VARIATIONS Vol XLI No.

Copyright © 2019 by Variations

Published by
The Philippine High School for the Arts
National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part
by any form or by any means—mechanical, electronic, graphic, photocopying, or stored in a
database or retrieved means without a written permission from the copyright owners.

Cover design by Lei Angelli Ortega and Mary Anne Caharop

Layout by Bianca Ysabel Rabe

1 / news
20 / features
30 / science and
technology
34 / opinion
35 / sports
foreword
Variations has been both challenging and rewarding
for me. I have been a facilitator of this amazing group
of young creative, brilliant, and (sometimes) stubborn
writers and illustrators for three years and it has been an
adventure where we have to ride different roller-coasters
from time to time. Variations XLI will be an adventure for
you as well. Here, these artistically gifted students turned
almost all of the news to features. Not just that, since in
this edition, we have contributors from dance and music
majors, we can promise that it will cater a much delight
for your reading taste. I am sure that this edition will be
riveting. Thus, your choice of opening this Variations XLI
will not be put to waste. Enjoy reading!

I have to mention that this may be the last edition under

my supervision. I am forever grateful to Amber Garma,
Ma-I Entico, Maura Yap, Noreen Domingo, Wika Nadera
and Bertha Santos; for in the years 2016 - 2018 of handling
Var, these student leaders had so much to contribute to
my additional learning experience.

Special thanks to the main layout editor of the team, Kayla

Averion who passionately displayed her editing skills.
Lastly, to the year’s leadership group: Bea, Meg, and Leila
who despite the challenges never ceases to positively
surprise me with their flexibility and brilliance, and to their
current Editor-in-Chief, Danny, who proved to be an apt
spearhead to the year’s team.

Support the arts. Date an artist!

Long live PHSA, long live the country.

— Jon Darren Rivera,

School Paper Adviser
 Sanghiyas Pangkat Mananayaw dancers jump for joy upon the announcement of winning 1st
place at Luneta Park, Manila, October 21, 2018, Sunday.

Ibarang Dancers Win

Back-to-Back in
Sayaw Pinoy
Leila Maligalig

October 21 marked another triumph for the Philippine

High School for the Arts (PHSA) as its dance scholars
won first place in both Folk Dance and Contemporary
Dance Categories in Sayaw Pinoy: National Commission
for Culture and the Arts Dance Festival 2018, held in
Luneta Park, Manila.

PHSA’s folk dance company, Sanghiyas Pangkat

Mananayaw (SPM), stood out amongst 39 other
contestants in the Folk Dance Category with SPM
Adviser Victor Flor’s staging of Miligoy de Cebu.

Senior high school dance majors, the Makiling Dance

(MD), meanwhile, came first in the Contemporary
Dance Category. Grade 12 MD member Ivan Boloron
choreographed the winning piece, “Manunggul.”

The SPM team consisted of grade 10 students Jon

Ferrer, Paul Perez, Mars Quejada, Julie Cuison, Anna
Montallana and Diamond Paredes; grade 9 students
Kenneth Lope, Blilah Tony and Jerl Quejada; grade 8
students Prince Perez and Crizza Urmeneta; and grade
7 student Christian Valerio.
Voice Majors bag
The MD team consisted of grade 12 students Ren-Ar
Padole and Sophia Maunahan and grade 11 students
Arjay Albores, Eden Dumas, Lamuel Pulpulaan, Glycel
awards in Kundiman
Abatol, Giegie Forcadela, Maepril del Puerto, Angel
Ramos and Alliah Torte. Song Festival
Danielle Alexandra Castillo
 US Navy visits PHSA to perform and the students various form of instruments,
National Arts Center,Los Baños Laguna, Photo from PHSA Archives

International music groups

perform at NAC
Ianna Oliveros

Worldship Orchestra performing various musical pieces at the National Arts Center,Los Baños Laguna,
Photo from PHSA Archives

Music groups World Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and

the US Navy Quartet wowed their audience comprised
of students and staff of the Philippine High School for
the Arts (PHSA) with performances at the National Arts
Center (NAC) on March 1 and April 15 respectively.

WSO, with about 50 members and above, played both

classical and Asian compositions such as Little Star
and the Japanese Wave Impression, with the aim to
focus and further introduce both Western and Eastern
instruments. Music students Micah Pecson (grade 12),
Ian Levi Mora (grade 12), Gabriel Domagas (grade 11),
Luigi Torres (grade 11), Julian Bernal (grade 10) and
Emmanuel John Villarin (grade 9) performed alongside
the orchestra.

Meanwhile, the US Navy Quartet, with only around seven

overall members, played tracks associated with 21st
century pop culture, such as the cartoon theme Pink
Panther and Luis Fonsi’s Despacito.

An introductory lesson to basic orchestra conducting,

with onstage participation from the audience, was also
given by WSO. Both groups seem to have attempted
further interaction with the audience through immersion
into orchestral processes and use of media identifiable
to the audience, such as WSO’s performance of the
Filipino Sana’y Wala Nang Bukas.

Chosen voice majors of the Philippine High School for the Arts bagged awards in the 9th Maria
Carpena Kundiman Song Festival . The festival was held at the Cultural Center of Laguna on
October 19.

The competitors were Lizzie Estrada (Grade 9), Leanne Tavita (Grade 10) and Daniella Silab
(Grade 11). The students took 2nd place, 5th place and 3rd place in the High School Category
respectively.

The festival was also organized to celebrate the 132nd birth anniversary of Maria Evangelista
Carpena, the nightingale of Zarzuela and the first Filipino recording artist. The said competition
had categories for Elementary, High School, Open Category, and Senior Citizen.

The students sang “Bituing Marikit” by Nicanor Aberlado. “We had to go through a lot of training
and it was quite hard to balance this competition with school matters. However, after we won
awards, we realized it was worth it,” said Tavita regarding their win.
 Music majors
Philharmonic
Sunset Concert
Ianna Oliveros

Winners of the literary book characters joins the stage in the very first AGIMATH held by the
teachers,Bulwagang Lakanbako. Photos from PHSA Archives

Agham, Ingles at Matematika — these are

the subjects that were the focus and made
up the name, AGIMAT, the first primarily Basic
Education event during Vim Nadera's time as
Director
IV.

AGIMAT was held from April 1-5, and was

organized by teachers Maricon Amada, Darren
Rivera, Lester Tamisin, Marza Palentino, Ronia
Mosaso and Rodrigo Estepa.

AGIMAT hosted many activities, such as a

parade of literary characters, a poetry and
songwriting contest, a quiz bowl, a stargazing
session, and guest talks.

Arts school hosts

This event served as a surprise to the students,
many of which mostly prefer the arts courses
to
the basic education.

first AGIMAT
Sidney Lampayan
On the fifth of May, two music majors of the Philippine
High School for the Arts performed with the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

The concert was held the National Arts Center, Los Baños,
Laguna.

Bandurria player Nikki Obmasca performed George

Frederic Handel’s Concerto in B Flat, Op. 40. 6, HWV 294
Andanteallegro, while trumpeter Rhoxene Octaviano
played Jean Baptiste Arban’s Carnival Venice.

“Usually, sa performance ng music, hindi talaga ganoon

karami yung audience. Pero at that time, yung mga tao
ng Elbi umakyat at ang daming visitors lang talaga na
manonood dito, so medyo nakakakaba.” said Obmasca.

The performance, dubbed as the PPO Sunsets in Makiling,

was conducted by PPO resident conductor Herminigildo
Ranera and organized by the staff and members of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Filipinas
Opera Society.

The CCP granted free admission to the concert in an

“attempt to bring classical music closer to the Philippines”
through various outreach programs

M. Butterfly During 2015, award-winning producer Jhett Tolentino

producer donates
visited the school. Back then, the school had been
recovering from the effects of Typhoon Glenda on the
campus. Tolentino apparentlytook pity and promised
Director IV Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera, that

to school
he would return and help out the school. On 2018,
Tolentino went back to the school, announcing he will
donate PHP 500,000 pesos — proceeds from the play
M. Butterfly.

"When I saw the state of the school, I knew I had to help,"

he stated.

The hit Broadway play was created by David Henry

Hwang, and was inspired by the real headline of a
Sidney Lampayan French diplomat falling in love with a male Chinese
opera singer. The M. Butterfly production in Manila was
produced by Tolentino, three decades after the play's
original showing on Broadway. It starred RS Francisco
as the Butterfly, who made a return to the role after acting
it in Dulaang UP's 1990 premiere.

The cast of M. Butterfly officially donated the money to

the school on September 22, from the monetization of
the shows on that day.

According to Tolentino, the play was 100% non-profit,

meaning all the proceeds went to several organizations,
of which the school is included.
 Jude Macasinag from his arrival in fall. Photo from J. Macasinag

Danielle Alexandra Castillo

Ibarang
alumnus
Philippine High School for the Arts alumnus Jude
Macasinag from batch FeliZaro (2018) flew to
Paris, the city of love and fashion, on August 29.
to study
Macasinag enrolled in the International Fashion
Academy (IFA) in the field of Fashion Design.
in
INTERN
IFA is a fashion school for design and luxury
business with campuses in Paris, Shanghai and
Istanbul. The school offers a vast range of unique
and tailored courses.

Macasinag believed that his mom’s wedding gown

for her 20th anniversary is the piece that started it
all. He also created a Coin Terno, a costume for the
Dulaang Sipat Lawin’s “Bantayog” show in 2017,
fashion
which was covered with 5-centavo coins and
weighed approximately more than 16 kilograms.

Macasinag also showcased his works through

academy
yearly exhibits in PHSA and other art fairs such as
Stilo Artefino where he introduced his Sunburst
Bayongs.

“I want to improve first (concept and technique-

wise) and go out, see, and absorb whatever else
the universe has to offer. Apart from establishing
my own fashion house, I want to set up a firm that
specializes in developing and enhancing the crafts
and traditions we already have in the country,
MSJO
which is inclusive to and supportive of various
artisanal groups and indigenous communities. I
haven’t concretely mapped it out yet, but I also
bags 1st
pl ace at
want the establishment to be a center for research,
like an educational center for Philippine design,
crafts, and the arts—something hopefully relevant
and helpful for Filipino artists, designers, and
creatives.” said Macasinag regarding his plans.
The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) succeeded in procuring “1st Place
with Outstanding Success” in the prestigious Summa Cum Laude Youth Festival.

The orchestra was under the baton of Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA)
alumnus and conductor Jeffrey Solares. The festival took place on July 8 and is
held annually at the Musikverein, a hall famed for its golden interior and near-perfect
acoustics. The MSJO performed their 30-minute repertoire from memory, consisting of
Mozart’s Divertimento in D Major, Dvorak’s Scherzo from Serenade for Strings, Alcala’s
Dayo Dayo Kupita, Florante’s Handog and Castillon’s Kruhay.The youth orchestra,
formed only three years prior, was treated to a round of raucous applause afterwards.
Panellist Christoph Ehrenfeller praised their warm tones and wave-like movements on
stage.

“Austria is a landlocked country,” he said. “What we envy the most about your country is
the sea, but today, you have brought the sea and the warmth of your hometown to us.”
Although tied for 1st place with the Jerusalem Hassadna String Orchestra, MSJO
couldn’t have been happier with the results – a much-deserved reward after seven
 Nadera beside his award-winning work in Tokyo. Photo from Gerry Leonardo.

SHS
student Philippine High School for the Arts’ Grade
12 student, Wika P. Nadera, nabs awards

wins
at the International Foundation for Arts and
Culture (IFAC) Painting Competition for the
High School Level. He flew to Tokyo, Japan
for the awarding ceremony, Aug. 7-10. The

AT I O N A L
mechanics state that all high school level
Filipino artists were welcome to join, and the
winner would be brought to Japan for the
awarding.

Nadera’s creation tops among the five

painting submissions. He received a certificate and

a medal on the second day of the trip. “It
was a great experience,” he says. “Pero ang

tilt
pinakamagandang experience ay nung na-
cancel flight namin.” Nadera narrates how he
and Gerry Leonardo, his adult supervisor for
the trip and Visual Arts teacher, had to look for
a hotel near the airport.

Bianca Ysabel Rabe Their flight home got cancelled due to ill
weather. “The flight kasi, it’s the exact same
Micah Pecson

time, but the day after… It gave us the time to

recap the whole experience. “[Pero yung
pinakamaganda talaga] in my experiences
sa Japan, [was being] able to recognize
hownatural and unique Filipino Identity is.
Kung makakapunta ka sa ibang bansa, it’s just
like how Jose Rizal loved the Philippines more

int'l
when he was out of the country. Something
to that extent. Being able to recognize and
identify that is the most beautiful thing for me
in Japan.”

festival IFAC is a non-profit organization established

for the promotion of social welfare activities
months’ worth of intense preparation. “Na-feel ko na lahat ng paghihirap natin, nag- through arts-related events founded in 1996.
pay off nung sinabi na panalo tayo,” said EJ Villarin, one of MSJO’s first violinists.
“Lahat ng practice, lahat nung 6 to 8 hours na nagamit nung summer, worth it
talaga.”

When asked about what he felt during the announcement, Julian Bernal added
“Super saya po, pero parang I expected it na, considering we were the last group
to perform for the day, so I know we left an impact. Plus, the judges’ comments
afterwards were so nice that I thought it’d be impossible for us to get anything else
but first.”

Out of the 47 musicians, six are currently studying at PHSA, namely EJ Villarin (Grade
9), Julian Bernal (Grade 10), Luigi Torres and Gabe Domagas (Grade 11), and Micah
Pecson and Ian Mora (Grade 12). Additionally, three are alumni – Angel Esteban and
Alain de Asis (Batch FeliZaro, 2018) and Maestro Jeffrey Solares (Batch Santiago,
1990).
In preparation for recital and exhibit season of every year, the
WRAP UP
Ibarang shed blood, sweat, and tears to create a production that
they grow along with as well. This year's events were no exception
Grade 10 Arts Festival
and undoubtedly exceeded expectations.

VISUAL ARTS
Pintados prepared Alay, an exhibit held at the Sining Makiling
Gallery in Los Baños on May 14 featuring the artworks of grades
7-10 students from this school year. These showcased a variety of
pieces, ranging from paintings to sculptures to installation art. The
students featured were Amara Averion, Rain Balane, Avril Cobrana,
Sherry Kagalingan, and Isagani Pinzon.

THEATER ARTS
This year, Dulaang Sipat Lawin staged QUAD, featuring grades
7-10 in Ang Santo Papa at ang Bruha and grade 10 in The Coffee
Shop Within the Play. These enthralling performances were first
showcased in CCP from March 29-31 and were then restaged in
the Bulwagang Sarimanok from April 3-4. The recitalists were Denyll
Almendras, Philip Catarus, Hyrschel Eya, and Faith Gayatao.

BALLET
Maquiling Ballet performed a haunting adaptation of the tragedy
Giselle, followed by contemporary pieces from Idi Ugma, which
takes us back to the origin of man. These were held in CCP on April
4 before being restaged in the Tanghalang Maria Makiling on April
9. The highlighted choreographers were Krislynne Buri, Jovit Diño,
Carlo Señeres, and Nicole Tangalin.

FOLK DANCE
Sanghiyas Pangkat Mananayaw staged Anayad: Dayog ng
Daluyong sa Kalinawan on May 2, in the Tanghalang Maria
Makiling. This production bridged various Filipino cultures
together using water and was choreographed by the grade 10
folk dance students and was performed to live music. Concept
and choreography were done by Julie Cuison, Jon Ferrer, Anna
Montallana, Diamond Paredes, Paul Peres, and Mars Quejada.

CREATIVE WRITING
Kuwit launced the first ever collection of grade 10 junior capstone
projects. Revolving around the theme of identity, the four exhibits
were Danielle Alexandra Castillo's "Notes to Souvenirs", Leila
Maligalig's "Rhapsodist", Margaret Mil's "Wraith", and Bianca
Dean Rabe's "Bakit Hindi Ka Tumawag?". These were launched
on May 8 at the school area.

MUSIC
The Musika Ibarang staged a series of recitals entitled Primera Vez,
featuring the grade 10 students—Julian Bernal, Faye Dinglasan,
Nikki Obmasca, Kaya Pabico, and Leanne Tavita— viola, piano,
bandurria, violin, and soprano, respectively. These performances
were showcased on May 5, 7, and 8.

Sophia Beatriz Reyes

HUDHUD
Grade 12 Arts Festival This year's graduating batch, Joya-Montano presents Hudhud:
WRAP UP Wake for Harvest, an arts festival of the concluding recitals, exhibits,
and launches exhibiting the artistic development of finishing
students.

Quoting a post from the batch’s Facebook page: "We have sown or
buried collections of six years worth of bounty; and it is now ready
to be reaped and exhumed."

THEATER
The thesis and final production of theater student James Lanante
as a high school student was titled "Pagsaringsing Ha Puy-anan."
He researched about the culture of his hometown and through
games, songs, dances, stories, and finds his own journey of self
discovery and finding home mirroring that of a tale of a hero. It was
performed on April 9 at the Bulwagang Sarimanok, the National Arts
Center Clubhouse.

DANCE
Chorography was the dance major's focus in their performances.
Students exhibit their skills in the performances they choreographed:
Teresa De Chaves's Gagambalo; Libulan by Ren-ar Alontaga
Padole; Gillianne Bearnaza's Sonder; Schadenfreude by James
Bryll Dumandan; Patricia Mae Perez's Siyap; Medium Locum
by Sophia Ailsa Maunahan; Ivan Boloron's Lin-Ay; Hinumdum
by Princess Stephanie D. Balido; and Lyssa D. Alarcon's Hilom.
Each had their own separate performances on separate dates in
the National Arts Center, but excerpts of each were brought to the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on April 11.

CREATIVE WRITING
Komiket Alamat Award winner Ma-I Entico's new comic My Name
Is Agung doubles as her final high school project. In Adam David's
words: "Entico weaves various narrative and conceptual thread
of Bagobo mytholgy, indigenous identity, cultural appropriation,
and the bloody legacy of landgrabbing and other efforts of forced
erasure of the ways of the lives of others." The book was launched
on May 8 at the Bulwagang Sarimanok.

VISUAL ARTS
The graduating visual artists held an exhibit named "Tagu-
tagpuan." A play on the game hide-and-seek, the exhibit is about
revealing what is hidden, and to "direct these student's personal
views into the societal stream." The four themes exhibited by the
students Tristan Guinid, Wika Nadera, Elaine Olaer, and Roberta
Santos opened in the Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco on May 23
and will be put up until June 30.

MUSIC
Named Mata Ne, a Japanese phrase that translates to "see you
again" or "see you soon," the performance is one of the final high
school recitals of musicians Ian Levi Mora and Jodeline Michaela
Pecson. It's a fitting title for the conclusion of the six-year stay of the
two students in PHSA. They say in a Facebook post: "Our stay atop
Mt. Makiling has come to an end, our musical journey -- wherever
else it may take us -- has only just begun." It was performed in the
CCP Little Theater on April 14 and in the National Arts Center on
April 28.

Daniel Ben
PHSA In commemoration of its 41st anniversary, the Philippine
High School for the Arts (PHSA) organized a three-day

celebrates 41
celebration dubbed Araw ng PHSA, at the National Arts
Center from September 7 to 9.

During the event, PHSA welcomed three jubilarian batches

years
Buencamino (‘83), Kasilag (‘88) and Dela Rama (‘93) as
well as paid tribute to National Artist Lucresia Kasilag on her
100th birthday.

Performances by the Sanghiyas Panagkat Mananayaw

(SPM), Maquiling Ballet (MB) and the senior high dance
students opened the event. The SPM staged a couple of
dances from the ethnic tribe of Maranao such as Pigapir
and Malong, which was followed by MB and senior high’s
contemporary dance. After the performances, a brief history
Ril Arguelles about the school was shared by the Director IV, Sir Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera Jr., as well as
Lucresia Kasilag’s background and accomplishments.

A talk about environment preservation was also held by one of the guest speakers, the Executive
Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Yeb Saño, informing the students of the current problems in
the environment like climate change worsening and its effects on wild life.

After Saño’s talk, a balagtasan regarding the same topic was presented by The Makatas, who also
concluded the first day’s activities. In their performance, they encouraged audience participation and
welcomed the students’ opinions.

The third day was head-started by Musika Ibarang’s (MI) performance, followed by a few dances
staged by guest dancers and SPM. On this day, the students were required to dress in traditional
costumes and the ones who stepped up their game like Blilah Mae Tony, who wore her authentic
ethnic dress from the B’laan Tribe were given the event’s special merchandise. The event was then
concluded by the students’ kite-flying activity with kites made by each batches’ visual artists.

Students of Philippine Highschool for the Arts celebrates Araw ng PHSA,

September 7,2018,National Arts Center. Photo from PHSA Archives
 Danielle Alexandra Castillo
—MAKILINC VI
Folk Dancers from the Philippine Highschool For the Arts performs their choreography at the
annual MAKILINC,February 16,2018. Photo from PHSA Archives

With February known as the Philippine’s National accompanied with their guitarist, Adolfo Timuat, who kami kasi gusto niyang i-apply naming yung real life
Arts Month, PHSA commemorates this event with played throughout the workshop and rehearsals. sa music.” said Juliana Silangcruz, Grade 9 Music
the sixth year of MAKILINC, an annual workshop for Major, on the knowledge they shared.
the students lead by local and international artists. “I really found it exciting how we’re learning this form
of Dance. Kumabaga, it draws this bridge from Ballet PHSA Visual Arts Alumnus Datu Arellano of Batch
For this year, MAKILINC introduced seven art forms to Tap Dancing, which made things easier for some ’98 expounded the impression of Shadowplay.
for students to experience: Flamenco, Mindanaoan of us. Having live music was also such a thrilling
Art, Basic Creative Writing, Balinese Theatre, Jazz, factor to add.” said Nikki Tangalin, Grade 10 Ballet “One of the most memorable lessons that I’ve
Musical Theatre, and Shadowplay. The said event Major, regarding the lessons. learned from Sir Datu was ‘The process is more
lasted from February 10 to 15. important than the product’. To me, that means that
For Visual Arts, Kublai Millan and Danilo Rayos Del the process is a layer where you have the freedom to
For the opening program, Prof. Efren Abueg, Gawad Sol introduced Mindanao Art. Most of the lessons make mistakes and make experiments that will affect
Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas Awardee, was revolved around sculpting and using cement as a your product.” said Air Salazar, Grade 7 Theatre Arts
invited as Guest of Honor. This also served as the material. Major, regarding Arellano’s lectures.
introduction of Guest Artists which was led by
Director VI Vim Nadera. “Natutunan namin na if you really put your mind into I. Nyoman Sedana, a Professor of Traditional Theatre
something, you can finish it at a much faster pace.” at the Indonesian Arts Institute Denpasar in Bali,
Tim Tomlinson, the co-founder of New York Writers said Fred Espiña, Grade 9 Visual Arts Major, on the enlightened the students with Balinese Art.
Workshop lead the Basic Creative Writing workshop. process of their products.
Tomlinson is also the co-author of The Portable MFA “Memorable siya in general kasi each meeting po
in Creative Writing. PHSA Music Major Alumnus Greg Zuniega of Batch namin, hindi kami nabo-bored and at the same
’83 initiated the workshop for Musical Theatre. time, natutuwa kami sa ginagawa namin.” said Jerl
“He talked about how there are four aspects or four Quejada, Grade 9 Folk Dance Major, on the activites.
persons within a writer that we should all have and I “Para sa akin, memorable sa akin yung nakumpleto
think what I like the most is that he encouraged us na namin yung dalawang songs and yung fact lang Finally, the three-day workshop also produced
to cultivate the fool as he said that, which means na some of us are non-performers or non-musicians performances that were presented in the Los Baños
he told us not to overthink too much. I think that’s ay nagawa parin naming mabuo yung two songs.” Munipical Hall. Amelia Lapeña-Bonfacio, National
relevant as very stressed students.” said Margaret said Lizzie Estrada, Grade 9 Music Major, regarding Artist for Theatre, was invited as Guest of Honor to
Mil, Grade 10 Creative Writing major, regarding the the participators of Zuniega’s workshop. share her advice and background as an artist.
Creative Writing workshop.
Royal Hartigan from Blood Drum Spirit came back
Meanwhile, Guillermo Gomez, the acclaimed with a companion, Rick Countryman, and headed
Father of Spanish Flamenco Dance in the the Jazz Workshop.
Philippines, and his granddaughter, Ann Gomez, “Nagbigay siya ng inspirational na story sa amin.
taught fundamentals of Flamenco. They were also Every na kuwento niya sa amin, may napupulot
 Ezra Estrañero
Ibarang
exhibits
works in
Salangian:
Sulasapo
——

Kristen Sison, a Grade 9 Visual Arts student, was selected as one of the exhibitors
for Salangian, a Kapampangan exhibit at Clark Museum, Pampanga.

The exhibit opened on August 3. Sison, who is proudly Kapampangan, was one of
the youngest exhibitors being only 15.

“I was lucky to be selected and it is such a privilege to bring and share my talent at
home.” stated Sison.

Salangian, meaning “to light” or “ignite,” is a community of Kapampangan artists

who hold exhibits yearly to promote local art and environmental rehabilitation in
Pampanga.

There are three exhibits under Salangian: Salangian, Salangian II and Salangian
III. Sison was chosen to be a
part of Salangian III; Sulasapo to
inspire the younger generations
of Pampanga to take part and
be active on the issues that
surround them through art.

——
Sison alongside fellow exhbitors in "Sulasapo." Photo from Kristen Sison.
"—continue to
grow as a person The Ibarang representatives bagged a lot of awards in this year's

and as an artist." National Music Competitions for Youth Artists (NAMCYA) finals.

In the strings category, three violinists placed, with Emmanuel John

Villarin winning second, Ian Mora third, and Luigi Torres earning an
honorable mention. In the voice category, Daniela Silab placed
second and Lizzie Estrada also got an honorable mention. Andrea
Versoza won third place in the piano category.

According to Lizzie Estrada, no one was really expecting to win

Musika anything. "'Di ko siya tinreat as super competition na competition,

kasi I was trying to enjoy it muna; kasi kumbaga, I mean I'm just
starting pa lang. I'm not saying naman na hindi goal ang manalo o

Ibarang
matalo pero same pa rin naman. Kung matalo, learn your lesson, at
kung manalo, continue to grow as a person and as an artist."

The competition was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines

places in (CCP) from November 20-22.

NAMCYA Sophia Beatriz Reyes

Traveling all the way from Los Baños, students of Philippine High School for the
Buwan Lila Sayajon

Arts' (PHSA) performed their works at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
on Apr. 5.

The students in the Music and Folk Dance fields helped begin the opening
ceremony for Performatura Festival 2019, an event directed by PHSA's Director
IV, Dr. Vim Nadera Jr., and a contemporary piece performed by the Senior High
Dance majors further into the program. PHSA
Along with the Dance majors, the grade 7 and 8 Creative Writing students were
able to lead the segment of the festival dubbed, "Tanghal-Tanghalian" which
consisted of several literary performances from different groups and individuals,
students
as well as present their own performance titled "Hatinggabi."

The pieces that the students performed were in line for Performatura 2019's
contribute
theme, "Ang Mamatay ng Dahil Sa Iyo" which was described as "an attempt to
tackle the issue of changing the last line of Philippine National Anthem through
literature and performances. The theme also alludes to issues that are relevant and
to CCP's
being discussed in our society today."

The festival, as mentioned in the theme, mostly focuses and emphasizes on the
celebration
overlaps of literature or text and performance, and the title "Performatura" was
derived from two words—"performance" and "oral literature." for literature
The open-to-the-public festival spanned for three days, from Apr. 5 to Apr. 7,
and featured various art talks, art exhibits, slam poetry contests, and other similar
performances.
and
performance
 Airdance
defies
gravity
on NAC
stage
Airdance performs one of their signature pieces on stage at the National Art Center, August 28, 2018.
Photo from PHSA Archives

PHSA ALUMNA
WINS INT’L SWAG
OF SETKÁNÍ/

"—but I hope that there would be

more people who would be engaged
with and learn from it then just
ENCOUNTER AWARD
Danielle Alexandra Castillo

A recent Theatre Arts Graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts was given
recognition for her performance in Oedipus in the SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER Theater
Festival in Brno, Czech Republic.

Alumna Uzziel Delamide was one of the representatives of Dulaang Filipino, the De La
Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) resident theater company. The ensemble was
recognized for award-winning production Oedipus of the Greek tragedy by Sophocles.

The 29th SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER Theater Festival is a gathering of selected theatre

artists from art institutions around the world. This year’s celebration gathered theatre
companies from countries such as Croatia, Germany, Russia, Poland, Czech, Latvia, and
the Philippines. congratulating.”
It was originally developed as a non-competitive event. However, the jury, which consists
of theatre experts in the performing arts and theatre education, acknowledged this year’s
performances.

The event lasted from April 4 to 6, and ended at the Janáček Academy of Music and
Performing Arts Brno (JAMU) in Brno, Czech Republic.
 The country’s contemporary dance and aerial arts pioneer company,
Airdance, wowed the students of the Philippine High School for the Arts
(PHSA) with a gravity-defying performance at the National Arts Center,
August 28.

The performance featured PHSA alumni Nikka Bola and Jennica Tavales,
as well as Airdance company members Rhosam Prudenciado, Ian Tiba,
Leila Maligalig Justine Diolazo, Joshua Bajado, Marvin Peralta, Rhojani Nasaid, Nicole
Primero, Anjz Baracay and Carlos Deriada, who received standing
ovations for their signature aerial stunts.
Airdance also facilitated contemporary dance and aerial silk classes to
folk dance, ballet, theather and senior high dance major on August 27.

“For me, fulfilling siya kasi minsan lang magkaroon ng ganoong class,”
shared grade 10 folk dance major Jon Ferrer. “Ibang-iba ang style nila sa
pagtuturo ng contempory [dance] sa Makiling.”

The classes and performances were offered as part of Airdance’s 17th

anniversary program.

Creative writing teacher

places first in poetry
competition Sidney Lampayan
Creative Writing teacher, Rae Rival-Cosico talks to one of the staff member of PHSA about the works

Rae Rival-Cosico received continental fame when she claimed first place in an Asian-
wide poetry competition, Auditory Context.

The competition ran from October 25, 2017 to February 28, 2018, and the results were
announced on April 22. ‘Cha: An Asian Literary Journal,’ Hong-Kong based, English-
language online literary journal, hosted the competition. Tammy Lai-Ming Ho, co-editor
of Cha and Vice President of PEN Hong Kong, and LianHee Wee, Cha contributor,
Phonologist and Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, served as the judge.
that are being sold. Photo from PHSA Archives

“It was different from the other poetry competitions, because you had to send a clip of
you reading it out loud,” Rival-Cosico stated. “I didn’t expect to win, but it was a pleasant
surprise.”

Her winning poem, entitled Tiempo Muerto, made references to agriculture, rural life
and the poor of the economy. There was a HK$500 for first place, and all winning
poems received publication in a special part of Issue 39 of Cha, released during April.

“I am really happy that people liked and got to read it, but I hope that there would be
more people who would be engaged with and learn from it then just congratulating.”
She added.
 Alyssa Garcia,15,voice major from the Philippine Highschool for the Arts
represents in the annual 11th Ani ng Dangal,February 27, 2019.
Photo from PHSA Archives

Voice Major
receives award
from NCCA
Alyssa Garcia, a Grade 9 Music – Voice Major, brought home the “Ani ng Dangal” or
“Harvest of Honors” state recognition given by the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts annually.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Diamond Hotel on February 27.

Ani ng Dangal is given in recognition of Filipino Artists who have reaped top honors
in international events. Garcia won 1st place in the Junior Secondary Category of the
Singapore Lyric Opera ASEAN Vocal Competition in Singapore which lead her to
receive the said award.

Garcia mentioned that Arjay Viray, the Music Coordinator of PHSA, told her to email the
win so that they can recognize her as an awardee along with other Filipino artists.

“The thing I found particularly rewarding about this award was the realization I had that
I didn’t have to hone my talent the way other people saw it. Like I finally realized that all
I needed to do was focus on myself and progress the way I need to progress and not
rush. I realized that every person has their own moment, their own time in the spotlight.”
said Garcia regarding her win.

Danielle Alexandra Castillo

 Danielle Alexandra Castillo

Juliana Silangcruz (Grade 9) and Andrea Versoza (Grade 11) won awards at the
Romantic and Kasilag Competition held at the Manila Symphony Orchestra Academy
Hall, Circuit Makati, April 7.

The said event commenced in honor of Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist for
Music, pianist, pedagogue, and co-founder of the Piano Teachers’ Guild of the
Philippines, to feature five of her piano works. The elimination round was held on March
31, at St. Paul University, Manila.

Out of ten competitors, Silangruz won Honorable Mention while Versoza bagged 2nd
prize along with the “Best in Contest Piece” recognition. Silangruz mentioned that their
teachers from the Piano Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines informed them regarding
their win.

“Happy and contented po sobra kasi we were always reminded po na having the
courage to join that competition really showed how of a winner we are kasi nga po very
challenging daw for our age yung comp ngayong year.” said Silangruz regarding her
experiences in the competition.

Musika Ibarang
Representatives
win “Romantic and
Kasilag”

Juliana Silangcruz,15, together with Andrea

Versoza both piano majors from the Philippine
Highschool for the Arts wins at the Piano Teacher's
Guild Foundation of the Philippines. Photo from
the Piano Teacher's Guild of the Philippines
Foundation, Inc.
 PHSA starts
school year
in August For S.Y. 2018-2019, the Philippine High School for the Arts shifted the
school calendar and started the school year on August 1.

Through the calendar shift, the school administration aimed to

Danielle Alexandra Castillo enhance an operational manual to guide management processes and
procedures that will harness creativity of the school community. It was
also to develop awareness of the environment and social advocacies.

The change was also in lieu of the infrastructural development and

upgrading the school’s facilities. It is also the give way in the finishing of
the PHSA Campus In Bay, Laguna.

“The shift helped in a sense that there is more time to rest before the
school year starts and it provides more time to set your mind. However,
it is also hectic because some events that we usually join are scheduled
from June to July and that makes it hard for us to participate.” said Bea
Rabe, a grade 10 student.

S.Y.
Ril Arguelles

Philippine High School for the Arts presents two new buses, Los Baños,
New Buses
arrive—
Laguna, May 17. Photo by Lei Ortega.

Due to the increasing number of students, the lack of transport vehicles became problematic for the students.

This is why the Philippine High School for the Arts added two new buses to aid their transportation services.

Known as the “baby bus,” the new small bus is a 29-seater vehicle with two extra jumpseats. According to Mr. Alvin G. Miclat,
Administrative Officer 4, the small bus is also equipped with an air conditioner, TV and TV plus.

The big bus, on the other hand, can accommodate 60 people at most. Its special features include an air conditioner, TV
and USB microphones.

The new big bus was requested by the school’s administratiovn whereas the new small bus was requested through
congressional initiative with the help of Senator Loren B. Legarda, as said by Miclat.

Lastly, Miclat also mentioned the arrival of more buses on the first week of October. The number and specifications,
however, have not been determined yet.
Visual Arts from the Phlippine Highschool for the
Arts, represents and manages the PHSA booth at
the AGORA festival, SM Mall of Asia.

Genelyn Forcadas

Visual Arts
students
promote
PHSA In promotion of their works and the school, Grade 7 to 10 students of

through
the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) participated in “AGORA:
Crossroads of Creative Culture and the Arts.”

AGORA was held at the SM Mall of Asia from August 13 to 15. The

“AGORA” National Commission for Culture and the Arts organized the event.

The event focused on the gathering of artists and art appreciation.

The artists from the event varied from performance artists, musicians,
writers and visual artists.

The PHSA students were given the opportunity to share their art
through performances and exhibits. The Visual Arts students promoted
themselves on the second day of the event through a mini-exhibit in
their booth.

“We were able to show our talents and we also had fun watching the
other artists’ performances,” said Jandiv Gutierrez, a visual arts student.

Marc Cosico, an artist and special education teacher from the school,
helped in promoting PHSA by talking about the school curriculum
supplemented by a promotional video. A grade 8 Visual Arts student,
Miguel Alcala also presented and talked about one of his artworks in
front.
———
 Illustration by Luce Melegrito.

Ever since they started making episodes for Cartoon Kingdom,

Network in April 5, 2010, Adventure Time, a show but a song
created by Pendleton Ward and is produced by BMO made
Cartoon Network and Federator Studios has for Jake will
taken viewers—young and old—on unforgettable save the
memories and adventures through the Land of Ooo. Kingdom
because of
With swashbuckling brawls with candy zombies, harmony.
exploring the land or just plain brother-time bonding,
there’s always a valuable lesson about friendship,
love and teamwork in very episode, which is why it Surprisingly, in the last part of the episode, Princess
isn’t surprising for avid fans of the show, to react to its Bubblegum and Marceline, end up kissing each
ending last September 3, 2018, Monday. other, which shook the LGBTQIA+ community, for it
is rarely found in cartoons, especially kids’ cartoons.
The staff behind the show said that ‘Adventure Time “It’s so sad. Adventure Time is great and I hope that
had been and unexpected trailblazer’ ,and even many people will still remember the cartoon even
Pendleton Ward, who left his job 2 years ago, wasn’t if it ends.” Reign Amaterdam, a fellow Ibarang says
expecting this, leaving the big success in Cartoon according to an interview conducted before the
Network’s care. “It was a creative and unique show,” show officially ended. “ It’s not just the graphics or the
says a former Cartoon Network staff. “It was a risk. storyboard that makes Adventure Time unique, but
People at the network were scratching their heads.” the lessons it teaches its viewers along the way Zoe
Cartoon Network never knew quite how to handle Carmona shares how AT was part of her childhood,
how to handle the success, adding up to the fact that “Adventure Time was a big part of my life because I
the show was really meant for ages below 2 years always watched it back then and I use to write short
old, and since the audience span grew, it was hard for stories inspired by it , which fuels my imagination a
them to stick to the original plan. lot.”,

The tenth and final season of Adventure Time, “Come Although the show did end for valid reasons, the
Along with Me”, a four-part episode, tells about a war names Finn and Jake will always have a special
that broke out between Princess Bubblegum and his place in a person’s childhood because of the many
so-called Uncle, Gumbald, where they fight over who lessons, adventures and challenges it took us to,
is the rightful ruler of the Candy Kingdom. especially exploring around the magical Land of Ooo.

In one of the parts, Golb, a big red creature

and that is said to be an ‘omen of chaos’,
descends from the sky covering the Land
The Last Hour:
of Ooo with darkness and that officially
starts the war between the two sides. Finn,
Jake, Princess Bubblegum, Marceline,
Adventure Time
LPS, Fern and other characters join
forces to retrieve the throne for the Candy
and the final episode
Ariana Abad
 Daniel Ben

Photo grabbed from Google.

For the first time in the history of Filipino television,

The First
Filipino Anime
a completely animated filipino-based show will be
lighting up TV screens. This show is Barangay 143,
a basketball anime produced by Quezon City based
animation studio ASI Studios.

The plot will follow Bren Park, a Korean basketball TV Asahi, a producer in shows like Yuri on Ice,
player who rejected the game of basketball after Slam Dunk, and Sailor Moon is also involved with
tragedy hits his family. He goes to the Philippines in Barangay 143 as they handle character design and
search of his father, ends up in Tondo, Manila, where the direction of the show.
he not only finds himself, but his love for the game of
Basketball as well. Voice Acting for the show will be done by an all-star
Filipino celebrity cast. Migo Adecer will voice Bren
"It's a story of human drama. It's the coming of age of Park, while Ruru Madrid, Julie Anne San Jose, Kelley
a young basketball hopeful but it takes you through Day, John Arcilla, Cherie Gil, Paolo Contis, Raver Eda,
the trials and tribulations of everything that's very, very and Sylvia Sanchez will be voicing other characters.
Filipino," Jyotirmoy Saha of August Media said in an
interview with CNN. Barangay 143 is set for an October premiere on GMA
7. It will be running for 26 episodes, according to
ASI Studios, responsible for the animation of the show, CNN.
is a joint venture between Manila-based Synergy88
Group and a Singapore-based studio August Media. “Right from the onset we were determined develop
The two companies have previously worked together the show right here so that it captures the essence of
in the second season of Nickelodeon show “George life in Manila. I am immensely proud of what we have
of the Jungle.” finally created in Barangay 143,” Jyotirmoy Saha said
in an article by Inquirer Bandera.

A tie-in mobile game free for download is also

available on Android and Apple which serves as the
prequel to the show. It’ll follow Wax, a son of a former
basketball legend as he proves he is not all but his
father’s shadow as he goes through training of the
four basketball masters of Barangay 143.
 Illustration by Tristan Guinid.

Felicity Wenceslao
Virgin LabFest (VLF) is a festival
Silip:
Eye-opening
true to its motto: “untried,
untested, and unstaged one-
act plays.” Hosted annually
by the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP), this year’s
collection of virgin plays are
powerful, interesting, and
engages the audience to
think.
Narratives and
From its banner, Silip, Chris B.
Milado, the artistic director of
CCP says, “Let us all savor this
Portrayals yung play. Ganoon rin
year’s roster of plays bannered yung mga characters na
under the label Silip – to take naroon. I felt that I had to
a peek.” The plays staged are treat it with care because
to empower its audiences to I'm portraying a character
take a “powerful peek” into a larger Philippine society. “She’s a very strong character. Sinbukan niyang that's close to my age —
iwan yung childhood niya for her siblings." It was very but I haven't lived that life,” admits Santos. “I dont like
Abigail Ravalo and Tomas Santos, Theater Arts hard portraying her because in our family, I’m the stereotyping people kasi. I tried to put myself in their
students of the Philippine High School for the Arts, youngest. I couldn’t imagine the hardships she had to shoes, what it would be like. I wanted to counter
step onstage for the 14th season of VLF. go through to watch over her siblings. how the people saw a kid from Tondo.”

Ravalo is Young Maria in “Dolorosa”. Directed by Chic In “Mga Bata sa Selda 43” is Tomas Santos, who Other alumni were also in this year’s VLF. Acey
San Agustin and written by Peter Mayshle, the play portrayed Philip. Written by Rolin Migyuel Obina, Aguilar, Batch Kiukok-Gonzales, acts in “Tulad
depicts a family’s prized heirloom and one of a kind Santos depicts a 13-year old Tondo street child ng Dati”. Batch Alcuaz-Avellana’s Rafael Tibayan
wooden statue of Mater Dolorosa. “It’s such an honor stuck in a cell with his little brother. This play takes also stars in “Ang mga Bata sa Selda 43”, as well
to be able to act in VLF at such a young age,” says the its audience on a thoughtful and narrowing ride to as “Labor Room” actress Skyxz Labastilla of Batch
eighth grader. “Since there were a lot of people who explore and exploit Duterte’s drug war from a child’s Villa-Celerio.
auditioned, I felt very pressured.” point of view.
“Dolorosa” and “Mga Bata sa Selda 43” were plays
Young Maria, according to Ravalo, was forced to “The play starts out as a comedy, and then it hits you,” that questioned Filipino culture and challenged the
become the maternal image among the sisters. the director of the play, Ian Segarra, alumnus of Batch government’s agendas. The revolutionary step to
Urtula-Nakpil, states. speaking up and hearing the noise initiated by the
stage indeed opens up our eyes.
On being able to portray a character in a play that
delves in the socio-political platform, “Napapanahon
 There has always been an interest in reading books with pictures---especially
for children. The children’s stories we’re familiar with often originate from
international publications. Stories such as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or
“The Little Prince” come from the west. What kind of children’s books does the
Philippines have? Here are some local children’s books you should read:

MAMA’S HOUSE, PAPA’S HOUSE

Story by Jeanette Patindol
Illustrations by Mark Salvatus

“A child recounts how he and his siblings live in their Mama’s house some
days, and in their Papa’s house during the other days. Told from the voice of a
child, this book reminds us that children who grow up with two parents in one
home are raised and loved no differently than those who have two homes.”

This book creatively and discreetly explains the situation of a child’s separated
parents through metaphors such as paints, trains, airplanes and most
importantly, their home. Not only does it tackle having a broken home but also
provides a glimpse of the parents’ explanation or reasoning as to why the child
has to live in two different houses.

EDSA
Story by Russell Molina
Illustrations by Sergio Bumatay III

“Different sights. Different experiences. What happened in the middle of

EDSA? How did the people come together? Let us remember one of the most
significant events in our history.”

If you were to explain a historical event such as the 1986

EDSA Revolution, this book explains it in an imaginative

pambata
detail. It also plays with counting numbers. Every page
shares something that happened during that time, using
numbers to build up or complete the story. Despite such
a heavy topic, EDSA seems to present the event in a child-

picturebooks
friendly manner.

ANG HIGANTE SA AMING BAHAY

Story by Rhandee Garlitos
Illustrations by Ferdinand Guevara
Danielle Alexandra Castillo
“Nanay, Ate, and Kuya are so busy. They say there is someone coming to the
house, so they are restless. What a surprise it was for me that it was a giant who
arrived! He was as tall as the electric posts and was as wide as a display shelf.
Who is he, anyway? Why is there a giant in our house?”

This book tackles the family of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and explains
the child’s newness to an unfamiliar “figure” that arrived in their house. This is
used to teach a father’s love and most importantly, the plight of the OFWS.

SANDOSENANG SAPATOS
Story by Luis Gatmaitan
Illustrations by Beth Parrocha Doctolero

“The father of Karina and Susie is a shoemaker. But only Karina gets to wear
the shoes that he makes. ‘Sorry, Bunso, you will never know how it feels like to
wear the beautiful shoes our Tatay makes…’Karina whispers to her sister. Why
doesn’t their father make shoes for Susie?”

This talks about the difficult situation of a child with disability. The main
character, Susie, is a shoe maker’s daughter. She is born without feet but
despite this, she is still growing up to be happy and loved by her family. This
provides a space to talk about individual differences.

ARAW SA PALENGKE
Story by May Tobias-Papa
Illustrations by Isabel Roxas

“I’m coming with Nanay! We’re going to the market. What would we see there?
Who would I meet? Come, join us! Today is market day!”

This provides a fun and light introduction to a child visiting the market with her
parent, exploring the sights and sounds of the busy place. It also explores the
everyday encounters in the market, allowing the child to see the excitement
and bustle of a place full of variety.
 Spoken Word
to Bridge the World
Ma-I Entico

she understood what each piece held, and held this

Imagine. First, you wake up to the sound of your alarm Everything only slowed down when Bea Rabe
experience close to her heart. Slowly overcoming her
clock, and the wish to sleep further, only to be woken witnessed a full spoken word piece in Bahasa, with
fear of not being understood, she has been inspired to
up by your excitement. You get your things ready and the performer being permitted to speak in his native
create more pieces in Ilokano. As she puts it: “when I’ve
rush on over to the airport to catch your flight. You hear language because, as the host put it, “if you look to
witnessed these poets deliver their pieces, I realized
the whoosh of the airplane, and before you know it, your left and to your right, they know and understand
that there is beauty in not knowing.”
you’re in a different city. Bahasa”.
Meanwhile, after performing her Today This Poem
Four girls hailing from the Philippine High School for “I’ve never felt the distance of our country from the
spoken word piece for a competition, Leila Maligalig
the Arts together with a handful of other delegates fellow ASEAN members. We find ourselves strangers in
navigated her way around streets and people –
experienced this rush of events last October to Asia, and our tongues are testaments to that.” She says.
occasionally getting lost in the many twists and turns of
represent the Philippines in the Lit Up Asia-Pacific
each street and heart. Leila may have been in a foreign
Festival. Indeed, the difference between each culture from each
country, but she definitely felt at home. And she owes
country showed. But one thing was apparent – and
this cozy feeling to literature. Being a young poet with
Fresh from the airport, the poets Bea Rabe, Danielle that was that each culture had a melting pot for culture
fellow writers definitely made the space they were in, a
Alexandra Castillo, Meg Mil, and Leila Maligalig, forever brewing and stirring up new life, with the blend
safe space to share insights and learn from people from
headed off towards the Aliwal Arts Centre to catch the only becoming thicker with the rise of globalization.
different walks of life – young or old, writer or dancer.
evening welcome reception. There, they watched the “The influence of the west was clear in the rhythms and
performances of the Teater Kini Bersei – a Balinese movement.” Meg Mil summarizes.
The future may be uncertain to most, but for these
mime company – and Balinese dance Dr. I. Nyoman
girls, they see a future both experimenting with and
Sedana. From the festival, each girl took their own insights and
expanding the spoken word genre, and travelling the
fuel to make more works of literature, the near future
world to reach out to more people. With their works,
The next following days for them would be a montage only becoming clearer to them. Amid the finger snaps
they aim to engage more people and share with them
of performances and social gatherings. Slam poetry, and cheers, Danielle Alexandra Castillo found herself
what they hope to be the link to understanding people
theatre, talking to people of different cultures – a mix of afloat, drifting along the different languages of the
across nations. Although they are still young, they
emotion and information flowing on top of the other in poems, tasting the bitter-sweetness of the sentiments it
already bear the promise of bridging worlds, both in and
quick succession. carried. Despite not knowing the words to every piece,
out of the Philippines.

Photo from Bianca Ysabel Rabe

James Lanante

The Beauty of
Not Knowing:
an unplanned
expedition at
Mt. Ulap
One thing was for sure: if I chose not to go, I would heavily
regret it. My body was literally failing me. I wasn’t ready yet
for an adventure. But a recurring thought kept me going,
something I had the misfortune of not knowing it yet.

4:00 am. We went out of the van, embraced by the 5°C

cold early morning air of Itogon, Benguet. I can hardly see
the silhouette of the mountain range, but it is clear to me

Photos from James Lanante

how this is one heck of a challenge. It was drizzling that
morning so we had to be careful in every step of the way.

It was a chicken intestine the trail up the first peak. We were

expecting flashlights to guide us along the way, but even
the woods won’t give you enough sign that you have
already walked at least ten meters every ten minutes. The
darkness of the morning leaves you no assurance of where
you’re going, but I’m happy I am not afraid of the dark.

5:00 am. The orange sky glistened through the woods.

It seemed like the light was peeping through the leaves of
the trees. I had no sleep when we traveled to the light was
hurting my eyes the moment the sun revealed itself from that. I didn’t care. I know I had to release all the delight as I
hiding behind the mountain ranges across Mt. Ulap. We 8:00 am. The rest was a steep struggle. We were walking take in the view.
stopped by a rock formation. One by one, all of us hikers on high cliffs and rocky hills. One wrong move and you’d
went on top to take a picture. get a wound on your legs. I was alone again. I don’t know, I stayed there for 30 minutes, waiting for my other
maybe my grandmother and my aunt weren’t an ideal companions to reach the peak. I thought, “Maybe I could
Guess who made himself a Greek statue the moment he companion on this journey. Slowly but surely I checked write a song right now...” or “Can I build a tent right here and
was the one to be taken a picture? on every step I take because I got dizzy tracking without stay for the night on my own, thinking about my future?” or
my shades on (my grandmother borrowed mine before “How was the guy I bumped by earlier?”. Whatever comes
6:00 am. We were halfway reaching the first peak reaching the second peak). Got me a minute or two before to my head. I was happy I was just feeding my pastime with
(there were three peaks) when I noticed I was walking I realized I was already on top of the second peak. random thoughts.
all alone. I left the guide, my grandmother, my aunt and
our other companions about almost a kilometer behind 9:00 am. You could imagine by this time I’m already I missed this feeling of getting your mind full of random
me. Everything seemed to me as if I wanted the whole exhausted. God help me, it’s been five hours since we stories, the feeling of emptying your bag and telling a story
experience to myself. started climbing up the mountain! Five years of up-and- on your own, the feeling of just imagining you have a
down Mt. Makiling is no training ground for this. I was partner and sharing this instant with that person together
Along the way, I felt like I was a child again. Suddenly, I was drastically catching my breath, every step felt like an almost with the love you both share, the feeling of being alone
already a thousand meters above sea level. The sun was 80° climb from one foot to another. I tried resting, sitting on a but happy and satisfied with the bliss you are currently at. I
smiling down on me as I looked at the vast Cordilleras. rock, checking my phone but to no avail. never thought this journey would lead me to making myself
hollow and light. It was a perfect recognition day gift for me.
7:00 am. I was happy there was a steady 3G signal right My phone battery died. The exact moment where I was
where another rock formation was. I took all the time to add about to get to the last peak did it die. It left me talking to It was clear to me as I stepped down the trail, climbing down
in my IG story the numerous silhouettes of animals formed myself for 50 minutes, walking alone. The whole time, my the mountain how unlucky I would have been if I never
by the rocks. It took us almost an hour waiting for our turn to head was filled with “Um… what?” — went. It was the beauty of discovering the natural elegance
get captured due to the many, many hikers we came across and wonder unfolding in front of you when you realize its
upon reaching the rock formations. I stumbled across a guy 10:00 am. The heat was crowning me. “I am the king of experiential how you explain the reason why you went
my age. I wasn’t sure how but I could remember smiling the world!” is what I kept saying inside my head. But my there instead of thinking about it ahead of time, thus you
back at him when I noticed we were wearing the same shirt overwhelmed smile and excited fidgeting got the other miss the feeling of awe as you indulge in the moment.
and same maroon jacket. tourists looking at me, curious as to why that boy is doing
As our beloved Director IV, Dr. Victor Emmanuel beautiful, true, and good citizens.
Carmelo D. Nadera Jr. ends his term, It bloomed and blossomed into activities like
VARIATIONS sat down with him to talk about May you share instances where you were Ibarang Kolab wherein alumni offered workshops
a few things he found memorable about the challenged to adapting to Ibarang culture? for free. Among them are Ava Villanueva-Ong
school to acknowledge his services. Here, he Were there difficulties in managing the school or (Dance), Widmarth Lodriga (Visual Arts), Rosabelle
shares his experiences with the students, staff, students? Pangilinan-Lodriga (Visual Arts), Delphine
and Mt. Makiling after spending 6 years in PHSA. Buencamino (Theater), Jerom Canlas (Theater),
Too many to mention. Cyril Fallar (Dance), Philip Joseph Rocamora
At the end of the day, my takeaway is that I have to (Dance), Dan Nikkoli Soria (Dance), Dianne Torres
What motivated you to push through with this stick to the aforementioned motto. While promoting (Creative Writing), JB Casacop (Media Arts),
job as PHSA’s school director? Was there a story excellence, I have to instill our love of God and Adjani Arumpac (Media Arts), Lorraine Datuin (Arts
or way that made you apply for the job? country. Management), Greg Zuniega (Music), and Atty. Sim
In the end, every PHSA student has to be holistically Zuniega (Music) who is also the very supportive
The truth is, I didn’t apply for the job. I was actually trained in the their respective disciplines to become PHSA Ibarang Alumni Association president.
one of the members of the PHSA Advisory Council magaling, taught through the general education
representing the field of Creative Writing when to become matalino, and treasured with values to However, in 2018, when we opened our school in
there was a call for the new Director IV in 2013. become matino. August. We began celebrating Araw ng PHSA on 7
Twice or thrice we failed to select. Then, one day, If, in the beginning, PHSA would like to look back September. Why? Because it was on 7 September
when I came late for the said meeting, I think it to the past with its katutubo perspective, now it is 1990 when Executive Order 420 regularizing PHSA
was the former Cultural Center of the Philippines turning its head ahead, moving forward, to become was signed by Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.
president, Dr. Raul Sunico, who said: “Si Vim na a more dynamic institution constantly producing
lang kaya…” The next thing I know was I being graduates who are glocal — thinking globally and
bombarded with questions and clarifications. And acting locally. What did you learn from the Ibarangs? What was
the rest, so they say, is hysteria. This time, PHSA is geared towards giving birth to a something that made you enjoy and appreciate
generation of glokat, or global katutubo! the students?
What were your goals / plans / dreams for the
school as you entered as the Director VI? But, I think, during my term, I experienced the worst We celebrate the National Arts Month through
trial PHSA ever had. It was when we had power the annual Makiling Inter-Cultural Arts Festival
The chant I thought for PHSA is PHSAKO and then crisis for nine long months in 2014. (MAKILINC) at the National Arts Center (NAC)
the response would be Magaling, Matino, Matalino. for six years. Initially, MAKILINC is meant only for
PHSA students to experience alternative classroom
Yes, each Iskolar ng Bayan para sa Sining is On the other hand, what made you enjoy your learning through “mini-masterclasses” in Creative
expected to pass the Annual Nationwide Search job? Maybe something memorable to share Writing or Dance or Music or Theater or Visual Arts.
for Young Arts Scholar (ANSYAS). I know that for a about the environment, students, staff, visitors, Eventually, MAKILINC has evolved into PHSA’s
fact since I started as an Audition Master for Creative or events? advocacy of preserving the intangible heritage like
Writing. He or she can write, dance, sing or play balagtasan (2014) or pangalay (2015) or kundiman
an instrument, act or direct, and draw or paint or For instance, when I stayed in my room overnight (2016) or butoh (2017) or silambam (2018) as
make art. So, he or she must be magaling. But, as a during my first few days in the school, some well as popularizing experimental, emerging and
student, he or she must be good in basic education. employees realized that I had no food. They emergent, forms like conceptual, installation,
So, he or she must be matalino. However, he or she gathered together all their baon and delivered them performance art and the like.
is expected to be good or God-fearing as a well- to the guard who, eventually, delivered them to me.
rounded individual. Grabe. That’s why, I make it a point to give them I was able to invite great Filipino and foreign guest
pasalubong. Others would call me their Keychain artists for two reasons.
We aim to develop children who have THE King! During Christmas, it is extended to the kids
CREATIVE HEART OF THE MAGALING. It describes too. First, PHSA Makiling campus is one of the best
an Art Scholar who is an Art education values the kept secrets in Philippine tourism. It also qualifies
creation. Aside from making the learner aware of his Which events did you enjoy managing the most? as a important cultural property with structures
or her existence, it recognizes the need and wants May you also share why? (Example: MAKILINC? designed by no less than Leandro Locsin, our
to create something out of nothing. Whenever one Alumnayan? Etc.) National Artist for Architecture.
is learning -- by way of writing or dancing or singing All of them.
or acting or painting or inventing or researching Second, our students are great. They always amaze
-- he or she is given the break to assume a god- When I arrived in 2013, there’s no PHSA Foundation and amuse their teachers and more.
like position. Consequently, that chance helps Day whatsoever. And those are two of the reasons why I was able to
one to concentrate, to gain confidence, to get So, we declared June 11 the Araw ng PHSA. survive six years.
motivated, and to appreciate teamwork to work Historically, PHSA was established on 11 June
for the good of all. Next is THE DISCIPLINED MIND 1977. This was a year and two months after the
OF THE MATALINO. General education produces inauguration of the National Arts Center on 7 April
the critical mind. It cherishes the gift for academic 1976. Is there something you want to leave behind as
achievement. But it seeks to hone more than merely the school director? Perhaps a lesson or advice
cognitive skills. It focuses on integrated instruction. It We opened our doors to PHSA alumni in three to the students of the school?
improves attitude towards work. It encourages one parts. For the Inang Kalikasan, we had tree planting.
to become more productive. As a result, it increases For the Inang Bayan segment, we had “Meet and Aside from the aforementioned ones, I would like
the individual's ability to cope in a fast changing Greet” featuring the second PHSA batches from to add more.
world from enrolment to employment. Therefore, the 70s. In the past, invited notable PHSA alumni
intellectual, combined with emotional, support and shared their experiences as “batang iskolar sa The creation of PHSA Campus in Bay began during
guidance confirms the belief that such discipline sining” during the 80s with the incumbent roster my term. Sadly, I may not be able to see its opening.
can spur economic growth as well as promote of art scholars that include the kids of PHSA alum
democracy and stability. Lastly, THE ETHICAL Diwa de Leon. For the Inang Paaralan portion, both Actually, the construction of the school facilities and
SPIRIT OF THE MATINO. In general, education PHSA students and alumni prepared performances, dormitory for PHSA’s senior high school campus at
develops life skills. It balances the aforementioned art exhibits, film or video presentations, to name a Barangay Tranca, Bay, Laguna started in 2016. The
divisions. In effect, it creates the foundation. It forges few, in a big night also known as Ibarang Jam! full implementation of the Senior High school site
social bonds and community cohesion in and out development plan which includes construction
of the campus. It is more than just having faith in a In 2017, during our 40th anniversary celebration, work for the dormitory extension building is
Supreme Being. It is also concerned with family and we recognized our partners in individuals like Sen. expected to be finished by end of 2019. The Bay
future generations. It teaches truth, freedom, justice, Loren Legarda, Brillante Mendoza, and Dr. Elena campus serves as an extension of PHSA`s main
love. It promotes the common good. It cares for the Cortez as well as institutions such as SM Malls, Makiling campus. The school administration is
environment. It is all about social and emotional Association for Philippines-China Understanding firming up future plans for the construction of the
development, civic engagement, and equitable (APCU), and the Ashok Hall Group of School of PHSA Auditorium which will be used as a venue for
opportunity. It prepares everybody to be citizens – India, etc. major productions, recitals, graduations, and other
school functions and activities. This will make it

Director Vim Nadera

Danielle Alexandra Castillo
Hence, PHSA Davao is perfect to be center for
convenient and accessible for audiences to attend indigenous arts.
recitals and other activities of senior high students.
The auditorium shall host assemblies, lectures, For instance, the Maranao musicians can teach the
awarding ceremonies, plays, musical, theater and millennials, or vice versa, how to make MTVs of their
productions, concerts, competitions, to name a few. kulintang music as well as how to build a torogan
food park or design an okir tattoo beyond the
I dream of putting up Arte Parke, an art park typical sarimanok or naga motif.
complete with the said PHSA Auditorium with state-
of-the-art museum, library, and archive that could The adventures of Tuwaang, an epic from the
house the Arts and Cultural Studies Center that is a western districts of Mt. Apo, can be developed into
repository of a baybayin and other ancient scripts, a game or an application or an animation.
including the Laguna Copperplate.
Tausugs, or the "People of the Current,” can tell
Recently, PHSA initiates the move to forge a long-
their stories of unquestionable courage and bravery
term partnership with the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts. One of its proposal to have through dance-drama.
its entire faculty, both Basic Education and Arts,
undergo re-tooling by way of the Philippine Cultural And, perhaps, they can collaborate with the
Education Program. Eventually, these teachers will Maquiling Ballet who succeeded in showcasing
train other teachers — through TuroGuro. It is in the culture of the B’laan and called it B’llet!
the hope of having the PHSA Bay as a hub, at least
in Luzon, not just of cultural education but also of
teaching the arts as well as arts management.

With the help of Sen. Legarda, who has been

granting us our Wish Lists in the past, PHSA will
again try to break new grounds, literarily and literally,
by coming up with — publications and productions
from the different parts of the Philippines — that
could be the arts and cultural education centers in
Visayas and Mindanao.

PHSA Visayas
PHSA is proposing to have its first Visayan campus
in Antique.

Why?

Sen. Legarda who is now the Congresswomen,

is the main reason. She vowed to help us put up
PHSA in the regions. Now that she is representing
Region VI she is in the best position. More so, if she
will be considered to become the future Speaker of
the House. As a journalist, she earned the Gawad
CCP, Catholic Mass Media Hall of Fame, Kapisanan
ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Golden Dove
Award, Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) from
the Philippine Jaycees (1992), The Outstanding
Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) Award
(1995), and the Benigno Aquino Award for
Journalism (1995),among more than 30 awards.

In addition, Antique is home to media practitioners

like Lisa Macuja-Elizalde who also teaches ballet
at PHSA Makiling as well as to writers such as
Genevieve Asenjo, Alex de los Santos, John Iremil
Teodoro, among others. Media personalities like Gia
Macuja Atchinson, Justine Draper, Joshua Oliveros,
Lauren Ann Young, Megan Young, to name a few,
are good role models to future media personalities.

Thus, PHSA Antique can be considered as the

center for media arts.

PHSA Mindanao
On the other hand, PHSA would like to cultivate
further the fertile artistic and cultural ground in
Mindanao where 2.1 million can be located out
of the total 6.5 million indigenous people in the
country.

Aside from the Christian migrants from Luzon and

the Visayas as well as Muslim communities of the
Maguindanaons, Kalagans, Tausugs, Samals, and
Maranaos from the different provinces of Mindanao
and Sulu, there are 11 tribes that can be found
in Davao or Dawaw to the Bagobos, Dabo to the
Tagabawas, or Davah to the Obus.
Recently, there has been recoil with an article students who were selling novelettes in NCAS Owned by Christian Tablazon, it is home to exhibits
that the University of the Philippines – Los Baños Building,” Mac Arboleda, the Zine Orgy organizer, and site-specific performances. Recently, it has
published in their website. The article, titled UPLB says. “The volume of work made me ask, bakit hospiced Arkanghel sa Maccrotel – a play written
– a Natural Gallery of National Artists, flaunt how walang cafe/bookstore na makakabili ka nang by Vladeimier Gonzales and Allen Marquez for
numerous buildings and institutions in the campus ganung iba’t ibang zines?” direction, Third Alub and Maude Barcos for acting
are home to artists and their art. The response – as a part of its “Figs. 1 – 6”, where six individuals
of the residents (that go beyond social media), There has already been six Zine Orgies, all with showcase their different performance forms. “It
however, say otherwise. According to the replies different themes, all in different places. But what was really hard at first, since explicitly the text is
and reactions, the article mentions nothing of the sets art expos in Los Baños from the ones in the screaming for live sex,” mentions Marquez. “The
organizations, collectives, and Los Baños-based Metro are the students, who are both creators and production is fortunate enough [to have found
artists that essentially sustain the art of the town. appreciators. willing actors].” “Had rare chances to catch site-
specific performances. Good thing, the owner (Sir
Moreso, the lack of reference with the real “Siguro yung expos sa LB mas nagaaccomodate Christian), was very involved and helpful. I was
relationship of institutions and artists: the lack ng performances na simultaneous sa event. And surprised that we were able to convert it into a
of venues that are easy motel-like set, and still have

Faces and
to access (as everything space for the audience
must undergo the verdict to fulfill their voyeuristic
of the administration). tendencies. Regarding
There is an impression that space, I needed to think
most art-related events about the role of the
become figments of profit,
as they turn into required
productions for a subject
class.
Places of Los audience, the movements
to be used, and the need
to distinguish the barriers of
reality between spectacle.”

And to make the list longer,

the unending tales of
censorship. “Pahirapan pa
Baños Art: Student Union Building
UPLB Campus
The SU, as the students

the independent
makakuha ng mga kasama would call it, is more
o audience sa daming ka- than just a building with
kumpetisyon [pagdating] a bowling alley. It has
sa incentives or required compered plenty of
na mga ganap. Even the
Office of the Initiatives for
Culture and Arts (OICA)
contents and student organizations-
initiated expositions and
performances. In fact,

creators that keep

caters those who need the one season of WiSiK has
money and not the ones been held in SU. Despite
sending a message,” says being across the DL Umali
Allen Joy Marquez, a Los Hall, the auditorium and
Baños based director in
an interview. She adds:
“Though the art community
art alive art exhibition location in
the university, SU is more
considerate and discerning
is quite small, people in Los with accommodation.
Baños thrive for it. They live
with it and it is pretty much
alive.” Zines are back. Films
are the new sensations. Music is prospering. I think distinct din yung sa Zine Orgy na every Books, Crafts, and Coffeeshop
sem iba rin talaga yung gumagalaw na tao. It Ruby Street, Umali Subdivision
See how these faces and places dissent and keep adds variety,” Arboleda adds. He continues: BCC was a result of a family that relocated in Los
art’s vibrance in town. “Naging malaking tulong yung Zine Orgy dahil Baños and had one too many books that they
napagsama-sama niya talaga yung mga taong couldn’t throw away. In March 2015, the owner
may same interests. So dati, malabong makitang and her friends had discovered a small nook that
The Art Expos Zine Orgy, WiSiK, ElbiCon, and nagsama-sama yung mga art orgs sa LB pero dahil they were able to renovate. They also found a
many others sa Zine Orgy naging possible siya. Mas marami book supplier via the sister of a former colleague
Transient locations Art Expositions, to put it shortly, nang gumagawa ng zines, kahit hindi sila member and connected with authors who trusted them to
are art markets where the independent content ng orgs na madalas sumasali. Dahil din sa events sell their books. And so began the flourishing of
creators are able to mingle with the audience. ay mas marami na ring nagiging interesado dito. Books, Crafts, and Coffeeshop. Entering its fourth
Often informal, Zine Orgies and Wika, Sining, at Nakakatuwa kapag malalaman mong mismong year, BCC has been able to participate in the Pinoy
Kalikasan (WiSiK) zine expos are held in halls with Zine Orgy na yung inaabangan ng zine creators Book Tour by the National Book Development
tables lined up, or arranged beside each other. kung san nila irerelease yung bago nilang mga Board (NBDB), and the launching site of multi-
Here, you are able to buy sticker sets and zines gawa.” awarded, acclaimed author Wilfredo Pascual,
for as low as P20. Zines (pronounced as /zeens/) Jr.’s Kilometre Zer0. It also hosts monthly open
are self-published and handmade booklets, and mics where emerging artists can share their work.
can easily be made by anybody. “The first Zine Nomina Nuda 9654 Furthermore, it also clouds craft workshops such
Orgy was aimed at finding a permanent venue for Diamond Street, Umali Subdivision as sewing fundamentals and jewelry making, and
zine creators in LB to sell their work. I was roaming Nomina Nuda is an apartment in Umali Subdivision creative writing workshops.
around school when I saw this group of ComArts that accommodates multiple art performances.

Bianca Ysabel Rabe

 He is Angelito:
How Tomas Santos
became Angelito
Bernal

Screengrab from the short film Angelito.

Before there was Goyo, there was Angelito. that the Bernals had a younger sibling, but was unsure of his
name. “Not much available references of Angel Bernal, at
September 5 was the nationwide premier of the second wala din akong peg. [I had the liberty] to create the character
installation of Jerrold Tarog’s Bayaniserye, a trilogy of based on my own imagination, and of course, after analysing
historical films that feature protagonists during Philippine the script which involves how other characters would
revolutions. First was ‘Heneral Luna’, a film chronicling describe or interact with him and how the story develops that
Antonio Luna’s efforts and skirmishes on leading the Filipino will shape the character, and for me to interpret.”
army to war against the Americans. Then came ‘Goyo: Ang
Batang Heneral’, which narrates how the war ensued after Angel also takes part in the boy general’s narrative. In ‘Goyo:
Luna’s death. Ang Batang Heneral’, the young Bernal was bruised and
beaten (even threatened) by Gregorio del Pilar to identify the
To tie the two movies, Tarog had created a short film on location of his brothers. He eventually concedes, and gives
Angelito Bernal. He is the youngest of the three Bernal the information.
siblings. Manuel and Jose Bernal, the right-hand men of
Heneral Luna, were being hunted after Luna’s death, as “In those scenes where I see my brother tortured, it was not
per Emilio Aguinaldo’s orders. The audience discovers hard to imagine it happening to my older siblings. Angelito
the brothers’ whereabouts through Angelito or ‘Angel’. Or and I are bunso’s. Yung yung pinakareference ko: the fact
Tomas Santos, 17, a Theater Arts student of the Philippine that we are both the youngest among our siblings,” he says.
High School for the Arts (PHSA).
Santos also reveals the Angel’s story that was not shown in
“Mara Andres, the casting director of the film, had contacted the films (yet). There was a text sent to the film’s director that
Sir JK [a Directing teacher for the theater arts program]. He was from a direct descendant of the Bernals—there was an
told the Dulaang Sipat Lawin [the Theater organization older sister. It was said that the youngest sibling went insane
of PHSA] boys to audition for this role. We were called in a after having seen his brother tortured and shot infront of him.
room, one by one, and had me read the lines from a script Tomas laughs, “It was really funny because until that text, I
they emailed beforehand. They asked us to act out the last thought Angel was fictional.”
scene from Angelito,” Santos tells in an interview. There
were other PHSA students and alumni that tried out as well. During the shooting of the film, Santos was 15 years old. His
“Weeks after,” he adds, “I got a text from my mother. She told character was 14. When asked on what he adores about
me I got the part! F***ing happy.” Angelito, his answer is his bravery. “At such a young age, for
him to chase after his brothers and leave his home with the
It was a known fact that Tarog would add these fictional risk of being killed of as well for being a Bernal, that’s f***ing
characters to augment the set-onstone narrative of his films brave. What probably propelled him more to do that was
that is the country’s history. One of these fictional characters maybe because they were his only family left.”
were Angel Bernal. According to Santos, the producers knew
 Developed by the Filipino scientists
Philippines launches
second microsatellite and engineers under the PHL-Microsat
Program, Diwata-2 is the Philippines’
second microsatellite – a very small
manufactured vehicle orbiting the earth. It
is a part of the three-year program that was
completed last 2017 and was launched
this year.

This satellite takes along optical payloads,

which use the properties of light to aid
vision for the spacecraft, to carry the cargo
consisting of instruments necessary. It has
the obligation of checking and determining
the amount of surface that damages from
calamities occupy or the distance over
which they extend, monitoring natural
and cultural heritage sites, changes in
vegetation, observing cloud patterns and
weather disturbances.

Moreover, Diwata-2 has solar array panels,

a group of batteries of cells caused by the
sun forming a complete unit, and amateur
radio antennas, an inexperienced metallic
device for radiating or receiving electric
signals by means of electromagnetic
waves. This is because of the intention of
promoting more awareness and interest in
satellite technology in the country.

In addition to Diwata-2’s goals, it provides

Filipino students bag

other ways of attaining an exchange of

information during times of emergencies
and disasters.

Students Keith Cadores, Eugene Rivera

and Joscel Manzanero earned the stellar
opportunity of having minor planets
named after them, after winning an award
at the 2018 Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Nelvie Daliva

planetary names

From Camarines Sur High School in

Naga City, the students featured their
work "Design and Development of Solar-
Tracking Arduino-Rooted PV Panels". The
project ended up winning second at the
competition's physical energy category.

“The study aimed to improve the power

harvesting and generating capacity of
photovoltaic cells by designing and
building a solar device that mimics a flower
opening when the sun is out, tracks the
sun’s movement, closes when the light
source is no longer detected and responds
to humidity and temperature to maximize
power generation,” the students’ study
read.

The work is meant to help with saving

energy and temperature, using natural
solar energy.

The Department of Education (DepEd)

announced in a statement on April 9
that the students each had a certificate,
showing their named planet and its orbital
location.

The ISEF is the largest pre-college science

fair and competition internationally.
Be health-cautious,
Be health-conscious,
Be health-IBARANG!
Victoria Cuevas

“The best rule is to inform,” said Maria Neilla Lljas, a resident nurse of Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) for over 14 years. “Dapat
may care yung magkakaroomates sa isa’t isa para ma-inform agad sa akin, sa houseparents, o sa kahit sinong elderly kung may injury
o masama ang pakiramdam ang isa sa kanila,” No matter how many times it gets repeated, safety precautions should always be
followed, as well as taking care of your health - this should be the main priority of everyone.

For instance, Minnesota Flores, a freshman, already hurt her foot during her stay in Makiling. Her foot was treated within a span of two
weeks.

“Mahina kasi ako sa mga physical activities kahit sa paglalakad lang ng malayo,” she explained in an interview. At first, Flores thought
that the pain in her foot was just temporary, but as the days passed by and the ache still lingered, she went to the clinic for consultation.
The nurse took good care of her by asking her questions about the pain, massaging her foot, prescribing her medicine, and delivering
her breakfast every morning so that her foot will take a break from walking to reach the cafeteria.

The common encounters that Lljas receives at the clinic are mostly sore throats, colds, fevers, and headaches. Serious injuries rarely
happen, she said. However, when it does happen, it is to be brought to medical attention and treated immediately.

Despite this, one must be educated on how to take care of one’s own self. Being an Ibarang means being independent, with PHSA
being a boarding school, on top of Makiling, far away from normal city life. More importantly, though, being knowledgeable about
first-aid or any kind of light medical treatment is helpful especially during a possibility when you’re alone and there’s nobody with you
to ask help for.

The key to one’s self-health welfare is: the emergency first-aid kit. It is there to treat you in cases of minor wounds. But do remember that
it’s just for temporary first aid treatment. If the damage is serious, you’ll have to stop by the clinic and they will give you an appropriate
check-up and a better medical care.

Here are some simple medical kits to bring in a convenient or easy-to-use emergency bag.

For wounds, prepare ointment and mild soap to treat minor wounds and skin infections. Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
to clean an injury can actually cause harm to the tissues and hold the time of healing. As advised by doctors, the best way to clean
a minor wound is to gently wash it with clean water to remove the dirt and debris, and then use a soft washcloth with a light amount
of mild soap to clean the skin around the wound. Be careful to not wash an open wound with the soap. In case no source of water is
near in the area, the ointment should be fine. It is still recommended to always bring a distilled bottle of water, however.

The next important thing to bring for minor skin damage is plaster, in different sizes and shapes. You may have heard from others that
letting your wound dry in an open air would make the healing faster - but that is scientifically wrong. In fact, no matter how small or big
the wound is, it should always be covered. This is because wounds need moisture to heal, and leaving it expose to the air may dry out
new surface cells, which might result to increased pain and a slower healing process.

Gauze, a thin, fabric with a loose open-weave design, is an optional material to include in the kit, but it is useful in many ways. It is
wrapped around a wound to simultaneously stop the bleeding, prevent bacteria from getting in, and letting the wound breathe. Even
so, it is recommended that proper research is conducted first before using it, as a gauze is reportedly tricky to handle.

Tissues, alcohol-free wipes, and cotton are just some additional things you may add on to an emergency kit. In addition, consumable
medicine first needs the guidance and approval of nurse before placing any of it inside the kit.

“Mag-ingat sa paglalakad, ‘wag tumakbo sa mga slope area, bring payong and other useful na mga gamit para maging handa kung
umulan man bigla, drink lots of water, especially ‘yung mga performing arts kasi nagpapagod sila,” the nurse advised for all students.
She also said to call the houseparents’ numbers or the Duran’s telephone line: 536-5973 if there is an emergency.

Health is wealth. This commonly used line is already rusting away, but the meaning of this sentence will never spoil. It is of the power
of safety, and a product of being health-conscious.
On March 20, the last male northern white rhinoceros was put down.

Sudan, the name of the rhino, resided in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in

Kenya. He was surrounded by scientists and guards alike, who were
The Last Ones
dedicated in protecting him from extinction. However, the 45 year-old
rhino contracted a disease, which left bad wounds on
his skin. The team put him down, as they couldn’t stand to
Standing
see him suffering. His departure left behind the last Sidney Lampayan
two of his species, scientifically called Ceratotherium
simum cottoni. These two happen to be his daughter
and granddaughter - one almost unable to support
reproduction, and the other infertile.

The conservancy posted a tribute for Sudan on

their Facebook page. "Fare thee well Sudan,"
the post read. "You have done your work to
highlight the plight of rhino species across the
making oceans rise, and damaging
world; now the onus is on us to ensure that rhino
all habitats of wildlife. Scientists even
populations thrive across our planet."
estimate that 200 species of plant, insect,
bird and mammal go extinct every 24 hours.
But, the northern white rhinoceros species is not
the only one who is dying. Over the past few
The results of extinct species are devastating.
years, more species are turning to the
Not only is it a permanent loss of an entire
brink of extinction. Just recently, the
group of creatures, it also affects humans.
Cyanopsitta spixii, better known as the
Some extinctions afflict us directly, like an
Spix’s macaw, the inspiration of the hit film
extinction of a tree species may cause for less carbon
‘Rio’, was declared gone in the wild. The Pithecophaga jefferyi, or the
dioxide storage, and thus, a worse climate. It also afflicts us indirectly. If a
Philippine eagle, is the national animal of the country. Yet it was reported
species goes extinct, species that rely on that as food will be unprepared
to have less than 200 of its kind left.
for the change, and their numbers might dwindle. This could create a
domino effect, where the food chain is thrown off balance due to the
As the human population increases everyday, it demands more things
disappearance of one prey. Unfortunately, human beings are also a part
for the consumption of the race. People clear out forests to build homes
of this food chain, as one of the top consumers.
and plant food. People kill animals for business and trade, and for their
meat. The consumption of energy, and ultimately usage of fossil fuels
Although, if ever several species start going extinct, there is a hope
has caused the thinning of the ozone layer, and global temperature
created due to technology: the world will have to rely on saved genetic
rate to raise by 0.8 in the past two centuries. This in turn melts icebergs,
material to bring them back. For instance, scientists have saved up on
male northern white rhinoceros’ genetic materials, in hopes of fertilizing
one of the two female rhinos left. However, not only is this crazy expensive
to do, it seems to be the “easy” way out. In other words, it is the last resort
to solve the extinction crises. If all that is left to fall back on are these
types of ‘last resorts’, it could discourage people from actively saving the
already-existing creatures, knowing that artificial creation could be used
to reproduce. Artificial reproduction shouldn’t be the option humans turn
to, when the planet still has authentic animals alive and roaming.

Makiling
Mudspring On May 10, the students of Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) went through hiking as their fourth quarter
exam in Physical Education. The hike, which also doubled as a culminating activity, was requested by the Director
IV Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera. It took place at the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve.

Hike The faculty members that were in charge of the activity were the teacher Joedy Occeña, Jazelle Boctot, Arjay Viray
and Lemuel Estrada. Occeña, Viray, and Estrada are also the school's PE teachers.

According to Estrada, the students were separated into two groups: those who can endure the long trail and those
Ril Arguelles who have a respiratory illness. It was then divided into smaller teams per grade level, each led by an experienced
hiker from the reserve.

The first checkpoint was where the flat rocks were, followed by the last checkpoint where the mud spring was. The
students who were deemed unfit to participate, meanwhile, were allowed a separate exam instead.

The flat rocks were the first trail the students encountered. This was 300-400 meters long until the riverbed.
According to the hikers, one can find plenty of large boulders to stand on.

As the trail progressed, the land turned loamier and the air increased in humidity. This was due to the mud spring.
The mud spring was formed due to volcanic heat as sulfuric acid broke down surrounding rocks into clay.

In preparation for the hike, the students were required to complete requested materials needed. They also
underwent exercises during PE classes that strengthened the legs and increased their stamina. This ensured that
most of who would be participating were fit enough for the long hike in terms of physical health.
 Illustration by Mary Anne Caharop

NAGA: Who is he
really? Naga is the name of the domesticated python living in Philippine
High School for the Arts (PHSA), whose cage is located in
front of the school’s canteen. He has been under the care of
Nicole Gahuman Administrative Officer 4, Alvin C. Miclat, for three years. But August 2018 is 17.7 feet.
actually, Naga has been in PHSA for six years. Jay Gomez, an
alumnus of batch Napoleon-Abueva and former music teacher Since Naga is a python, he is not a venomous creature - in fact, all
in the school, donated him back in 2012. He was the one types of pythons are non-venomous. This is because pythons kill
responsible for taking care of the python for the first three years. their prey by constriction. This means that they wrap themselves
around their victim, squeeze them until they are unconscious, and
There have been multiple people who have expressed their then eat them.
disbelief for a python on school grounds. For example, various
parents perceive it as a threat to the civilians on the grounds, Concerning the notion that the snake could end up attacking
such as students and teachers. Most of them argue that the a student or staff, according to Miclat, Naga is only fed twice a
snake is highly venomous, or that Naga might end up consuming month, with freshly dressed chicken. Furthermore, Naga is placed
humans. on a special diet, which limits him to the chicken alone. While
the feeding schedule keeps his hunger satisfied, this is not the
These statements, however, are false. only reason why that animal is the only prey he is bound to. If he
is not fed another animal, then he will not develop a desire to eat
Naga is from a family of python snakes called pythonidae. He other things. This prevents him from attacking while searching for
is a subspecies of the Burmese python, scientifically known as something new - this includes attacking humans.
Python bivittus. The Burmese python is one of the five largest
species of snakes in the world. Naga’s recorded length as of In addition, there have been several accounts of people having
pythons as personal pets. They are reported as being docile and
gentle, provided that they are placed on the same one-animal diet,
and are not mistreated.

A Future Gadget
for All Students
Sidney Lampayan

Hailing from the green-and-white clad De La Casimiro posted on Facebook that the Chargee
Salle University comes a new innovative piece of is “almost as thin and light as your everyday ID
technology sure to be a help and a hit with future holder”. The flash drive is also incredibly helpful, as
students across the country - the Chargee. it has a storage of 128 GB.

The Chargee is the project of third year engineering On the powerbank perspective, the Chargee
Lasallians. Andreana Santos, Celine Solis, David has a built-in powerbank with 1900 mAh (milli
Zinampan, Ivan Yeung, and Sarah Tan created the Ampere per hour). To explain, an ampere is a unit of
idea and design, whilst Angelo Casimiro aided in current, and Googling mAh will find the equation of
making a prototype. ‘Charge’, which is charge = current (in this case, milli
Ampere) * time (in this case, hour). The Chargee’s
The invention went viral upon its release, and mAh can provide a charge of 1900 in an hour - in
Casimiro’s post of the item currently has 54,000 other words, it can fully charge something like an
reactions, and has been shared 38,000 times. iPhone 6.

The Chargee operates as three things - an ID holder, Yeung stated in the same interview that they will
a powerbank and a flash drive. In fact, the name itself concentrate on developing the Chargee even
is derived from the words ‘Charge’ and ‘ID’. further, and they are also highly considering mass-
producing it.
“We saw a similar product that incorporates a flash
drive in their ID holder, and we thought of adding a “We may be looking into inventing new products in
power bank as well," said Solis in an interview with the future, but as of now the Chargee is our priority,"
Rappler. "We know that this will benefit students and Yeung added.
employees since we use our smartphones often in
school or work."
 Illustration by Kulay Dala.
(Pe)Pera ng PCOO
On August 2, Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha a P1.38 billion budget will go if this supposed infomercial
Uson posted a one hour Facebook Live of her "Good News on federalism was clearly not properly spent on, and
Game Show" with co-host Drew Olivar, who was seen even failed to get the message across without resorting
singing "i-pepe" and "i-dede" while dancing and gesturing to colloquial vulgar terms that have nothing to do with
to his chest and crotch, then yelled "i-pederalismo" at the the aforementioned subject.
end of his number. The audience has since then taken
to dissecting the obscene humor and looking into the The incident has brought up the topic of the proposed
motive and intention behind it. budget for 2019, with some government agencies
experiencing big cuts in their budget, such as the
This year's Presidential Communications Operations Department of Agriculture (DOA) getting a budget cut
Office (PCOO) budget has an allocation of P1.38 billion, of P6 billion; the Department of Health (DOH) P36 billion;
and to see where all this money goes instead of to the and the Department of Education (DepEd) a whopping
government agencies clamoring for such a budget is far P55 billion. This has roused even more controversy,
more alarming to ignore than Uson's reputation for her seeing the number of other sectors that need such
past "fake news" incidents. funds.

"Simple errors in spelling or grammar are indicators of the "The obliterated amount from some agencies will hit
huge error in appointing officials who are not up for the hard the people, who badly need social services. What
task for informing our people accurately, sufficiently, and will sustain them are education, affordable food, health
responsibly," says Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin services, and social assistance, not gaffes and reckless
on the topic. "If this is where our taxes go, perhaps it's time communication campaign," Senator Grace Poe said in a
to remove its budget and use it for what our people truly statement.
need," the oppositional lawmaker adds, using the hashtag
#ZeroBudgetPCOO, which, to show majority of the The 2019 PCOO budget is said to have an allocation
people's approval, was trending on Twitter on August 6th. of P3 million higher than this year, and this has yet to be
changed if the government does not want the country
However, despite the ceaseless bashing on social media, to descend even deeper into poverty and acquire even
Uson seems to have no plans to resign or to acknowledge more financial problems on top of the unresolved ones
public feedback on her work. One can only wonder where at the moment.

NONOtoCHACHA
The decision to proceed with Charter Change nation we are now, moreover as a federal one. means that those elected in 2013 and 2016 will
(Cha-cha) isn’t news, what with the proposed Joint Taking one step forward and two steps back remain in their seats until 2030 instead of 2022.
Resolution No. 10 under former president Gloria is much like transforming to a federal, though It is not impossible that this will also provide a
Macapagal Arroyo’s term and now the renewal of underdeveloped, republic. The systems of the term extension for President Duterte, whose
said resolution under President Rodrigo Duterte. The government as it is aren’t even steadied, with the administration is responsible for the infamous
country’s unpreparedness for such shift in governance increase in violence and prices, so why change vigilante killings, overly-vicious war on drugs, and
style? Not news as well. them now? It is common sense that we must learn the whopping Philippine inflation rate.
something to the fullest to get to unlearn it, therefore
First, the government must understand that what the we still have a long way to go before being ready to With the country’s legislators seemingly unaware
country needs are solutions for its predicaments, not embrace federalism. of the complications that are sure to result from the
experimentations, such as this particular move; that further separation of our islands, the division of our
distracting the Filipino people from their lack of success Another conflict that shall arise upon the revision of nation into states would sooner or later lead to its
in finding solutions isn’t one. While it may be tempting the Constitution is the submission of the final draft fall. If this is the change the President swore was
to approve of and see what change this may bring, it is of the resolution in May 2019, which will possibly bound to come, then it is better if it won’t come at
still evident the Philippines still has a lot to learn as the cause a delay in the next senatorial elections. This all.
#Boycott
Contractualization Leila Maligalig

It strikes me greatly how until only recently, we consumers seem to just stomach the tactics of corporate giants
to further engage themselves at the expense of their workers. The hashtags, “#boycottJollibee” and “#boycottNutriasia”
which trended on social media have become opportunities to shove to corporate faces that we wouldn’t be consuming
products while their workers are underpaid and taken away of their human rights.

It’s just about time that we do something for these workers; that we serve them as they’ve served us.

We must remember that the people who carry trays to our tables, who mop floors and stand behind cash
registers have exactly the same number of rights as we do. These rights should also be given exactly the same amount of
importance. They shouldn’t be fighting for minimum wage when corporations are aware that any centavo less than that is
violation of workers’ rights.

As we fight for long-overdue justice, Tony Tan Caktiong, Jollibee Food Corporation’s owner and CEO, stands
6th richest in the country. Without public awareness and action, the corporates like Caktiong would be able to make their
assets grow while their workers suffer the small salaries for who knows how much longer.

Efforts to eliminate contractualization isn’t news. Richest in the country Henry Sy fathered contractualization in
the Philippines with regulations such as (1) saleswomen have to wear heals and (2) they mustn’t sit down as they work.
Back then, there would be boxed on counters where costumers can drop donations to help fund workers’ strike petition.
This time, standing firm and as one, we should be able to assert dominance as consumers over corporate giants who
trample on their workers. We mustn’t settle for blood-and-sweat-stained Chickenjoy and banana ketchup---never eat these
for all I care---for this is only how David can conquer Goliath.

I say give workers the right to ample salary and acceptable working conditions. Until then, my stomach would
just have to make do without unjust langhap-sarap and ketchups.

———
PMPC school
catering PCAARRD Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC), the school's current catering
service, received low ratings in evaluations from a majority of the students in the
school.

causes After saying farewell to the previous catering staff, Casa de Padrid, last year, the
school immediately hired PMPC following Christmas break. Yet, later on, the
catering service began receiving complaints from several people.

concerns Students have rated PMPC's performance in the quarterly evaluations. These
were given to assess the catering team's service during their first two quarters
at schools. Most students have written concerns regarding their personal food
Martha Visperas restrictions, the daily menu, and the food service.

According to some students, the team’s service wasn’t as convenient as CASA’s

service had been. There have also been complaints of the food being greasy and
unhealthy, and the same food being served several days a week.

This could potentially throw off the students' diets and cause an imbalance of
their nutrition intake. As many sources cite, a variety of food is needed for vitamins,
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, etc. Not being able to meet this requirement can
cause many health problems, from indigestion, skin problems, and stunted
growth.

In addition, because of the served meals, many people have taken to skipping
meals. There have also been issues with students with food restrictions not being
able to have the proper food.

However, some sympathetic students say that it’ll take time for others to get used
to their catering service, as they underwent the same concerns with CASA before.

Currently, the PMPC has shown signs of improvement, but the students are still
expecting room for more in the future.
 The sudden shift in dorm arrangements created quite a commotion within the
PHSA student body and parents. In a school where communication and information
dissemination is limited as is, the placement of girls and boys of the same batch in
areas on the opposite ends of the campus is plain problematic.

Class projects, batch presentations, and other required activities cannot be

accomplished with only the girls or the boys discussing amongst themselves.
Are dorm managers really up for making school requirements more difficult to
accomplish?

While it is understandable that dorm managers’ and house parents must regulate
the relationships between boys and girls and the actions of those involved in them,
they should’ve kept in mind that boy-girl interactions are not limited to public displays
of affection and the like. As scholars who need to maintain a certain educational
standing, PHSA students of the same batches do not hesitate in holding meetings
and rehearsals during their free time---the time which they spend in their respective
dorms. The one-point-something kilometer

DormDrama
distance between the boys’ dorms in Marvilla
and the girls’ dorms in the Duran area now hinder
them to utilize and make the most out of their idle
“dorm time”. “Boys are not for landi only!” a Duran
area resident justifies.

And what about boy-boy and girl-girl romantic

relationships? It seems only fitting for the school
administration to enforce handbook rules harder and maybe even find a way for
house parents to be stricter with these rules as they may be broken even in the same
room. Compromising the productivity of batchmates doesn’t overweigh what a little
more strictness can fix.

As if this doesn’t cover the desired distance batchmates have between each other,
rooms were assigned so that a room would cater to a freshman, a sophomore, a
junior and a senior. Again, the divide between batchmates is just illogical. Another
Duran area resident states, “Kung gusto nila [house parents] ma-inspire yung lower
years, they should conduct seminars on time management and cleaning…Hindi
rin lahat ng higher years ay [good] role models.” True enough, power tripping and
bullying are proven to be more prone in these room situations. In fact, the old dorm
management came to be after house parents then noticed some higher years taking
advantage of their lower-year-roommates. It is not surprising that a great number of
students opted to change rooms so that they’d have batchmates for roommates.

Though room assignments have been (and for the better), boys and girls continue
to be limited to interact only during class and dinner hours. This unnecessary drastic
change makes matters worse for accomplishing group and batch requirements,
backfiring with its attempts to “organize” the student body like a wrong antidote
given to a cure of a worsened disease.

Do you think
""
"No. Kasi hindi nila na-undergo yung training na pinagdaanan ng Phsa

PHSA-SHS
students. Para sakin, unfair siya para sa mga junior high na nakick-out
dahil sa PHSA training."
— Mars Quejada, Folk Dance Major

should accept "It's okay. Because we all know and should accept that there's a lot of
Ibarangs that want to back out in Senior High. Let's give chances to

junior high
those who have the initiative and the passion to continue. Plus, our
connections with other schools would widen. Ganoon sa Rural eh."
— Leanne Tavia, Music

completers "I think no. Kasi, kapag hindi napagdaanan ng isang estudyante yung
pinagdadaanan natin sa Makiling, hindi niya makukuha yung kultura
na natutunan natin. Iba tayo. Baka in the end, sila rin ang mahirapan."

that are — Hyrschel Eya, Theater Arts

not from "Oo. Kung gusto at paghihirapan nila. Maraming gustong pumasok
sa school nito, but only discovered the school when they were in
Senior High. More chances for them because there's a lot of Junior
High students backing out dahil sa system. Pero what I'm sure of, hindi

Makiling? madali mag-adjust sa training ng Makiling."

— Nikki Tangalin, Ballet
Illustration by Kulay Dala.

BAY
One thing we Ibarangs will forever treasure is the
experience of a lifetime: studying atop the beauty of
Mt. Makiling. The ‘Makiling’ experience on top of “Aling
Maria’s” haven is something irreplaceable. It allows us
student-artists to be molded into the better individuals
we surely aspire. It also allowed us to be open to new
possibilities as members of a community as we let

DELAYED
ourselves be drawn to small and large issues that affect
us the most, may it be a campus or national concern.
Most of all, the mountain opened new doors for people
from all walks of life to experience each other’s lives. Mt.
Makiling taught us about the importance of co-existence.

For the past two years, PHSA has already produced

graduates under the K-12 program who were greatly
privileged to finish their high school life on top of Mt.
Makiling, the second one – which is our batch (Jose
Joya-Severino Montano ’19) – to graduate at the end of
this school year. Yet the administration has promised us
James Lanante one thing: that on our senior high years, we will be sent to the newly-built Bay campus
as our experience as student-artists should be drawn closer to the community and that
won’t be achieved if we are distant from the reality of the world. This was a statement that
they kept on repeating and repeating even before we finished 9th Grade three years ago.

We kept asking questions on why the withheld descent of Senior High students to the
Bay campus if they said so that we were supposed to occupy the space.

Recently, photos of the campus have been posted online. To what I see, the campus itself
does not give that inspiring atmosphere for student-artists, unlike the mountaintops. It also
does not scream the prestige of a special art school. I came into a point wherein I had to
revisit my expectations of the campus, of how it can set the immersive ether the school
has promised us on our senior high years.

I wondered how extremely different it would have been if we actually occupied the Bay
campus for complete two years, of what could have been lost for me.

But then again, I knew that even the idea of building a school for the arts on top of a
mountain was a risk and that there were oppositions prior to even mounting the school’s
cornerstone. This I think is what’s going to happen with this concern about the new
campus — that it would initially receive contradictions but later on, people would see the
good side of things, that future Senior High students of PHSA will be seen fit to live and co-
exist with the new vibe that the Bay campus exhumes. For this matter, I have high hopes
for the future of the Ibarangs no matter what the complications are right now.
Illustration by Lei Ortega. YES

PRIOTIZING PE
In an arts-focused school such as the Philippine High School for the Arts,
some tend to neglect the value of Physical Education as a subject and a
necessary activity. It is also noticeable how some Ibarangs have the habit of
disregarding the importance of physical activity. This is also because of how
the idea of Physical Education is introduced in a way that it is only a subject, not
a necessity. Should the school focus on prioritizing or at least fix the system of
Physical Education?

Danielle Alexandra Castillo

NO

WHAT'S UP
WITH THIS
GYM? “What? We have a gym?”
A first-year asked after hearing about the school gym.

The said school facility is underneath cottage 20 in dorm C. Blue mats cover the room, as
workout equipment like stationary bikes, a treadmill, a lat pulldown machine, and a few
others are free for use.
Daniel Ben
The gym was requested for Ballet students and was initially located in the ballet studio, and
was transferred to its current location upon the studio’s renovation last year, according to
PE teacher and Music Coordinator, Arjay Viray.

To use the gym, you need to get written permission from the Director and adult supervision.
The requirements are not heavy, however, getting adult supervision is difficult as work
hours and student free time have no overlap, and thus the gym is not often used, with only
a few students knowing it exists.
“People are really not aware [of the gym.] A lot of people don’t know, they’ll just be surprised
and say: ah! this exists!?” Viray said.

Viray has a suggestion for the problem. Put the facility in a more public area.
“You know adolescents if you leave them alone in a private area, it’s a bit dangerous. If you
put [the gym] in a public area where people pass by, I think it’s possible that students won’t
need adult supervision.”

His suggestion for a possible venue is the Araliwang Awit, a glass room full of books
situated in the cafeteria, beside the pool and open to people passing by.

“Especially since it’s beside the pool, it has more sense and it’ll become some sort of a
recreational area.”

With the gym in a more public area where people see it every day, the problem of the lack
of student awareness of the facility will not be a problem.

Students should know of the gym, unlike first-year Albert Reyes, who had no knowledge
of the gym whatsoever before being interviewed. “I knew about it just now. It’d be a shame
if no one uses the gym and it just slowly breaks down.”
 Daniel Ben
2018
PHILIPPINE
SPORTS
Forgetting politics and last meeting between the two

HIGHLIGHTS
national problems, the countries, the score was 8-1, a
year of 2018 had been huge improvement.
generous; especially
when it came to In hindsight, one might think
memorable moments that 2018 dominated by male
in sports, from the squads; but it had also been a
international stage to the year for Filipino women. In the
collegiate level. Asian Games, the four gold
medals brought home by
Let’s start with the Filipinos were by the courtesy
country’s national sport: basketball. of Filipinas.

Once again, Gilas Pilipinas, after a grueling qualification, is going to China for the Hidalyn Diaz brought home the first medal by winning her women’s 53-kg
FIBA World Cup, grouped with powerhouses Serbia and Italy, alongside Angola. weightlifting event. Two gold medals came from golf: one from Yuka Saso
However, this wasn’t without any controversy. after ruling her individual event; and another from the women’s team event
consisting of Yuka Saso together with Bianca Isabel Pagdanganan and Lois
On July 2, in a game where Australia was leading 30 against the Philippine Kaye Go.
national team, a foul was called with 4:00 left on the clock, when Australia’s Daniel
Kickert elbowed Roger Pogoy, leading to an all-out melee between the two The fourth and final gold medal of the Asian games came from Margielyn
teams, suspending 10 Gilas players and 3 of those from the Australia Boomers, Didal after scoring 30.4 points, a whole 5 points above the silver medallist, in
with heavy fines sanctioned by FIBA. the women’s street skateboarding competition. Because of the feat, she was
named one of the 25 most influential teens by Time Magazine, citing she would
Yet, this is in the past, and the team now look forward to its next challenge ahead "cement skateboarding's status as a serious sport" in the Philippines.
in the world cup, where it hopes to improve its 1-4 record in the tournament in its
previous iteration last 2015 in Spain. Common popular serious sports, like boxing and mixed martial arts also had an
interesting year.
There were also great moments in the collegiate level of basketball. Who could
forget the UP Fighting Maroons’ first trip to the UAAP finals after 32 years? They Manny Pacquiao is back in the ring again. He showed he still has it in him after
overcame the twice-to-beat advantage of second-seeded Adamson Soaring a seven-round bout by knockout against Lucas Matthyse, just 5 months shy
Falcons, after a buzzer beater by Paul Desiderio with 6.6 on the clock in Game 2. from 40.

Granted, UP fell to the powerhouse that is the Ateneo Blue Eagles, but the Team Lakay, a mixed martial arts team based in Baguio that competes in ONE
achievement and nail-biting games brought to us by the team still stands. Championship and Brave FC, had up to 5 athletes who were champions:
namely, Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio, Joshua Pacio, and
Speaking of nail-biting games, for the first time in history, the Philippine Azkals Stephen Loman.
qualified and competed in the AFC Asian Cup, in a close 2-1 victory against
Tajikistan in the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. The winning goal was shot on They even held a champions parade for them last December 2, as they held
the 91st minute by Phil Younghusband in a penalty, it was as close as it could get. the most number of titles for any team in ONE Championship. Sadly, the
number quickly shrunk to two in early 2019, but the fact still stands that Team
The tournament proper of the AFC Asian Cup wasn’t so lucky for the national Lakay held 5 world championships late last year, one can only hope they reach
football squad, as the team lost all three of its games in the group stage against the same level in the future.
China PR, Korea, and Kyrgyzstan.
And that one of the anchors of sports: hope. There’s hope in a massive
However, there were things to look forward to, by the means of improvement. improvement in Filipino sports in the near future, and one can only hope that
The Azkals stood their ground against the pressing of the powerhouse Korea, this potential is realized, extending beyond competition and improves the
only conceding a single goal; and the game 3-0 against China, compared to the quality of Filipino living.
The South-East Asian games, the biennial multi-sports competition,
is coming up this November, to be hosted by the Philippines. From
SEA
GAMES
controversial issues and things to be stoked for, here’s what to look
out for.
One of the things to be most excited about is Esports. The inclusion
of Esports makes a total of 57 sports that the Games will feature. This
is the first time that Esports is a medal event in a multi-sport event
sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, following the
Asian Games 2018 demonstrative events.

2018
With the Asia-Pacific region generating $66.2 billion or 49% of the
world’s esports revenues, the inclusion of Esports in the SEA Games
is predicted to bring significant developments to the industry,
according to market research firm Newzoo.
The video games confirmed are Dota 2, Starcraft 2, Tekken 7, Mobile
Legends: Bang Bang, and Arena of Valor, with a sixth game still
unannounced.
It’s concerning that this sixth game is still unannounced since the
competitions should start in a few months. It doesn’t strengthen the
concern of the SEA Games’ lack of preparation. Daniel Ben
There have been reports that the Philippine may have lost their rights
to host the Games, being closely monitored by The Southeast Asian
Games Federation Council because of a “lack of fund and bickering
among top sports officials,” according to the Daily Tribune in an
article on March 18.
This has been debunked by former foreign affairs secretary and
chairman of the SEA Games’ organizing committee Alan Peter
Cayetano, saying: “The hosting of this biennial event is a great
opportunity to showcase our people, athletes and the country in
general. Let us not waste this chance to make our athletes and the
Filipino people proud of our country.”
However, the controversies continue on. Especially concerning the
budget.
The initial 7.5 Billion peso budget was put under the Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the request of Cayetano in December of
2018. The move was in question, as sports promotion is not under
the DFA’s mandate, and should be transferred to the Philippine
Sports Commission (PSC), as suggested by Senate minority leader
Franklin Drilon.
The budget went back to the treasury, returned by DFA secretary
Teodoro Locsin Jr. citing: “It should go back to Treasury. It might be
with PSC which I don’t trust.”
Eventually, the Department of Budget and Management turned it
over to the PSC in April 16, but another blow had been dealt with the
SEA Games’ planning as the budget was cut to 5 billion.
Thankfully, that’s where the controversies end. The only thing that
needs to be completed is the New Clark City Sports Complex, one
of the venues of the competitions’ 4 venue clusters.
To be finished in August, the 9,500-hectare sports complex features
a 20,000-seating capacity athletics stadium, a 2,000-seater aquatics
center, complete with an athlete’s village with banks and restaurants.
“I wish I was a swimmer today,” said former Olympian Eric Buhain in
a Rappler article, upon seeing the facilities.
Retired sprint queen Lydia de Vega had a similar reaction, saying:
“To all of us Filipino athletes, I know you’re really happy that we have
all these kinds of facilities now that the government has given to us.
Next year is Southeast Asian Games so good luck to everyone, so it’s
time to work harder and aim for that goal.”
The 2019 South-east Asian Games will open on November 30 in the
Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, and will feature sports until the
closing on December 11.

Illustration by Mary Anne Caharop.

 Visual artist wins
2nd in Niyogyugan
Triathlon
Danielle Alexandra Castillo

Grade 11 visual artist Therese Malapad of the Philippine High School

for the Arts, placed second in the Niyogyugan Triathlon on August 12 at
Lucena. Malapad finished with 1:39:13 at the Women’s Open Category
with the age group of 14-19. The triathlon involved a distance of 600m
swim, 20k bike and 5k run.
“Sports has always been about mental toughness. You can have the
fastest swim or the best bike but getting inside your head will be your
downfall. In every race I’ve joined regardless of how much training I have,
I always give my all and aim high, not even thinking about the podium
finish.” said Malapad when asked about her preparation for the event.
The triathlon was held to support Julienne Ursolina who is diagnosed with
Medulloblastoma. The funds will be donated to her chemo and radiation
therapy. “I guess what I can share regarding my skills in sports and being
a VA is how sports has inspired me a lot in VA, like my work in Grade 9. As
much as I would want to go far in my skills in sports, I would still need to
balance my training schedule with my school schedule. I may not be able
to reach the ‘elite athlete’ level yet because I train every weekends only but
I have accepted that fact and I still enjoy my life as it is now.” said Malapad
regarding the balancing of her fields.

Therese Malapad competing at the Niyogyugan Triathlon 2018

and won second place, August 12, 2018 , Quezon Province.

Nelvie Daliva

Basketbrawl:
Filipinos are peace loving people. The concept of bayanihan
is something very foreign in other countries, and the hospitality
exhibited by each family is remembered by each foreigner that
Gilas Pilipinas
vs Australia
comes here.
And so, there is an unstated given. If you threaten, demean, or insult
a person in the close community, the peace will turn against you.

Boomers
This is what happened in the recent Gilas Pilipinas game against the
Australis Boomers; one of the biggest brawls in sports history. It was
July 2, inside the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The game
was on its third quarter with 4 munities left on the clock. The fight
began when the Australian forward Daniel Kickert elbowed Roger
Pogoy, reacting to Pogoy’s rough shove at Chris Goulding.
hit Matthew Wright, Pogoy and he hit Calvin Abueva during the warm-
It was definitely an overreaction, especially that in some angles, it ups,” Chot Reyes, the head coach of Gilas at that time, said. When the rash
would even seem the Goulding only flopped. A pile of bodies, flying behavior and unsportsmanlike rough plays continued throughout the
chairs, athletes chasing each other, kicks and punches was the next game, an elbow coming from nowhere was the biggest trigger. Retaliation
scene that followed. after a clear mean of harm was expected.

It led to the suspension of 12 Gilas players and coaches, 3 players Even more, when the Philippine team were in Australia, they treated the
from the boomers, and heavy fines on both sides. Boomers with respect and kept away from this kind of behavior in a game
where insults and mind games are often used. The reputation of the sport
Tensions were already high the previous night, when the Australian of Basketball took a hit that night.
team peeled the FIBA approved decals from the court floor without
any permission, stating that it was slippery and could lead to injuries. Doubts about the Philippine’s hosting of the 2023 world cup was
Of course, the Philippine body made amends and made sure that widespread, and the Philippine Team’s lineup is basically suspended.
the decals were put back on, but it still left pressure between the two
teams. The fact that the Boomers were very aggressive in their mind One can only hope that with the fourth window of the Fiba Asia begins
games didn’t help either. Even from the warm-ups, some athletes on September 13 with a game against Iran, Philippine basketball fans can
from Australia were already trash talking the Filipino players. “It’s only hope that the new faces of this new roster under the leadership of
absolutely unacceptable but the reality is that (Daniel) Kickert [was] Coach Yeng Guiao will lead to a new beginning for Philippine basketball.
hitting our players during the warm-ups. He hit Carl Bryan Cruz, he
 Editor-In-Chief
Danielle Alexandra Castillo

Associate Editor
Leila Francesca Maligalig

News Editor
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Features and Layout Editor

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Science and Technology Editor

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Sports Editor
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Art Editors
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Photography Editor
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Layout Artist
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Writers
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• Ariana Beatrice Abad • Ianna Oliveros • Kaya Mandala Novicio • Ma. Sophia
Beatrice Reyes • Maria Rilke Arguelles • Nicole Antoinette Gahuman • Mary Nelvie
Daliva • Victoria Mae Cuevas • Natalie Maligalig • Ren-Ar Padole • Ma-I Entico • Allen
Immanuel Ryce Salazar • Abigail Ravalo •James Lanante • Dwyn Quejada • Lizzie
Bett Estrada • Felicity Wenceslao

Illustrators
Mary Agatha Visperas • Kulay Dala • Rain Balane • Victor Emmanuel Carmelo
Nadera III • Bertha Santos • Elaine Olaer • Zoe Carmona • Tristan Guinid • Mary Anne
Caharop

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