together to sing the FEU hymn, concluding the celebration on a high note of pride and camaraderie

The 15th founding anniversary celebration of FEU Cavite was a testament to the school's rich history, vibrant community, and commitment to fortitude, excellence, uprightness and compassion As the festivities came to an end, participants departed with a renewed sense of pride in their alma mater and excitement for the future

Ren Cassey Cena
Vivea Gomez

Peace Takes Center Stage: Celebration of United Nations Month 2023

In accordance with the celebration of United Nations Month 2023 that centered around the theme “International Year of Dialogue as Guarantee of Peace”, on the 10th of November, FEU Cavite Basic Education conducted a culminating activity consisting of two sessions: morning session attended by Pre-Kinder to Elementary area, and afternoon session dedicated to Junior High School and Senior High School that took place in FEU Cavite HED Gym.

Followed by the welcome remarks of Mr. Jomar Redubla, the BED Director, mentioning the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Israeli and Palestinians, as well as the Philippines and China because of the West Philippine Sea, the speech emphasizes peace to all nations where Mr. Redubla stated that “If you want peace, start for yourself,” and ending his speech by stating the lyrics of the song called “Sana” by Jolina Magdangal.

The highlights of the morning session include the Interpretative Dance of Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 students centering the theme of peace, matching with their inspired costumes of different countries. Students showcased their performances with different songs per grade level. Following the interpretative dance, the program continues by the awarding of certifications to the pupils and concludes the morning session with the FEU Hymn.

Continuing the celebration with the afternoon session hosted by Mr. Ken Loyola and Ms. Donna Ballares, the event began with the FEU Multi-Faith Prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The event was once again commenced by the BED Director, extending a warm welcome and stating the three practices to start with to achieve a peaceful world: be grateful, practice acceptance and

contentment, and decluttering.

Following the remarks, students from Junior High School, specifically Grade 7 to Grade 9 showcased their creativity through unique composed jingle with catchy tune promoting awareness of global issues and conflict resolution.

Subsequently, it was followed by the last activity, which was the Mr. and Ms. Advocates of Peace in which selected students from Grades 10 to 12 represented their section by dressing in costumes with a different theme made of recycled materials. Throughout the event, representatives were able to present their advocacy which was based on the assigned sphere based on the given various spheres – social, political, personal, institutional, and ecological –prior to the event and it also includes a Question-and-Answer portion.

Afterward, the most-awaited part of the celebration –announcement of winners. For the jingle presentation, 8Encouragement 2nd runner-up, 1st runner-up goes to 9-Charity, and 9-Compassion was declared as the Champion. For the Mr. and Ms. Advocates of Peace, representatives from 10-Simplicity placed 2nd runner-up, STEM 12B-Benevolence representatives placed 1st runner-up, and representatives from ABM 12-Accountability were officially announced as Mr. and Ms. Advocates of Peace 2023.

This yearly ceremony was held to honor the nation's camaraderie and the belief that war will not end problems; rather, it will only bring sorrow and tragedy to people everywhere. This incident serves as a reminder of World Wars 1 and 2, which is why the United Nations was established in the first place—to ensure that conflicts can only be resolved by dialogue rather than force.

1st & Global Media Information LiteracyStudent’s Summit

FEU Cavite Basic Education Department conducted the first Global Media and Information Literacy Student’s Summit, also known as MIL Week, with the theme “Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A Collective Global Agenda” last October 24 to October 25, 2023

In attendance were the Senior High School students together with guests from the Saint Paul Seminary The event was hosted by SHS faculty, Ms Darlene Mendoza and Ms Daphne Bautista, in the FEU Cavite Gym The opening remarks were given by the BED director, Mr Jomar Redubla, who emphasized that all people should contribute to the changing global community

tasked with creating a presentation on their chosen advocacies, leading the charge, creating publication materials, outlining advocacy, and presenting with an effective voice At the end of the program, students were informed on the importance of media literacy and the sharing of the right information Youth are reminded to be careful and vigilant about the issues on the internet, empowering the community with the power of the media

The guest speakers ignited the event with their respective topics “There’s no better way to reach the people than using social media," Media Practitioner, Mr Julius Segovia stated in his talk, detailing everything people needed to know about today's media Program Chair for Communication and Social Sciences, Ms Karen Toledo-Liveta followed, presenting her seminar on the role of media literacy in combating misinformation

Lastly, Student Council President, Ms Chareena Miranda laid out the relevance of a visionary leader to the issue of media literacy, introducing to the audience the acronym VIBE: Venturing the Unknown, Imagining the Future, Being Bold and Courageous, and Executing Your Dreams

In connection with the symposium, the next day, October 25, 2023, the Senior High School Students were immersed in a variety of workshops in line with MIL week Ms Chiyo Dizon led the digital publication workshop with students who are interested in making publication materials and digital editing On the other side, Ms Barbara Jane Isidoro-Umandap, the SAO Coordinator, guided the Leadership Innovative workshop with the visionary leaders of FEU BED Moreover, Ms Jinna Rendaje is the speaker for the Advocacy Campaign with student advocates Lastly, Ms Christine Jay Biangco led the Effective Public Speaking workshop with those talented in communication

After absorbing all the learning from their respective workshops, the Senior High School students were then placed into teams from other groups and were

Atasha Camama & Raphael Medina
Elizabeth Pelayo, Zkyla Romero & Enrico Tumbaga

SIMBUHAN

FEU-Cavite BED conducts PAIRS 2023 before S.Y. 2023-2024

After changes from the administration, FEU Cavite Basic Education Department reopens the school year conducting the “Parents’ Orientation Involvement in Relationship Strengthening 2023” (PAIRS 2023) last August 9, 2023, briefing parents and guardians with the upcoming events and future plans with their children

It is reported that number of parents of ranging from Kinder to Grade 12 who attended the orientation program exceeds the expectations of the department, especially with the senior high school after 13 years, signaling the mixture of excitement and anxiety brewing inside the gym and conference room

Dr Myrna Quinto, Executive Director of FEU Cavite, assures the parents and guardians that while the change happened, the university “remains to stick to its mission on providing quality education, developing [students] their core values” as established prechange, continuing investing to facilities that support students, and acquiring teachers expert on their field

While the transition is news, in his remarks, new BED Director Mr Jomar D Redubla calls for the FEU Cavite community to work together to make the school year work for everyone Parents, as the school’s partner, should have the responsibility to create a student-parent relationship opening the way to student’s improvement while FEU Cavite maintains the blended learning modality

“As we open this school year, we are opening opportunities together with the students, having the need to expand partners from faculty and staff to parents,” says Mr Redubla Emphasizing the role of parents, he takes that as new plans emerge this start of school year, slight changes in learning modality, faculty and staff, and utilization of modules rather than books, are some that requires guardians to guide students in their learning endeavor

Ms Catherina Dalmacio, BED Associate Guidance Counselor, further elaborated the means of parents in further assisting their children, noting the essence of acknowledging generational gaps from guardians to students in establishing a healthy and effective relationship to both parties Breakout sessions were also done to fully comprehend the issues of different grade levels PAIRS ‘23 became a testament for the Tamaraw community that despite challenges, FEU Cavite embrace growth better than ever, once again showcasing the school’s definite characteristic of being able to adapt to new extent of changes

n a display of appreciation and gratitude, FEU Cavite BED recently concluded its celebration of Teachers’ Day on October 6, which extended just beyond a single day to celebrate the efforts and dedication of its educators From heartfelt gifts such as flowers and letters from the students to the collaborative efforts by the student body to design their classrooms, this week has been a testament to the enormous gratitude and appreciation the students of FEU Cavite BED have for their esteemed teachers

Tribute to Teachers' Day: A week of celebration at FEU

preparations of the classrooms, games, and food concluded, the celebration of Teacher’s Day commenced with the students raveling in the fruits of their hard work, joined eventually by their teachers

As the celebration unfolded, both the students and their teachers partook in the delicacies and games prepared by the students, immersing themselves in an atmosphere of enjoyment and appreciation Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as the games progressed, with each participant giving their all

Cavite BED

The week kicked off with a show of appreciation and love on October 3rd, at 6:30 AM with a heartwarming event entitled ‘Harana Himig at Indayog ng Pasasalamat’, organized by the student council This event brought together students from all grade levels accompanied by a student’s soulful violin performance, The students expressed their gratitude and appreciation for their respective teachers by presenting them with paper flowers as tokens of their admiration and respect

In an interview conducted by the Simbuhan Organization, A Junior High Student described the haste in their preparations but found the joy it brought to their teacher made it all worthwhile, meanwhile, senior high students expressed gratitude for their teachers, despite their lack of surprise for the preparation, and enjoyed the games and friendly competition Among the elementary students, a common theme emerged: their love for food When asked about their favorite part of the celebration, many shared the same opinion, with food being their favorite part of the event

In the afternoon, the celebration continued with a performance orchestrated by the students They poured their hearts into singing delightfully and dancing graciously This left the teachers in awe and smile unto their faces, showing appreciation for the students' effort to express their heartfelt gratitude to their educators’ efforts

Following the students’ intermission, the event proceeded to various interactive games which were played by the teachers These games resulted in bursts of laughter and the opportunity to relax and share enjoyment together

The fateful day of the celebration of Teachers’ Day finally arrived on Friday, October 6th, and opened with vigorous enthusiasm from the students, eager to get ahead for the celebration that was to come later in the day The hallways of FEU Cavite BED bustled with excitement as the students collaborated to decorate their classrooms and set up the food, games, and surprises they had prepared in celebration of their beloved teachers As the

Let us ponder on this event that Teachers’ Day doesn’t only end on a single day This celebration serves as a reminder of the ongoing voyage of learning and development that teachers and students embark on together May this day be a wellspring of inspiration, fortifying the determination of both educators and learners to embark on countless more enriching journeys in their quest for knowledge and enlightenment We extend our heartfelt wishes to all our remarkable teachers for boundless inspiration and unwavering resilience Let us collectively empower every teacher and may the light within our hearts and minds continue to shine brightly

Chrip Majuelo
Illustrationby HannahSoriano
Broderick Borromeo Kristine Diaz

SIMBUHAN

The Christmas Bazaar that was held on the 1st of December 2023 in the FEU Cavite Basic Education (BED) Building was an event that kicked off the start of the Christmas season among students Grade 12 students from the ABM, HUMSS, and STEM strands as well as the students of ABM 11 were among the participating individuals that showcaed their creativity and innovation during the event ion during the event

Sparkle and Shine:

12th Graders in their Christmas Selling Spirit

Months of long-held preparations and hard work took place before the commencement of the occasion From the proposal of mere visualizations and expectations regarding the products that they wished to put forth, students eventually had their proposals accepted and acknowledged, letting them take their one step forward to manufacturing products that would soon be the cause of the hustle-and-bustle scenario in the department’s premises

A total of 21 stalls were established in the canteen’s premises and along the Al Fresco open area The company names established by the students were able to convey to customers and fellow students alike a brief overview of the items and services that they gladly prepared and provided Namely, the companies and enterprises of the Grade 12 students involved in the bazaar were Bead Topia, Bili Jeans, Carictasan Co , COOLtura, Dream Collections PH, DYK, Eco Shell, Ecot Ecot, Elysian, Letra Y Nombre, Makabayan Stickers, Papee Enterprise, PINnovate, Scentrenity Scents, Sincerely, Hers, Tayog, Trinket Treasures, and Tumbees

From the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand, we have seen the practical and ingenious products developed by the companies of Bili Jeans, Scentrenity Scents, and Tumbees Bili Jeans, with their Jean-ius Tote bags made out of thrifted jeans, caught the attention of customers due to its trendy and chic look Scentrenity Scents produced perfumes and home fragrances with a variety of scents that one could choose from Tumbees provided Tumbler Holder Bags with a variety of themes for your day-to-day hydrating companions

The Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSS) did not fail to showcase their creativity and artistic flairs with the establishment of the companies Carictasan Co , Dreams Collection PH, Elysian, Letra Y Nombre, and Trinket Treasures Carictasan Co ’s innovation called Claytura featured a variety of ring, earring, and pendant collections that were each uniquely crafted with the use of clay products Dream Collections PH offered D I Y bracelets which readily offers customers a chance to exhibit their personalities through accessories Elysian, another accessory-anchored enterprise, sold artist-inspired accessories that composed of bracelets, necklaces and even customizable keychains Tala Tulanan by Letra Y Nombre is a planner that shows off how even the simplest products we hold can still be minimalist and functional at the same time Trinket Treasures readily offered their crocheted pouch products called Pet Pocket that come in whimsical animal designs

In the domain of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), students were able to generate products that had their very own charm and unique twist Bead Topia, with their product called Perlas ng Silangan, provided their customers with bracelets and necklaces that had 5 distinct designs and were also up for customization COOLtura’s Superbook magazine offered a wide range of materials that students can both learn from and enjoy with every turn of page DYK marketed bookmarks to customers who were looking to find creative ways to mark the chapters of their books, along with a chance to customize their very own EcoShell, a company that utilized coconuts to develop their EcoNut holders, provided a fresh and sustainable alternative to typical pen holders sold in the market Ecot Ecot ventured into an environmentally friendly approach with their product Sizt-Use-Me, a pocket-sized notebook that was made with the use of recycled papers for its pages Makabayan Stickers featured sticker products that integrated a touch of Filipino culture into their designs and layouts Papee Enterprise marketed its eco-friendly Fling Bag product that was made with the use of Woven Buri and Classic Leather PINnovate added their own personalized touch to their PINfinity products that offered both pre-made designs and customizable pins of various sizes Sincerely, Hers offered Ka-LIKHA-san, their very own recycled paper product that comes in batches and a personalized letter service for every purchase Tayog developed a sustainable laptop bag called BagCo which worked to help reduce coconut waste by manipulating coconut fibers with other raw materials

d educational insights, FEU Cavite bid farewell to a group of esteemed Indonesian teachers who participated in the SEA Teachers-Exchange Program The closing event, held on September 20, 2023, marked the end of a two-week program aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding and sharing innovative teaching methodologies

The event, hosted by the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department, began with a warm welcome to the chosen student teachers from Indonesia Throughout the program, participants were exposed to various mentoring advances that showcased the unique cultural and educational practices of

Truly, a students’ imagination and strive are the key recipes to formulating a successful outcome of events As each group of students had their own lure and appeal to what they willingly provided their customers, they were able to learn and realize to themselves the importance of kindness, compassion, and the significance on the act of giving and receiving –all qualities that one should possess during the dawn and prime of the Christmas season

and mabuhay!

Johan Nicole Baltazar
Keyshia Antoinette Taban Mia Yzabella Escaño

TAM Quest 2024 Back Again

The scorching sun was leveled by the heat of the TAM Quest 2024 held March 16, 2024, at the FEU Cavite HED Gymnasium With 21 Elementary School and 28 Junior High School teams from numerous participating schools fighting for the title of “Tam Quest Year 9 Champion”, only one school from the two categories left the venue carrying the title

The quiz bee consists of three rounds: easy, average, and difficult; with 20 questions from 4 different subjects: Science, Mathematics, English, and Araling Panlipunan

After 3 rounds, Statesfield School Inc won as the champion of this year’s Think Tam Year 9 Elementary Edition, while Merryland Montessori and Highschool Inc , and St Paul College, Island Park, Inc both won the first and second runner-up, respectively

For Zachary Matt De Leon of Statefield School Incorporated, he stated that the competition itself provided “questions [that] were very hard, [letting] us think outside the box,” while Sean Khianne B Marquez mentioned that questions are praiseworthy as it did challenge the students’ intellectual skills and prior knowledge

On the other hand, it was the Trece Martires City National High School who was declared as TAM Quest 2024 Junior High School Champions, followed by Dasmarinas Integrated High School as Tam Quest 1st Runner-up, and Statesfield School Incorporated clinching the 2nd runner-up

The students mentioned that they faced different problems; lack of the school’s financial support, preparation time, and the conflict between schedules and reviews are only to name a few Despite these, the students instill Fortitude within them as they excel and give their utmost effort representing their school in this year’s TAMquest

Indeed, the event showcases the potential of students from different schools to brave the future with their knowledge and dedication to academics

n March 15, 2024, educators and students attended the event “McGraw-Hill Day: Celebrating Reading and Mathematics Competency”, which was held at FEU Cavite's Basic Education Department building PE Room Two eminent speakers, Mr Karlo Miclat and Ms Valerie Dellosa, provided insightful speeches The aforementioned event began at approximately 1:00 pm, with an introduction by SHS Academic Coordinator, Ms Lorivi Sarvida, and an icebreaker activity and interesting information to welcome the students The occasion offered a forum for the discussion of innovative resources intended to improve Grade 11 students' learning in the areas of reading and mathematics

The distinguished educator Mr Karlo Miclat grabbed the podium to introduce McGraw-Hill's complete mathematics platform, ALEKS With an emphasis on individualized learning, ALEKS provides a customized method of teaching math that takes into account each student's unique requirements and preferred method of learning Mr Karlo underlined in his talk the value of developing mathematical proficiency, especially at the Grade 11 level, and the ways in which ALEKS may help students along with their mathematical path With the use of adaptive tests, interactive lessons, and customized learning paths, ALEKS helps students establish a solid mathematical foundation that will prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond

After Mr Karlo's informative talk, Ms Valerie Dellosa took the platform to discuss Achieve3000 Literacy and its impact on literacy Achieve3000 Literacy is a potent tool for building and enhancing reading, comprehension, and writing skills in Grade 11 students Ms Valerie introduced it because she recognized the crucial role these skills play in academic accomplishment Achieve3000 Literacy gives pupils the chance to develop their vocabulary, write more proficiently, and read comprehension through individualized training and interesting content Ms Valerie emphasized the value of literacy competence across all subject areas and the ways that Achieve3000 Literacy gives students the skills they need to succeed in both their academic and future professional endeavors

The presentations made by Mr Karlo and Ms Valerie during McGraw-Hill Day demonstrated the dedication of teachers and providers of educational technology to enhancing the academic experience of Grade 11 students Through utilizing innovative resources such as ALEKS and Achieve3000 Literacy, educators may enable children to reach their maximum potential, develop a passion for learning, and set off on a successful path

Following the discussion sessions led by the two speakers, the McGraw-Hill Achievers were awarded, allowing them to demonstrate their mastery of reading comprehension, math, and English literacy These students are now acting as role models for their peers and classmates, encouraging them to aim for similar achievements in their activities for the upcoming semester

To end such an educational talk session, the FEU Cavite BED Director, Sir Jomar Redubla, gave his final remarks to bring the exciting and educational event to a close and posed a question for the students to consider and respond to on their own The McGraw-Hill Day session gave educators valuable insights into platforms for examining innovative tools and techniques targeted at improving the academic path of 11th grade students With ALEKS and Achieve3000 Literacy setting the example, students have a bright future ahead of them as they begin a life-changing educational journey that will influence their future academic and professional pursuits

Anaiah Dimapilis
Allyssa Cassandra Zapanta

Dancing with the Outdated

Last March 6 of the current year, the House of Representatives approved the third reading Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No 6 requesting for a change on the Constitutional Convention (ConCon) as charter change This is yet another call for modification of a document meant to be the foundation of the Filipinos and the country itself; prioritizing this rather than the preservation of history and present needs is a hard slap to the face on the Filipino people

The RBH affirms that “particular economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution need to be revisited and recrafted so that the Philippines may become globally competitive and attuned with the changing times ” This would mean that the original constitution will be for modification to match the needs of the government but can either go in the good or destructive path

In opposition to the constituent assembly (ConAss) which are made up of the sitting legislators, the constitutional convention (ConCon) is the stand-alone set of elected and appointed delegates Regardless, the people will always be the basis and dictation to what the constitution will become of

Next thing we know, on March 14, 2023, House Bill No 7352 was passed as it was approved by the supermajority vote This is the start of the long parade of ratifications, modifications, elections and the likes that will forever hold the country in its behold In my opinion, this is a dangerous track for the Philippines to take; aside from we have many issues to prioritize, it has the possibility of being taken advantage of especially by the greed-driven politicians and their associates

First, it has the power to change the resolutions and provisions in the article including the term count of government officials, general law and even the power held by those in position This is an unfortunate effect if it is approved given that our country has a longstanding history of corruption; our country will be subjected to more debt compared to the billions of credit we have today

LEVEL UP:

Jumping Into Traditions

DNext is the pending issues to be resolved just like the problems on wages, transportation, agriculture, health, education and many more If the lawmakers chose to update the constitutional convention first rather than the more serious issue that really needs solving, the country will slowly progress in many aspects and see the real need in terms of provisions in the constitution It is the sad reality of the common Filipino people that makes it more infuriating, that a working constitution must be changed for who knows what the reason

Last, there are numerous changes with the process it is going through today than the past namely the President’s lack of public engagement as well as the constitutional convention as a form of ChaCha This act can result in a biased decision without the people’s agreement since it is on closed doors In actuality, it can be felt with the citizen’s lack of knowledge on the charter change despite its many months of development in the congress

The problem with this is not just the lack of preparation and consent but the overall effect it can give to the country in terms of policy, terms and even its history Although, reality speaking, it can aid the country to be updated with the needed amendments of the modern world unlike the olden tradition on what and why it is done

To be fair, I think it is be expand and eventually mo people’s thought that is th parties agree, a democratic must update the citizens so what is really happening, b be a time when we are chas and destroying the freedom hard for

In conclusion, the current proposal for the charter change will be a big conversion to what we have today if it is approved Change is inevitable but should be made through the majority of all and not just those in power For the betterment, for the future, the nation must dance a cha-cha through the outdated and abide by the present

uring every intramural, one thing that students eagerly anticipate is having fun and taking a break from their academic responsibilities Following the announcement that intramurals 2024 will commence on January 22, everyone has been preoccupied with thoughts of which team they will join and the sports and games they will participate in

Typically, sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, and Badminton are the ones that take part in the event However, traditional Filipino games were also conducted in the Basic Education Department last school year In fact, Sir Emmanuel Domingo, a physical education teacher, has confirmed that there will be traditional games such as Sack Race, Tug of War, and Tamaang Tao for this intramural

Although not recognized as a "sport," these simple games, which have been passed down through generations, are more than just childhood pastimes They are integral to Filipino identity In thy happy halls, it is time to recognize the potential of these "traditional Filipino games" as a "traditional Filipino sport," as they offer numerous benefits, including the promotion and preservation of our culture

Before delving into the benefits of Filipino traditional games, it is a must to define what makes a sport a sport and what specific attributes it must have

Sports are physical activities that are usually competitive and require the use, maintenance, or improvement of physical skills and abilities They provide enjoyment and challenge

to participants often, our narro same qualities, such as the cherished traditional games of the Philippines

The inclusion of traditional games in intramurals goes beyond simply adding another event; it involves acknowledging the diverse value they possess It is about fostering a generation that appreciates the distinct athleticism involved

These games, disguised as pastimes, are actually playgrounds that test physical skill just as much as organized sports In the same way, they can assist in improving our physical fitness To begin with, agility and lightning reflexes are necessary to dodge the "taya" in patintero Then, coordination and core strength are required to master the intricate jumps of luksong baka and Chinese garter Lastly, sipa involves kicking a small ball, which demands exceptional footwork and stamina All of these games require exertion similar to what is needed in a sport Furthermore, traditional Filipino games, commonly referred to as "Laro ng Lahi," embody the essence of our cultural heritage The reason for labeling them as sports is not only due to the exciting competition and physical advantages they offer, but also to the invaluable chance they provide to safeguard and commemorate our distinct identity

The games created by the previous generation using simple materials and boundless creativity serve as living proofs of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Filipino people

Therefore, in addition to the physical fitness and cultural preservation it provides, we cannot deny that everyone enjoys the happiness and leisure that these types of games offer These engaging activities promote collaboration and communication, making them accessible and inclusive for all They need minimal or no equipment, such as playing "tumbang preso" with cans and slippers or "patintero," which only requires the force and movement of the player with their hands These attract wider participation, encourage physical fitness, and can even lead to national and international recognition if they are known as "sports "

Now is the time for us to step into the next level and open the doors of intramurals to the treasures of our own tradition Who knows, maybe the next Hidilyn Diaz of our country is currently playing traditional games outside the field? Could the "mother" of the game, Chinese Gartner, become an Olympic champion in the future? Let's wait and see

Hold on; we no longer have time to wait Let the games begin Let the world hear the rhythmic sound of sipa hitting its goal, the joyful cheers of patintero winners, and the laughter-filled calls of "tago!" in tamaang tao Let them observe the passion that ignites in the eyes of a Filipino athlete Embrace the legacy and show that the Philippines possesses its own unique "larong Pinoy," where sport discovers its purest essence

Juaymah Mae Dionisio
Editorial Cartoon By Mikaella Nei Escober
Atasha Camama

ROTC: Mandatory A Pragmatic Program

Inthemidstofheateddiscussionsandimpassioned debates,theideaofreintroducingtheReserve Officers’TrainingCorps(ROTC)forseniorhighschool studentshasresurfaced,sparkingyetmorecrucialtalk aboutthislong-criticizedprogramfortheyouthofthe country. The program can stand as a reserve component,inamidstrisinggeopoliticaltensionsinthe West Philippine Sea. Specifically, near Philippine territories in the Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands. Along with boiling conflict in the area, domesticsecurityisalsoaconcern.Withalackof personnelintheArmedForces.Thegovernmentis strugglingnotonlytoprotectournationalsovereignty, but along with maintaining domestic security nationwide.

InadvocatingfortherevivalofROTC,Istrongly believethattheprogramplaysasignificantrolein shapingthecharacterandcommitmentofmyfamily andfriendswhowentontobecomecommissioned officers.Itinstilledinthemasenseofdiscipline,duty, andnationalservicethathonedandnurturedtheir skillsthroughouttheirmilitarycareers.Inarecent nationwidesurveyabouttheprogramconductedbythe PhilippineInformationAgencyin2022,itshowedthat 78%ofrespondentsnationwideareinfavorofthe reinstatementofROTC.While13% disagreed,while8%saidtheylackedthenecessary knowledgetovoteonwhetherornottheyagreeon thetopic.

Acknowledgingthe13%oftherespondentsisalso essential,itisimportanttoaddresspossibleconcerns thepublichaveandatthesametimetosolvethe misconceptionsandproblemswhichtheyhaveagainst theprogram’simplementation.Somemayarguethat theprogramcansimplybeburdensome,awasteof resources,andinterruptacademicalpursuitsonthe tertiary level. In addressing these concerns, the programshouldberefinedsothatitsupportsthe studentalongsidetheireducationalpursuits,rather thandistractingandburdeningthem.Intermsof resources, some might state that the program is expensive,notonlytopersonnel,butalsotostudents themselves,whohavetopersonallycovertheexpenses oftheiruniformsandparaphernalia.Toaddressthis concern,itisessentialthatschoolsandthegovernment collaboratetocovertheexpensesfortheirstudents.To avoidthefinancialrestraintthattheprogramcancause thestudents.

Accordingonceagaintothesamesurveyconducted, 71%believethattheprogramcanteachdisciplineand responsibility.With60%believingthatthestudentscan helpandsupportnationaldisasterreliefprograms. Drawingfrompersonalinsight,Ihavewitnessedthe potential and benefits of the program; it laid a foundationforleadershipanddiscipline.Alongwith that,wasthedrivetobeproactivecitizens.Withknown colleaguesparticipatinginblooddrives,disasterrelief, and go-green programs for the betterment of the environment.However,thosewhoopposetheprogram alsohavetheirveryownconcerns.With75%stating thattheprogramcanincreasecasesofabuse,hazing, andharassment,while56%believethatitiswastingthe timeoftheyouth,and44%believingthatitwillsimply becomeatoolforleadersandofficers.

Tocounterabuseandhazing,itisessentialthatprogramisrefinedandbuiltonthe foundationofsafetyandzero-tolerancepolicyonmisconductFortheworriesthat theprogramwillbeusedasatool,itisessentialthatleadersoftheprogramare transparenttothepublicIntermsoftime,theprogramshouldberefinedtoamore holisticapproach,tosupportamoreproactiveapproachtobeingcitizensratherthan militarizedtrainingalone

TherecentSenatehearingonJanuary25shedlightonthechallengessurroundingtheproposed reinstatementoftheROTCprogramRepresentativesfromtheDepartmentofNationalDefense(DND) highlightedpotentialproblemsthatcamewiththeprogram,whichnotedashortageofmanpowerand financialresources Thefigurespresentedweredaunting, accordingtotheArmedForcesofthe Philippines(AFP)itneeds9,000to10,000militarypersonneltocoveraround2,400highereducational institutionsandanestimatedcostofP92billion However,mybeliefisthatthesehurdlescanbe overcomewithstrategicplanningandcommitment Thebenefitsderivedfromadisciplinedand preparedyouthfaroutweighthelogisticalchallengesposedbytheimplementationofROTC

However,amidtheseconcerns,SenatorRonald"Bato"DelaRosaemergedasaferventanddetermined advocatefortheimplementationoftheROTCprogramWhiletheDNDexpressedskepticismaboutthe feasibilityoftheprogramandthelogisticalconcernsthatplaguedtheproposal,SenatorDelaRosa remainedsteadfast,boldlyinsistingthattheyshouldfindsolutionstotheproblem,insteadofdiscarding theprograminitsentirety

OneoftheprimaryconcernsraisedwasthelackofmilitarypersonneltoexecutetheROTCprogram effectively DefenseUndersecretaryFrancoNemesioGacal'sobservationsabouttheinsufficient manpowerandfinancialresourcespromptedafirmandunwaveringresponsefromSenatorDelaRosa Undeterred,DelaRosaaffirmedtheSenate'scommitmenttosupporttheinitiative,dismissingthe notionofpassingresponsibilitytootheragencies

ColonelRonaldJessAlcudia,theexecutiveofficerofthemilitary'sreservistandretireeaffairs, assuredtheSenatethatthemilitarycouldsuccessfullyimplementtheROTCprogramgiventhe"proper supportandlogistics"Thisdeclarationresonateswiththebeliefthatwithadequateresources,the programcannotonlythrivebutwillalsoconfidentlydeveloptheyouthInmyownopinion,Ithinkthat itiscrucialtoproposesolutionssuchastargetedrecruitmentdrives,leveragingstandbyreservists,and exploringpartnershipswitheducationalinstitutionsThesemeasurescanensureasmootherandmore effectiveimplementationoftheROTCprogram

Senator Dela Rosa's resolve to push forward with the ROTC program reflects a recognition of the benefits it can bring As the senator stated, there is a pool of capable standby reservists that can be tapped into, and additional recruitment efforts can be explored to address the manpower shortage within the armed forces However, to achieve a more streamlined and comprehensive perspective on the issue it is essential to acknowledge other potential challenges and offer solutions In addition to the concerns raised by the Defense Undersecretary, considerations such as the impact on academic schedules, potential resistance from students, and the need for streamlined coordination with educational institutions must be addressed In proposing solutions, targeted recruitment drives, leveraging standby reservists, and exploring partnerships with educational institutions can ensure a smoother and more effective implementation of the ROTC program Interviews with scholars, educators, the students themselves, and experts on both educational and military policy can help refine a program that fits the narrative of a responsible citizen

By focusing on the well-rounded benefits observed in the lives of my family and friends, I invite readers to consider the positive impact that a revitalized ROTC program can have on the youth and the nation as a whole However it is extremely crucial to know that not only can the program be shaped by

AI Journalism: A Threat to Conventional Journalism

Adaptation to change is one of the prominent characteristics of humanity

In our society, where we embrace modernity in our daily lives, technology is integrated to make life extensively easier

To come up with modernization, many countries are using technology-driven innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to incorporate unique approaches to traditional practices; the journalism field is no exception to this In recent times, the advent of Artificial Intelligence has proved to be advantageous yet controversial Recently, The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), alongside GMA Network introduced their first AI sportscasters to the public, and along with it were numerous opinions from the media From commendation to constructive criticism, it is obvious that the insensitive upbringing of a threat to thousands of journalists has taken netizens and journalists alike by storm

However, just how damaging can the utilization of Artificial Intelligence be to current and future journalists?

To answer the question, it is essential to note how journalism established itself as a respected and professional area of work What makes journalism known as it is today are those responsible for creating and implementing it; humans Despite diversity, humans are bound by truth and only the truth Journalists, in fact, are the ones responsible for bringing light to each and every societal issue, and they serve as a voice to those silenced; journalism is an essential component in the construct of a truthful society However, with the implication of a lifeless and impassive copy of humans in the world of journalism, the information we receive and perceive will forever not be the same

Some, especially those in favor of modernization, argue that the use of artificial intelligence in journalism will be the turning point of innovation in the field, and thus should be perceived as advantageous and necessary rather than the contrary However, this is in fact unparallel to what journalists argue about Whilst the utilization of artificial intelligence will boost news delivery to cope with other nations, such as system-based statistics used in news regarding earthquakes, the primary and hallmarking trait of journalism, which are humans, are lost in the usage of AI This significantly harms and threatens the livelihood of journalists who work hard to keep news engaging for their audience With the usage of AI, it will inevitably replace the conventional roles we are accustomed to in current journalism Furthermore, the lack of life and emotionlessness of AI, such as those presented in recent news, do not evoke emotional connections with the audience like human journalists do This will ultimately lead to the loss of excitement factor that people feel when looking up news

Although it is crucial to explore and experiment with different approaches and incorporate technology in news delivery, it will be damaging to a certain extent Balancing traditional and modern practices is crucial to achieve innovation and ease of access all while keeping connection with the people Switching to AI completely will harm the future of journalism and media However, as sad as it sounds, it is inevitable, as humans are known to be adaptable to change

All in all, the utilization of artificial intelligence in journalism is still in its early stages but is nevertheless foreshadowing how it has the potential to change journalism forever Not just for journalism in general, but more significantly for journalists This double-edged sword has the capacity to make news delivery ever more convenient but pays the price of reinventing the image of journalism itself in the future Not only that, but conventional roles in journalism will also be lost, and thus foreshadowing thousands of journalists being abruptly altered away from their careers

Stripping Away Creativity: The Controversial DepEd Order on Classroom Decorations

Inaboldandunexpectedmove,theDepartmentofEducation(DepEd)hasrecentlysettheeducation communityabuzzwithitslatestdirective,encapsulatedinDepEdOrderNo21Thismandatecalls fortheremovalofwhatitdeems"unnecessaryartwork,decorations,tarpaulin,andposters"from classroomwalls,allinthenameoffosteringclean,orderly,andfunctionallearningenvironments Theshockwavesfromthisdecisionhavepromptededucators,students,andexpertstoengagein aferventdebateabouttheprofoundimpactitmayhaveontheverycoreofthelearningexperience

At the epicenter of this controversy is a critical question: does the act of stripping away classroom decorations truly enhance the learning environment, or does it eliminate creativity? Advocates for the order argue that these embellishments are not mere distractions but vital components that contribute to a conducive learning space They posit that visual aids and decorations, especially educational posters, play a crucial role in enhancing student engagement, and fostering a sense of ownership, and belonging

However, I personally disagree with the DepEd order, and there are compelling reasons to champion the importance of a visually stimulating learning environment While proponents argue that a bare classroom enhances focus, personalized learning, student ownership, relationships, and cognitive behavior, it is crucial to acknowledge the lack of welldocumented evidence supporting the positive impact of a completely barren setting Moreover, numerous educators suggest that decorations can contribute positively to student learning when used thoughtfully

The order has sown confusion among teachers and stakeholders, as they grapple with the ambiguous definition of "unnecessary" decorations Calls have emerged for DepEd to provide specific guidelines that delineate

essential visual aids and decorations conducive

As classrooms undergo a visual purge, students find themselves torn between the desire for a clean, functional space and the motivation that decorations bring to the learning process While some acknowledge the intention behind the order, others passionately argue that the vibrant, adorned environment contributes significantly to their motivation and overall learning experience

The DepEd's directive to remove classroom decorations has sparked a multifaceted discussion, reflecting diverse perspectives within the educational landscape While the pursuit of clean and functional learning spaces is undoubtedly valid, the potential repercussions on student engagement and the overall learning environment demand careful consideration As the debate rages on, the urgent need for clear guidelines and a balanced approach, one that prioritizes functionality without stifling creativity, becomes increasingly apparent The lingering question provokes contemplation: is the cost of a stripped-down classroom worth the potential loss of inspiration and determination towards academic excellence? Perhaps the key lies in finding a middle ground that acknowledges the benefits of both bare and decorated classrooms, paving the way to an optimal and enriched learning atmosphere

Anna Sofia Alyssa Domingo
Illustration by Robyn Gonzales

JAVELLANA, Altheya Nicolle

MAJUELO, Chrip GOMEZ, Vivea

PANGILINA

JUVIDA, John Andre

KING of the Road:

An Unjust Final Destination?

Change is the only constant thing in the world; it is inevitable, they say But is it reasonable to embrace it if it ignites the destruction of the lives of many, especially the marginalized sector?

Day and night, no matter what the weather is or what the destination will be, the jeepney, also known as the king of the road, is the public transportation that we Filipinos all rely on Jeepneys were first used in the 1930s during American colonization It was made from old carriages destroyed by the war and further transformed to provide affordable transport services to Filipinos up until this very moment; however, in the present time, it is on the edge of disappearance due to its proposed phase-out in relation to the modernization program of public utility vehicles

Shush, Did Public Get Their Money's Worth?

The allocation of confidential funds has seen a notable upswing, with the number of agencies and departments holding such funds rising from 21 in 2016 to 28 under the 2024 budget Notably, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education, both seeking substantial amounts, including P50 million for the former in 2024, have joined this list

The spotlight focuses sharply on Vice President Sara Duterte, Department of Education Secretary, with access to P150 million confidential funds in 2023 Shockingly, reports later surfaced, indicating an extravagant expenditure of P125 million confidential funds in just 11 days in 2022 The swiftness and scale of this spending, devoid of a clear and detailed breakdown of expenses, raises legitimate questions about the value derived from such an allocation

The response to public concerns has been lackluster Stella Quimbo, Member of the House of Representatives, vowed an accomplishments report by November 15, 2023 However, the absence of a public press conference or court hearing has left the public in the dark about the utilization of the 125 million pesos

The dismissal of concerns, asserting the funds were used for "good governance and social services," without concrete evidence, adds layers of skepticism What tangible improvements and services were achieved, and why the lack of transparency?

In contemplating the circumstances, one cannot help but wonder: Is this a sign of corruption? Is there a deliberate effort to keep the public blind to avoid suspicion? The swift and unchecked use of funds, coupled with a lack of transparency, raises concerns about the potential misuse of public resources for personal gain

Transparency and accountability form the foundation of a strong democracy, essential for maintaining the public's trust in its government Yet, recent revelations on the use of confidential funds in the Philippines compel us to reassess the delicate equilibrium between confidentiality and the public's right to know, especially when significant amounts of public funds are involved

The realm of confidential funds, distinct from intelligence funds and designated for surveillance in civilian government agencies, has experienced an alarming surge This surge, however, triggers concerns about skewed priorities and unequal distribution While civilian agencies enjoy substantial increases in confidential fund allocations, entities vital to national security, like the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy, receive disproportionately meager amounts, prompting valid questions about the fairness and appropriateness of these allocations

The audit process for these funds encounters distinctive challenges due to their sensitive nature Governed by a joint circular from the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit, confidential and intelligence funds lack stringent scrutiny applied to other budgetary items Auditors, recognizing this limitation, often rely on certifications from government agencies, as receipts may not always be anticipated for these confidential expenditures This reliance underscores the importance of holding those responsible for utilizing these funds accountable for the outcomes of intelligence operations

The crux of the matter revolves around the accountability and transparency of confidential fund utilization While the confidential nature may limit detailed public disclosure, the submission of quarterly reports to the president and Congress is a critical step Unfortunately, the frequency and depth of scrutiny remain ambiguous, perpetuating a sense of opacity

In a democracy, we, the citizens, deserve to witness tangible progress resulting from the implementation of these funds Accomplishment reports, though confidential, serve as a compass to gauge whether the funds are being judiciously employed The lingering question persists: Did the public get their money's worth? In the absence of transparent and accountable practices, this question remains unanswered, shrouding the true impact of these confidential funds and leaving citizens yearning for clarity in the shadowy realm of government finances

The modernization program of PUVs started in 2017, which calls for the phasing out of vehicles, including jeepneys, that are at least 15 years old and replacing them with safer and more environmentally friendly ones It started for a good cause that gained support, ieve it are not in the favor of most rs, particularly in terms of their its steep price The new vehicles llion pesos, which clearly shows re indeed at a disadvantage This ts the perspective on the am, which is now considered to is program also includes the ation of drivers and operators into e expected to provide assistance, enewal and credit facilities during the past months, a series were conducted by different s a response to the imminent s The most recent one is the joint ich lasted until December 22 by sang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at de and MANIBELA, that aims to paralyzation and loss of livelihood ney drivers, operators, and other s starting January 2024 These heir commitment to their stand rnment to hear their grievances nevertheless, it seems that those ople still keep turning a blind eye quals growth, but growth should e factors and aspects that may ll be affected, respectively While affect us on a positive note, such as safety, convenience, and environmental impacts, the negative impacts of it, specifically the phaseout of jeepneys, cannot also be brushed off, particularly for the drivers and operators who consider jeepneys their bread and butter, as well as the commuters who rely solely on jeepneys as their everyday transportation vehicle and don't have the capability to pay for higher fare prices

All options should be considered and evaluated, such as further assistance from the government to PUJs and the improvement and upgrade of existing traditional jeepneys to meet the environmental and technological needs of our country This will also give way to proper utilization of the resources that we already have, which will lead to minimal costs and lessen the burden on drivers and operators It will never be wrong to crave change unless it sets aside something, similarly to how the welfare of jeepney drivers and operators is being nullified Just like the cry of many, the jeepney phaseout is indeed a massacre to the livelihood of Filipinos and destroys the roots that we have Modernization can be achieved, not in a fast-paced manner nor forcibly and most especially not by the phasing out of jeepneys

We once reached our destination through the help of jeepneys, now is our time to help them continue their journey despite the wicked ways to vanish them

Vivea Gomez
Ren Cassey Cena
Editorial Cartoon By Hannah Soriano
Para po, para na sa Jeepney Phaseout!

SIMBUHAN

Lunacy Up Above Quiboloy and the Senate

Lunacy, the state of idiocy and foolishness, is a perfect word to describe some of those in power above the Filipino people. May it be on governance or religion, the presence of lunatics taking control of the country and people is such a dreadful situation that translates to the downfall of the country. These lunatics are non-other than the ‘Appointed Son of God’ Apollo Quiboloy and the rotten senators in support that continue to bring the downfall of this country.

Quiboloy, ever since founding the religious organization, or should I say “cult”, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in 1985, has produced quite an infamous and notorious trademark amid his absurd public stunts all while using the face of religion Mind this, KOJC claims it has over 7 million members in which it has a leader currently on the FBI Most Wanted List for alleged human rights violations such as sexual assault on minors, money laundering, and bogus programs that members fund in order to fuel the leader’s lavish lifestyle a lifestyle that builds upon the sham of religious belief and the mind of a lunatic leader Recent investigations have uncovered mansions and properties in North America worth almost P350-M believed to be under the holdings of Quiboloy and the KOJC network Moreover, eyewitnesses whom served directly under Quiboloy have also testified seeing batches of firearms being transported, to who knows what purpose it could be accomplishing Truly, the extent of Quiboloy and his group’s extortion of its followers and the Filipino people proves to be an imminent danger to our democracy and much more to shaping the political landscape as politicians continue to support and defend the ‘Appointed Son of God’ and continue to reek in lunacy in the hopes of gathering support from his followers in upcoming elections

In as much as evil brought about by humans ravages our community, a certain population mostly affected by the cruel chains of humanity lies below us; four-legged creatures we ironically love and dear despite the abuse some of us give to them.

In recent times, the amount of animal abuse reports regarding cats and dogs have been alarmingly high, considering the fact that an approximate 81% of Filipino households own a pet dog while 50% own a cat This large statistic equates to a high possibility that some experience abuse unlike any other For instance, one of the most controversial issues so far in 2024 regarding animal abuse is none other than the killing of Killua the golden retriever For context, a video on Facebook circulated sometime in March 2024 showing an extraordinary case of animal cruelty depicting the slaughter of the innocent dog by a human The video received too much backlash to the point that officials probed the case You could say that Killua was considered a ‘hero’ after his death, for his suffering dread won the pity of the masses

However, a fraction of the population of cats and dogs receive far worse abuse than those in domestic households stray animals With an approximate 12 million stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of the country, it often goes without saying that most cases of animal cruelty against strays go undocumented and unjustified A recent case revolving around stray animal cruelty was with the fatal stabbing of an aspin dog named Erika by a foreigner In a video that also went viral in Facebook, a Korean-national was seen fatally stabbing the poor dog to its ultimate death despite posing no harm to the person Alike Killua, the news-post generated a public outcry and calls to stop animal cruelty were soon launched by different groups

Once connecting the dots, it becomes crystal-clear people just do not value the life of domesticated animals and see them rather as objects only How easy it is for some to slaughter dogs as in the situation of Killua and Erika simply shows a definite absence of love for these animals and a normalized culture that must be stopped once and for all This plight of the “abused” can even extend to “silenced”, “defenseless”, and many much more to describe the gut-wrenching situation of animal cruelty happening behind closed doors, shunned for the world to know And whilst cases of Killua and Erika continue to gather the heart of the masses and cause countless public outcries begging for the pity of justice, the plight of the abused will never change long as the mindset of people continue to see pets and strays alike as objects and not creatures with a desolate heart craving for human compassion And it can also be argued that dogs and cats, regardless if pets or strays, were brought to earth by humans Not quite literally, but rather genetically and physically For hundreds of years since their domestication, humans have been modifying and breeding these animals all for their selfish reasons And given these facts, it ultimately solidifies our responsibility in maintaining safety in these animals; if they cannot even feed themselves, then how more will they defend against those very same creatures that domesticated them?

By all means, it rather becomes a no-brainer to realize that the least you could do to these animals is help them And if you do not have the power to, just leave them alone Before you hit an animal, just remember those helpless voices of Killua, Erika, and countless animals that have fallen victim to the hideous hand of mankind Stop animal cruelty!

Politicians such as Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go, Cynthia Villar, among others, are the senators that were against a contempt order filed for Quiboloy It is interesting to see just how easy it is to identify those brave enough to brand their names in lunacy for the sake of their own benefit

And now, a game of cat and mouse is happening amongst the Senate, the Filipino people, and the ‘Appointed Son of God’ The term ‘lunacy’ in this case also extends to the Senate; politicians who symbolize and unravel the true nature of foolish Philippine politics powered by rotten Senators ironically voted by the Filipino people to serve the country

Is this the true state of Philippine democracy? Or a result of brain-washing the Filipino people to exalt his name in the face of religion and vote lunatics to run a fulltime circus aboard the Senate?

Whatever the reason is, this circus will thrive long as people will support these lunatics In the case of Quiboloy, it is beyond depressing to see how a portion of the Filipino people continue to dangle support amid the allegations, subpoena-turnedarrest warrant, and human rights violations of the ‘Appointed Son of God’, of which is a direct opposite of the characteristics and purity exhibited of Jesus, the biblical son of God This is not to disvalue whatever religion may be affected, but until the sealing of his eventual and hopeful arrest, lunacy will continue to reign and grasp over his followers

Editorial Cartoon By robyn gonzales
Editorial Cartoon By Hannah soriano

The Unhinged Goliath

After more than a decade of fluctuations and instability in the heavily disputed West Philippine Sea and the islands within it, this proxy war between China and the Philippines is inevitably creeping unto its climax; a feared yet foreseen climax that the world has been anticipating ever since the issue came to light. However, just how unhinged China can be whilst making baseless claims on the matter? And will the Philippines ever seek justice over this abuse of power, moreover be the david of this unhinged goliath?

For context, the issue of the territorial claims of countries surrounding the West Philippine Sea is not just fought by the Philippines and China, but rather of multiple countries in Southeast Asia at once For instance, the Spratly Islands located within the disputed waters have proved to be turbulent for years fought by countries such as China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei The Philippines, in this context, remains strong to its ground as it occupies and has civilians living within the Kalayaan group of islands, a portion of the Spratlys However, despite Filipino civilians living and thriving in the islands for decades-long, China remains unhinged on its conquest and dominion in extorting those who object them

To make matters worse, China is continuing to build man-made islands, stock military presence, and repress Filipino fishermen of their freedom This is a prime example of abuse of power to the extent of sovereign infringement China, on top of all their undocumented crimes, baseless claims, and non-humanitarian transgression in the conflict, has also continued to be dormant and quiet when pressed on international media regarding the situation As a matter of fact, the Chinese Coast Guard has been harassing Filipino fishermen for the entirety of 2023, often bombarding them with water cannons and even performing dangerous maneuvers such as ramming their ships, some even capsizing and sinking as a result

All of this is too familiar; dating back to three centuries ago, the Spaniards took what is rightfully ours the same way the Chinese is doing as of writing Not just taking no land nor territory, but rather, taking our rights, our sovereignty, and our freedom Considering these, a crucial question arises, will the Philippines continue to be a david to the goliaths outside of our own, despite the historical events taking place of the same situation? Although the outcome will be hard to predict as the climax is still on the verge of unfolding, the fate of the Philippine sovereignty over the disputed territory can be controlled on a matter of few criteria

Despite the public opinion looking down on negotiations with the United States of America, their presence in the conflict plays a big role in deterring Chinese Authorities as well as providing security for its allies in Southeast Asia, of which includes the Philippines

However, as tensions with Russia on prolonged conflicts outside of the matter remain unchanged, an issue such as territorial disputes thousands of miles away from US coasts foretells that it will not play a major intervention So, what is in it for the Philippines without the help of the United States? Ultimately, the Philippines has limited options but to upgrade its military, bolster defenses, and strengthen itself in preparation of the worst-case scenario This is true as the Philippines remains heavily reliant and oriented in allied assistance for much of its existence The same reason also supports why China is so aggressive and remains unhindered of the presence of the Philippine Navy; to them, our military is nothing but a sword in an age of firearms

The Philippines has limited options but to upgrade its military, bolster defenses, and strengthen itself in preparation of the worst-case scenario This is true as the Philippines remains heavily reliant and oriented in allied assistance for much of its existence The same reason also supports why China is so aggressive and remains unhindered of the presence of the Philippine Navy; to them, our military is nothing but a sword in an age of firearms

Vape Epidemic: A Demand for Comprehensive Action

The use of vape or e-cigarette poses different threats to our holistic well-being It causes a major problem in our society, especially in the health sector This has been being rampantly used by students, even those who are underaged to even buy or use it They thought of this as a safer alternative than the traditional way of smoking However, it might be even worse according to recent studies and research The vape epidemic needs to be stopped and resolved because this has been causing different health issues

In recent years, the number of cases of students vaping in both public and restricted areas has surged at an alarming rate According to the results of the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), about 14 1% or 1 in 7 students aged 13 to 15 are said to be using e-cigarettes This is due to misleading marketing information that is being shared by the vape industry They always market their products as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes As a result, it caused a discourse about whether this is a fact or not In contrast to the claims of e-cigarette manufacturers, he Department of Health (DOH) alerts the public to the dangers of using vape showing that

e-cigarettejuicescontainaddictivenicotinethatmay resultinacuteorevenworsefatalpoisoningthrough ingestionInaddition,theharmfulchemicalsthatcanbe foundintheseproductsincludecarcinogenswhichcause cancercellsinthebody

Last2022,theDepartmentofEducation(DepEd)appealed tovetothethencontroversialVapeBillwhichhasnow lapsedintoalawThislawloweredtheaccessrestriction agefrom21to18yearsoldMostFEUCaviteBasic EducationDepartmentstudentsarearoundthisage,which makesthemvulnerableinengagingdangerousbehaviors suchasvapingItisalsoquiteironichowinsteadof makingawaytomakeharmfulproductsinaccessibleto theyouth,thegovernmentmadeituncomplicatedforthem toobtainit

Longstoryshort,thereisaneedtostrengthenand enforceexistinglawsthatrestrictthesale,marketing,and accessibilityofvapetostudentsAsclichéasitmayseem, italwaysstartsathomeParentsneedtostrengthentheir supervisionanddisciplinetotheirchildrenItisvitalto regulatethisvapeepidemicthroughtheirsupportand guidanceAdditionally,asasociety,debunkingmythsand

helptoreducethepromotionofthese productsisalsovitalinmaking studentsmakeinformedchoicesabout theirhealth

Ervin Owen Lares
Editorial Cartoon By Altheya Javellana

SIMBUHAN

MSU BOMBING:

Heinous, Inhumane Attack

soft target is believed to open the curtains for a roguish opportunity to cause harm However, what if the place that is considered to be an environment of learning and spirituality currently lingers in danger? The reason behind this is uncertain; however, its impact has wreaked havoc in the city, especially for the victims

On December 3, 2023, a bombing attack rocked Mindanao State University in Marawi City during a Catholic mass conducted every Sunday morning A solemn day of mass that was meant to be a sanctuary of peace now echoes a tragic event, as the scene of an Islamist bombing claimed the lives of four attendees and injured 50 others Reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some locals expressing their concerns about different matters, including the occurrence of another attack, its connection to the Marawi siege, the threat it brings to the community, and the possible reason behind this

It was in 2017 when Marawi City was shut down by the five-month siege caused by ISIS-tied terror groups, or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, that killed more than 1,000 people It was a traumatic incident for the locals, which causes the perspective that the recent bombing is a persistence of the threats, as it has also been one of the concerns after the siege that the Islamist extremists could regroup and initiate another attack

Different angles were also taken into consideration, such as the bomb used to identify which group it possibly came from, including local and foreign ones; the arising conflict and division that it implies for the Christian and Muslim communities; and lastly, the security and safety of people

A series of investigations were conducted by the combined troops of Task Force Marawi and the Marawi City Police that led to vital information and the arrest of some alleged perpetrators, such as Jafar Gamo Sultan, who is known to be possibly linked to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group, as the bombing took place two days after the military killed 11 of their members, including the leader, which is also connected to the siege in Marawi City It has also been discovered that one of the alleged suspects is a former student of MSU who was believed to be a bomb expert

With this act of terrorism, it is important to understand that it should not cause division and create a fearful society, but rather unify to build a place where diversity and understanding win over terror and conflict

While the bombing incident still appears to be blurry and covered in mist, particularly in terms of identifying the real reason behind it despite the arrest of alleged suspects, it is vital for the people to be unified, especially with the imminent conflict that may arise between different religions May this incident remind us to always prioritize the security and welfare of people, as well as urge us to be vigilant, as this doesn't only affect a city or two but may serve as a threat to the whole country Military power must be strengthened, and peace should always prevail

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an abrupt shift in the educational landscape of the Philippines, as schools adapted to remote learning and new challenges emerged The aftermath of this unprecedented change is evident in the recently released results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) The findings have ignited a wave of reactions among Filipino citizens, as the Philippines once again found itself among the countries with the lowest proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science

The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted children's education, notably in the Philippines According to UNICEF, when the pandemic hit, the country was among the few that did not promptly resume face-to-face learning, affecting 27 million students Despite global progress, Philippine schools have remained closed longer than the average global closure of 79 days in 2020, lasting over a year

Upon reopening, the Philippines implemented three education modalities: modular distance learning, online distance learning, and TV or radio-based instruction The extended school closures and diverse teaching methods have added complexity to the educational landscape, contributing to challenges reflected in the recent PISA 2022 results

In the PISA 2022 rankings, the Philippines secured the 77th position out of 81 countries globally, underscoring the need for a critical examination of the state of education in the country

As Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte noted, it was the "uncomfortable truth" that we needed to face

MathematicsProficiency

Inmathematics,theaveragescorefor15-year-oldsinthePhilippineswas355points,significantly behindtheglobalaverageof472points.Althoughtherewasamarginalimprovementof2pointsfrom the2018PISAresults,thecountryremainedentrenchedamongthelowest-rankednations.Only16%ofFilipinostudentsachievedaproficiencylevelofatleastLevel2in mathematics,ahugecontrasttothe69%OECDaverage.Alarmingly,almostnoFilipinostudentreachedtheadvancedlevels(Level5or6)inthePISAmathematicstest. ReadingandScienceProficiency

Thereadingliteracyscorewitnessedaslightincreasefrom340pointsin2018to347pointsin2022.However,thisimprovementwasnotenoughtobridgethegap,as thePhilippinescontinuedtolagbehindtheglobalaveragereadingscoreof476points.Inthedomainofscience,thePhilippinesrecordedanaverageperformanceof356 points,rankingthirdtolastgloballyThisperformancefallsshortoftheOECDaverageof485points,highlightingtheneedforurgentattentiontoscienceeducation.The resultsunderscoreasystemicissuethatextendsacrossmultiplesubjects,emphasizingtheimperativeforholisticreforms.

ComparativePerspectivesonGlobalResilience

AswedissectthePISA2022results,itbecomesevidentthatsomenations,likeSingapore,havemanagedtonavigatethepandemicwithoutcompromisingtheir students'education.Thequestionarises:Whatsetsthesehigh-performingcountriesapart,andwhatlessonscanthePhilippinesgleanfromtheirexperiences?

CountriessuchasSingaporeshowcaseresilienceinmaintainingeducationalexcellenceduringthepandemic,emphasizingtheimportanceoflong-term preparednessandrobustinfrastructure.Investmentsintechnology,digitallearningplatforms,andaseamlesstransitiontoremotelearninghaveprovencriticalin mitigatingdisruptionscausedbythehealthcrisis. Incontrast,thechallengesfacedbythePhilippines,particularlyinareaswithlimitedtechnologicalaccess, underscoretheurgencyofaddressingtheseinfrastructuregaps.TheOECDaptlysuggeststhatpolicymakersandeducatorsinthePhilippinesshouldtakecuesfrom successfulpoliciesandpracticesinothercountries.Thecalltoactionisclear–thereismuchtolearnfromtheexperiencesofnationsthathaveeffectivelynavigated thechallengesofeducationinthemodernworld.

BottomLine

TheBOTTOMLINEisthatthePISA2022resultsshouldserveasawake-upcallforthePhilippinesthattheeducationsystemrequiresathoroughreevaluationand strategicinterventionstoaddressthepersistentchallengeshighlightedbytheassessment.Aswellastheallocationofthebudgetintheeducationsectorinthe Philippines,itmustbeimprovedandusedproperlyandtransparently,justlikeinSingapore,whereSingapore'sMinistryofEducation(MOE)educationexpenditures accountedforaround20%ormoreofthecountry'syearlygovernmentexpenditure,whichisroughly4-5%morethantheglobalaverage,aspertheUNESCOInstituteof Statistics.Itistimeforacollectiveeffortfrompolicymakers,educators,andthecommunitytopropelPhilippineeducationtonewheights,ensuringthatthenext generationisequippedwiththeskillsandknowledgenecessarytothriveinarapidlyevolvinggloballandscape.

Altheya Nicolle Javellana

SpaceX’s mission: To Infinity and Beyond

Outside the borders of our own beloved planet and even beyond our atmosphere, the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation or more commonly known as SpaceX has been continuing its operations –specifically launching approximately half of the total number of launches worldwide in the year 2023 SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in the year 2002, is a space transportation and aerospace manufacturing company Working closely with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), SpaceX has developed and generated a variety of projects with a range of goals from the delivery of cargo to the transport of humans into orbit and space

The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as introduced on the official SpaceX website, are two of the most well-known and widely recognized projects by SpaceX, are reusable rocket systems that are designed to cater to the transport of payloads and humans into orbit and beyond

During the recent year, SpaceX initially settled on having a target of 100 launches for their Falcon rocket systems for the year 2023 However, the company failed to meet their target set of launches, only coming close with a total of 92 rocket launches – 88 Falcon 9s and 4 Falcon Heavies as per a report on spacenews com In the upcoming year of 2024, SpaceX envisions to increase their launch figures Bill Gerstenmaier, the vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX, stated that the company is planning to conduct a total of 144 launches (going in at 12 per month) in 2024

Despite the failure to reach the target that they had set, SpaceX has successfully proven their strive and aspirations to revolutionize and redefine the aerospace industry with their continuous developments that never fail to emphasize the mission that they set forth as a company – “to revolutionize space technology, with the ultimate goal of enabling people to live on other planets”

SIMBUHAN

‘Palestinian Journalists & Their Persistent Journalism: Palestinian Journalists Dedication Amidst

Life-

Threatening Situations’

Imagine that you live in a place suddenly attacked by outsiders, relentlessly targeting the residents, yet nobody outside your area is aware of this You have a phone, a camera, and a microphone; in a situation like this, how dedicated would you be to spreading the truth? That scenario may sound oddly specific, but that is because the Palestinians –specifically the journalists – are living that very life right now: a life of seeing your home in shambles and having to step up and tell the world what is happening to you because no one outside will

Journalism, at its core, is the collection and spreading of facts, news, and information on various topics It is an important occupation that brings awareness and sheds light on issues many would not be aware of otherwise, and journalists are the ones responsible for this Many Palestinian journalists make great examples of this

Starting with Motaz Azaiza – a 25-yearold Palestinian photojournalist who is currently documenting the genocide of Gaza via social media posts and photos His official Instagram account is motaz azaiza, but he has also made multiple alternate accounts for when his main account was restricted On October 11, 2023, an Israeli bombing murdered at least 15 of his family members who were living with him at Deir al-Balah Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp On December 3rd, he posted a story with text in Arabic, and Plestia Alaqad, one of Azaiza’s fellow journalists, translated it

In it, Azaiza stated: “The phase of risking your life to show what’s happening is over and the phase of trying to survive has started I showed enough and God knows that it was all for him and for my country ”

However, he has continued his updates on Gaza via more reels and stories, with the latest being videos of other Gazans evacuating from more attacks having been posted 6 days ago as of December 26, 2033

This brings us to Plestia Alaqad, a 23year-old citizen journalist She previously worked at a marketing agency but occasionally did freelance work in journalism After October 7th, she started posting video diaries of her life in Gaza on her Instagram, byplestia, giving her online popularity Prior to this, she posted content about her traveling to nearby locations and also her daily life in Gaza, stating that it is because she wants to show people that there’s more to Gaza than the war On November 22, 2023, she and her family exited Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah Border Crossing, located on the border between Egypt and Palestine She explained that although she wanted to stay and keep reporting, she feared the danger it was putting her family in

On December 20, in an interview with Matthew Leake of the Reuters Institute (a worldwide journalism organization), when asked about safety precautions while reporting, she stated: “At the beginning I used to always wear my press vest and my press helmet because I am a journalist and I wanted anyone to recognize me as press Then I started to feel more in danger actually wearing them, so I stopped ” She has also been interviewed by multiple other people and news outlets

In contrast to being interviewed, we have Bisan Owda, a 25-year-old filmmaker who not only posts videos on her Instagram updating her followers on the latest casualties and attacks on them but also interviews of fellow survivors in refugee camps, including men, women, and children

She begins most of her videos with the phrase “Hello, this is Bisan,

Microplastics: Society’s

Tiny Ever-Growing Threats

Plastics, as an omnipresent component found in our society, is used in our day-to-day lives so much more than we could ever imagine

From the utensils that we get handed with for takeout or the bottles we drink from that are wrapped in packaging, plastics have been proven and confirmed to be dangerous and unsafe for a variety of reasons such as it acting as a contributory factor to pollution

During the recent years, it has been a rising threat to the natural environment due to its strength and

durability that although somewhat beneficial, can eventually leave adverse effects to the ecosystem and our planet Microplastics could just about be equivalent to the tissues that are present in our bodies As defined by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmosheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are only about 5 millimetres in size and are tiny breakdowns from larger pieces of plastic found in the environment over time The origins of microplastics are present in a variety of sources such as

I’m still alive ” After Gazans were told by the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) to evacuate, she and her parents moved to Al-Shifa Hospital Both Owda’s family home and her office were bombed, resulting in her losing all of her personal possessions and filming equipment She also posted that she witnessed the Israeli strike on an Al-Shifa ambulance, and in the video, she distressfully said that she was seconds away from being a victim herself As of December 26, 2023, her latest Instagram update was 8 hours ago, where she once again gives updates on attacks in Gaza, this time with text displayed on the video saying, “20 buildings were bombed last night!” Then there is Wael Al-Dahdouh, a 53-year-old journalist and the Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera Media Network in Gaza City He has worked as a reporter since 2004 During a live broadcast in October 2023, he learned that multiple members of his family were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, including his wife, daughter, son, and grandchild among 21 others His other son was severely wounded, and reportedly 8 more of his relatives also died in this attack Azaiza posted a video of Al-Dahdouh holding and mourning his deceased grandson after this event with a few other relatives

On December 15, 2023, he and Samer Abu Daqqa, a cameraman, and his colleague, were hit by an Israeli airstrike while they were reporting Al-Dahdouh managed to be evacuated and treated, but Abu Daqqa was unreachable by the ambulances and sadly died An Al Jazeera article covering the killing of his family members is titled “Wael Al-Dahdouh’s family was killed in Gaza He kept reporting ” , perfectly depicting the man’s persistent journalism – once again,

cosmetic products and packaging materials

Due to its fairly small size, the transport of these particles could reach a variety of our planet’s ecosystems, specifically more on marine and aquatic environments

On a biological scale, the impact of microplastics do not only affect one specific sector of our ecosystem but rather a large number of the most essential beings on our planet Recent research entitled “Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to the Global Environment and Human Health” have pointed out that animals that get exposed to microplastics eventually experience adverse effects in their physical states and behaviors as it can cause internal blockages and disrupt the food cycle which can ultimately lead to the decline of biodiversity In humans, studies have found that microplastics can go in through our bodies by the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air that we breath According to research conducted in the year 2021 by

even after his friend and fellow reporter was killed and he was badly injured, he kept reporting

And finally, one of the most heartwrenching Palestinian journalists, Lama Jamous, a 9-year-old journalist who recently interviewed Al-Dahdouh after his injury In this interview, she asked the Bureau Chief what his message would be to everyone in Gaza, and he replied: “We are going through an extremely difficult and decisive time, where the Palestinian people are paying a high and painful price There are martyrs, destruction, and fragments But at the same time, God willing, our people are patient and will overcome this obstacle as long as there are people like you, smiling We will overcome this ordeal ” Jamous’ latest post on her Instagram lama jamous9, as of December 26, 2023, was posted two days ago It is a video of children transporting drinking water to their families in Gaza 97 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 7th These people and all their fellow journalists are fully aware of the risks their job comes with, and some have even been targeted by Israel themselves, yet they keep doing it Even after everything they’re still witnessing and going through, they continue to report on the ground, and even Alaqad, despite no longer being on the ground, continues accepting interviews to tell her story and the stories of everyone else in Gaza Journalism brings crucial awareness and information to people; multiple times, Palestinian journalists have been targeted and attempted to be stopped from reporting, yet they haven’t, and many have also said that they don’t plan on stopping The world deserves to know what is happening to those in Gaza, and they deserve to share it

Yee et al , entitled “Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health”, microplastics have been found in our tap water, bottled water, seafood, and in the air around us The presence of microplastics in a variety of the bits and pieces of things that we consume can have impacts on human health as they can potentially leave behind and release toxic molecules in our body that could result to various health issues such as the occurrence of cancer and problems in reproduction Though some might say that the growing threat of microplastics in our society cannot be avoided as plastics have become a huge part of our day-to-day lives, it is still important for us to grow aware of the fact that with the knowledge we now hold and have gathered, ignorance should never be an option In a world which grows more vulnerable over time and is slowly suffering brought by the threats that persist around it, we, as a species, should take action in reducing the adverse effects that our planet face led by the routine use of plastics in our day-to-day lives

Mia Yzabella Escaño
PhotofromAlJazeeracom

Fact or ‘COP’: The Science Behind Fossil Fuel Phaseout

MielXyronMariñas

Word of the Century: Phaseout

Photofromwwwwwforgco

Last November 30th until the second week of December, leaders and representatives of civil society gathered in Dubai for the 28th annual United Nation’s Conference of the Parties (COP) to collectively formulate policies and measures agreed upon by every party involved that are expected to be followed in addressing climate catastrophe This year’s event highlighted numerous successful negotiations including but not limited to establishment of loss and damage funds recognizing the role of global finance in holding top polluters accountable and making climate goals feasible, as well as prioritization of food and agricultural systems in several countries’ national climate plans However, although acknowledged, the call for phasing out fossil fuels, which are deemed to be topmost contributor for driving climate change,

Conflict of Interest

To reiterate, COP28 was held at United Arab Emirates, a known exporter of petroleum gases and part of the world’s 10 largest oil producers, a key challenge for negotiators to talk about phasing out fossil fuels to at the very start In addition, this year’s COP president appointed by the host country is Sultan al-Jaber, the chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Corporation, the leading company in the industry of oils globally

In his statement during the conference, al-Jaber made a controversial remark acknowledging that there is “no science” behind the call for phasing out fossil fuels, suggesting that this move does not promote sustainable development but instead, just a retrograde pushing humanity to go back from living like the ‘cavemen’ period

However, science states otherwise and has already claimed how impactful the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change is They account for roughly 90% of global carbon dioxide emissions, releasing greenhouse gases that trap heat inside the Earth’s system, and causes air pollution as well as acidification of water bodies as the seas absorb more carbon

Meanwhile, a study even shows that transition to clean energy (i e , investment to renewable energy sources including geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric, solar photovoltaic, and wind) fuels economic growth to Asian economies along with depleting carbon dioxide production in their borders Michael Mann, a climate expert and the director of the University of Pennsylvania Center for Science,

and other contributing human-caused activities are not given attention to, but instead toned down to “transitioning away from use of fossil fuels in energy systems” only by the end of the negotiation While it has been seen as ‘progress’ already by many as this is the first time COP has published statement related with gradual stop of fossil fuel use, it also triggers critics from civil society regarding lack of urgency of the directive and authority for actions to be taken Given that the world is currently only 0 4°C away from the ‘safe’ threshold set, which is 1 5°C above pre-industrial levels, in limiting global warning by the Paris Agreement in COP21, and the current state of every nation’s climate target is not yet sufficient to achieve this goal according to UN, this highlights the crucial role of proactive efforts in completely phasing out fossil fuels in the market

Sustainability, and the Media, asserts that it is not about the abrupt phaseout of fossil fuel production that the society demands, but the feasibility of a ‘steady’ transition rate where carbon emissions are cut by half this decade, and net zero is achieved in 2050

“We don’t need new technology We just need the political will to make this transition,” he expressed This highlights the vital role of political powers transcending beyond boundaries in pushing measures that aim to promote cooperation in mitigation and adaptation practices in the global arena, acknowledging that there are already climate plans and data available but only require further political and economic support for making these aspirations possible

What is with ‘1 5°C’ threshold?

It is a huge question where the 1 5°C benchmark in the climate landscape came from and why the increase of a fraction of a degree matters During COP21, UN reports show that scientists and government reviewers agree that going beyond this threshold for a decade-long time can increase risk to more extreme and irreversible climate impacts of some regions and vulnerable systems, the reason it is drawn as ‘defense line’ for long-term global temperature goals

However, it does not ensure that while the community pursues actions that keep the average temperature less than 1 5°C above pre-industrial level (i e , scientists consider ‘pre-industrial’ period ranging from 1850 to 1900 as point of reference), the world will not experience the effects brought by the climate crisis Instead, deputy director Sergey Paltsev

The Second Al-Nakba

There is no such thing as a country named Israel and genocide is not self-defense, genocide is genocide The term "Al-Nakba," used by Palestinians, translates to "The Catastrophe" and signifies the massacre of over 750,000 Palestinians from Palestine While commonly associated with the events of 1948, the origins of AlNakba trace back several decades before that time, but furthermore, the second Al-Nakba occurred forthwith of this year

My allegorical encounter with the term Al-Nakba happens to be back in seventh grade when my Jordanian friend broke down whilst talking about the Jordan River in the middle of geography class, worried about her family residing and had ancestral ties near the river flowing towards Palestine It has been more than four years since I have last seen her mourn, yet what is projected on your television and cellphone screens is a bloodbath in the masses even greater than what I have witnessed before And here I present before you the only objective of the state of Israel: A Second Al-Nakba, a futureless future for Palestinians in Palestine

The term “genocide” has been applied to various historical events, including the mass killings of Armenians by the Ottomans, Stalin’s expulsion of Chechens,

Ingush Tartars, and Jews from the U S S R , the forced removal of Jews and Hungarians from Romania, and Italy’s actions aimed at clearing Slovenes and Croats from the Dalmatian coast Whether we discuss the before or the after of its first Nakba, Israel’s policies and actions toward the Palestinian people are considered a form of genocide

On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters launched a coordinated attack, breaching the Gaza prison on at least seven Israeli military installations and more than 20 surrounding communities As a response, Israeli soldiers opened fire indiscriminately on areas that had been stormed, killing Israeli prisoners as well as Hamas terrorists in the process The Israeli forces needed almost a full day to secure the border of Gaza and retake all lost territory Israel's public relations machine started disseminating unsubstantiated atrocity propaganda and launched a disinformation campaign to incite fear and hatred in response to Hamas' unprecedented incursion Stories of babies being "beheaded en masse," were used in the campaign to deflect attention from Israel's political, military, and intelligence failures that initially allowed for the attack and helped turn the shock of the Israeli public into genocidal tribalism The government was able to mobilize a large number of reserve troops

of MIT’s Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change asserts that keeping at 1 4 is better than 1 5, and 1 3 is better than 1 4, and so on What is known: The lower the target for an increase in temperature, the lower the risks of climate impacts ”

Letter to leaders

It is important to see that the loss and damage funds legally bonded during COP28 from the rich countries who are top contributors of carbon emissions like United States, Dubai, and China in support to the developing countries who are already affected and continues to experience the adverse effects of climate crisis is only a shortterm aid in addressing the problem

Instead, with COP as the sole multilateral venue for climate change negotiations worldwide, this calls to leaders for a stronger testament in the next conferences regarding phasing out the fossil fuels and introducing sustainable energy sources rapidly, driving economic progress and feasibility in attaining climate goals ‘on time’

With the issue of having these fossil fuel-exporter countries being put at economic disadvantage with this phaseout, Mann suggests that when there is a better ‘new’ alternative, like how fossil fuels ‘phased out’ use of whale oils two centuries ago, through proper support especially to developing countries, this can help world escape and transition to cleaner energy

Not a cap: To phase out fossil fuels is to enter a sustainable future backed by science

through the campaign, which also helped pave the way for the eventual full-scale ground invasion of the Gaza Strip The emissions of violence are heinous, from people losing a limb or two, women being raped, children losing their parents, Palestinians being cut-off access to necessities such as food, electricity, or water, and homes turned to piles of rubble and dust

What you’ve been seeing or hearing about Israel and Palestine is the apparent second Palestinian Al-Nakba The actions of Hamas are vetoed nor should be the response of the state of Israel It should not matter who started or which gun fired first Rather, it is the constant treatment of the Zionist government of Israel towards the Palestinian People that has been inconceivably corrupt throughout the decades It is unfathomable to imagine Zionism without violence whether before or after the establishment of the state of Israel The expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland and the prevention of their return are regarded as war crimes, yet Western media has largely overlooked this issue We find ourselves in a position of mere observation, hoping for political figures to take decisive action

Israel did not just commit a war crime in 1948 but continues to commit one to this day I desire to witness Palestine attain freedom and witness peaceful coexistence among its residents However, the current presence of the Zionist Israeli government poses a challenge to this vision It seems unlikely that this will be the final instance of Al-Nakba that we witness or document While Palestinians have voiced their concerns, neighboring Arab nations and other countries have offered support, and people have made donations, these contributions only address the issue on a surface level What Palestinians need is a home Not another AlNakba or a country named Israel

The One Who Made Everyone Laugh

ChripMajuelo

Icanstillvividlyrememberhowmy summer went last year 2022 Me, sitting on the couch, eating nachos, spending the whole day at Chandler andJoey’sapartment,visitingMonica and Rachel across the hall, and/or loungingatCentralPerkwiththerest of the group on breaks and Wednesdays

Thatfamiliaritywasnostalgicreally

Friends, as a shared memory, was neversimplyashow;forthemajority,it evolvedintoacomfortingblanketthat remains so I could still vividly recall howIusedtoputitonthebackground when I was having trouble falling asleeporwhenIwashavingaleisurely day and eating ice cream On days whenIfeltnervous,itismysoothing friend abuddy,afterall

Manywouldarguethattheprogram is timeless Incoming twentysomething-year-olds will definitely relatetohowrealistictheshowwas,as noonetoldyouthatlifewasgonnabe this way Common problems of emergingadultswererelatableinevery tape,andthejokeswouldnevergetold Even after repeatedly watching each episode,Istillfindmyselflaughingout loudatthejokesasthoughI'venever heardthembefore EachdayspentwithmyFriendscame with an experience and connection that is, beyond doubt, relevant and close Watching the show, my two biggest likenesses were the Geller Siblings IamawareforafactthatIam alittleOCDwhohasacompetitiveedge like Monica, and a responsible geek with nerdy tendencies like Ross However,asIgrewup,Ithenrealized thatChandlerBingisthemostsimilar tome thetypeofpersonIwouldsee myself in various ways: offbeat, awkward,andhopelessromantic The neurotic and extremely defensive, having humor as his defense mechanismcharacteroutofallthesix, ChandlerBing,personally,wasfamiliar, safe,andwelcoming:thequalitiesthat resonated with the majority On a personal level, Chandler Muriel Bing became my comfort character throughouteveryseason:inmostcases, I am a little offbeat in stressful situations, awkward in dealing with personal issues, and God forbid “hopelessandawkwardanddesperate for love” (Season 3, Episode 4) Chandler, due to his dull and vague work, difficult connections with parents, erratic love life, and use of sarcasm as a defense mechanism at timeswasmaybethemostrelatableof allthesixmaincharactersalone However,IknowthatI’mnottheonly one who relates the same Although aired in the ‘90s, Matthew Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing, won the hearts of viewers, transcending generations and traveling the globe with his familiar identification regardlessofage,race,andgenderwith his offbeat humor, sarcastic remarks, and romantic problems His cult characterlefthismarkontheworldof series:thereasonwhyMatthewPerry’s passingcameasanemotionalblowfor me,asithasformanyotheravidfans I still remember when Alan Rickman, whoplayedSeverusSnapeintheHarry Pottermovies,diedofcancer However, nothing came close to matching the feelingIhadafterPerry’sdeath Friends became the public’s companions who had been there throughouttheirupsanddowns,highs and lows; and Matthew Perry’s death will always hold a part in our hearts, ingrained to its match with Chandler Bing’s Perry’s sad passing will no doubt prod us back to looking at the showdifferently;but,itisknownfora factthatthisshowwillstayconsistent at one thing with their one definite promise proventimeandtimeagain that no matter what happens, it will always,alwaysbethereforyou Now “I’mnotsogoodattheadvice CanI interestyouinasarcasticcomment?”

AzieLinzagan

SIMBUHAN

A NewBED-ginning in the Eyes of Mr. Jomar Redubla

The ongoing Academic Year 2023 – 2024 is an outstanding feat in of FEU Cavite, specifically within the walls of its Basic Education Department Just recently, at the start of the

academic year, the BED who had previously only consisted of students from Pre - kindergarten to Grade 10, and programs offered only having been Preschool, Elementary, and Junior High School

This year, however, the FEU-C BED expanded its horizons by welcoming with open arms the previously branched off Senior High School Department and merging as one In line with this, the newly established Basic Education Department –now consisting of students from Pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 or Preschool, Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School – has appointed Mr Jomar Redubla as the new FEU-C BED Director

Mr Jomar Redubla’s work experience was wideranging, having been a faculty member of STI College in Cubao, Quezon from June 2015 to March 2016 Furthermore, Mr Redubla has been a recognized member of the FEU Community as per his experience working at the FEU High School in Manila, National Capital Region (NCR) from May 2016 to June 2021 During his time at FEU High School in Manila, Mr Redubla was a member of the School’s Registrar, part of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) faculty, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Academic Services Office, an Officer of the Student Activities Office, the founder and adviser of the Broadcasting Media Organization or Baby Tams Media Organization, and was the Head of the Student Affairs Office In the previous institutions mentioned, Mr Redubla had highly taken part in subjects that are closely linked to Communication and Social Sciences

As a newly found member of the FEU-C Community, Mr Jomar Redubla was welcomed with open arms as he got to his position as the newly appointed Director of the Basic Education Department On the 26th of December 2023, Mr Redubla was asked, via email, two vital questions, each relying on responses that would

specifically be in line with his new position

When asked the first question “What are the expectations and goals that you want to attain or achieve as the newly positioned Director of the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department?”, Mr Redubla responded openly about wanting to observe the operations within the department during his first year as the BED Director “I have been in the academe for so many years,” he said, “I believe that operations differ based on the culture and context of the institution (even I came from other FEU Campus) ” However, Mr Redubla further added that during the previous months, the administration “were able to develop sorts of new policies, minimal changes in academics and student and faculty developments, new student activities, etc ”

Another question asked to the newly appointed BED Director was what he envisions profound for the nowmerged-and-united FEU-C Basic Education Department Mr Redubla was able to provide a more specified and goal-centered response for the question, particularly providing insights on various campaigns

and activities that the administration strives to pursue

“For next year, we will focus in the campaign: One Brave BED Team This will focus in reflecting and restructuring (R&R) of the two departments that are merged together

The R&R will venture the following: (1) Revisiting and redeveloping policies and processes (operations); (2) Realigning academics based on the New MATATAG Curriculum and the FEU Aspiration 2028; (3) Reimagining Student Development Activities (Student Activities and Services); (4) Reinforcement in Faculty Development; (5) Rethinking our status in community involvement and research innovations ” Additionally, Mr Redubla left a passionate concluding statement towards the end of his responses, fully highlighting the goals and aspirations that he, as the new Basic Education Department, aim to conquer

“Moving forward, we believe that through the help of each other, we will be able to achieve our goal - to move as one (vision); to act as one (mission), and to be one FEU Cavite ”

ROARING SUCCESS: FEU Cavite SHS Alumni as Scholars of I-Shou University

Amomentous achievement shines through as two outstanding alumni of FEU Cavite Senior High secured scholarships at I-Shou University in Taiwan

Markoh B Pabellano and An-chi O Chen, both graduates of the STEM program embark on a journey Both Markoh and t I-Shou University ure careers With a ity and ASE Group, the semiconductor engineering and ng ob n

Markoh and An-chi credit their academic background at FEU Cavite for preparing them for this remarkable opportunity As STEM students, they were exposed to conceptual and hands-on experiences that nurtured their passion for Technology, Mathematics, and Physics The school's emphasis on problemsolving and understanding the inner workings of various subjects provided them with a solid foundation for their chosen fields

a strong partnership between I-Shou University and ASE Group, Markoh envisions starting his career in the semiconductor industry, progressing toward technical engineering, and gaining invaluable connections An-chi believes that studying at I-Shou University will expand her choices in job applications, providing her with opportunities to work in Taiwan or the Philippines

Markoh's interest primarily lies in the field of computer science, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence He chose the International Program on Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) at I-Shou University due to its comprehensive coverage of Computer Science, Engineering, Software Engineering, and Advanced Mathematical subjects like Physics Markoh believes that this program is timely, given the continuous rise of language models and media generation models He envisions his career starting in the semiconductor industry, progressing towards technical engineering, and potentially returning to the Philippines to share his expertise

On the other hand, An-chi's journey at FEU Cavite was filled with numerous accomplishments and memorable experiences As a consistent honor student, she actively engaged in clubs, competitions, and class projects, showcasing her diverse skills and talents Motivated by the inspiring ASE firm, An-chi applied for a scholarship at I-Shou University Enrolled in the International Program on Artificial Intelligence Technology (IPAI), she believes that studying at I-Shou University will broaden her job prospects, allowing her to work in Taiwan or return to the Philippines The university's emphasis on practical application and state -of-the-art facilities further enhances her learning experience

Both Markoh and An-chi are confident that their education at I-Shou University will have a significant impact on their future careers With

FEU Cavite's commitment to providing quality education has played a vital role in preparing its students for studying abroad The school's STEM education approach, which includes conceptual and hands-on experiences, has equipped students like Markoh and An-chi with the necessary skills and knowledge Additionally, FEU Cavite's exchange programs have broadened their perspectives, enabling them to adapt to new environments and cultures seamlessly

As they embark on their journey at I-Shou University, Markoh and An-chi encounter cultural differences that have broadened their horizons From the way holidays are celebrated to different traditions, they have embraced these differences, further enriching their experiences as global citizens

The acceptance of Markoh B Pabellano and An-chi O Chen as scholars at I-Shou University is a testament to their exceptional abilities, hard work, and the quality education they received at FEU Cavite Their journey abroad represents a culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of a promising future FEU Cavite can take pride in its achievements and the role it played in shaping its success As they embark on this new chapter, they carry with them the core values of Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness, and Compassion instilled by FEU Cavite, ready to make a difference in their chosen fields and contribute to the global community

Mark Daniel Montoya & Zkyla Romero

Johan Nicole Baltazar

Mike Enriquez: Alamat ng Media

“Hindi namin kayo tatantanan,” a remarkable line from the icon of journalism, the one and only Mike Enriquez From his early days in radio broadcasting to his prominent role as a television host, he emerged as an iconic figure who changed the media landscape in the Philippines and profoundly impacted Filipino culture, leaving an indelible mark Enriquez's path, spanning over five decades and almost 30 years at GMA 7, is a testament to his unwavering dedication to journalism He was the President of RGMA Network Inc , the station manager of Super Radyo DZBB 594 AM, and a consultant for Radio Operations His adaptability and guidance helped to mold GMA's position in the media

Born on September 29, 1951, in Santa Ana, Manila, Miguel “Mike” Enriquez, the eldest of three children, shifted from an initial ambition to become a Franciscan priest to pursuing AB Liberal Arts in Commerce at De La Salle College His inquisitive and active childhood set the stage for a career spanning various facets of the media Enriquez's career path included significant stops at Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), where he attained the position of Vice President, and Freedom Broadcasting Network He joined GMA Network in 1995 after making a significant change when he took over as head of the radio sector and then expanded into Philippine television

His on-camera debut in 1998 marked a new era as he anchored election coverage alongside journalist Karen Davila for GMA The impactful storytelling that defined his foray into television public affairs with "Imbestigador" in 2000, notably marked by the iconic line, “hindi namin kayo tatantanan,” solidified his commitment to leaving a lasting impression

By 2004, Mike Enriquez had become the anchor for GMA's flagship primetime news program, "24 Oras," further establishing his influence in the media landscape Throughout his career, Enriquez covered significant news events, including the Payatas landslide, the Iraq War, and the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban

SIMBUHAN

The crowd was astonished to see the representatives of ABM 12 who entered the United

Nations 2023 wearing their impressive "Doble Kara" inspired costume A costume that can speak for itself

Despite being first-time pageant contestants, Mark Daniel Montoya and Vivea Gomez confidently walked wearing split attire that portrayed two individuals with different social statuses The concept of "Doble Kara" was created to visually represent their advocacy, "Equity Among Social Statuses" in a distinct and compelling manner

The concept, for them, perfectly symbolized the idea of two worlds coexisting – the world of the wealthy and the world of the less fortunate By depicting a male and a female character, they could vividly illustrate the disparities in social classes

“Our costumes were a creative interpretation of this theme The girl's outfit was split, with one side showing the simple work clothes of a janitress, and the other side dressed as a chic entrepreneur The boy's costume mirrored this contrast, with one half in the rugged gear of a farmer, and the other half in the sleek suit of a businessman This visual split was a direct nod to our advocacy, illustrating that people from different social statuses are equal and should be treated as such,” said the both of them

In regards to the talent portion, the connection of their advocacy is demonstrated through their performance of the well-known song "Tingin" by Cup of Joe in a creative and theatrical manner Initially, it was suggested, as a joke, that they should perform this song, but they soon realized that the lyrics could be related to their message of social equity The line "Dahan-dahan lang, sa gitna man ng daan" resonated with the concept of taking things slowly to understand and respect each other's differences Additionally, the part "Di pinapansin ingay sa tabi, magulong kapaligiran sa’yo lang ang

Mike Enriquez 1951 - 2023

tingin " emphasized the importance of focusing on the goal of equality amidst the chaos caused by our differences

Notwithstanding being all new to the theme, the concept, and the pageant The competition did not become a mere competition; rather, this is the sign of their bond and the fruit of the hard work of ABM 12, which will remain unforgettable forever

The section's teamwork can be witnessed from brainstorming to planning, costume creation (donated and hand-sewn by their own classmates), rehearsal, and performance day “We're so grateful for all their ideas, commitment, support, and, of course, for going the extra mile for us Indeed, hard work pays off, and we would just like to say that representing and being the voice to deliver the advocacy of ABM 12 was an honor for the both of us, and it was really, really worth it " Vivea and Mark continued to express their gratitude

The Grade 12 students said that this will truly be an unforgettable memory before they graduate As this competition was both their first time and a risk, they went out of their comfort zones and conquered fears and doubts within themselves

At the end, they received the title “Mr and Ms Advocate of Peace 2023” The contestants said, “We believe that what made us win was our strong will to reciprocate the hard work and effort of our entire class since everyone was really involved throughout the entire journey We think that the uniqueness and story behind our costume as well as our presentation proper also made a difference that helped us catch the interest of many and deliver our advocacy ”

Indeed, the concept of "Doble Kara" not only explains the two-faced costumes they represent, but also the various perspectives and issues that we encounter within different social statuses

For his exceptional work, he received numerous awards, including Best Newscaster at the Asian Television Awards in 1999 Additionally, he received a gold medal at the 2003 New York Festival and a Silver Camera Award in 2004 for his documentary on war-torn Iraq

Enriquez faced health challenges, including a heart bypass in 2018 and a kidney transplant in 2021, leading to a temporary hiatus from GMA Despite these obstacles, his dedication to journalism remained unwavering His perseverance and commitment to journalism were evident in his statement: "My fulfillment is when I see my people grow and succeed, when I see shareholders happy, and most of all, when I see audiences all over the Philippines being helped and inspired ”

On August 29, 2023, GMA announced the passing of Mike Enriquez at the age of 71 His home station paid tribute to the beloved Kapuso, highlighting his profound impact on Philippine media Colleagues, including Mel Tiangco, Enriquez's long-time co-anchor, applauded after the tribute video of 24 Oras, while Vicky Morales could not contain her emotions and broke into tears during her closing remarks ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol news hosts also paid their respects to the veteran news host, as well as Kabayan Noli de Castro, who mentioned that Enriquez “was a good friend,” and they usually bump into each other during large coverages

Mike Enriquez's legacy surpasses journalism, embodying the Filipino spirit His unwavering fortitude and unyielding grit will persistently echo through the hearts of every Filipino He serves as a compelling testament to the profound impact that storytelling wields in shaping the collective soul of a nation

Juaymah Mae Dionisio

SIMBUHAN

Priced Prerogative:

There’s just something about him.

Contested with time itself, he found himself in a bubble of his thoughts Anticipation and rethinking the possible results of his application and examination had he grown fond of He had used up hours of vacation to review previous lessons His family, but most ardently his mother,had encouraged him to perform his best during the application and examination to qualify, and lastly, his friends, including his best friend, had been with him through the nights of contemplation and self-doubt

My family, friends, and even fellow students who also applied for the scholarship, all played a part in my 'scholarship journey ' I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my mom, Mathet, for encouraging me to apply for the scholarship and helping me understand how much of a support it would be for our family and my academic journey Additionally, I'm immensely grateful to my best friend for helping me navigate through the entire process, listening to all my concerns about it, urging me to persevere every time I felt like giving up because it was truly exhausting, and overall, assisting and supporting me to perform my best in the test " He expressed

Yet, against the odds, the announcement of success broke through the tension Securing the 23rd spot among 40 chosen candidates from a vast pool of 400 applicants, and achieving an overwhelming and significant 81 50%, hisvictory was sweet, sweeter than a thousand spoonfuls of sugar, validating the efforts he invested What deserved Ricciardone’s scholarship was his perseverance, not just his consistency And as of August of 2023, he was given a priced prerogative He did not just need to uphold this scholarship from his family nor himself, but also for the entire municipality of Silang It was indeed a privilege at a heavier price Citizens of Silang are the blood of this scholarship program, these are taxpayers who fund the education of Silangueño students,certainly that to be awarded a heavy honor comes with its heavier duty: to uphold the prestige bestowed among the scholars The weight of expectations, both personal and communal, became an unforeseen facet of the scholarship The pressure to consistently excel, not just for himself but for the community investing in his education, became a constant companion

Being called an ‘iskolar ni mayor’ is an honor to uphold for Ricciardone, the name of Mayor Anarna bears weight on the title, but his name outweighs the responsibility that comes with it Ricciardone’s expedition encapsulates the spirit of seizing chances, surmounting challenges and crafting one's fate amid a backdrop of a nurturing community and a government deeply committed to molding tomorrow through education As the former Senior High School Sports Editor of Simbuhan, and a Graduate Student of FEU Cavite, one thing is for certain: Ricciardone Mozo is sure of maintaining Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness, and Compassion and that’s just something about him

ce, a ditor yor th to uch a her rmed FEU ation peers

It had taken him two years to grow accustomed to the FEU Cavite environment It was the burden of having to uphold his former academic reputation that had become his shadow Discontented with this, he had set himself on a scholarly avenue

Firstly, his sole objective was just to be consistent However, by 10th grade, he knew that he had to take up space, and to which he did “When I became more accustomed to the system, I eventually earned a spot on the honors list in Grade 9 and consistently maintained that achievement At first, my goal was just to secure a place on the honors list, but by Grade 10, I began to believe in my potential for excellence I felt that I could achieve more " He spoke

Initially, he had stepped up as a high honor student But his manifestations grew greater than the latter, achieving the highest honor during the third quarter He had then secured the third overall rank over the entire batch amongst his peers, which had resulted in him earning a scholarship for Senior High School at FEU Cavite

Etched by the fruits of his labor, the two consecutive years of senior high school posed an indifferent dilemma However, senior high school contrasts in terms of a heavier workload and an intense academic system But he was greater than this Merely the dilemma he had been issued with was the pressure of test papers when the same type of paper called out to him as an honor student Similarly, his profound artistry and pursuit of excellence encouraged him to join multiplecontests such as the National Science Club Month Video Contest and the Met-Kaalaman Video Contest hosted by the Philippine Meteorological Society

Under the nick of time, procrastination lurked at the edges, delaying the compilation of requirements until the eleventh hour Various factors took a toll on him It was finals season, and the scholarship just had not felt worth prioritizing However, his mother had reminded him dearly of the benefits of the scholarship and that it was worth moving an inch of a muscle A week before the announced deadline, he found himself coordinating an important certification with the registrar and their arrival With enough consideration from the registrar, he had finally received the certificate he needed in time for the deadline The test-taking phase loomed, marked by anxiety and self-doubt stemming from sleep deprivation

"As a procrastinator, I encountered a bit of an issue because it apparently takes days before you receive the certificate from FEU Cavite's Registrar when you request it One of the requirements for the scholarship is that you need to be within the top 40 of your entire batch in school Thankfully, the registrar considered it, thanks to Ma'am Kristel, and I was able to request if it was possible to receive it within the week So, after submitting the requirements, the results showed that I was eligible for the test-taking part of the scholarship Then I took the test, and to be honest, I wasn't really confident about it " He commented

A lot could happen in a year, but what is more in five years?

It all started with a doll and the wondrous warmth of a grandmother’s love “And that 5 years was the most treasured year[s] of my life”, said Gaisbi Mendoza, better known as “Abi”, on one Monday in December, the year 2023 Starting with five beautiful “treasured” years, she now has a lot of years ahead of her

One afternoon, in the busy commercialized area of Pala-Pala in Dasmariñas City, a child has come to face the heart-wrenching event of their life not having their wish granted Little Gaisbi, in the busy streets of Dasmariñas City, were all grumpy and grouchy, for the poor child could not get what their heart wanted –a doll As little Gaisbi went on with their trip to Robinson’s Dasmariñas, loud cries, and deafening pleas were all heard by their grandmother What more could a child ask for? Except for dolls, maybe an affectionate care Bounded by this, Gaisbi’s grandmother chose to give in She had to go back She chose to go back all in and all out to fulfill the wants of her most treasured grandchild All is about to be well and done until Gaisbi’s grandmother was in an accident, she almost fell out of the jeepney as she attempted to go back Just a minor fall probably, for what’s more important is the doll A doll and her love for her grandchild A doll that will make a child the happiest kid in the world A little canon event goes a long way, they say It all started with a doll and the wondrous warmth of a grandmother’s love

A little goes a long way In the event of an unforeseen pandemic, 2020’s Gaisbi Mendoza had to live with their grandmother Again around the warmth brought by their grandmother, Gaisbi had it all – love, affection, fondness, and the chances One afternoon, Gaisbi’s nature of being a wanderer led to wonders A red scarf was found in the backyard of their family home Just a red scarf, but the brilliant mind of Gaisbi Mendoza and their glamorous mind of creativity found something within it – a chance to make it something A red scarf turned into something A little something that has turned someone into something All sewed and done and posted publicly, there she goes – out in this world

Chelsea Rhose Saclauso

and then there was Abi Gaisbi, better known as Abi

Days passed, seasons changed, and one thing remained –she is still better known as Abi A coming-of-age season has arrived, and an entire world is waiting For Her: handshakes in the shades of green and gold; warm greetings from thy happy halls There it goes, she’s about to conquer another world An another world of a spherical war of highs and lows

However, it can never be always just butterflies and rainbows, there shall be rain As skies are synonymous with heaven, the same goes for Abi and her heavenly long glamorous hair – they are as one One dreary day, along the days of slayin’ the waves of junior year, Abi Mendoza, had to face one thing – a thing to prove her identity Dancing along the threads of what has been long accepted, Abi was in the right rhythm as she firmly held onto her identity She was not swayed; rather she stood tall and stayed A formal letter addressed to the school concerning the matter of whether Abi should be able to keep her heavenly long glamorous hair was approved “Salamat at hindi ka bumitaw at ipinakita mo na hindi ka basta-basta ” – Abi, months after, loud and proud

There is an irony between waking up and sleeping down In her everyday life, each morning of rises and shines all end up with falls and starry night skies Abi’s favorite part of her day is her mornings for she believes that each new day brings new chances of making someone happy But when asked, which part of her day is her least liked, she answered “Ang pagtulog sapagkat hindi ako nakakasigurado kung bukas ay mayroon pang paggising”, ironic isn’t it? A great irony lies along each start and end of our waking days According to Abi, sleeping at night is equivalent to a reminder that a day has passed and is long gone – a fading memory of a time that has passed

“Call my name and will be there.” Abi

Abi is the batch’s icon She may have been born as Gaisbi but she will be remembered as Abi A question was brought to her, asking “How do you want to be remembered?”, she wrote “it’s up to them ” One thing is for certain, there is a lot to be remembered Whether it is how Abi does her hair on a Monday morning or how she can easily light up the room with little to no effort, Abi and her ways will always be remembered

Years later, probably during a homecoming event where FEU Cavite’s alumni will be invited, once her name gets called, Abi will be there Just as she promised, on a one dreary school day within thy happy halls, “Call my name and Abi there ” She will be there, loud, and proud, tall and gorgeous And all will exclaim, “There she goes ” Born Gaisbi, better known as Abi

ROCKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: SHS TAMS SHOWCASE OF INNOVATION

Creative products, impeccable marketing strategies, and crowded hallways: these are the things witnessed during the 2023 FEU Cavite Christmas Bazaar held at the ground floor of FEU Cavite BED building led by the Grade 12 students for their Entrepreneurship class

On December 1, 2023, all Grade 12 students of FEU Cavite presented their respective innovations for their Entrepreneurship class, each innovation incorporating the essence of sustainability Some examples include a tote bag made from recycled jeans produced by the ‘Bili Jeans’ by ABM 12; an appealing fling bag made of recycled materials made by the ‘PAPEE’ of STEM 12; and clay-made accessories made by the ‘Carictasan Co ’ of HUMSS 12

The organizer of the event and the Entrepreneurship subject teacher, Miss Shirley Peña, discussed the concept and essence of this event, “The importance of the event is for all the Grade 12 students to apply in real life activities the business cycle that was being taught in their Entrepreneurship subject ” , she said “Experiential learning is very effective so that theories taught in the classroom can be applied in real life Moreover, the experience they will have will never be forgotten This includes the values learned during the bazaar ” , she added She also mentioned that the students undergo a series of processes such as presentations and crafting of business plans to present and sell their products which help foster students’ capabilities to think and execute innovative ideas Each store did an amazing job in conceptualizing the products they’re going to offer Altheya Javellana, one of the store representatives, told us,

minds

student-entrepreneurs

“This concept was actually very rushed, like a day before the product presentation, if I'm not mistaken, and at the time, I noticed a Facebook post from a friend showcasing her own personalized denim trousers This specific post generated an idea to make our product denim And a fact! Just like from what I saw on Facebook, we actually initially planned to have painted customized tote bags, but due to time, we didn’t continue it Still, the idea of members just kept growing that time, and we eventually came up with the denim tote bags we have now” She also told Simbuhan that their concept is sustainable and cost-effective since their denim tote bags offered were recycled and durable

Chareena Miranda, another store representative, mentioned that sustainability is also incorporated with their concept for the stickers they offer, as the product is durable since it is made from high-quality materials, making the stickers waterproof and sticky She said that their design was inspired by the Jeepney’s rich tradition; she added, “We thought and asked for some students' favorite Filipino phrases that they usually use daily We also took inspiration from the students who wanted their stickers to be customized to add a new level of individuality to their belongings, whether it's a name, a message, or a mention of a favorite artist or song ”

Sellers underwent extensive preparations to showcase their products The demand of the students from their pre-order form was overflowing and it increased during the event Ched Miranda shares her group’s experience, she says, “We were surprised to receive over 30 responses at the opening of our pre-order forms 2 weeks before the Christmas Bazaar to be held on December 1, 2023 On the day of the bazaar, we were overwhelmed by the support of the students, faculty, and even outsiders as we catered to a total of 104 customers ”

event was also

Meanwhile, Altheya’s group shares that they expected to comfortably market to the high school population, she says, “Actually, it is normal for us to interact with students at the high school level, so we expected a much more easy, not so formal, and not so casual marketing style, but we were wrong because many elementary students and parents also took an interest in our products, which is really shocking, and we just suddenly needed that time to alter our marketing style, but overall we had a really great time with it ” Overall, all businesses enjoyed and had a great time during the Christmas Bazaar; in parallel with this, the student-goers who went on a shopping-spree also had an amazing time during the Christmas Bazaar One student-goer from STEM 11, Angel Jonson says, “It was good naman po, super friendly sila kahit nag wiwindow shopping ka lang” Her friend and classmate, Ysa Mistades says, “My whole bazaar experience was fun and enjoyable, alongside my friends, we purchased different products that were made with a lot of effort and thought ” Another shopper from HUMSS 11, Juaymah Dionisio, shared her best experience during the event The thing she enjoyed the most during the event was looking for the things that suit her interests such as photo cards and items inspired by her favorite artist All of our interviewees also mentioned that the best booth they visited were ‘Bili Jeans’ and ‘Makabayan Stickers’, mainly their basis was how well the marketing were executed both in social media and in person medium

Our innovative entrepreneurs were able to meet the demand of the customers, but alongside the customers’ expectations was the evaluation from the secret shoppers that they need to impress, adding an element of challenge to the experience Their teacher approached selected people to roam around the bazaar to evaluate how the students present and market their products to the customers

Aside from Grade 12 students who had their Entrepreneurship class project through a bazaar, ABM students from Grade 11 also did the same for their Organization and Management class, which added fun and enthusiasm to the ambiance of the event Overall, the Christmas bazaar was successful in showing
we grew up with

SIMBUHAN

A Peek Inside FEU Cavite’s Beauty

FEU Cavite is renowned for its well-behaved and intellectual students who uphold the core values of Fortitude, Excellence, Uprightness, and Compassion For years, it has been a respected university But what about the campus that they consider as their second home? What are the places that help build not only memories but also their character as students? As the school year progresses, let’s look in thy happy halls of the beautiful home of the Southern Tamaraws

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the official start of construction for the FEU Cavite campus in MetroGate Silang Estates in January 2009 Completed in 2010, the campus comprises two eco-friendly buildings one for the Basic Education Department and another for the Higher Education Department situated on a six-hectare plot of land

At the parking area, just before the entrance, a big tree filled with beautiful ornaments and glimmering lights will be in sight; it is called the ChariTree! FEUC annually holds a tree lighting The event is an evening filled with singing, dancing, and happy faces in celebration of the upcoming holidays As we walk into the campus, we are greeted by the cheerful guards in the lobby The ground floor is filled with busy and loud students entering and exiting the school It is the place where many memories are made such as greeting guests and bazaars!

Within the busy bustling halls, there is a place where peace and quiet prevail the library The library provides many resources for a young mind to nurture; it is located on the ground floor of the university, near the exit From computers to different

kinds of books, everything you need is available there! Not only that, but they also allow students to borrow books they want to read at home The library is a perfect place for students who want to focus, it gives comfort and support to the students who work tirelessly to excel in their academics

Of course, a hard-working mind needs a full and satisfied tummy! Another spot that students enjoy is the cafeteria It is located on the ground floor of the university, in front of the lobby They offer a wide variety of healthy and nourishing foods for the students The canteen ensures comfort for those who cannot prepare meals Accompanied by kind and accommodating vendors who continuously serve the FEU-C community, it truly is a place where students can satisfy their needs in peace!

A little walk outside the campus, and we will see the oval The oval is a soccer field near the school, serving as a venue for some sporting events and a place for some students to take a break It serves as a place for people to practice their athletic skills

Unwrapping the Enchanting Christmas SZN

As the twinkle of Christmas lights adorns the home during the night, the aroma of delicacies, and a jolly cheerful Christmas song starts, it implicit the enchanting arrival of the Christmas season For Filipinos, the Christmas season shimmers with unparalleled warmth, joy, and togetherness celebrated not just in the month of December, but when the Ber months start

In a celebration of the Christmas season, FEU Cavite executes an activity that will leave unforgettable memories to the students and faculty First on the list is the Christmas Tree Lighting Event, transforming the BED Grounds into a spectacle of vibrant lights adorning a towering Christmas tree last November 16 During the event, students witness the colorful lighting of the

Christmas tree and various astonishing performances

The second activity is the “Wreath of Wonder,” which aims to showcase the creativity of students by creating a wreath that signifies their Christmas or winter holiday experiences The last activity was the Homeroom Year-End Celebration that took place in the respective classroom which turned into thematic wonderlands as students donned chosen outfits, shared potluck meals, and forged enduring memories through shared activities, be it games or movies, fostering bonds that echoed the spirit of togetherness

Filipinos, known for having the longest duration of celebration of Christmas and enduring love and rich traditions, begin their festive preparation during the Ber months In these months of duration, the iconic symbol of Christmas parol starts being hanged in Filipino households while Christmas carols are playing When the date in the calendar landed on December 16, Misa De Gallo started

During pre-dawn hours and under the ink-blue sky and stars still twinkling, Filipinos gather in churches as the nine masses start that will end on Christmas Eve – December 24 It will be followed by the Noche Buena or the Midnight Feast that unites families, friends, and neighbors to eat unique culinary delights and special dishes such as lechon, puto bumbong, bibingka, hamon, queso de bola, and different varieties of desserts

Afterward, Christmas’ essence lies in the spirit of giving and generosity The opening of gifts and Aguinaldo from relatives and godparents fulfills Christmas along with the sharing of heartwarming stories and actions by doing charity work and helping those in need

As the melodies of Christmas caroling fade into the night and the last shimmering lights of parol and Christmas lights, the spirit of Christmas to the Filipinos continues to resonate Indeed, Christmas is not a holiday to celebrate during Christmas day, but it defines the vibrant tapestry of traditions to Filipinos In the season of hope and joy, Christmas is a beacon of tradition, culture, and enduring spirit that radiates the unwrapping of the enchanting Christmas

It is also one of the students' favorite places to go after class because of the beautiful big trees that enchant them, the fresh air that clears their minds, and the scenery that helps them get rest from their studies and gives them warmth during stressful times It also encourages students to embrace and have a closer relationship with nature The oval is a witness of the student’s friendship and journey throughout their days here at FEU-C

FEU Cavite is more than an institution; it's a vibrant ecosystem As we reflect on these cherished spaces within the campus, let us not merely remember them but love and protect them Moments of shared meals in the energetic cafeteria, quiet times in the library, and being embraced by nature in the oval FEUC will always have a special place in our hearts

MODERN DAY HEROES

The concept of "heroism" has been a timeless theme throughout history, from ancient myths and legends to modern-day stories and movies Throughout history, we have had many individuals who have embodied the qualities associated with heroism, such as bravery, selflessness, and courage These individuals are often remembered for their outstanding achievements, noble qualities, and courageous acts

In the Philippines, we have our own heroes who have fought for the country's freedom and independence These individuals have made significant contributions to the Philippines' history and culture and are known as national heroes Among them is Dr Jose Rizal, who is widely regarded as one of the country's greatest heroes He was a revolutionary leader, writer, and educator who devoted his life to fighting for the freedom of the Filipino people Using his own "pluma" and "papel," he was able to use his novels to inspire people and promote the idea of freedom and the independence of the Philippines His heroic acts and courageous deeds are still remembered and admired by many Filipinos to this day

If someone would take time to think about it, being a hero is not limited to someone who is revered or idolized for courageous, remarkable achievement we may also consider someone a hero for just performing their job They are heroes not because they won a bloody fight but because their actions, their compassion, and their hearts set an example for others to follow

Sanny S Sarno, a housekeeper who worked for 6 years as early as in his 50s at FEU Cavite, became a model for his perseverance to compete with life while holding on to limited resources As he approaches his years of becoming a senior, it made a big difference in his life knowing that narrow applications limit him from applying to a wide variety of fields However, this didn’t stop him from persevering in life; he grasps every opportunity he had and finish his work as a housekeeper, every day, with a flourishing touch to every FEU Cavite facility Kuya Sanny resembles the modernday heroes many won’t take notice of he is, in fact, the reason how we students were able to experience a conducive and motivating place to study, with every facility being taken care of

Keyshia Antoinette Taban
Elizabeth Pelayo Chrip Majuelo Altheya Javellana
Elizabeth Pelayo

SIMBUHAN

The FEU Cavite BED students experienced a fascinating moment when a loud and powerful "Avisala Eshma" from the famous television show Encantadia echoed through the air during the celebration of United Nations 2023

The representatives of Grade 11-HUMSS, Vincent Gerald Labajoy and Juaymah Mae Dionisio, raised their section with great pride Their exceptional performance during the pageant quickly captured the audience's hearts, filling the stage with an enchanting aura from the beginning to the end It started with a majestic introduction, followed by an elves and fairies-inspired costume and a magical talent presentation

According to them, the theme is a perfect match for their assigned sphere: ecological peace Moreover, they utilized the reference 'Brilyante' as an emblem to promote their advocacy, just like how the four main characters of the show use it as a superpower

The contestants leave the line, “Nasa

Our advocacy is called 3Rs: Remain, Re-Green, and Re-Gold, which is inspired by its origin Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle The main goal is to sustain the real meaning of the 3Rs and keep the green and gold community within FEU Cavite,” as explained by Vincent He mentioned that it can be seen through their costumes: reduce: by utilizing the dried leaves scattered on the floor as a part of Juaymah’s costume; reuse: by reusing old clothes; and recycle: by using foam and cartons for its decoration

Afterward, the candidates performed a mythical talent segment The said cause continues to promote using the Encantadia Kingdom as their scenery The reality of the environmental catastrophe and how they would bring peace to the entire land area was shown Vincent took on the position of King While Juaymah serves as Queen Together, with their supportive classmates Vince Gana played Hagorn, with Mack Chong as his assistant; the story's villains, plotting to destroy nature Precious Banzales, Jan Keith, and Angel Bruce acted as the three fairies who were victims of the disaster

To put an end, the King and Queen eliminated the perpetrators and helped the victims restore the land's beauty Leaving an insightful impact, a clearer vision of how they could promote “Ecological Peace” was marked to the audience

Aside from that, they positively think that it is timely since the revival of the show “Encantadia” is about to happen and will release its new season in 2024 Truly, they not only gave a loud and powerful surprise to the crowd but also an inspiring message to everyone to be a part of environmental sustainability

The journey of the ‘Hari’ and ‘Reyna’ of Encantadia has become a success, as they’ve proved that fantasy can also become a reality

Art can be created in numerous ways and presented in various forms, such as drawings, paintings, crafts, literature, dance, and music, to name a few Halfway through the school year, the students have conducted and participated in many activities As we bid our goodbyes to 2023, let us look back on notable events in the past months that sparked creativity and artistic minds within the Tamaraws

On the blooming start of the school year, the Tamaraws’ creative spirits have an early start off in August 2023 on the celebration of Buwan ng Wika, bearing the theme “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan ” The Basic Education Department was delighted with a wide range of activities, including Pistang Pinoy, which highlighted the students’ skills and creativity in decorating their designated areas aligned with the regions assigned to them Meanwhile, the imaginative minds of young Tamaraw artists were reflected through their captivating works of art in the Poster Making Contest Lastly, the art in the form of words and united voices made a glimpse during Essay Writing, Sabayang Pagbikas, and Spoken Poetry Activity

In November 2023, the Tamaraws once again proved their excellence in different forms of art during the previous United Nations Culminating Activity With the theme, International Year of Dialogue as Guarantee of Peace, Mr And Ms Advocates of Peace proudly graced the runway wearing each of their costumes made by hand As seen throughout the event, their clothing was made possible by the students’ creativity to turn their concepts and designs into reality while emphasizing the distinct quality of Filipinos being indigenous It reflects their artistic minds that worked together as one to come up with their best piece

Another event that awakened the ArtisTAMS’ identity was the National Reading Month celebration last December 2023 One of its highlights was the Literary Museum, where students set up the stage for their creative performances of phenomenal scenes from well-known books, which included Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal Meanwhile, young imaginative minds from Pre-K to Grade 3 have flaunted their colorful works of art through their creation of famous book covers

Lastly, as a crafty way to welcome the holiday season and a year of new beginnings, the Tamaraws crafted their wreaths Each “Wreath of Wonder” reflected their creativity that symbolized their interpretations of one of the year’s special seasons As we wrap up the events that occurred in the previous months, these activities serve as a platform to unleash one’s creativity and artistic skills Truly, the Tamaraws have shown their excellence in the field of art May it be in the form of drawing, creative writing, designs, and acting, these students take pride in their creations making them certified ArtisTAMS

Juaymah Mae Dionisio
aming mga kamay ang brilyante ng kapaligiran at pinangangalagaan namin ang pang-ekolohikal na kapayapaan ”
Francesca Matalog

Sa Karagatan ng mga Tao

“Wreath of Wonders”

Juaymah Dionisio

armth of the December season, Sends a beacon to every person

That spirit of joy is to be unfold, Like how the Christmas story will be told

ed papers, crayons, in a shape that is round, Within its circles, unity is found.

Beyond laughter and stories that glow, A wreath of wonder will grow

ach trinket in our magical sight, Bells that tinkle, ribbons, and stars so bright

Let this poem be a guiding light, Of a prosperous tomorrow night

wreath complete, masterpiece whole, What makes up a Holiday soul?

Tapestry filled with wreath in halls, Strong foundation of friendship walls

he unbreakable connection it made, Shows an everlasting love that never fade

Let the Christmas wreath remind us, crystal clear, We are gathered as one here

W R E A T H

ung from above, so lovely, Symbolizes the time for friends and family

The warmth that waits within, Is a wreath and a promise to begin

AlzeahVeniceDelaCruz
Illustration By Mikaella nei escober
Illustration By robyn gonzales

Taylor’s Timeless Tales: Student Swifties’ Artistic Interpretations of Taylor Swift’s Melodic Storytelling

from wwwthestatesmancom

but at last, you hold something unique, a rare treasure, irrespective of external circumstances

trade have you ever wondered about the unique interpretations of these student Swifties regarding their favorite Taylor Swift songs? Intriguing, isn't it?

Therefore, i’d like you to meet Angelica Loyola and Anna Angon, both avid fans of Taylor Swift's song titled "You're On Your Own, Kid " For both, the lyrics resonate deeply with the notion that, ‘at the end of the day, it's just always ourselves, no one else, but ourselves ’ Angelica shares, " At first, I didn't feel a strong connection to the song, and its lyrics didn't occupy much of my thoughts However, as time swiftly passes and reality dawns on me, the truth becomes evident that we will all be on our own eventually " She emphasizes the relevance of the song to her current phase in life, as she approaches the peak of high school, standing on the edge of a new journey, armed with the courage to face it on her own terms

On the other hand, Anna Angon echoes a similar sentiment, noting how the song profoundly impacted her understanding of dreams and the reality of puberty She reflects, " There's this line from the song, 'just to learn that my dreams aren't rare ' Entering puberty and simultaneously experiencing a pandemic has opened my eyes to the fact that my dreams, my life goals, aren't rare " For her, the song represents the realization that self-sufficiency is key you can find happiness and fulfillment independently; that no matter how you try to distract yourself, the yearning persists;

While for many, songs like Taylor Swift's "You're On Your Own, Kid" serve as an awakening to the harsh realities of life, there exists an intriguing range of interpretation among Taylor's audience For some, the songs transcend mere narratives; they become a lens through which listeners see their own life stories unfold Take, for instance, Taylor's song "Anti-Hero," a touching anthem that strikes with a student-swiftie named Gishael Jose In her own words, she articulates a feeling of merely existing and not truly living, “ Throughout my life, there has always been a sense that I wasn't merely growing older; the growth in wisdom, happiness, or lightness seemed elusive I perpetually perceived myself as the problem, yet in the face of this exhausting existence, I consciously choose to persevere, finding my anchor in the anthem of 'Anti-Hero ' ” Gishael's interpretation unveils the struggles of grappling with insecurities and mental health issues, hindering the pursuit of a fulfilling life Furthermore, this significant reflection of growing up and confronting the unknown echoes in the sentiments of Katriel Cruz, who finds solace in Taylor's "Never Grow Up " For Katriel, the fear of growing up and facing the uncertainties of life is an overpowering concern, saying " There are things that I cannot stop from leaving me or being absent from my life Just like growing up, I cannot stop it " Her heartfelt emphasis on the inevitability of growing up captures the universal anxiety about the passage of time and the daunting prospect of the unknown Segueing into the concept of 'the unknown,' Dale Borromeo draws inspiration from Taylor's "This is Me Trying " For Dale, the fear is not tied to the uncertainties of growing up but revolves around the haunting ghost of dissatisfaction and the struggle to align with one's self-perceived identity, " This song, to me, speaks to someone who is extremely dissatisfied with the outcome of their life, having a hard time adjusting to their current situation, and is self-sabotaging to cope with the fact " Dale's candid sharing touches on a countless relatable topics from grappling with perceived failure and peer pressure to navigating dissatisfaction and resorting to self-sabotage an emotional landscape to which many can relate

In these diverse interpretations, we witness the power of Taylor Swift's music to serve as a foundation for personal reflections and emotional reckonings It goes beyond the mere act of listening; it becomes a shared language for those navigating the complexities of life, and through the melodic mirrors of Taylor's songs, the Student Swifties find not only a soundtrack to their experiences but a comforting resonance in the acknowledgment that they are not alone in their journeys These interpretations, indeed, are the essence of ‘Taylor’s Timeless Tales’

Anaïs Nin once stated, "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect " This expression encapsulates the essence of writing to savour and understand life's fleeting moments, even those challenging to release, while getting invaluable lessons along the journey Writers, believing in the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives, articulate their thoughts and emotions through words, aiming to offer insights into the intricacies of the world we collectively inhabit However, writers also ask themselves questions with relevance to how they will communicate their ideas so that others may grasp the bigger picture of life and everything that exists

The term "captivating" aptly characterizes individuals with a fervent passion for writing coupled with an unwavering commitment to attentive listening; and this encapsulates the essence of being a writer – someone who interprets life's minutiae and perpetually seeks meaning But have you ever contemplated the enchantment concealed within their words? What transpires within an author's mind, and what inspires their expressions?

Literary writer Alzeah Dela Cruz, hailing from Simbuhan, asserts that her profound curiosity about the world propels her to write An author, she contends, is not merely an existence but an active participant living through their written words In Alzeah’s perspective, at the core of an author's creations lies their ability to wield language skilfully and writing becomes a vessel for writers to convey what they perceive as the genuine essence of life a word serving as a "snapshot" capturing a moment as experienced by the writer Alzeah exemplifies this by ascribing meaning to her existence through interpreting her surroundings actively Furthermore, she added that writing fosters relationships, primarily with oneself, providing the freedom to express creativity and gain fresh insights into the world

(ExclusiveInterviewswith CampusWriters What InspiredyourWords?)

Similarly, Francesca Matalog, another Simbuhan writer, draws inspiration from real-life experiences and daily routines Intrigued by the multifaceted nature of life, Francesca utilizes writing to explore its dichotomy harshness juxtaposed with beauty Writing, as she sees it, acts as a medium that challenges and stimulates personal growth, offering inspiration and selfexpression to readers Her unique style of expression serves as a quality all writers should aspire to emulate

Another writer derives inspiration randomly from sections in books and publications To infuse depth into his words for readers, he emphasizes the varied sources of inspiration ranging from the specifics of daily life to the profound mysteries awaiting human understanding Writing, in his perspective, imposes distinct mental constraints, akin to an artist filling a canvas with colour The commitment to growth and drawing inspiration from diverse sources fuels his pursuit of writing

As creators of life's aesthetics, writers possess the agency to shape their own space of beauty, concentrate on creativity, and perceive beyond the immediate reality Life is explored, recorded through its special moments, and shared through stories

In conclusion, the capacity to write, albeit in a modest manner, is within anyone's reach; those who capture the beauty of the world and delve into the depths of a writer's mind can be deemed writers Writing becomes a vessel for living harmoniously with the world telling stories that beautify existence The desire to encapsulate life on paper, even though it will never reoccur, underscores because we write: to taste life twice in the moment and in retrospect It is within a writer's hands, their duty, their responsibility, and their power to preserve, imprint upon the world, and unravel the meaning of all things Even as life takes unexpected turns, one must return to their origins, their personal narratives

photo
Anaiah Dimapilis

SIMBUHAN

The Challenges of the Year (Diving through all the events and activities for the year)

A shot of espresso and a double shot at life.

Nobody knows where we might end up I thought I’d end up reaching that Yet, I am here Alone In a double-seater dine at a local coffee shop, one afternoon of December The year is about to end, isn’t it? How come a year is just that fast? That fast One moment you are here and the next thing you’ll know is it is about to end It is Waking life is a fraud Sometimes, my whole existence is a collection of things I’d want to remember Oftentimes, it is a tapestry of things I’d rather forget A year has passed, and I have developed a tendency towards solitude Was it that one January evening that led to this? When I had everyone, but had no one I never knew what it felt like to stand in a room full of people, bright shiny people of glamourous joy and glory –and yet, there I was, an open wound Have I become a collection of things I’ve always hated? How come? Was it that one February morning where I woke up with a feeling I’d rather not tell anyone Then, all of a sudden, it was March At 3’o clock in the afternoon, when I was suddenly reminded by You, a fragment of the past, I’d rather forget Have I become what I’ve always hated? I have fallen, one dreary April Life felt like a free-fall I felt like an object Just an object with the force of gravity pulling me down Nothing but downwards – that is how life felt But do you know what’s fun about free-fall? It’s the chance of being caught To let something or someone catch you May was my favorite Really Do you remember that one late evening in May when none of it made sense? None Extremely none It was comparable to a taste of oblivion, as I recall To not think and just feel – such a wonderful feeling A wonderful night

And then, there was June 6 months into this madness called life June was empty yet full, was it? I was pathologically afraid of everything, yet somehow, a bit of it was a bit of excitement The fun in not knowing Fun

July was full of lies Ju-LIE, haha! Fake smiles, fraud laughter – all a façade For I was grieving the whole time, grieving for the living Grief embraced my soul and warmed it up through the loneliest of nights, just until August August, a month of sad prose and living for the hope of it all I hoped and had hopes – that is what matters Anyhow, it slipped away Then it was September September October November December Full months of glory and worry I was filled with a wild desire A very wild desire to know it all I wandered around the whys of life I stayed and wondered circling around the hows of life I was seeking for something I was longing for something All of a sudden, it’s December The wonders have not come to an end yet But the year is about to And the challenge of the year award goes to life Life itself

But it’s a challenge I’d rather tak ! ‘til next year, next season Same

What’s so great about reading? — Book Recommendations by FEU’s Avid Bookworms

Exploration, creativity, and imagination Delving into this printed text of stories is like plunging ourselves into a whole new world of exploration and new experiences Whenever we read, books become more than what so-called “ink and paper” but a door to unleash our creative thinking and imagination Significantly, reading fosters critical thinking, empathy, and immersion to various life events that all contribute to a society built with compassion and awareness It digs deeper into a man’s soul making a brain think, a heart render, and eyes wide open into a whole new perspective Books introduce unfamiliar characters that somehow, we relate ourselves with Settings of places that we have never been to, but our minds picture as if we were once into Scenes of story that make us feel something, may it be new, or something that resembles a memory down the lane Now, would you dare to experience the capacity of reading yourself? If so, then allow me to introduce you to different narratives that you will surely love to explore Let your creativity break loose and free yourself to think imaginatively through these books

In a hustling and bustling world of noises, sometimes, an escape from reality is what we all strive for Perhaps, all you need is a secret passage that leads you to an enthralling adventure – a quick escape "To those who constantly escape reality through reading, may your inner child enjoy this book ” As recommended by one of the FEU Cavite’s avid bookworms, Anna Veronica Angon, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew by C S Lewis will take you to an unforgettable experience in the fantasizing world of Narnia With a story that revolves around two kids named Digory and Polly, discover magic along with friendship, temptations, and battles between good and evil, all jampacked in this enchanting book As children themselves who are in awe of magic and fantasy, the kids’ dull moments were replaced with excitement as they found the secret passage leading to Narnia

From an omniscient point of view, you will get into Digory and Polly’s thoughts and feelings as they explore the magical world of Narnia and face the challenges attached to it With unforeseen events in the story, Veronica finds herself “ astounded by the plot and the turn of events” which you must keep an eye on Conversely, not all books revolve around fantasies and fairytales, some speak the other way around –reality and cruelty If you find your interest in dystopian-like literature, as recommended by another bookworm, Johan Baltazar, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard suits you excellently A story with “ the concept of having a society separated by status” as described by Johan, Red Queen is indeed a book that emphasizes the existence of power and social inequality It features a character named Mare Barrow who lives in a society divided by the colors of their blood – red and lustrous silver As the story progresses, the red blood main character enters a horrifying experience as she tries to live on the opposite side, shielding herself as a Red in a world full of Silver With Mare’s narrative, epitomize the character as you look deeply into her deepest thoughts and emotions unfolding the turn of decisions and events in the story Just like Mare, would you be able to fit yourself in a world full of Lustrous Silver?

p g y significance that “ individuals often have multifaceted, contradictory, and evolving identities” both in the story and reality Indeed, the book is a must-read to relate ourselves to the ever-challenging yet remarkable time of our lives – youth

Along with the struggles of youth and growth are the challenges faced in one’s mental health The book All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven looks at the teenage life of Theodore Finch and Violet Markey As recommended by Azie Linzagan, All the Bright Places features the exploration of ideas focusing on identity, mental health, and its surrounding stigma, trust, and support in two adolescent’s stories of life A battle on mental illnesses and ghosts of emotional pasts As a deep connection was built between the two, Theodore and Violet found themselves transforming each other’s lives, healing the past scars of one another With distinct alternations of perspectives between the characters, the book offers detailed personas which the readers can closely look into Normal People is an eye-opener that acknowledges the significance of mental health on one’s being As for Azie, “It’s more of a wakeup call to some, to be kinder to other people because we’ll never know who they are deep inside at the end of the day ” So, what’s so great about reading? True enough, we have seen various stories in the characters’ shoes of adventures, romance, struggles, and reality that our feet can fit into An exploration of different narratives and perspectives that built creativeness in one’s mind, inevitably allowing ourselves to enter the world of imagination – all through reading

Francesca Matalog
Photo: Bessie Davidson, Lecture au jardin
Photo:Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Young Girl Reading

Raphael Medina

Celebrate endings–for they precede new beginnings

were the words of Jonathan Lockwood Huie, and the ending of 2023 for FEU Cavite will certainly give birth to experiences never seen before for the students

To unlock the next chapter in our lives as individuals and a community, we should take time to look through our experiences during the first half of SY 2023-2024 to gain the wisdom found within these memories To fulfill this condition, we’ve gathered the thoughts and reflections of high school students in FEU Cavite about the first half of this school year Here were the results:

Many students experienced great triumphs thanks to the system established here in FEU Cavite and were overall pleased with it Here are some words from the student body:

experience in FEU Cavite as a student is quite decent,” an anonymous Grade 11 HUMSS student said “Good people, good teachers – very disciplined place if you tell me ”

classes and

a Grade 10 student,

For other students,

Grade 11 STEM student Precious Casio said

As you can observe here, the year 2023 in FEU Cavite was very influential to the lives of these students As you investigate the unique story of each youthful individual, you discover great lessons of our world that add up to the overall

we possess Let’s shift our focus to the lessons obtained by the students:

I’ve learned to be more grateful for life and how it is a must to cherish, not only did the teachers here in FEU teach us in academics, but they also provide us life-long information which we can use to change our perspective in

Illustration By
Hannah soriano
Grade 9 student Lee Samuel Legaspi said

KungwalanangTintaKung

wala nang Tinta Kung wala nang

“Kanina pa ‘ko paulit-ulit! Bakit ba kasi bawal magbura?” Inis na sabi ng batang lalaki na sa aking palagay ay nasa pito hanggang siyam na taong gulang pa lamang

Bumaling sa pwesto ko ang bata “Oh? Anong tinitingin-tingin mo?!” Singhal niya, at nilukot ang sinusulatang papel ‘saka ibinato sa’kin

Aba’t bastos ‘tong batang ‘to ah

Tinta

ay ng komportable at malambot na kama, ako ngayo’y nakatayo sa pasilyo ng isang napakataas na gusali; sa sobrang taas ay halos mapaupo ako sa pangangatog ng tuhod ko

Tanaw mula rito ang nagsisiliitang mga bahay, pati na ang mga taong animo’y mga langgam, ngunit wala akong matanaw na iba pang gusali Tila ba ang kinaroroonan ko ang nag-iisang matayog na estruktura rito sa lugar na hindi ko mawari kung saan

Naputol ang aking pag-iisip nang kusang humakbang ang mga paa ko diretso ang tingin, iniisip kung saan patungo, habang ang mga paa’y dire-diretsong nilakbay ang may kahabaang pasilyo, hanggang makarating sa tapat ng isang upuan Hindi na ako nagkaroon pa ng pagkakataong ilibot ang mga mata nang biglaan na lamang ibinagsak ng katawan ang sarili, at walang ano-ano’y nakaupo na ako

Nang makapwesto, doon ko lamang napagtanto na ang inuupuang silya ay parte pala ng nakahanay na mga upuan Lumingon ako sa aking kaliwa at halos kumawala ang kaluluwa ko nang magtama ang mga mata namin ng katabi kong Ginang kapansin-pansin ang kulubot niyang balat at kubang katawan, na siyang bunga na siguro ng labis na katandaan “Ah ” Nasaan po tayo? Iyon ang unang tanong na pumasok sa isipan ko At kahit hindi pa nagpapakilala sa isa’t isa, ‘yon ang aking unang binalak na bigkasin, ngunit may kung anong bumatangal sa lalamunan ko; para bang may pumipigil sa aking magsalita

“Ano ‘yon, ‘nak?” Kunot noong tanong ng matanda, marahil ay nawirduhan na sa matagal kong pagtitig

Binura ko na lamang sa isipan ang sana’y itatanong, at agad na sinabi ang unang pumasok sa isipan “Para saan po itong pila? Bakit po kayo nakapila?”

Nanliit ang mata ng matanda at bahagyang ihinilig ang kaniyang mukha, nagtataka “Para mag-apply ng trabaho Hindi ba’t gano’n rin ang ipinunta mo rito?” Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa “Pormal na pormal ang suot mo’t may dala-dala ka pang mga papeles, kung hindi ako nagkakamali’y trabaho rin ang ipinunta mo rito ”

Bahagya akong natawa sa kaniyang sinabi; anghilig talaga mambiro ng mga matatanda, ganyang ganyan ang ugali ng mga nakatatanda sa ami

“Huh?” Mahinang bulalas ko nang mapatingin ako sa suot ko at mapatunayang totoo ang ‘tinuran ng matanda Paanong hindi ko man lang napansin na ganito ang suot ko kanina pa? At paanong hindi ko man lamang naramdaman na may bitbit pala akong mga papeles, gayong napakahaba ng nilakad ko?

Mabilis kong pinagbubuklat ang mga dokumentong dala-dala para basahin ang mga nilalaman nito; umaasang may mababasang impormasyon na maaaring makasagot sa marami kong tanong Ngunit hindi ko pa lubos na nakikita ang nakasulat sa mga papel nang may malaglag na bolpen mula rito, siguro’y nakaipit sa kaninang nakatiklop na mga papeles

Bakit tila natataranta ka? May problema ba hijo?” Rinig ko sa nag-aalalang tinig ng matanda habang pinupulot ang nahulog na bolpen

Unti-unti kong iniangat ang aking tingin para harapin ang Ginang “Wala po ‘na ” “ARGHHHHHHHH!”

Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang sa pag-angat ko ng tingin ay wala na ang matanda, maski ang kaninang hawak na mga papeles ay biglaan na lamang naglaho Hindi ko mawari kung paanong ang kaninang pasilyo ay naging silid-aralan na ngayon; tanging ang sumisigaw na estudyante ang naabutan ng mga mata kong kumukurap-kurap pa hanggang ngayon

Pinulot ng maliliit kong mga kamay ang papel na nilukot niya Nakaamba na ako para ibato pabalik sa kaniya ang bolang papel nang mapatigil ako

Sandali Maliliit na mga kamay?!

Tinitigan ko ang mga kamay ko, pinoproseso ang nasa harapan “Huh?!!!” Malakas na sigaw ko habang gulong-gulo sa nakikita

“Ang ingay mo, Pio! Tigilan mo nga ‘yang pag-iinarte mo’t magsulat ka na, nang makauwi na tayo ” Saad ng mag-aaral Pero paanong nalaman ng batang ‘to ang pangalan ko?

Isinawalang bahala ko na muna ang sinabi ng bata dahil kasabay no’n ay nahagip muli ng paningin ko ang lukot na papel na sana’y ibabato ko kanina; binuklat ko ito sa pag-aakalang makakakuha ng kahit kaunting sagot sa aking mga katanungan, ngunit nabigo ako dahil ang laman ng papel: Hindi na ako mag-iingay Hindi na ako mag-iingay Hindi na ako mag-iingay

Bunga ng labis na pagkadismaya ay madiin kong ipinikit ang aking mga mata at pinasadahan ng kamay ang may kahabaang buhok

Teka, hindi ko pa nga pala natatanong ang bata kung paano niya nalaman ang pangalan ko Ngunit pagmulat ko ng mga mata ko’y wala na ang bata at ‘gaya kanina, mukhang nag-iba na naman ang lugar na kinaroroonan ko

Iginala ko ang mga mata sa silid Mabilis kong napansin ang mga laruang pambata pati na ang makukulay na pintura sa dingding Sa tingin ko’y nasa kwarto ako ng isang maliit na bata Matapos makita ‘yon ay aligaga kong tinignan ang aking mga kamay dahil baka nasa anyo na naman ako ng isang paslit, ngunit sa kabutihang palad ay normal naman ang aking katawan

Tahimik ang silid, kaya naman grabe na lang ang gulat ko nang may biglaang umiyak nang pagkalakas-lakas Sanggol

“Pio! Ang kapatid mo, patahanin mo!” Sigaw ng isang babae mula sa labas ng silid Kapatid?

Naglakad ako palapit sa kuna ng sanggol para sana silipin Nang makarating sa tapat nito’y bigla akong nakaramdam ng isang malambot na sensasyon mula sa’king kamay, kaya agad akong napatingin rito

Ang lukot na papel na kanina ko pa hindi binibitawan ay naging “Diaper?”

“Ano ba talaga ‘tong lugar na ‘to?! Nasaan ba talaga ‘ko?! At talaga namang pagpapalitin pa ‘ko ng sapin nitong batang ngayon ko lang naman nakita!” Wala sa sariling sigaw ko

“Nasa loob ka ng libro ko.”

Tugon sa akin ng isang mahiwagang boses na siyang nagpatindig sa lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan Nagbutlig-butlig ang pawis ko sa noo habang hinahanap ang pinanggalingan ng ‘di maipaliwanag na boses

“Sa mundong ito ang bawat pintig ng puso at kurap ng mata ay dikta ng Manunulat Siya ang sumusulat ng kapalaran ng lahat ng naririto mula sa unang hikbi ng sanggol hanggang sa huling buntong-hininga ng matanda Ang lahat ay nakatadhanang sundin ang itinakda ng kanyang malikot na pluma ”

Habang nagsasalita, mula sa pagiging sanggol ay unti-unting nagbagong anyo ang misteryosong persona bilang ang estudyanteng kausap ko lang kanina, hanggang sa maging ang matandang babae na siyang una kong nakasalamuha sa mundong ito

Hindi ko pa lubos na napoproseso ang kaniyang mga sinabi nang maglabolabo ang imahe ng matanda, pati ang boses niya’y unti-unti nang nagpuputolputol; para bang isang radyo na nawawalan ng koneksyon

Mukhang nauubusan na ng tinta ang Manunulat Sa sandaling tuluyan na akong maglaho ay paniguradong lubusan nang naubos ang kaniyang tinta ”

“Sandali! Paano ako makakaalis rito?!” Agap ko, bago pa siya tuluyang maglaho

“Ang P1vM4 gD4Y#fa* &6%ahfs ”

Wala na akong naintindihan sa mga pinakawalan niya pang mga salita dahil hindi pa tapos ang kaniyang sinasabi nang tuluyan siyang maglaho “Mukhang hindi na ‘ata ako makakaalis pa rito ”

Subalit ilang sandali lang mula nang maglaho ang kausap, ay dahan-dahang napunit na parang papel ang kinaroroonan at napunta ‘ko sa isang tila napabayaang silid Nagkalat ang mga papel sa sahig ngunit madaling mapapansin ang isang lamesang napakaorganisado, para bang hindi ito parte ng kabuuan ng kwarto Lumapit ako rito, at doon ay natagpuan ko ang isang libro kasama ang isang pluma; puno ng sulat ang lahat ng pahina nito maliban sa huli

Dinampot ko ang pluma, at sa sandaling ‘yon ko pa lamang naramdaman ang kalayaan na kanina pa pala yumayakap sa akin Sa pagkakataong ‘yon ko pa lamang namalayan ang hawak kong kapangyarihan Maaari kong isulat ang kahit ano, maaari kong ilagay ang ano mang gustuhin ko, maaari na akong makalabas sa mundong ito!

Ngunit paano ko maisasakatuparan ang lahat ng ‘yon, kung wala nang tinta?

Illustration By stephanie anne mae larosa

SIMBUHAN

THE FEUTURISTIC

EXPERIENCEOFASTEMTAMARAW

FEU is a testament to upholding the morale of being FEUturistic Technologyenabled is a characteristic not only held by FEU Cavite but also shared by its students and teachers In an impactful display of dedication to scientific exploration and technological advancement, FEU Cavite made a remarkable presence at the 2023 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NYSTIF) This event of a remarkable convergence of minds and inventions was hosted at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent held from October 25 to 28, 2023

This year's event showcased cutting-edge breakthroughs and insightful

critical thinking skills essential for research and innovation For her, these exposures serve as catalysts, empowering both educators and students in their pursuit of excellence in STEM fields

“The field of science and technology is not limited to what we read in textbooks It is much more than that After looking at the exhibits, I've realized that everything that makes our lives convenient is created by science and technology with the help of people who are determined and passionate in the field ” expressed by Ched Reflecting on her personal gains, she articulated a newfound appreciation for the boundless realms of science and technology

Amongst the exhibits she had visited, her eyes had twinkled at a few She expressed her adoration towards an exhibit showcasing 3D textiles for shoe insoles and "Gubat Obra " an exhibit crafting sculptures from forest wood which

According to Down to Earth, embracing recycling has the potential to pave the way for jobs that are 70 times as many compared to using landfills These opportunities span from roles in collection and sorting to skilled positions driving recycling plants forward, fostering a green-collar revolution that not only contributes to economic growth but also prioritizes inclusivity, providing diverse opportunities for a workforce with varying skill sets

The Plastic Flamingo, a local company that turns plastic wastes into building materials, is a living proof that recycling gives an opportunity to the work force The Plastic Flamingo, often referred to as "The Plaf," gathers discarded materials, processes them by shredding, and transforms them into posts and planks known as "eco-lumber " This eco-friendly material can be utilized for various purposes such as fencing, decking, or even constructing shelters for disaster relief Erica Reyes, Chief Operating Officer of The Plaf, stated that the product is entirely composed of upcycled material sourced from plastic waste, supplemented with additives and colorants It is resistant to rot, requires no maintenance, and is free from splinters This lessens the cost of production therefore making it cost effective

By accumulating more than 100 metric tonnes of plastic waste so far, the social enterprise is actively contributing to solving a local issue with widespread global consequences As per a 2021 report from Oxford University's Our World in Data, around 80% of the world's ocean plastic originates from rivers in Asia, with the Philippines alone contributing one-third of this total The Philippines currently lacks a defined strategy to address its plastic issue, and its environmental department has communicated with manufacturers to explore potential waste management solutions, hence the importance of recycling initiatives in the country

Enhancing the design of products and thoughtfully choosing recyclable materials should be an integral part of initiatives aimed at minimizing plastic waste Gregory Keoleian, a professor specializing in sustainable systems at the University of Michigan, emphasizes the importance of incorporating improved product design as a strategic approach to tackle the issue of plastic waste By prioritizing materials that can be easily recycled, such efforts contribute significantly to sustainable

Did you know that the simple act of recycling a plastic bottle can generate enough energy to illuminate a 100-watt light bulb? The benefits of recycling extend far beyond individual households; they hold the potential to make significant strides in both environmental conservation and economic sustainability

Consider this: if every year all 37 4 million tons of recyclable materials generated by households were recycled, the collective impact would be equivalent to removing 20 million cars from the bustling highways of the United States This transformative action not only addresses waste reduction but also serves as a powerful mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the economic dividends associated with embracing recyclable materials

FEU Cavite actively engages in recycling practices, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability An exemplary instance was during the celebration of the Buwan ng Wika, where Senior High School students organized "Pistang Pinoy " This event saw each section constructing booths creatively crafted from recycled materials, serving as vibrant showcases of the diverse cultures and cuisines from assigned regions in the Philippines

Extending this commitment into the festive holiday season, FEU Cavite introduced the "Wreath of Wonders" contest This innovative competition not only added a touch of holiday spirit but also emphasized sustainability by challenging participants to create wreaths using recycled materials These initiatives not only showcase the creativity of the students but also underscore the institution's dedication to incorporating recycling practices into various aspects of campus life

In the context of an era where environmental consciousness intersects with economic sustainability, the pivotal role of recyclable materials in shaping our economic future is gaining noteworthy attention The impact of recycling, however, extends beyond waste reduction In a world where job demands often outstrip supply, the practice of recycling emerges not just as an environmental responsibility but as a catalyst for job creation

practices and environmental conservation

Economic efficiency becomes a silent powerhouse in the recycling narrative As waste destined for landfills diminishes through recycling, associated disposal costs shrink, presenting a dual benefit environmental conservation and financial savings Basic recyclable materials like paper and plastics, once discarded, find a renewed purpose as raw materials, significantly reducing production costs This creates a win-win situation for businesses and the overall economy, exemplifying the symbiotic relationship between environmental responsibility and economic viability

In the intricate tapestry of economic sustainability, recyclable materials play a pivotal role in closing the loop Less waste, reduced emissions, job creation, and resource efficiency converge to create a resilient economic ecosystem As environmental consciousness aligns seamlessly with economic aspirations, the transformative impact of recyclable materials becomes evident a force capable of shaping not only a greener but a more economically robust future

As we navigate an era where environmental consciousness intersects with economic sustainability, the importance of recyclable materials becomes evident This is more than a call to segregate waste; it’s a call to embrace a lifestyle that not only benefits the planet but also stimulates economic growth Governments, businesses, and individuals all play pivotal roles in this endeavor Governments should continue to implement and strengthen policies that promote recycling Businesses should invest in sustainable practices, and individuals should actively participate in recycling efforts

The transformative potential of recyclable materials is within our grasp, offering a pathway to a greener, more economically resilient future By integrating recycling into our daily lives, we contribute not only to a cleaner environment but also to a more robust and sustainable economy Let us each become stewards of change, recognizing the power of recyclable materials to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come

Azie Linzagan & Allyssa Cassandra Zapanta

SIMBUHAN

TAMARAWS’ LIFT TO SUCCESS: ELEVATOR USAGE IN THE CAMPUS

by the

is

BE BRAVE, BE THE LIGHT

If you are running late for school, will you still take the stairs if there is an elevator?

Having an elevator in school is everyone’s desire as this is convenient for them to go to their destination inside the campus After years of online classes and a year of repair during the resumption of face-to-face classes, the elevator in the FEU-C BED Building is now operating and used by the students, faculty, and staff The lift is available for everyone in the institution and offers many benefits, but rules and regulations must be followed when utilizing it

Traveling from one floor to another via elevator is part of FEU-C community’s everyday routine Using the stairs to the fifth floor of a five-story building is tiring and time-consuming Meanwhile, taking the elevator takes only a few seconds and requires little energy to reach the classrooms Even though the elevator on the campus is only until the fourth floor because the last floor was built after it was installed, it still lessens the number of floors they need to hike

Elevator Rules and Regulations

In utilizing the elevator, everyone must be aware of its usage and follow proper decorum to avoid accidents and being unfair to those who truly need to be given top priority in this matter One of the main reasons for installing this device at school is for students with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women With its assistance, they can effortlessly go to their rooms and be comfortable around the campus Since there is only one elevator that can carry 8-10 people depending on their weight, the users must line up and wait for their turn to be fair and prevent injuries

These are other things to remember before, during, and after using the elevator While waiting, keep a safe distance from the door to avoid startling and bumping into the passengers While entering the lift, watch the steps and don’t get ahead of others who line up first, hold the open-door button if there are still people entering, keep track of the number of people to prevent being overloaded, observe proper behavior inside, don’t jump and play, and pay close attention to the floor indications and numbers When leaving, those near the door must move first and give way to those who will leave

to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and parents using the lift In addition, those who are

SHAKE IT OFF: FEU CAVITE DANCES WITH DISASTER, BUT PREPAREDNESS TAKES THE LEAD!

On a peaceful morning on October 18, 2023, FEU Cavite Basic Education Department was disrupted as the fire alarm prompted a swift evacuation of students Alienna San Agustin, a grade 12 student, shared her perspective on the incident, emphasizing the crucial role of preparedness: "When the alarm went off, I initially thought it might be a false alarm However, witnessing fellow students evacuating, I followed suit, realizing the necessity of readiness Despite the sudden nature of the alarm, the evacuation proceeded in an orderly fashion, showcasing the students' awareness and adherence to safety protocols " This incident served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness measures implemented by FEU Cavite Following the successful evacuation, the Disaster and Risk Reduction Team conducted a thorough inspection of the building before allowing students to re-enter

A similar occurrence happened on December 18, 2023, when Occidental Mindoro experienced a notable seismic event, registering a magnitude 5 9 earthquake The tremors reverberated strongly in the Cavite region, prompting a response from FEU Cavite even though regular class hours had concluded Staff members were instructed to evacuate, underscoring the unpredictable nature of disasters and the need for constant vigilance

In response to the region's seismic activity, FEU Cavite has proactively managed several earthquake incidents in recent months The campus facilities are equipped with alarm systems that automatically activate in the event of a fire or earthquake, facilitating a prompt and organized evacuation process for students Additionally, the campus has designated evacuation areas strategically placed in open spaces These areas ensure the safety of students and staff in case of aftershocks, emphasizing the institution's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its community members

The institution conducts regular earthquake and fire drills to ensure the preparedness of its students Earthquake drills aim to educate students on the appropriate actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake, equipping them with vital knowledge in case of an actual seismic event In parallel, fire drills are also an integral part of the institution's safety protocols Notably, a recent fire drill took place in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection Silang in November 2022

During this exercise, students received hands-on training on the proper use of fire extinguishers and learned effective methods for fire elimination

As a reminder to all, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the appropriate actions to take during an earthquake while being mindful of actions to avoid Heightened awareness and preparedness contribute significantly to the overall safety and resilience of the educational community in the face of seismic challenges

As we navigate the unpredictable terrain of seismic events, it is imperative to be well-versed in the do's and don'ts In times of disaster, prioritize finding a safe spot away from windows, heavy furniture, and potential falling objects Stay calm, take cover, and hold on during the shaking Avoid doorways, elevators, and standing near tall furniture After the tremors subside, proceed cautiously, watching for hazards like broken glass and unstable structures Being informed and prepared is our collective responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of all

Photo by MART PRODUCTION: pexelscom
Racy Ann Pangilinan
Photo by Vaibhav Joshi: pexelscom

‘WASTED’

PROGRESS AND OPPORTUNITIES

and plastics

It is in the center wing of every floor in FEU Cavite BED Building where the three huge bins can be found No labels, usually full of garbage, and unsegregated just a bin for the sake of having a container for trash of every stakeholder including students, teachers, and staff

Article 2, Section 21 of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines (RA 9003) requires waste segregation to start primarily from the sources (i e , household, industrial, institutional, commercial, and agricultural) With such an institution mandated to follow laws of the state, it is a real deal if the waste management system is not excellently implemented in the premises

While it is commendable on how they encourage use of blank sides of scratch papers and conduct activities that integrates recycling in promoting the culture of waste reduction, the lacking implementation of segregation still highlights the importance of seeing its by-product problems in the long run and upscaling their policies in a larger scale to address it

Labels are important

Waste segregation and recovery promotes reduction of waste generation not just inside the school premises but also to the community, helping people to move away from linear economy where the perception of recycling, reusing, and reducing resources is neglected that directly harms the environment

Investment to ‘functional’ MRF

FEU Cavite is an institution that generates tons of waste periodically Numerous trash bags collected from its properties (e g , school buildings and dormitory) are sometimes seen to be piling up on its storage near the Higher Education Department or in the back of the BED building, increasing the risk of having an odious environment once they decompose

Thus, it is a great move to renovate its waste storage as a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where solid wastes are separated based on their classifications mentioned earlier that shall be well-managed and functional as this will help the community to reduce waste that may end up in landfills; in short, reduce pollution Also, they may opt to include ewastes as part of “special wastes” as these can also be sold or repaired, whichever is deemed necessary It is acknowledged that the cost of shifting towards sustainability is the greatest consideration that will be encountered during the proposal of this endeavor However, it should be seen as an investment in their future, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, environmentally and economically Role of Education

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Rey Palacio, a Waste Management Specialist of EcoWaste Coalition, explains on how encouraging the community to participate through education plays a critical role in effective waste management “Napakahalaga talaga na at the grassroot maipaunawa kasi itong isinasaad ng batas at kung paano ito masasagawa [It is really important to educate what does this law states and how it should be implemented],” he expressed

Sandya Narayanan, a waste activist, underscores the crucial role of waste recovery in effective solid waste management “Recovery, therefore, is important for reducing the amount of waste we discard in our landfills Recovery ensures that toxic and nonbiodegradable materials don’t leach into the water or get burnt and emit noxious gases into the air from the waste we dump irresponsibly,” she explained But before attaining ‘effective’ recovery, application of knowledge through segregation on what types of wastes can be returned in circular economy comes first

Section 22b of RA 9003 enumerates the labels stakeholders may use for marking their bins such as “compostable”, “non-recyclable”, “recyclable” or “special waste”, and other classification deemed necessary Apparently, these labels were fitting to the institution’s number of trash bins as well as to the types of usual waste generated by the stakeholders

Compostable wastes include leaves, flowers, twigs, branches, stems, and leftover foods that once they undergo biological degradation, can be utilized as compost for agricultural practice in school (e g , compost for FEUC Farm crops) or in the community

In its implementation, one matter to be considered is some may not know on which bin should they put their waste into, thus highlighting the call to firmly promote knowledge regarding waste segregation that will instill its conceptual and practical importance to every stakeholder whatever their age and designation are, as confusion towards labels and mistake on where the trash is thrown can cause more harm than good to the environment Furthermore, promoting waste avoidance, the most preferred action on waste management hierarchy, on its stakeholders plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy where resources are efficiently maximized and reused as well as in throwing away the ‘throwaway mentality’ (e g , use of single-use plastics or papers)

In addition, recyclable wastes refer to materials that are not contaminated and can be transformed into something beneficial Some of them are dry paper and corrugated cardboard, glasses, tin cans, aluminum, scrap metals, and plastic bottles Most, if not all, of these materials can also be sold in junk shops, allowing the institution to generate profit from these wastes

Furthermore, residual wastes include materials that are non-compostable and nonrecyclable Examples are sanitary napkins, used plastic cups and paper plates, carton with plastics (e g , juice and milk cartons), food wrapper/sachets, and cut-out papers

INSPIRING FILIPINAS IN STEM REDEFINING POSSIBILITIES

John Daniel Maravilla

Throughout the years, the Philippines didn’t have much of a prominent reputation in the STEM field Works, research, and breakthroughs in STEM field are overshadowed by renowned countries like the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Russia Due to this, our country's people, especially Filipinas, are under-represented in this field But despite all of this, there are Filipinos who strive for excellence From their commitment, they achieved countless accomplishments which are essential to their respective fields These Filipinas showed unwavering determination, which helped pave a new path for Filipinos and Filipinas who are committed to this field

To start off, we have Dr Rhodora V Ananza, a marine scientist from Romblon She was very curious about the ocean, which led to her pursuit of marine science, and throughout her studies, she stumbled across a phenomenon called the red tide The red tide causes a rapid blooming of algae in coastal waters, causing harmful toxins that kill fish and make shellfish inedible As soon as she learned about the red tide, she wanted to know more She started to research how the phenomenon works and what triggers it

Knowing the toxins could harm her community, she started developing warning systems They use microscopic identification and enumeration to monitor red tide blooms These systems provided knowledge of the phenomenon and helped protect the health of her community and other coastal areas Her groundbreaking research not only helped her community; it also helped several coastal communities outside her home Her commitment to this research also promoted better environmental management

Next, we have Kristine Atienza, a space nutritionist She had always wanted to become an

Also, application of the theoretical knowledge regarding waste segregation gained inside the classroom is often encouraged, and it is an obligation of the institution to give its stakeholders an avenue to practice what they have learned in the school facility services as well as for compliance to the provisions stated by RA 9003 On the other hand, it is also important to hold the barangay and local government units accountable on their obligation as they should be the leaders in implementing the necessary measures and policies within their jurisdiction to actively promote effective waste management system among citizens This is to ensure that the implementation of such measures at an institutional-based level will be efficient and effective on a larger scale

In its vision to produce nation builders that embody the core values of the institution, there should be a mission to challenge the status quo on its system for all to collectively contribute towards environmental justice as part of everyone’s obligation to the community

astronaut, so she pursued the Applied Physics program of the University of the Philippines (UP) However, she started having doubts, so she shifted to nutrition instead Though she changed focus, she never lost her love for astronomy, thus starting to look for ways to connect her current work to her passion and eventually found space nutrition Throughout the years of studying and researching, she continued fueling her love for astronomy until she found herself at Mauna Loa On the slopes of Mauna Loa, she was in the Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HISEAS), a research station that simulates space environments, becoming the first-ever Filipina analog astronaut in the history

In an interview with Rappler, Atienza described her 6-day space simulation experience as "weird" She felt alienated as she was the only Asian in the crew and feared that her crewmates wouldn't be used to what she eats and practices Atienza also felt isolated then because her thoughts on being in space were unlike the feeling she had experienced during the simulation But even with these doubts, alienation, and isolation, she continued her research because she thought several topics needed coverage Atienza also formed the "Astronaut Nutrition in Isolated Confined Extreme Environments" to further study the nutrition of an astronaut's physiology and psychology

Her works made monumental contributions to space nutrition, and she thought that her accomplishments could also encourage future Filipinos who will explore this trope

Lastly, we have Dr Carmencita Padilla She was trained in the field of medicine in UP Manila Padilla

received the distinction, Cum Laude in 1976, when she graduated BS in Pre-medicine at UP Diliman Then, she completed a clinical genetics fellowship at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney, Australia Furthermore, she received multiple awards for her outstanding performance in science and medicine After being recognized, she was conferred as Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2008

Her contributions not only helped her get into prestigious positions but also helped countless people and researchers Padilla has written 100 publications, made policies to address medical problems, and holds significant roles in the countries Moreover, she spearheaded the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center, which served as the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic Also, she was chosen as one of the 100 most influential Filipina women, and Padilla recently received a national award last August, which is given to the most renowned scientists in the country

In conclusion, these Filipinas have shown numerous astounding achievements and are continuing to do so up to this day Their efforts helped people by giving them protection through their various research and policies They have encouraged several other Filipinos and Filipinas in the STEM field to overcome absolute adversities and have ultimately inspired women to make outstanding accomplishments themselves They put forth their names in the field of STEM and have showed a brighter path for Filipinos and the nation’s women to strive for excellence

Meil Xyron Mariñas

ON THE SPOT: 6TH GRADERS EXCEL IN THE 2023 REGIONAL SCIENCE AND MATH QUIZ BEE DESPITE SHORT NOTICE

Han Nah Kang

Johan Nicole Baltazar

SIMBUHAN

In an impressive feat of intellect, Grade 6 students from FEU Cavite secured the 10th spot among participating schools in the 2023 Regional Science and Math Quiz Bee, organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños on September 19 This marked the culmination of the Regional Science and Technology Week

The accomplished trio consisted of Sebastian Kurt Espino, Darshan Luken Tabirara, and Raimel Franz Soriano, underscored by the dedicated guidance of their mentors, Mr Marvin Oria and Ms Shiela Myka Sulapas, their Mathematics and Science coaches respectively Additionally, the guidance provided by Mr Jerbi Jerson Inocencio, STEM Strand Team Leader (K-10), and Ms Gizelle Tagle, Academic Coordinator for Elementary Area,

gave invaluable support in preparing the students for this challenging event It is reported that the students received short notice about their participation in the quiz bee Notification on September 17 left them with only a day to review before the competition on September 19, 2023, after report saying that a participating school withdrew from the event, opening a spot for FEU Cavite to join “It was good but difficult at the same time, due to the lack of preparation,” Soriano said The swift response and determination shown by these Grade 6 students in the face of limited preparation showcased not only their academic abilities but also their resilience and commitment to excellence FEU Cavite's participation in the contest serves as a testament to the school's dedication in fostering a competitive and enriching academic environment for its learners

WIRELESS SPEAKER RADIO FREQUENCY: A GAME CHANGER IN EXPLORING THE WORLD

OF UNRESTRICTED AUDIO

AsstatedinoneofFEUCavite’smissions–itisa school that provides a technology-empowered and individualized learning system The said goal was partly attained by utilizing the wireless speakers which helped the Tamaraws in their activities, particularly the radio broadcasting team in their training

Wirelessspeakershaverevolutionizedthewaywe enjoymusicandaudioinourdailylives Sinceits inception, these portable devices have offered convenienceandflexibilitytoitsusers

HistoryofWirelessSpeakerandRadioFrequency

GuglielmoMarconiwasoneamongtheforerunners inthissectorwhenitwasinitiallyinventedinthe early20thcentury Marconi'ssuccessfulradiowave transmissiondemonstrationin1895establishedthe groundworkforwirelesscommunicationsystems As a result of this discovery, wireless speakers have been developed over time, freeing us from the limitationsofcordstoenjoyaudioandmusic

Jaap Haartsen has been active in wireless communicationsformorethan25years In1994,he laid the foundations for the system that was later known as the Bluetooth Wireless Technology, enablingconnectionsbetweenaseeminglyendless arrayofdevices

WirelessSpeaker'sProcedure

Inutilizingthespeakers,wemustfirstknowhow this system works The process of sending audio signalsfromasourcedevicetoawirelessspeakeris referred to as wireless speaker radio frequency Radio waves are used to send audio signals wirelessly rather than through physical wires as these have the longest wavelength in the electromagneticspectrum Itworksbysendingaudio dataviaradiofrequency(RF)technology

Inaddition,therearetwoprimarypartstothe process: the transmitter and the receiver The transmitter converts the audio signal from a sourcedevice,suchasasmartphoneorcomputer, into a radio signal ready to be transmitted Afterwards,ittransmitstheencodedradiosignal wirelesslythroughtheairtobepickedupbythe receiver Subsequently,thereceiverdecodesthe radiowaves'audiodatathatisthentransformed into audible sound waves Lastly, it uses its inbuiltspeakerstoplaythesoundwaves

BenefitsofWirelessSpeaker

FEUCaviteuseswirelessspeakersparticularly in events and trainings because of several advantages these provide This primarily includes eliminating tangled cords, fostering a clutter-free environment This simplicity extends to easy speaker arrangement and positioning,contributingtoaseamlesssetup

Moreover, their portability allows effortless relocationwithoutthehassleofunpluggingand re-pluggingcables,enablingmusicenjoymentin different areas of the house or outdoors Additionally,theflexibilityofwirelessspeakers grantsthefreedomtopositionthemwithinthe transmitter's range, facilitating optimal audio distribution and customization based on personalpreferences

Furthermore, these speaker systems often support multi-room audio, allowing synchronization of multiple speakers for a cohesiveaudioexperiencethroughouttheentire room or place, ideal for enjoying audios in meetingsorculminatingevents,simultaneously Lastly,theircompatibilityshinesthroughwith support for various connection options like Bluetooth,Wi-Fi,andauxiliaryinputs,ensuring adaptabilitytodiversedevicesandsourcesand expandingaudioplaybackpossibilities

However, while radio frequency (RF) technology in wireless speakers offers convenience,itcomeswithdrawbacks RF's

range falls short compared to technologies like Bluetooth, andobstaclessuchaswallsorfurniturecanleadtosignal loss Inlocationswithhighelectromagneticinterference,RF wirelessspeakersmayfacemorechallengesinmaintaining signalquality

WirelessSpeakersinFEU-CStudents'Lives

Potential interference from devices sharing the same frequencyposeschallenges,reminiscentofissuesfacedby FEUCavite'sradiobroadcastingcrew#Verified Accordingto #Verified'sNewsReporterFrankGana,theyencounteredalot ofdifficultieswithregardstotheusageofspeakersduring their training, such as "random static noises and the low qualityofthemicrophonelenttous"

The crew used up all the available and functioning speakers The most probable reason for audio problems is frequencycrowding,whichhappenswhenyouareusingtoo manymicrophonesatthesametime Additionally,itcanalso beaffectedwhenthemicistoofarawayfromthereceiver,a batteryisdying,orwhensomethingisinterferingwiththe signal

The development of wireless speaker radio frequency technology has revolutionized our approach to music consumptionbyprovidingwire-freelistening,flexibility,and easeofuse Withouttherestrictionsofconventionalwired installations, wireless speakers offer an immersive music experience whether you're using it for voice training, teaching,orjustentertainingguests

Savoryourfavoritemusiclikeneverbeforeandembrace thefreedomthatcomeswithwirelessaudio!

Vincent Gerald Labajoy
Meil Xyron Mariñas

SIMBUHAN

A wide range of activities for the said event have now been listed and announced as the weeks passed Among the few listed, such programs mentioned on the list were the STREAM Trivia Showdown, Booth Preparation and Display, Bridge Making, Display and Testing, and Assemblage Making and Display

STREAM is yet to come: FEU Cavite Basic Education Department prepares for the upcoming A.Y 2023-2024 STREAM Festival

The Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Festival for Academic Year 2023-2024 is an upcoming educational engagement event for lower-level and higher-level learners in the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department More commonly known and referred to as the STREAM Festival, the event aims to equip learners with a developmental understanding of various interconnected concepts found in the fields of science, mathematics, research, and the arts

As early as February 2024, preparations have begun and preliminary activities took place in line with the programs to be expected for the event Each and every set of learners within the department have already taken part in the creation of a variety of outputs such as those of posters and assemblages, which were also done in collaboration with some of their academic subjects

However, further preparations are still yet to be done towards the next few weeks before the day of the STREAM Festival’s Culminating Activity to be done on the 17 th of April 2024, where outputs would be presented, winners would be awarded, and knowledge would be nurtured to the fullest

Astro delegates shine in PAS’ NAW; secures medals, prizes

PARAÑAQUE CITY–The universe aligned as delegates from FEU Cavite Basic Education Department bagged multiple awards and prizes in numerous contests organized by the Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc (PAS) during the culmination of the celebration of the National Astronomy Week, with the theme “Popularizing Astronomy in the Region through Science Education and Communication (PARSEC)”, at Parañaque Science High School, February 24, 2024

Out of 14 competing schools, the team composed of Jerome James Dela Torre, Janelle Lucille Urgel, and Meil Xyron Mariñas prevailed in the AstroQuiz Bee, bagging a trophy, individual medals, a cash prize, and the Celestron TravelScope 50 Covering numerous topics in general astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, observational astronomy, rocket science, and current events, they were coached by Mr Ruben B Capisnon Jr

“Throughout our review period and the day of the competition, the pressure of representing the school really got to me, so after realizing that we had won, it felt like that pressure was suddenly lifted off of my

chest,” Urgel expressed Furthermore, she acknowledged the valuable contribution of her teammates to their success

Meanwhile, the three elementary students swept the podium during the AstroLit: Poem, with Jack Gareth Bahia, Joserah Emmanuelle Santos, and Sebastian Kurt Espino dominating the first to third spots, respectively The writers brought home individual medals, cash prizes, a shirt, and a beanie, with Bahia securing the Celestron Monocular 10x25 Upclose G2

Ms Jasmin Esguerra, one of their coaches alongside Mr Ken Jeiel Aldrich Loyola and Ms Lovely Joy Loyola, admitted how the feeling of pressure and uncertainty was replaced by pride and joy as the students triumphantly wrote what they had trained for during their preparation despite limited time

“Looking back, I could not help but smile at the roller coaster of emotions we went through To say I’m proud would be an understatement to describe how I feel about what our team has achieved Our success serves as a reminder that even uncertain beginnings can lead to proud endings when met with perseverance and belief in oneself,” Esguerra expressed

On the other hand, essayist Daniel Lorenzo Tabirara succeeded in winning 2nd place in the AstroLit Essay, bringing home a medal, a cash prize, a shirt, and a beanie Meanwhile, Ramises Urbano and Kaleb Modesto both secured the 6th spot in the contest The participants were coached by Mr Carlew Contemprato and Ms Barbara Jane Isidoro- Umandap

Aside from the competition, the students and coaches also engaged in different lecture sessions spearheaded by research specialists at the Philippine Space Agency, namely “Science Communication: How to Relay Technical Terms to the Public” by Ms Clarisse Mae N Abao during the morning session, and “Astronomy for Everyone” by Mr Joseph V Gutierres and Ms Pauline Pearl M Divinagracia in the afternoon Afterwards, a telescope workshop was done by Mr John William Latuja, a Committee Head for Instrumentation at PAS, discussing what and how to setup disassembled telescope parts

Johan Nicole Baltazar
Meil Xyron Mariñas

In a dazzling display of talent and spirit the annual Intramural Cheer Dance Competition el last January 26, 2024 The t athleticism, leaving specta which is a perfect end for the Among the standout rou routine infused with a Barbie their energetic choreograph visibly inspired by a Barbie transported the audience thr Meanwhile, the Yellow Sa their dominance with a po prowess as the kings of the with a representation of combining different animals

Adding a touch of festivity the audience with their enc popular fantasy series, Enca with elaborate costumes an world of magic and wonder

The Black Ravens, howev and clean routine that left th expect from Maleficent he victory was palpable, evide synchronized movements T shook the crowd through its c

The long-awaited CDC did part in performing for their with hours spent on ensuri Surely, this year’s Cheer Dan and the next would be anticip

The FEU Cavite Basic Education Department (BED) Intramurals event for the Academic Year 2023-2024 was all about promoting the importance of being able to maintain one’s physical well-being in the midst of academic activities

On the 26th of January 2024, the last day of the BED Intramurals event took place and a variety of concluding programs led way to wrapping up the week-long affair The Wellness Advocate Program was one of the few concluding programs that became a highlight on that very day The program began with the lively introductions made by the two hosts; HUMSS 12th Grader Zenn Genesis Riva and BED Faculty member Sir Marvin Oria

All 16 participants from the 4 established teams of the Yellow Sabres, Green Pythons, Black Ravens, and White Hawks began showing their flairs with an introductory dance segment which was then followed suit with the formal introductions that began with the participants from the department’s lower levels

Gushes of awe and admiration filled the FEU Cavite Gymnasium as the young participants engaged in greeting their audiences that composed of their fellow schoolmates, faculty, and parents Each participant involved in the event was required to showcase their outfits that were closely related to physical activities that one could partake in The outfits worn by the participants ranged from intimidating taekwondo uniforms to classy golfing attires

Johan Nicole Baltazar

As soon as the introduction of lower levels came to an end, the introduction segment of the higher levels (composing of participants from the junior high school and senior high school levels) quickly followed Unlike the former introductions made by those participants from the department’s lower levels, roars and hollers of support resonated as teams cheered for their very own representatives

The captivating introductory segment was succeeded by a Question-and-Answer (Q&A) portion Each pair of Wellness Advocates had to have their own questions to answer that were related to the concepts of health and fitness Like any other typical Q&A portion, participants had to blindly select a question from the ones provided by the judges Being able to answer the questions was no joke as even participants from the lower levels had gotten some quite complicated questions as well At the end of the day, winners were announced during the awarding ceremony where it had been revealed that the Mr And Ms Wellness Advocates from the lower levels portion of the program were both from the Yellow Sabres, represented by Mr Ramos and Ms Powell For the participants from the higher levels, it had been revealed that the Mr And Ms Wellness Advocates were both from the White Hawks, represented by Mr Majuelo and Ms Pamplona The Wellness Advocate program of the Intramurals event for A Y 20232024 is a brief reminder to us

and

This year's Ultimate Frisbee tournament has reached new heights, with all teams fiercely competitive and hungry for victory Set against the open field of the Higher Education Department, the excitement kicked off on January 22, 2024, with the clash between the Black Ravens and the White Hawks In a thrilling opening match, both teams demonstrated their prowess, but it was the Black Ravens who soared to an early lead, clinching victory with a score of 3-1 within the first 5 minutes

The momentum continued with the showdown between the Green Pythons and the Yellow Sabers In a tightly contested game, the Green Pythons emerged triumphant with a score of 2-1, securing their spot in the next round As celebrations erupted for the winning teams, the realization set in that the journey was far from over To claim the championship title, they would need to battle once more

On January 25, 2024, the stakes were raised as the losing and winning teams reconvened at the same venue Unfortunately, the White Hawks found themselves unable to compete due to a shortage of players, conceding the 2nd place position to Yellow Sabers by default Meanwhile, anticipation reached a fever pitch as the Black Ravens faced off against the Green Pythons in the ultimate showdown for the championship title With both teams fueled by determination, the Black Ravens soared to victory once again, securing their status as the undisputed champions with a 3-point lead

In the aftermath of the tournament, the final rankings were as follows: White Hawks claimed 3rd place, Yellow Sabers secured 2nd place, and Green Pythons became the 1st place, thus making the Black Ravens the champions for this year’s Ultimate Frisbee

The 2024 Ultimate Frisbee Intramurals proved to be more than just a series of games; it was an unforgettable experience for all participants Win or lose, the camaraderie, laughter, and enjoyment shared on the field created lasting memories For many, the tournament served as an opportunity to forge new friendships, hone strategic skills, and revel in the thrill of competition Ultimately, it was a celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit that truly defined the essence of Ultimate Frisbee

Black Ravens Dominate Badminton Mix Doubles Upper Level Match

The Black Ravens and White Hawks secured the championship rounds at the FEU Cavite Basic Education Department's Intramurals 2024 on Wednesday during the Badminton Mix Doubles Upper Level Match held at Moldex Gym

The match sparkled as Dianne Torres and Joaquin Aquino of the Black Ravens smashed their win with 12-21, 21-19, and 21-13, over Erin Mistades and Nash Matro of the Green Pythons

On the other hand, Justine Alviar and Ayesha Dacayanan of the White Hawks defeated Miguel Dela Cruz and Hailey Dalisay of the Yellow Sabers, 7-21, 21-17, and 7-21, advancing to the championship rounds to fight against the Black Ravens

We're very happy, a congrats to our

Fighting over the championship, Torres and Aquino of the Black Ravens reigned with a hard-fought 18-21, 21-8, and 21-17 victory over Alviar and Dacayanan of the White Hawks Meanwhile, the Green Pythons secured a spot in 3rd place when Mistades and Matro beat Dela Cruz and Dalisay with 17-21, 21-11, and 21-9

Those badminton matches showcased the team’s determination and hard work to bring home the crown, which ignited cheering and celebrations from the teams "Mas narerelief kapag dalawa yung lamang para may chance pa," Aquino shared his game experience

Torres then expressed her excitement over their team's victory

Young Champions Soar: Baby Tams Triumph in PreK to Grade 3 Community Games!

n the second and third day of Intramurals, the youngest members of the community, the Baby Tams from PreKindergarten to Grade 3, displayed their boundless enthusiasm and competitive spirit through a series of engaging games on Higher Education Open Field From the high-energy Pass the Calamansi to the precisiondemanding Baton Relay, these young participants showcased agility, focus, and teamwork In the Straw Planting Relay, the Baby Tams raced against time, demonstrating their agility and concentration, culminating in the Yellow Sabres emerging as the victorious champion Next in the line is the hula hoop wherein White Hawks soared to victory as they successfully navigate a series of obstacles while keeping the hoop spinning while having their balance and coordination Meanwhile, Yellow Sabres clinching the championship title in the balloon relay as it injected a burst of excitement into the proceedings Last on the list of relay games is the baton relay where teams dashed across the field, navigating through the maze of cones and hurdles,

passing batons with precision and speed, and the White Hawks secured the championship crown, clocking in at an impressive 15 32 seconds On the last game where baby Tams are armed with their creativity and teamwork in the challenge of creating the longest line

Baby Tams from White Hawks emerged triumphant, reaching their line to nearly the end of the field with their collaborative efforts As the curtains end on the second and third days of Intramurals, the indomitable spirit of the Baby Tams from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3 resonates throughout the campus grounds Through a medley of exhilarating games, these young participants have not only showcased their athletic prowess but also their unwavering dedication to teamwork and camaraderie

Let us celebrate not only the victories achieved but also the bonds forged, and the lessons learned The future of our community shines brightly in the youthful energy and passion displayed by our Baby Tams, reminding us of all of the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie that lies at the heart of Intramurals

Allyssa Cassandra Zapanta
Ren Cassey Cena

SIMBUHAN

On January 22, 2024, the FEU Cavite gym buzzed with excitement as the lower-level male members of the Green Pythons, Yellow Sabres, White Hawks, and Black Ravens, converged for an intense basketball showdown

The first game was an intense face-off between the Black Ravens and White Hawks, while on the opposing court, the clash between the Yellow Sabres and Green Pythons unfolded with intensity, setting the tone for an exhilarating week of competition The Mythical 3, Kaycee Sierra, Gavin Namqui, and Jeff Del Rosario showcased their exceptional skills, with Sierra taking home the MVP title as the Green Pythons emerged triumphant in a resounding victory

In the second game, the crowd eagerly took their places as the Yellow Sabres fought against the Green Pythons The most active players of the green team, Sierra and Namqui, strategically passed and stole the ball, but the Yellow Sabres defended their team with determination as Del Rosario and Hermoso displayed impressive teamwork by smoothly passing the ball to each other and scoring points for their crew for each successful shot The Sabres showed their control on the court when Del Rosario scored, securing victory against their opponents after the green team's intense effort to snatch the ball

The White Hawks and Yellow Sabres concluded the first day of the intramurals with their impressive victories

On the following day, the Green Pythons made an impressive return by winning the game against the Black Ravens in the lower bracket match As the clock ticked down, the Pythons’ dynamic trio carried out a stunning comeback that resulted with a final score of 14:8

On the other hand, the Yellow Sabres showed no mercy for the White Hawks during the upper bracket game, adding an extra layer of excitement for the eager spectators in attendance The legendary players of the yellow team, Del Rosario and Hermoso, confidently stole the ball from their opponents, resulting in scoring points for their team with each successful shot As the White Hawks were on the brink of defeat, they attempted to save their team by scoring two points in the last few minutes of the game, but it was not enough to top the Yellow Sabres’ overwhelming lead

In a display of unwavering prowess, the Yellow Sabres once again conquered the court, ending the fourth game with a final score of 39:10 The winning team’s chant, “Y-E-L-L-O-W go, yellow!” filled the entire FEU Cavite gym as they celebrated their second victory

In the penultimate game on January 24, 2024, at the Moldex gym, the Green Pythons and White Hawks competed to see which team will be competing against the Yellow Sabres for the final game

The crowd was electrified as players #30 and #1 of the White Hawks threw three two-pointers; however, the dynamic tandem of the green team’s Sierra and Namqui, countered with equally impressive shots, nailing two long shots apiece

In the end, the Green Pythons won the fifth game with a final score of 10:17, only seven points ahead of the White Hawks

On the day of the finals, January 25, 2024, the Green Pythons fought against the Yellow Sabres in a fiery and close match, making the crowd go wild every time the Sabres smoothly stole the ball from the Pythons Sierra scored three consecutive times, giving valuable points for the green team as the Yellow Sabres tried to catch up At a tough 13:13 tie after a yellow player’s free throw, Sierra went in for a shot, breaking the tie and winning the game for the Green Pythons

Although the Green Pythons lost in the first game against the Yellow Sabres, they managed to catch up and eventually win during the finals, showing unwavering determination, exceptional teamwork, and skillful plays The Yellow Sabres and the rest of the teams gave their best throughout the whole week, but unfortunately weren’t enough to beat the perseverant Pythons

FEU CAVITE BED Intramurals 2023–2024: Board Games Battle Begin!

On January 18, 2023, the board game competitions for FEU Cavite BED Intramurals 2023–2024 officially started in the library of the BED building, where students from different teams gathered together on that day to gain a spot in the Finals The defeated teams of these first games would move on to face off against other defeated teams of the same game to attain 3rd place

The library was packed with several students waiting patiently for their chance to gain the advantage for the team The board games to choose from were Chess, Game of the Generals, Word Factory, Scrabble, and Rubik’s Cube

Competing in these competitions were the Yellow Sabers, the Green Pythons, the White Hawks, and the Black Ravens

CHESS

The Hawks and the Pythons started their own test of strategy for the championship title in the Female Category At the end

and leaving the Hawks in first place

The Chess Games for Males and Females in Grades 4-7 commenced in the Basic Education Department library, where the silence of the library was disturbed by the mumblings of frequent passing people and, even more so, the tense atmosphere pressed on by the competition It was a bout against the Sabers and Pythons, and the Hawks and the Ravens

The results show the triumphs of the Hawks and Pythons for the Female Category, and the victories of the Ravens and Sabers for the Male Category, moving them to face off against each other for the championships; Green vs White for Females, and Black vs Yellow for Males

In the meantime, the Ravens and Sabers were arranged to face off for 2nd place in the Females Category, and the Hawks and Pythons for the Males Category, in the FEUC HED Building Care Space

At the end of the competition for a comeback, the game witnessed the clutch of the Sabers for the Male Category and of the Hawks for the Female Category as they nab the spot for 2nd place

In the same building and floor, the championships took place The Ravens and the Sabers duked it out on a game of wits for the Chess Males Category Championships for Grades 4-7 After their display of skills and strategies, the Ravens’ Chae Clowe claimed victory, taking the spot for Champion, and leaving the Sabers in 1st place

Chess - Females (Grade 4 – 7)

3rd – Black: Amihan Natividad 2nd – Yellow: Althea Myrene Barnachea

1st – White: Princess Maines Champion – Green: Stephanie Louise Bajar

Chess - Males (Grade 4 – 7)

3rd – Green: Josiah Ezekiel Santos

2nd – White: Raimel Soriano

1st – Yellow: Juan Paulo Yladia Champion – Black: Chae Clowe

Meanwhile, just on the far side of the tables across, Chess Players of Grades 8 to 12 commenced and came head on head Only disrupted by the sound of chess pieces gliding and eventual demise

For the girls’ category, the results sided with the Pythons and Ravens as they triumphed over the Sabres and Hawks, respectively After this, the Battle for Third and Championship games were held the next week The Yellow Sabres victoriously ended the game over the White Hawks and placed third At the end of the games, the Green Pythons clinched First Place while the Black Ravens’ Jan Angelique Aniwasal emerged on top as the Champion

Atasha Camama, Altheya Nicolle Javellana, Raphael Medina, & Elizabeth Pelayo
of it all, the Pythons’ Stephanie Louise Bajar claimed victory, taking the spot for Champion,

SIMBUHAN

On the other hand, boys’ chess was equally an intense battle, a gambit of pawns, queens and sacrifice For the first part of the game, the Green Pythons and Black Ravens victoriously won over Yellow Sabres and White Hawks, respectively The next week, the Battle of Third began and declared White Hawks Third Place Then, the Championship games made its breathtaking entrance The game ended with the Green Pythons in First Place while Black Ravens’ Aaron Gabriel Espiritu defending the title of Champion

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The grand finale unfolded at the Care Space within the Higher Education Building of FEU Cavite, where the atmosphere crackled with anticipation In a showdown of epic proportions, the Yellow Sabers clashed with the Green Pythons in the female category

Ultimately, it was the Yellow Sabers with the scores 37-25-23 who emerged as the undisputed champions, claiming the top spot In the male category, the Black Ravens and White Hawks engaged in a fierce battle that kept viewer at the edge The White Hawks emerged victorious with the scores 17-19-15, seizing the championship title

Vs White

Vs Green

Vs Yellow

Vs Green

Chess - Females (Grade 8–12)

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3

4

3rd – White: Alexandria Chloe Cervantes

2nd – Yellow: Estelle Julienne Vallagomesa 1st – Green: Alissa Maxene Gargarita Champion – Black: Jan Angelique Aniwasal

Chess - Males (Grade 8 – 12)

3rd – Yellow: Dean Wencel Bedruz

2nd – White: Sean Justin Em

1st – Green: Karl Miguel Ticman Champion – Black: Aaron Gabriel A Espiritu

Games Of the Generals

In the world of tactical board games, the Game of the Generals, exclusive to Grade 8 – Grade 12 participants Often hailed as the ultimate test of strategy and foresight, this game has captivated players with its blend of deception, deduction, and careful planning

Male and female contenders from the Black Raven faction secured coveted slots in the Championship battle by emerging victorious in Game 1 of the competition Additionally, the Yellow Sabres in the female category and the Green Phythons in the male category earned their places in the Championship fray Chess Females G8-12

The following day witnessed intense battles for the runner-up positions in the FEU Cavite BED Library In the male category, the Yellow Sabres clinched the Second Place slot in Game 3, while the White Hawks secured the same position in the female category

Anticipation reached its peak as the highly awaited Championship unfolded in the Care Space of the HED Building at FEU Cavite Every move carried immense weight as participants vied for supremacy Mary Judelyn Derilo of the Black Ravens triumphed by defeating the Yellow Sabres after successfully capturing her opponent's Flag piece Meanwhile, Shawn James Maravilla, also representing the Black Ravens, claimed the title of Champion by outmaneuvering participants from the Green Phytons, ultimately reaching his opponent's side of the board with his Flag piece

WF Females

G8-12

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game 4 Yellow Vs White Black Vs Green Yellow Vs Green Black Vs

Word Factory- Females (Grade 8–12)

3rd – Black: Elish Adrienne B Dimaano

2nd – White: Nicole A Bayas

1st – Green: Atasha Camama

Champion - Yellow: Janelle Lucille Urgel

Word Factory - Males (Grade 8 – 12)

3rd – Yellow: Broderick Borromeo

2nd – Green: Riddick John Dacillo

1st – Black: Marvidson M Flores

Champion – White: John Andrei Juvida

Rubik’s Cube and Scrabble

In a display of intellect and strategy, the Grades 4-7 division showcased their remarkable abilities in Rubik’s Cube and Scrabble at the Basic Education Department Library, captivating spectators with their impressive performances

In the Rubik’s Cube competition, Game 1 saw a fierce battle between yellow and white contenders, with yellow emerging victorious and securing a spot in the championship round In Game 2, the Black ravens and Green Pythonsclashed, with the Ravens soaring to victory and booking their place in the finals

The battle for third place witnessed the White Hawks triumphing over the Green Pythons, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition

The championship round of the Rubik’s Cube competition was nothing short of exhilarating The showdown between Yellow Sabres and Black Ravensconcluded with Black Ravens clinching the title, showcasing remarkable speed and precision with a time of 00:35 61 and 00:45 66, while Yellowwith times of 00:42 58 and 00:56 12

In the Scrabble division, Game 1 saw Yellow Sabres and Black Ravens engaging in a battle of wits, with black emerging victorious and earning a spot in the championship round In Game 2, White and Green contenders faced off, with white emerging triumphant and securing their place in the finals The battle for third place witnessed the Yellow Sabres outmaneuvering the Green Pythons

The finals of the Scrabble competition unfolded in theCare Space within the Higher Education Department In a battle of words and strategy, the showdown between Black Ravens and White Hawls culminated with the Black Ravens emerging victorious, showcasing their mastery of the game and clinching the Scrabble championship title

The Grades 4-7 division exhibited exceptional talent and sportsmanship in both Rubik’s Cube and Scrabble, leaving spectators in awe of their skills and dedication As the curtains close on another thrilling competition, participants and viewersalike eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their journey of intellectual prowess and strategic brilliance

Games of The Generals - Females (Grade 8–12)

3rd – Green: 2nd – White: Nhatalie Angel M Deronia

1st – Yellow- Precious I Banzales Champion – Black: Mary Judelyn B Derilo

Games of The Generals - Males (Grade 8 – 12)

3rd – White: Eidan Joachim Morales

2nd – Yellow: Dean Wencel Bedruz

1st – Green: Marion Nelle Banot Champion – Black: Shawn James Z Maravilla

Word Factory

In a thrilling showdown within the Word Factory division of board games, the competition among grades 8-12 students reached a fever pitch as they battled for supremacy and the coveted championship title The Basic Education Department Librarywas set ablaze with intense clashes and jaw-dropping displays of skill

In Game 1, the Yellow Sabers asserted their dominance in the female category, while the male category witnessed the White Ravens soaring to victory These two formidable teams secured their tickets to the championship round, promisingan epic showdown Meanwhile, in Game 2, the Green Pythons showcased their prowess in the female category, while the Black Ravens proved their spiritin the male category, earning their well-deserved spots in the finals

The race for the championship took an unexpected turn in the battle for the thirdspot The White Hawks soared to victory in the female category, while the Green Pythons slithered their way to success in the male category

Rubik’s Cube G4-7

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game

Rubik’s Cube (Grade 4–7)

3rd – Green: Jeremy Faith Hsueh

2nd – White: Luis T Batingal IV

1st – Yellow: Griffin Benitez

Champion – Black: Harten Kyle Solis

Scrabble (Grade 4 – 7)

3rd – Green: Johann Matthew Mercader

2nd – Yellow: Summer Colinares

1st -White: Savannah Canlas

Champion – Black: Celyne Jilliane D Patani

SIMBUHAN

“Driving HERstory: Bianca Busta Gears at McL

Bianca Bustamante's recent milestone of joinin McLaren's Driver Development Program for th upcoming 2024 F1 Academy season transcend the typical narrative of a young, aspiring race It's not merely a chapter in her personal succe story but a profound moment that resonates wi the broader context of motorsports in th Philippines

As the inaugural female driver in McLaren esteemed program, Bustamante is gearing up represent ART Grand Prix in her second year the all-women junior formula category, and th significance of her inclusion goes beyon personal achievement; it marks a paradigm sh for Filipino drivers in a sport that has yet to fin its footing in the Southeast Asian region In h interview with OneSports PH, she explains th challenges faced by drivers from this part of th world, where motorsport isn't yet a househo sport and opportunities are limited

McLaren's Driver Development Program isn just a professional stepping stone for Bustamant it's a testament to the team's commitment fostering talent not only for Formula 1 but also f Indycar and Formula E Under the seasone guidance of former McLaren test driver Emanue Pirro, Bustamante's journey promises to reac new heights, both on and off the track and th mentorship sets the stage for unlocking her tru potential, making her a promising force in th world of motorsports

Her journey started at an incredibly youthf age, with being behind the wheel, participatin in a baby race cart at the age of 3 an continuing by officially starting karting at the ag of 5 Raymund Bustamante, a former kartin driver, made sure to introduce his daughter to h field as he could not reach his dream due financial issues Following in her dad’s footstep Bianca Bustamante continues to strive and be a inspiration for young girls to follow their hearts

TamSports warmed up with their recently held at the Basic Education Department PE Room on N The club meeting’s agenda included elections schedules, and proposals for the events of the club

A student from STEM 12 - Benevolence, Allana a member of TamSports Volleyball, joined the clu passion for sports “This club is a physically d offering a great workout involving cardio, stre coordination It provides regular practice and co skill enhancement," she said For her, this club improve techniques, tactics, and overall performa sports

The meeting aimed to let members get to know to discuss the main purpose of the club It was make decisions, share ideas, and combine the c vitality to move it forward

According to Torres, “My expectations were mo the meeting," she exclaimed about the success meeting as she saw how all attendees were able t well-structured and inclusive meeting flow A and solidarity among members was fostered by th the meeting

The club meeting kicked off with nomination official posts and began the election process C spoke up, shared their goals for the club, and explained how they could potentially help The discussions turned to schedules and suggestions after the elections Practice plans, game schedules, and other fundraising events were also proposed Everyone had the opportunity to share their thoughts and help shape the club's future

According to Berroya and Malit, consistent members of TamSports Basketball, “The first meeting of TamSports gave us joy and excitement Meeting new friends and introducing them to one another is one of the best moments we experienced in the meeting ”

They also mentioned that the first TamSports meeting was held in the PE room, which gave them a wide space to hold the election of the officers The instructor of TamSports, Mr Emmanuel Domingo, also announced the events and activities they should expect in their club As a member of TamSports, Torres reflected on the significance of attending club meetings For her, aside from the insights into how the club operates, it gives members more opportunities for development outside the sports club environment Indeed, TamSports is dedicated to making the court a friendly place for everyone to come and have a good influence in and out of the court

Neils Vincent Solano & Allyssa Cassan
Akia Malonzo
Photos: Tiebreaker Times

NO TIME TO WASTE!

The Ball Atop All: A Golden Year for Gilas Pilipinas

History is also seemingly not on Gilas’ side Prior to this year’s Asian Cup, China had never lost the gold medal to other contending countries in its homecourt, even winning against the Philippines in 1990, which is coincidentally, the last time the Philippines contended for the gold medal

Significance of the Gold

The Gold that was won by the Gilas Athletes against all odds is a testament to a lot of things; It is a testament to the determination of the Filipino people in the face of adversaries, showcasing their resilience in pursuit of victory The medal that was deservedly won by Gilas also represents the competence of Filipinos, and their ability and potential to go toe-to-toe with different countries in the global basketball stage

In a whirlwind year packed with buzzer-beaters and clutch performances, the Philippines has once again proved itself to be a basketball powerhouse From the entrance of the women of Gilas into the world basketball stage, to hosting the FIBA World Cup (First time in almost 45 years!), to ending the 61-year title drought in the Asian Games, to securing a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gilas Pilipinas proved itself competent with momentous achievements one after another this year

Who runs the world? Gilas Women!

Just a few years ago, Gilas Women being considered amongst Asia’s Elite was an improbable, maybe even outrageous proposition to some; but the Gilas Women proved that to be wrong With the guidance of coach Pat Aquino, the Gilas Women were able to pave their way and place at sixth, ahead of its adversaries, Chinese-Taipei and Lebanon Though the team faced some minor hiccups on the way, such as losing their third match against New Zealand’s Tall Ferns by just 4 points, 83-87, and in the battle for fifth place, they were defeated in another close match with a 9-point gap (80-71) by South Korea

Though they fell short of a podium, the Gilas team cemented their position amongst Asia’s Elite, proving that they’re a force to be reckoned with on the women’s basketball stage

Close Call: Gilas Pilipinas bags Gold Medal at the Asian Games

Filipinos roared in glee and relief as Gilas Pilipinas ended 6 decades of heartbreak and disappointment after winning the country’s first Asian Games Gold Medal in Basketball since 1962, following a 70-60 victory against Jordan The Philippines celebrates its first basketball Gold Medal since the legendary Caloy Loyzaga won the medal in Jakarta, Indonesia 61 years ago in 1962, the last of the Four Gold Medal streak won by the Philippines

Against All Odds

The win concluded the improbable journey that this Gilas team had the odds stacked against them right from the start Tim Cones, the coach of Gilas, found himself as a last-minute replacement after Chot Reyes, the coach for the Philippine National Team at the 2023 FIBA Cup abruptly resigned due to his failure to meet expectations at the FIFA Cup

The Gilas Team was formed hastily, just barely two weeks before the commencement of the Asian Games After the impetuous formation of the Gilas Team, they [the players] had to wait for several agonizing days, awaiting the decision regarding the eligibility of some players, however, the decision came late, just a few days before the Asian Games started

The fact that Gilas even made it to the match for the Gold Medal already exceeded most expectations Jordan left Gilas in the dust in the group stage and the following stages, they barely managed to scrape against the array of Asian Basketball Powerhouses In most instances, Brownlee was the obvious savior and MVP of the team, with him scoring the points that decided the fate of the Philippines against Iran in the quarterfinals and China, the host country in the semi-finals

In the match for the Gold Medal, Jordan gave Gilas an early reminder of why they were a fan favorite, erasing a 13-point deficit in less than three minutes Gilas, despite being stunned and confused by the continuous onslaught of Jordanians, didn’t let the opposition win this time ‘round After halftime, they came back with a renewed sense of determination, seemingly ready to give it their all to get that gold medal Seemingly energized by the new-found sense of determination, Gilas grabbed the lead from Jordan at 40-37, sending shockwaves throughout the opposition

After almost half a century of waiting, the Philippines hosts the FIBA World Cup for the second time since 1978

From the opening day of the world’s most prestigious sporting event, the Filipinos gave everyone a glimpse of what is to come: the highest attendance record in FIBA World Cup history A total amount of 38,115 people came to watch as Gilas Pilipinas went head-to-head with NBA star Karl Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena The crowd of almost forty thousand beat the previous highest FIBA attendance record of 32,616 fans, held by Canada, who watched the USA-Russia finals during the 1994 FIBA World Cup

This year’s FIBA Cup was broadcasted in 190 territories, making it the most broadcasted rendition of the FIBA World Cup in history A new crowd record of 700,665 watched the games live during the course of the competition Fans came out to support, not only live, but also virtually through social media, resulting in a larger amount of engagement compared to the 2019 World Cup that was held in China

Photo:
Photo: olympics com
Home at last: Philippines hosts the FIBA World Cup
Photo: olympics com
Broderick Borromeo

SIMBUHAN

PERSEVERANCE IS KEY.

Gawilan swims toward the Philippines’ First Golden Victory in the 2023 Asian Para Games

Claiming the title is not only Ernie Gawilan’s dream but also the dream of the Philippines Underdeveloped extremities were never a hindrance to those who strive and believe in themselves

Davaoeño swimmer Ernie Gawilan dives and secures the first gold medal of the Philippines in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 event with a 4:58 29 winning time, leaving the Singaporean silver medalist Toh Wei Soong with -13 87 seconds behind during the 4th Asian Para Games at the Olympic Center Aquatic Sports Arena in Hangzhou, China on Tuesday, October 24

The 32-year-old veteran swimmer outplayed Toh Wei Soong of Singapore, who placed second with a 5:12 16 finish time, claiming the silver medal, and Huang Xianquan of China, who placed third with a 5:16 33 finish time, taking the bronze medal

Gawilan bags a total of two medals, aside from the gold, he also won a bronze in the men’s 200-meter individual medley SM7 on Monday, October 23

It’s

a rare achievement to win the first gold for your country. I’m happy that I was able to accomplish this.

Photo: inquirer net

Ernie Gawilan Davaoeño Swimmer

Debut of the First World Cup Win of the Philippines Women’s National Football Team

The Philippines' journey at the 2023 World Cup has kicked off with a surprising triumph, as they clinched an unexpected 1-0 victory over cohosts New Zealand in Wellington this last August 13,2023

Led by Australian coach Alen Stajcic, the inaugural World Cup campaign started with a challenging 0-2 loss to Switzerland, followed by a thrilling 1-0 win against New Zealand, and concluded with a tough 0-6 defeat to Norway

According to Filbert Alquiros, who watched the team members in New Zealand during the group play, the feeling is inexplicable "When Coach Ernie Nierras and I declared their qualification for the World Cup in 2012, I was sure they would make it ” Filbert Alquiros's family, which included daughters Nicole and Natasha, joined him in New Zealand After serving as a national athlete for ten years,, Filbert's daughter, Natasha Alquiros, last played for the PWNFT in 2016

Natasha confirmed her father's description of the overwhelming support for the Filipinas, saying, "The atmosphere at all the stadiums was phenomenal, most especially the one in Auckland Life felt very much like a game at home ”

At the game, 34,697 people were there, although it seemed like 34,000 of them were supporting the Philippines “The entire event was simply amazing because there were so many Filipinos and fans of the Philippines around," she remarked

Natasha continued that their leaders – Hali Long and Inna Palacios, who guided the group both on and off the field, were another asset They have supported the team through all its highs and lows, much as the Identification Camp through several well-known teams, and they have demonstrated genuine strength and character by continuing to believe in the group through good and bad times

Nicole Alquiros Malik described her World Cup experience as an emotional rollercoaster She cried when the Philippines lost twice, scored once, and won for the first time, particularly when Sponge Cola's "Puso" was unleashed as Sarina Bolden headed Sara Eggesvik's cross for the team's first goal of the tournament

"I am so proud of every member of the team, including the coaching staff," she continued

Despite the drawbacks of going up against more seasoned and ranked teams, they gave it their all What counts is that they were merely playing with their hearts

Filbert Alquiros said in a statement released by ABS-CBN, "This all started in 2012 when we made an Identification camp (ID camp) in California, USA After the camp, we declared we would enter the World Cup in eight to twelve years " The Football enthusiasts and fans told them they were crazy and that it was impossible because they were ranked 86th in the world, but as he stated in the email to ABS-CBN, "The ball is round "

On the other hand, Nicole Alquiros Malik said in an interview with ABSCBN, "I cried every time they played the National Anthem I couldn't help but feel even more proud to be a Filipino at that precise moment when I witnessed everyone, including the players, saluting our flag and our country ”

Nothing is insurmountable if you put your all into pursuing your objectives The National Women's Philippine Football Team never gave up on their goals and kept working toward them even after losing to wellknown teams in their ID camps Their efforts paid off during their debut as they defeated New Zealand

To sum up, the National Women's Philippine Football Team continues to show the world that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself, even if only a small number of people do Follow your dreams with compassion and a sincere belief in yourself Even though they have suffered numerous losses throughout their Identification Camp from 2012 to the present, they have never given up and instead have used their setbacks as fuel to keep going

"The ball is round," as Coach Filbert Alquiros once said Therefore, never give up, even if you lose; instead, use it as motivation to keep going and put in extra time and effort; eventually, it will be your turn to come out on top

Racy Ann Pangilinan

YOU WIN, YOU LOSE SOME.

y g y Competition held on December 02, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena

It was a close call, with the FEU Cheering Squad acquiring 702 5 points and the previous champion, the NU pep squad with 697 points FEU and NU continuously have been going back and forth in 1st and 2nd place for three consecutive years after the return of the competition which was suspended for a year due to COVID – 19

The FEU Cheering Squad displayed a spectacular performance, incorporating the Super Mario theme into their routine This sparks interest and rapport with the audience as they utilize their props and costume to their theme , with well-known characters such as Bowser, Princess Peach, and Mario himself dancing along to the familiar soundtracks of the video game and Mario Kart props are sped through the mat

The Tamaraws emerged on top with minimal errors and a clean, well thought out routine by the FEU Head Coach, Randell San Gregorio

Honestly, hindi ito yung goal namin eh Ang goal lang talaga namin makabuo and to give justice to Super Mario kasi last year hindi namin nabigyan ng justice si Francis M.

With their remarkable execution of stunts and overall routine, they got the least deduction of 5 points, together with the NU Pep Squad

Behind them placed the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe in third place with 684 points, the Adamson Pep Squad in fourth place with 665 points, the UP Varsity Pep Squad in fifth place with 602 points, the UE Pep Squad in sixth place with 559 points, the DLSU Animo Squad in seventh place with 555 5 points, and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in eighth place with 532 points

Hwriters

ANARCON, Rhianna Kaye BALTAZAR, Johan Nicole BERAMO, Gabriel Anthony BORROMEO, Broderick CAMAMA, Atasha Kyla CALINAO, Nissi Eirene Rada CENA, Ren Cassey DE LA CRUZ, Alzeah Venice DIAZ, Kristine Ann DIONISIO, Juaymah Mae DIMAPILIS, Anaiah Denise DOMINGO, Anna Sofia ESCAÑO, Mia Yzabella FERRER, Faith FORMENTERA, Ashley GANA, Frank Vince GOC, Jazmine Ashley GOMEZ, Vivea KANG, Han Nah JAVELLANA, Altheya Nicolle LARES, Ervin Owen LABAJOY, Vincent Gerald LINZAGAN, Azie MAJUELO, Chrip MALONZO, Akia Shannen MARIÑAS, Meil Xyron MARAVILLA, John Daniel MEDINA, Raphael MATALOG, Francesca MONTOYA, Mark Daniel PANGILINAN, Racy Ann PELAYO, Elizabeth ROMERO, Zkyla

behind

photographers

AMOROSA, Jemina Riane ARONZADO, Ernest BAEL, Raeshandria Noreen BACULE, Jemaina Cleir BAJAR, Stephanie Louise BETONIO, Brenn Allyzelle CUBIO, Gianna Amira INDUZO, Nikka Mae LOJA, Tifanny Anne MEDINA, Jacob PANGILINAN, Racy Ann POWELL, Eyka Riana SULTAN, Hanna Jasmine VASQUEZ, Raiza Joekeisha VILLA, Chloe Margarette

SACLAUSO, Chelsea Rhose

SOLANO, Neils Vincent

TABAN, Keyshia Antoinette

TUMBAGA, Enrico Gabriel ZAPANTA, Allyssa Cassandra

ANGON, Anna Veronica CLAMOR, Princess Amalla DE CASTRO, Joris Bianka ESCOBER, Mikaella Nei FERMA, Shamel JUVIDA, John Andrei LINZAGAN, Azie

MARAVILLA, Shawn James PENALES, Kriztia Kaye SANTOS, Joserah Emmauelle SET, Phoemela Bianca VIZCARRA, Cheska

JAVELLANA,

ESCOBER, Mikaella Nei
GONZALES, Robyn
Altheya Nicolle
LAROSA, Stephanie Anne Mae
SORIANO, Hannah Marie

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