Pope Francis Wins the Heart of Filipinos By Eda Madeilene L. White, 5-Persevering

“I ask you to pray for me.”

-Pope Francis

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle in his message last January 18 during the Pope Francis’ final mass attended by a record-breaking six million crowd at the Quirino Grandstand said, “ We, Filipinos, promise: we will pray for you. But we also want to assure you, to remind you that Je-sus, Jesus prays for you.” He shared what Jesus said to Peter: I have prayed for you, Peter (the first pope), that our own faith will not fail. Your Holiness, you are blessed. Jesus prays for you. How blessed you are.”

In his homily, Pope Francis reminded Filipinos that the Santo Nino reminds us of our deepest identity. He emphasized a line from the song which says, “We are all God’s children.” All are members of God’s family. Saint Paul himself tells us that it is through Christ that we have become God’s adopted children, our true identity. This was seen when we rallied around our brothers and sisters who were affected by the Typhoon Yolanda.

By Kelly Allyson S. Vergara, 4-Prayerful

Niena Sofia J.Mabeza, 6 - Patriotic

The grade school faculty of St. Scholastica’s Acade-my Marikina together with selected students staged a musi-cal play titled ‘Emmanuel: Wayfarer in the Land of No last December 17, 2014 at the Sister Irmburg Covered Court. Director, Mrs. Vivian C. Balba-Flores made the theme of The Year of the Laity, “Called to be Saints, Sent Forth as Heroes, “ as her inspiration in coming up with the musical play. It is a story about Christmas and the host of angels, Serafina, who are busy preparing for the birth of the little King. But then, the only place where He can be born is in a lowly manger. In addition, everyone was alarmed to dis-cover that He was nowhere to be found after His birth.

Serafina, then left to look for the promised Savior. On her journey, she met Emmanuel, a lad who accompanied her; unaware that she was already speaking to the

One she was looking for. Together, they witnessed different human struggles in the world. As they journeyed, together

“Emmanuel, Wayfarer in the Land of no” made it >> 5

The Little Blue Star ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________

WHERE THE GOOD NEWS SHINES

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF. ST. SCHOLASTICA’S ACADEMY MARIKINA GRADE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Vol. XXXII Issue II - October 2014 to March 2015 ysj,ssam@gmail.com

Pope Francis during his visit to Tacloban. Photo by Johannes Eisele

Morning of the same day, the pope wanting to listen and to talk with the youth, had an encounter with them at the University of Santo Tomas. He shared that the challenge of becoming saints is to love – the most important subject he thinks should be learned in the university. As he says, real love leads us to spend ourselves in love and to give and die with empty pockets but with full heart just like St. Francis.

He encouraged them to be wise by thinking well, feeling well and doing well. He also said that we must allow ourselves to be surprised by the love of God.

Fulfilling his mission, Pope Francis visited the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. Fourteen months before his visit, he saw the catastrophe from Rome and there he felt that he had to be here.

Pope Francis wins the heart of Filipinos >> 3

“Emmanuel: Wayfarer in the Land of No” MORE INSIDE

SSAM celebrates School Fair 2015, PAGE 4

Parents talk about love, PAGE 2

SSAM holds Service Awards 2015, PAGE 6

Thank You 2014

By Sister Alexis Lamarroza, OSB

When Eric Hoffer said, “The hardest arithmetic to

master is that which enables us to count our blessings,” he may have been trying to explain how much difficult it is to count our blessings.

We can start with the finite numbers --- the 1, 713 students currently enrolled in our school.

Yes! Each Scholastican and their parents and guardians who care for them are blessings.

Our teachers who are considered the second parents of our students here in school are great blessings for they play an important role in the development of stu-dents. Their roles are quite multifaceted. Their jobs to counsel students, help them learn how to use their knowledge, and integrate these learnings into their lives so they will be valuable members of our society. They know how each individual student learn, inspire them and really challenge them.

Our support staff who also care for our students and our surroundings. play an important role in ensuring that students are learning in a safe and supportive environ-ment. In addition, they foster positive, trusting relation-ships with students and improve school climate by en-couraging parent and family environment in education. They model positive behavior and send positive messages to students.

Our Benedictine Sisters here and in different places in the world who keep in their thoughts and prayers our beloved students, employees, parents and other stake-holders are another reasons to be grateful.

There are more blessings that could never be counted because they are simply so huge and there is no way to measure them.

We are thankful for our musical play, Emmanuel: Wayfarer in the Land of No, which involved the grade school department. I saw the cooperation of all the teach-ers, students, parents and our personnel.

Moreover, the celebrations throughout the year: Linggo ng Wika, Book Week, Bible Week, Science Fair, Sportsfest of the GS Faculty and general Services and Non-Teaching Staff First Communion of the Grade-2 pupils, School Fair 2015, Field Demonstra-tion, SSAM Got Talent and the many contests and com-petitions we participated here and abroad are living proofs of God’s unending love.

This school year, our greatest blessing as a nation is the visit of our dear Pope Francis. He sent us God’s message of love and respect for one another, especially our poor sisters and brothers. His presence truly made us proud being the only Catholic country in Asia.

NEWS

BALITA

The Little Blue Star

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Young Scholastican

Journalists

Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief

Arabella Roanne Pepito (English)

Patricia Felice L. Carlos (Filipino)

News Writers

Alyanna Krishna J. Cinco

Jean Marie Obispo

Arabella Rioflorido

Danielle Sanchez

Kayleigh Ann H. Tee Sy

Danielle Gail Torrevillas

Anne Gabrielle D. Uyehara

Kelly Allyson S. Vergara

Keesah Adelyn D. Vita

Eda Madeilene L. White

Samantha Viray

Feature Writers

Kristine Veniece Espedillon

Sophia Hannah A. Gabo

Jamie Alyssa R. Imperio

Niena Sofia J. Mabeza

Elsa Macalinao

Juliana Paricia Martin

Cassandra Knicole Ysabelle D. Munoz

Samantha Angelene S. Ong

Kaylee Dominique Ordonez

Bianca Antonette Sapalo

Angelica Mae T. Villena

Artists

Megan Alexis B. Caranto (English)

Samantha Santos (English)

Mabelle Tayag (Filipino)

Moderators

Ms. Charlotte Christie L. De Leon (English)

Mrs. Ciela Blanca L. Del Rosario (Filipino)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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Liham ng mga Patnugot:

Panawagan para sa Kapayapaan Ni Patricia Felice L. Carlos, 6 - Patriotic

Kapayapaan. Ito ang pinakamaiging paraan upang makamtan ang hustisyang nararapat para sa 44 na kabilang sa Special Action Force (SAP) ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na nagbuwis ng buhay sa isang ingkwentro sa Tunalakpa-nao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao noong ika-25 ng Enero. Sinasabi ng pamahalaan na mahalaga pa rin ang usaping pangkapayapaan at pagpasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Sa kabilang dako, dalawang dating presidente ng Pilipinas ang nagbigay ng kanilang pahayag at nagsasabing hindi na dapat ipagpatuloy ang pakikipag-usap sa MILF at sa halip magkaroon na ng all-out war. Di umano’y wala na itong kabuluhan da-hil maraming buhay na ang nawala. Giyera di umano ang magiging susi sa pagkamit ng katahimikan para sa bawat isa. Sa dalawang panig na ito, nasaan ka ba? Nakalulungkot isipin na ang ibang tao ay hindi nakikilahok sa panawagan na ito. May iba na hanggang sa mga kila-lang social sites lang nakikitang nakikialam – nagkokoment, nagpopost. Nararapat yatang tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: “Pilipino ba ako?” Kung ang sagot mo ay “Oo,” marahil dapat ka ngang makialam. Kung hindi naman, ano ka? Tayo ay nasa Luzon. Napakalayo kung iisipin. Hindi man natin naririnig ang putukan, ngunit sa ngalan na tinatawag mo ang iyong sarili na Pilipino at kabilang sa lahi ng kayumanggi, ay dapat kanang mapukaw sa katotohanan na malaki ang pwede mong maibahagi sa isyung ito. Ito ay ‘di lamang problema ng Mindanao kundi ng buong bansa. Tayo nga ay higit na maswerte. Kung tutuusin nga ay magulo ang buong bansa dahil sa maraming hindi pagkakaintindihan sa pamahalaan --- maraming problema at maraming di umano’y nagsisilbi ngunit pansariling interes lang naman pala ang pinapairal. Mas maganda na maging kritikal tayo. Bansa natin ‘to! Wala ng ibang magtatanggol dito, kundi tayo. Wala ng mas dapat makialam, kundi tayo. Dapat manaig ang pagmamahal natin para rito, dahil wala ng ibang magmamahal dito kung hindi tayong mga Pilipino.

Parents Talk about Love

By Anne Gabrielle D. Uyehara, 5 - Creative Sophia Hannah Gabo, 5 - Reliant

Promoting a har-monious family life, St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina in partnership with its Parents-Teachers Association, headed by their president, Mrs. Mary Jane B. Trinos, held the second symposi-um of Christian Life Program for this school year at Sister Irmburg Covered Court on the 21st day of February at 8:00 a.m. The talk was en-

titled, “Love Chat,” with speakers Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Judy Tinsay. Alex is a respected broadcaster and a host of 700 Club Asia, while Judy, like her husband, is active in their church ministry.

Together, they discussed about the different aspects or married life --- physical, emotional, financial and social intimacy. They even shared how their family life is --- raising their children and the challenges that comes not only on parenting but most of all as husband and wife to each other.

The other guest speakers were Mr. Frank Arollado and Mrs. Magdale-na M. Roble. Mr. Arollado shared about the challenges of distance with his family since he is working in Sin-gapore. Despite this, he en-joys daily video calls with them. He said that all things work together for all who love God. As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), he commits himself to religious groups since he believes that it is im-portant to put God at the center of any relationship.

Meanwhile, Ms Roble, a single parent and a mother of ten, imparted how she loves her children despite how dif-ficult it was to raise them on her own. She added, “The greatest gift a man could have is to be a parent.”

Mr. Alex Tinsay during the “Love

Chat” Symposium.

Mrs. Judy Tinsay talks about

different intimacies.

YSJ would like to thank Phos Club and

GS Office for the pictures they contributed

for this issue.

FEATURE

SULATIN 3

Remembering St. Scholastica

By Kaylee Dominique Ordonez, 5-Industrious Jean Marie Obispo, 4 - Compassionate Samantha Angelene S. Ong

St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina cele-brated the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Angelo Leal, OSB, a day before the feast of St. Scholastica. Remembering their patroness, the Grade School and High School Departments sang the “Hymn to St. Scholastica” with grateful hearts. St. Scholastica, twin of St. Benedict, offered her life to God since her earliest youth. After her twin went to Monte Cassino and established his fa-mous monastery, she also founded and supervised a monastery of nuns at Plombariola which is about five miles away from his brother’s. She visited her brother once a year in a house which is just a distance away since she was not al-lowed to enter the monastery. Together, the twin spent time conferring spiritual matters. They prayed, had pious conversation and reflected. She would ask him to remain until the next day. But then, Benedict refused to spend the night outside his monastery. Scholastica then recourse to prayer and a furious thunderstorm burst so that neither her brother nor any of his companions could return home. After,

they spent the night in spiritual conferences. Three years later, she died and her holy brother saw her soul in a vision as it ascended into heaven. He sent his brethren to bring his sister’s body and have it laid on a tomb which he had origi-nally prepared for himself. She died about the year 543 and her brother followed her soon.

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Pope Francis wins …..

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The pope in a yellow raincoat came to celebrate Mass in Tacloban City morning of January 17 despite Signal No. 2 of Tropical Storm Amang. In his homily, he reminded the typhoon survivors that although they have lost so many things, Jesus who was nailed to the cross will never let us down. In his throne, where He was consecrated as Lord, experienced all calamities that they we are experi-encing. He is a Lord capable of crying and walking with his people in their most difficult times of life.

He also stood before 2,000 nuns and priests,

morning of January 16 at the Manila Cathedral for

his first Mass in the country. There, he reminded

them of their ministry of reconciliation telling them

that the Church of the Philippines is called to recog-

nize and fight the deep cause of inequality and injus-

tice contradicting Christ’s teaching.

Following this is an encounter with the fami-

ly in the afternoon at the SM MOA Arena where he

encouraged each family to be missionary disciples of

Jesus. They must ready to go beyond their homes by

caring for their brothers and sisters who are in need,

especially those who do not have their own family.

The Pope, welcomed by millions of Filipinos

on January 15 left the country morning of January 19

with huge crowd lining the streets for a final glimpse

of him.

Scholasticans Enjoy Exposure Trips of S. Y. 2014—2015 By Arabella B. Rioflorido, 4-Patient

Alyanna Krishna J. Cinco, 4 - Compassionate

Kinder to Grade Six pupils enjoyed the different educational exposure trips. Each grade level went to varied places in order to learn new things and have fun.

Introduced by Gerogre Shillibeer, a field trip is a visit to a place outside the classroom designed to accomplish objectives which cannot be achieved inside. Field trips

as they can lead the learners in connecting schoolwork with the world, making it both memorable and tangible . In addition, this teaching strategy has features which enhances

the curriculum such as facilitating learning of abstract concepts, motivating students through increased interest and curiosity , increasing student-student and student-teacher

interaction and developing social awareness.

Here is a gallery capturing the best experiences SSAM pupils had:

Grade 2 at Pinocchio show (above) and

Creative Thinkers.

Grade 1 pupils at Sariling Atin and

Creative Thinkers.

Kinder pupils at Goldilocks and

Museo Pambata.

Grade 3 pupils at Kulturang Pinoy and

The Museum.

Grade 4 pupils at San Guillermo Church

and Zoocobia Fun Zoo.

Grade 5 pupils at Bahay ni Rizal and

Parasite Museum in UP Los Banos. Grade 6 pupils at the Malacanan Palace

and AFP Museum.

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By Kayleigh Ann Tee Sy and Samantha Angelene S. Ong, 4-Prayerful

Putok sa Bundok 2015, St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina’s school fair, was a success. Aside from the different rides, arcade games and food booths, the cele-bration was also festive because of the talents shown not only by the students but also by the entire Grade School Department.

School Field Demo ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Celebrating the theme for this year, “Listen with Love, Live with Compassion: The Benedictine Way of Spirituality,” the students from both Grade School and High School Departments held their Field Demonstration last February 7, 2015 at the High School Quadrangle of SSAM. The Grade School pupils through the guidance of the Physical Education (P.E.) teachers presented dances representing each nationality according to the order of events that the Benedictine teachings were spread in the Philippines and in other parts of the world. On the other hand, high school students presented their cheers and yells.

Employees Got Talent __________________________________________________________________________ Quoting the Parable of the Talents, “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance,” teachers are blessed by God because He knows they are going to share them. It is no wonder that students are talented. Believing that talents are worth-sharing, employees of SSAM gave their brightest performance on last February 7, 2015. The High School Department was represented by their own band who ‘rocked and rolled’ the night. Tuazon Communi-ty Center, School Personnel, Grade School Department and mothers of Scholasticans danced with the crowd through their ‘hip hop’ moves. The East Drive Band, the alumnae group, wowed the crowd. It was truly a culmination of talents.

The Little Blue Star

Photos by Phos Club Members

Mother Angelica Leviste, OSB and Marikina Mayor Del De

Guzman led the cutting of ribbon during the School Fair 2015

Opening Ceremony.

SSAM celebrates School Fair 2015

Scholasticans enjoying all the attractions

Photos by Phos Club Members

Grade One. Korean Traditional Dance

Kinder. Chinese Parasol Dance

Grade Six. Lerion

Grade Four. Australian Bush Dance

Grade Six. Paypay de Manila

Grade Five. South Indian Traditional Dance

Grade Three. Maypole Dancing

Grade Two. Japanese Traditional Dance

Photos by Phos Club members:

Stephanie de Quiroz, Franz Manlutac,

Chrystal Laurena and Ciello Del Rosario

NEWS

BALITA

Parents showing their dance moves. The GS Faculty, together with their principal, Sister Alexis

Lamarroza, OSB.

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“Emmanuel, Wayfarer ...

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they realized that in the absence of the Savior, the laity can work together to fill the world with the spirit

of Christ.

This musical play stars Jacqueline Andrieux and Nina Ty (both playing Serafina), Ma. Isabel So-riano (Emmanuel), Cassandra Munoz (angel 1), Genalyn Suelto (angel 2), Soleil Juamquiao (innkeeper), Marianne Fabic (king), Raven Marasigan (king), Danielle Sanchez (king), Kyla Calderon (shepherd), Anita Ruiz (shepherd), Alyssa Salugsugan (shepherd), Ryan Torres (Joseph) and Liz Salomon (Mary).

Different presentations were also given by classes who won in the different contests during the English month. All out support was also given by the School Directress, Mother Angelica Leviste, OSB and Grade School Principal, Sister Alexis Lamarroza, OSB. The two English subject coordinators, along with the English teachers and the Grade School Faculty helped in the best way that they can all for the success of the play. The parents themselves also came out not only to watch the show but also to showtheir undying love for the children.

Proceeds of the show went to the different projects of the Social Involvement Program (SIP) such as the Mentoring Program which provides free training to selected public schools and HapagAsa, a feeding program at San Jose de Ampid Parish, and most especially for the purchase of the theather seats for the new building.

Mrs. Valle sings “Whispering Hope”with the Glee Club.

Serafina meets Emmanuel . Mrs. Odtohan, Sister Alexis Lamarroza, OSB and Mrs.

Medina dancing “I will Follow Him.” GS teachers sing Gloria.

Kings looking for the Savior while singing, “Chasing a

Star.”

GS teachers sing “Everlasting Light.”

Newly elected student leaders set for S.Y. 2015—2016

By Samantha Maria Abegail K. Viray, 5-Creative

New officers are set to be welcomed next school year after the electronic voting last March 5, 2015.

Here is the list of the new Barangayette officers.

Outgoing Barangayette President Mai Angel Nicole Martinez gave her farewell speech after the Thanksgiving Mass held at the Sister Imburg Covered Court (SICC)

on March 6. She thanked the school for the trust not only to her but to all the officers. She also recognized the help of their two mentors, Mrs. Concepcion Domeyeg and Mrs.

Jennifer Medina.

The Barangayette turnover ceremony was held on March 18, 2015.

Position Name

President Julienne Alexa Dayda

Vice-President Katrina Eliza Ramos

Secretary Frances Danelle Lorenzana

Treasurer Francesca Louise Chua

Auditor Chloe Ysabelle Villanueva

NEWS

BALITA

Serafina is talking with Emmanuel.

Position Name

PRO Danhwi Yoon

Grade 3 Level Representatives Andrea Michelle Moreno and Daryelle Caelyn Uy

Grade 4 Level Representatives Sheena Patrice Brazal and Leila Yzabelle Nabiula

Grade 5 Level Representatives Mayrie Francheer Brillante and Kaika Castillo

Grade 6 Level Representatives Anita Maria Ruiz and Rea Sophia Samontina

NEWS

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By Angelica Mae Villena, 4-Prayerful Kayleigh Ann H. Tee Sy, 4-Prayerful Venice Espedillon, 4-Compasionate Service Awards 2015 started with a prayer led by Sister Imaya Calinayan, OSB and the Christian Living

Education (CLE) teachers reminding the whole community of the mission of St. Scholastica and St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina in bringing many to Christ. It is indeed through this that they can live a blessed and holy life.

During the reflection, Sister Imaya further said that they can only be called true teachers if their work is done with love, joy and enthusiasm. They should give honor to the One who sustain their lives, our Lord. The prayer also included the singing of the song, “Blest Are You,” composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco of the Society of Jesus and the Philip-pine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) 2 participants during a conference session last January 16, 2015 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Sister Angelica Leviste, OSB, the school directress also congratu-lated the 35 awardees through her welcome address. She appreciated them for living out the Benedictine way of life. The spirit of the teachers, accord-ing to her, is that of a community of people and not a spirit of a work place. They are committed and continue to commit themselvesduring good and hard times. All in the institution, as she said, is guarded by a common mis-sion. The different talents of teachers, non-teaching staff and service personnel in singing and dancing made the celebration more fun and special. It was truly a day well-deserved by awardees along with all the peo-ple who continue to work in fulfilling Christ’s mission. We congratulate all the awardees, most especially the members of the GS Faculty.

SSAM holds Service Awards 2015

Years of Service

Awardees Five Years Rowena C. Garcia

Catherine DC. Orfano

Ten Years

Rachelle C. Camaya

Fifteen Years

Pamela S. Baroman

Luzviminda A. Canete

Twenty Five Years

Cristeta M. Arcilla

Leticia M. Delos Reyes

Nieva J. Viray

Thirty Years Catalina B. Tungol The Grade School faculty during the Service Awards 2015. Photo by GS office

Feed the Hungry --

By Mrs. Jennifer Medina This school year, the Grade School Faculty decided join in the HapagAsa effort of the Diocese of Antipolo as they adopted the poorly nourished children of the San Jose de Ampid Parish. The teachers did not only donate for the food served within six months, assist in the feeding, weighing and pre-paring the children's food, they also interacted with the children through games, talent show and storytelling. The faculty went to the chapel every first Saturday of the month starting July to December of 2014. It was a heartwarming six months. Some months were toasty warm, some rainy and one particularly stormy. Whatever the weather, the faculty would trudge on, eager to be of service to the marginalized. Each month adds another 2-8 lbs to the children's weight. Some, though, unfortunately had difficulty gaining weight so parents were taught to be more mindful in selecting and preparing their meals. The food being served daily were fortified with manna pack from the DOH. It is a mixture of different grains- wheat, barley, oats and rice which does not interfere with the real taste of the food. This costs about a thousand pesos. With the financial help given by the faculty, the children's meals were fortified. According to the Bible, we have served the Lord if we have clothed the naked, visited the sick, and fed the hungry. At least, the faculty has taken one step closer to Heaven. The Faculty would like to thank the pupils from the Grade School department for supporting the Nutri-Food Raffle and performing in the musical

play, Emanuel: Wayfarer in the Land of No. The proceeds of these two endeavors had gone a long way in building up the Kingdom of God here on earth.

And speaking of building, the faculty donated half of the net income of the musical play for the theater seats of the new building and Php10 000. 00 to St.

Gabriel Parish of our Lady of Sorrows. Again these are from the proceeds of the faculty fund-raising activities. A portrait of St. Gabriel now watches over

the faculty in the Faculty Room as well as in the GS Office.

The Little Blue Star

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Kultura Quiz Whiz

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5

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Kultura Quiz Whiz Pahalang

2. Ang pinakaunang gatas na ginawa

sa Pilipinas noong 1972

3. The City of Golden Friendship

6. Ibang tawag sa kulay berde

8. Simbahan sa Bohol na gawa sa

mga korales at puti ng itlog

11. Ito ang pinakakilala at pinaka-

tumagal na programang pambata sa

Pilipinas.Ang ibig sabihin ng salitang

ito ay maliit ngunit malakas

Pababa

1. Maliit na paruparo na karaniwang

dilaw ang pakpak

4. Tuna Capital ng Pilipinas

5. Isang hindi makalilimutang

pangyayari sa buhay ng tao

6. Ang araw sa isang buong linggo na

hindi na isalin sa wikang Kastila

7. Ngalan ng planetang 13241 na

ipinangalan sa isang Pilipina, ang

planetang ito ay isang asteroid na

matatagpuan sa pagitan ng Mars at

Jupiter

9. Ang Safari Land na itinayo ng da-

ting Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos sa

Palawan

#Selfie

Ni Danielle Sanchez, 6 - Patriotic Jamie Imperio, 6 - Patriotic

Wagi bilang salita ng taon ang “selfie” sa “Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Pagpapayaman ng Wikang Filipino at Sawikaan 2014: Pagpili ng Salita ng Taon.” Matapos makakuha ng pinakamataas na boto mula higit 100 mga guro at ma-nunulat na dumalo at bumoto sa kumperensya na naganap noong nakaraang taon sa Bulwagang Claro M. Recto sa Uniber-sidad ng Pilipinas. Ito ay may temang “Wika ng Kagandahan, Kagandahan sa Wika.” Ang salitang selfie ay napili hindi dahil sa popularidad nito kundi dahil sa mahusay na pananliksik at presentasyon na isinulat nina Noel Ferrer, kilalang talent manager at producer, at Jose Javier Reyes, batikang direktor sa telebisyon at pe-likula. Ang salitang ito ayon kina Ferrer at Reyes ay unang nabanggit sa isang inuman at naipost sa isang Australian internet forum, ang ABC Online, noong Setyembre 13, 2002. Sa Pilipinas ang SELFIE, ayon kina Ferer at Reyes ay maituturing na konsepto ng gitnang-uri o ng nakaririwasa pa nga:” ito ang mga taong may kakayahang bumili ng mga cellphone na may kamera at magbayad ng koneksiyon para sa inter-net. Lumaganap umano ang selfie sa Pilipinas hindi lang bilang resulta ng pagdating ng makabagong teknolohiya kundi dahil “nakaugat din ito sa kultura at karanasan ng ilang tiyak na sektor ng mga Filipino sa paglipas ng kasaysayan.”

Noon pa man ay hilig na umano ng mga tao na tingnan ang kanyang sarili at bihagin ang isang saglit ng kanyang anyo hindi lamang upang lumikha ng alaala kundi gumawa rin ng ebidensya tungkol sa kanyang dating kaanyuhan. Ayon pa sa dalawang sumulat ng pananaliksik, ang SELFIE ay “ mating-kad na manipestasyon ng kulturang narsisismo o ang labis na paghanga sa sariling katangian.” Maliban dito ang SELFIE rin ay ginagamit bilang instrumento sa pag-tatampok ng propesyon, negosyo at bilang isang pamamaraan ng pag-uulat sa panahon ng trahedya at kalamidad. Bukod dito, napabilang na rin ang selfie sa diskursong Filipino. Higit pa sa antas ng wika, naipakita na ang konsepto ng selfie ay may batayan sa karanasan at kulturang Filipino bago pa man dumating ang panahon ng mga bagong teknolohiya ng komunikasyon. Ani nga nina Ferrer at Reyes, “Bagaman ang selfie ay nagpapahiwatig ng mga di-kanais-nais sa kultura ng ating henera-syon—pagiging indibidwalistiko, narsisismo, konsumerismo—lalong higit na kailangang unawain at angkinin ang salita upang magkaroon ng kritikal na pagkamalay (critical awareness) ang mga Filipino sa hatid na panganib at pangako, pinsala at posibilidad ng salitang ito.”Nakakuha ang salitang “selfie” ng 40 boto, ang pinakamataas sa mga kalahok. Ang ibang mga salitang pinagpilian ay ang “Bossing” ni Frederick S. Perez, “Filipinas” (Rebecca T. Añonuevo), “Hashtag” (Mark Angeles), “Imba” (Xavier Roel Alvaran), “Kalakal” (Christine Marie L. Magpile), “Endo” (David Michael San Juan at John Kelvin Briones), “PDAF” (Jonathan Vergara Geronimo), “Whistle Blower” (John Enrico Torralba), “Storm Surge” (Roy Rene Cagalingan at Dakila Cutab), “Riding-in-Tandem” (Joselito Delos Reyes), “CCTV” (Christoffer Mitch Cerda) at “Peg” (Jethro Tenorio).

Nakuha rin nito ang unang gantimpala para sa may pinakamahusay na papel, kung saan ang pinagbatayan ay ang kredibilidad ng saliksik, mga ginamit na sanggunian at pagpuno sa mga kahingian at kung ano ang naipakitang halaga ng salita na ito sa pag-aangkop sa lipunan at kulturang Filipino. Ngayong taon anu-ano kayang mga salita pa ang mamumukadkad at sisikat sa ating lipunan?

Ang “selfie,” ayon sa Oxford Dictionary, ay isang katagang hango sa sali-tang Ingles na “self” na dinagdagan ng “ie” at tumutukoy sa isang litrato na kinunan ng mismong nasa litrato sa pamamagitan ng isang smartphone o webcam at inaplowd sa isang social media website.

Never Forget the Fallen 44 By: Arabela Roanne R. Pepito, 6-Patriotic

A fallen angel with no wings

With bullet wounds that stings

Lift yourself up, drop your firearm

I will keep you from harm

You’ve served My creation well

You survived the wicked hell

I bring you peace and happiness

An escape from chaos and madness

I’ll immortalize your name forevermore

As your soul to me soars

In the minds I will bore

To never forget the Fallen 44

Rafaela Ocmapo of 5 - Peaceful taking a selfie.

Photo by Julianna Hernandez

ENTERTAINMENT

PANLIBANGAN

4 PICS 1 WORD

By Mabelle Tayag, 6 - Patriotic

Source: http://4pics1word.ws/

Ni Megan Caranto, 6 - Hopeful

Samantha Santos, 6—Charitable

Jacinto wins Gold By Bianca Antonette Sapalo, 5-Reliant

St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina Grade School Department is proud of Alexandrina Jacinto from 5-Reliant and one of the members of the Marikina Aquabears who grabbed two gold medals and two bronze medals during the S. John Bosco Swimming Championships held last November 9, 2014 at Don Bosco Technical College – Mandaluyong. Two gold medals are from the 25 Meter Breast-stroke and 200 Meter Medley Relay. On the other hand, she got bronze from 25 Meter Butterfly and 25 Meter Freestyle. In an interview, Jacinto shared that she really prepares weeks prior to the competition to condition her body. In addition, she also undergoes trainings during summer to enhance her skills in this sport. She encourages those who aspire to pursue swimming to continue with their dreams by going through trainings for them to learn more about it and be the best on it.

Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo Ni Cassandra Knicole Ysabelle D. Munoz, 5-Creative

Samantha Viray, 4 - Creative

Elsa Macalinao, 6 - Just

“Sabay… sabay nating itaas ang ating sedula at punitin! Mabuhay ang Filipinas! Mabuhay!”

Isa lamang iyan sa mga naalala kong si-gaw ni Ka Andres bago siya nag-aklas at tuluyang lumaban kasama ang mga Katipunero laban sa mga Kastila.

Maraming kuwento at sabi-sabi tungkol sa buhay ng mga bayani. Noong taong 2014, ang

Metro Manila Film Fest o MMFF ay nagpalabas ng hindi matatawarang pelikula na nagbukas ng isipan at kamalayan ng mga manonood tungkol

kay ni Andres Bonifacio.

Ang buhay ni Andres bilang isang simpleng bata hanggang sa mamulat siya sa mga pang-aaping ginawa ng mga dayuhan sa ating bansa.

Sa pelikulang Andres Bonifacio ang Unang Pangulo, unti-unting binuksan ang pintuan ng buhay ni Andres sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik-tanaw ng mga mag-aaral ng makabagong henerasyon. Dito pinangunahan ni Joaquin (Daniel Padilla) at Andrea (Jasmin Curtis Smith) ang pagbisita sa isang Katipunan Museum sa San Juan kung saan nakilala nila ang tagapamahalan nito na ginampanan ni Eddie Garcia.

Ang salaysay ng namamahala sa museyo ay nagsimula sa pagpapakita ng mga

natatangi at di makalilimutang pangyayari o trahedya sa buhay ni Andres Bonifacio mula ng makita niyang parusahan ang tatlong martir na pari. Pakikipagkita at pakikisalamuha sa miyembro ng kilalang pahayagan ng mga illustrados na La Liga Filipina, mga pakikipag-usap sa ating pambansang bayani na si Jose Rizal hanggang sa pagsigaw sa bakuran ni Tandang Sora at pagpunit ng sedula ng mga Katipunero na

nagging hudyat ng labanan ng mga Katipunero.

Tunay ngang dalisay ang mithiin ng bayaning si Andres para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa. Nararapat lamang na siya ay kilalanin.at bigyang halaga.

SAGOT SA KULTURA QUIZ WHIZ

1. aliparo 2. Alaska 3. Cagayan de Oro

4. Gen.Santos 5. anekdota 6. linggo 7. luntian

8. Baclayon 9. Calauit Island 10. Cebu

11. Batibot

4 PICS 1 WORD ANSWER KEY

shoe laugh

child holy

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ISPORTS AT PANLIBANGAN

The Little Blue Star 8 ASEAN School Games Wushu

Competition held at SSAM By Arabela Roanne R. Pepito, 6-Patriotic

Teams of ASEAN member countries participated during the 6th ASEAN Schools Games held from November 29, until December 7, 2014 in Marikina with the theme, “One ASEAN, One Vision, One Community of Champions.” One of the sports in the competition, Wushu, was held at the Sister Imburg Covered Court (SICC) where officials turned the court into a wushu arena. Mats were placed on the ground, the platform was placed on the stage, and the flag raisers were put into place. In an interview, one officials said that the reason they chose SSAM was because they wanted to showcase the best places in Marikina, and because SSAM had a lot of space.

Six countries participated at the Wushu Competition. They are the Philip-pines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Brunei. During the competition, the athletes donned colorful costumes as well as performed with non-lethal weapons. They wowed the judges. Many of the athletes practiced at the back of the court, being flanked by coaches and fellow athletes.

Student Council Officers of the High School Department assisted during the

awarding ceremony. The national anthem of the winning country of each category

would be played as their flag is raised together with those countries that won the sil-

ver and bronze.

In the end, the athletes were exhausted, yet happy to win awards. Their hard work paid off.

TABLE OF AWARDS

Team Malaysia successfully received the most

number of gold medals. Team Philippines got a total of four medals.

All participants of the Wushu Competition during the

awarding ceremony.

All photos by the GS Office

Swimming Enthusiasts

SSAM GS Department congratulates the following students for their achievements in the 72nd Philippine Swimming League (PSL) Leg Series held last January 24-25 at the Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City: Nicolette Beatrice Belgica of Grade 4 – Prayerful became the won silver for 4 x 400 Meter Medley Relay Prior to this event Nicolette has bagged several bronze, silver and gold medals in other swimming competitions she joined under the Marikina Aqua Bears Swimming Club. Meanwhile, Maxine M. Dalmacio of Gr. 3 –

Punctual became the Bronze Medalist for the 200 Meter Individual Medley. She also ranked 3rd Overall in the Girls- 9 Years Old Group Category and has qualified to represent the country in the same category in September, 2015 for the South-East Asian Swim Meet Championship to be held in Singapore.

Sis. Alexis Lamarroza, OSB with swimming

champions.

Movie poster from

kapirasongkritika.wordpress.com

Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total

1 Malaysia 3 2 3 8

2 Philippines 3 1 0 4

3 Indonesia 2 4 2 8

4 Vietnam 1 3 2 6

5 Singapore 1 0 1 2

6 Brunei 0 0 2 2

Last February 14, 2015, these girls also joined the 1st Paulinian Swim League 2015 held at St. Paul College, Pasig. Their efforts won for them the following awards: Nicolette

Second Place, 50 M Breast Stroke

Second Place, 50 M Freestyle Third in rank, Over-all Age

Group Maxine

Third Place, 50 M Freestyle for 9 years old Both girls are active mem-

bers of the Marikina Aqua Bears Swimming Club.

Alexandrina wearing her medals.

Sis. Alexis Lamarroza, OSB during the awarding

ceremony.