Stickbreakers Strike

Way to Awards
By Patricia Aguas and Raphael Roque
Exhibiting their courage and
finesse in the art of Arnis, Holy
Family Academys Stick Breakers,
successfully bashed their way to the
medal tally of the 1st Pro-active Arnis
Invitational Championship held last
September 2, 2012 at Robinsons
Balibago.
Arianne Bolocon claimed the
gold in the Anyo Single Baston Girls,
while Kirk Santos and Johannes
Paulus De Guzman smashed their
way to 2nd and 3rd in the Anyo Single
Baston Boys.

Mark Marquez, with his

spectacular execution of the Anyo
Double Baston, dominated the
category and grabbed the gold.
Kirk Santos, Rafael Bantug
and Mark Marquez also won the
gold in the Synchro Single Baston
Boys, while Remylyn Marynela
Gutierrez, Mikaela Pamintuan and
Danielle Franco won silver in the
Synchro Single Baston Girls.
The StickBreakers also
achieved triumph in the Sparring

Stickbreakers
Smash to the Gold
By Raphael Roque

categories, as Santos won Gold for

the Bantamweight Division, with
Raphael Licup and Bantug, winning
Gold and Bronze for the Feather
Weight division.
Marquez won Silver for
the Extra Light Division, while
Christian Baga won gold for the
Lightweight Division. Arjay de
Luna also achieved the gold on
Heavyweight Division.
Dizon,

Grade 7 novices Miguel

Rounnie Castro and

Smashing their way to the top of the medal tally, Holy

Family Academys Arnis Team StickBreakers bludgeoned the
opposition in the Pro-Active Arnis League : 2nd Interschool
Invitational Championship held last October 07, 2012 at
Robinsons Balibago.
Familian Arnisadors
proved to the sports world
that they are among the
best after wowing the crowd
with their graceful, yet
powerful technique. Kirk
Santos and Ian Limio left
the others fighting for the
3 rd place in the execution of
the Anyo Single Baston. For
the Anyo Double Baston,
Mark Marquez, with his
spectacular
execution,
singlehandedly impressed
the spectators, making him
win the gold.
Even the Novices
of Stick proved their
excellence in arnis as
Grade 7 members Miguel
Dizon, Ronnie Castro,
Johannes Paulo De Guzman
and Christian Evaristo
won 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th
place
respectively.
For
the Heavyweight Novice
Division, Ian Limio, Luke
Moraleda, Jay Mark de

Jesus and Japhet Cunanan

also wowed the crowd,
winning1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th
place.
The
StickBreakers
have
also
dominated
the Weight Divisions as
Johannes Paulus de Guzman
won 2 nd in the Pinweight
Division. Santos, Bantug,
and
Andros
Mundia
won 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd in the
Bantam Weight Division.
Raphael Licup won 1 st at
the Featherweight Division
and for the Extra Light
Division, Mark Marquez
won 1 st place.
According to C o a c h
Mr. Arnold Arceo, the
team participated in the
competition to prepare for
the ACAA, to test their
abilities and to have a
friendly match with their
fellow arnisadors from the
other schools.

Johannes Paolo de Guzman also

claimed the gold, silver and bronze
in the Novice Sparring Competition.
Its a test of their skills, and
basically, its a part of their training
too. Coach Mr. Arnold Arceo said.

The members prepared

for the event by training during
Saturdays, and mastering their skills
and performances.

HFA Salutes Familian Golfer

By Acha Vitug

Youre always going to

miss a couple and get a couple
bounces. You give a little and
take a little. This quote by Rickie
Fowler was lived on by HFAs
Richnell Albano of 7-Humility
who recently came across top 20
in the Enjoy Jakarta World Junior
Golf Championships last June 5-8,
2012 in Damai, Inda Golf PIK
Course, Indonesia.
Richnell Albano started
aiming golf balls since the age
of 6 through the influence of his
father. Later on, everyone else

HFA arnis team displaying

their hard-earned medals

Familian Arnisadors during the 1st

Pro-Active Interschool tournament

in the family started swinging

golf clubs. I practice everyday
after school hours to develop my
golfing skills says Albano.
Coming from a small high
school usually doesnt give an
athlete much exposure to play in
Nationals, but for Albano, it was
no hindrance at all.
It depends on your
position in playing golf to get
an opportunity like the Golf
Championship I joined. My
toughest opponents were the

Tidbits from...
Track and Field (Running)

-Because most sprints are completed

in less than 13 seconds, some sprinters dont
breathe when they run their 50m, 60m, or 100m
sprints. This is because it only takes 13 seconds
for oxygen to get to muscles. A breath before
the race will allow oxygen to get to the muscles.
- Track and field events were prominent
in Greek culture. They were also prominent in
Rome. For some reason, during the middle ages,
the popularity of track declined.
- The 100-m sprinters believe that the
hotter the temperature and the better the
tailwind, the faster the records fall.

Tug-O-War

- The origins of tug of war are uncertain,

but it is beyond dispute that this once royal
sport was practiced in ancient Egypt and China,
where it was held in legend that the Sun and
Moon played Tug of War over the light and
darkness
- The first few Olympic Games of the
modern era were chaotic events with a dizzying
array of games, one of the most popular of
which was Tug of War.
- The Oxford English Dictionary says that
the phrase tug of war originally meant the
decisive contest; the real struggle or tussle; a
severe contest for supremacy.

Long Jump

- The long jump was formerly commonly

called as the broad jump.

Thais., said Albano as he shared

his experiences over the said
competition. He believes that golf
is for everyone simply because
when you start being interested,
you will love the sport eventually.
Humans can only perform
within the boundaries they have
given themselves, and Mr. Albano
serves as an inspiration.
Always be serious to what
you love so that you can be one of
the greatest golfer in the world, or
be the best in what you do!

from p.11

- The long jump is the only known jumping

event of Ancient Greeces original Olympics
pentathlon events. All events that occurred at
the Olympic Games were initially supposed to
act as a form of training for warfare.
- In the time of the early Greeks, music was
often played during the jump and Philostratus
says that pipes at times would accompany the
jump so as to provide a rhythm for the complex
movements of the halteres by the athlete.

Javelin Throw

- The javelin was originally used by

primeval hunters to catch food and it became
an official sport and part of the Olympic Games
in 708 BC.
- Early javelins were made of wood which
would make it very hard to throw the same
distance that we see in the modern games.
- After a short run, the javelin is thrown
directly forward with an over-the-shoulder
motion into a 29 sector marked on the field. It
must land point first. The throwers body may
not rotate a full turn (360) before the javelin is
released, and he may not step on or beyond a
line at the end of the runway.

Shot Put

- The first known events resembling the

modern shot put likely occurred in the Middle
Ages when soldiers held competitions in which
they hurled cannonballs.
- The shot put has been an Olympic event
since 1909.

volume li number 1
june-november 2012

Cor Unum

THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL ORGAN OF THE HIGH SCHOOL

department of holy family academy, angeles city

Sister Josefina Nepomuceno- the high

school principal and directress heads
the Benedictine community

HFA Honors 90 Benedictine Years

By Queenie Basilio

To acknowledge the 90th

Year of Missionary Benedictine
presence in Angeles City and to
honor the Benedictine influence
in the area, a high mass was
celebrated last June 15, 2012.
Archbishop Paciano B.
Aniceto presided the mass as
the main celebrant with Bishop
Pablo David, Fr. Conrad Flores,
Fr. EJ Cruz, Fr. Jobert Villacorte,
Fr. Marvin Sinlao and Fr. Angel
Gamboa as his concelebrants.
It was attended by
Missionary Benedictine Sisters
with Sr. Lumen Dungca, OSB,
Mother Prioress, Board of

Trustees, PTA, FAMI, Alumni,

Grade School Administration
and Faculty, Grade 6 students,
Year IV Presidents of each class,
Student Council Officers, Glee
Club Members of the High
School Department, High School
Administration, Faculty and
NTPs and welcomed guests.
Holy Family Academy is
the third heart of Angeles City,
next to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of
Mary. said Bishop Pablo David
giving the homily and acclaimed
the Benedictine Sisters for their
service not only to the school but
also the whole city of Angeles. His

homily centered on Benedictine

Values instilled in the students of
Holy Family Academy.
After the Holy Mass, a
program was held at the Grade
School covered court. Ms.
Riza Aguilar, a grade school
teacher, was the emcee of the
event. Romila Roque and Mrs.
Arlene Molina, both Alumni of
the school, gave their Word of
Thanks to the Benedictine Sisters
for their service to the school
and the community. The 90th
celebration of the Benedictine
Sisters is a solemn and at the same
time fun event. I am very fortunate
that I had the chance to attend the

HFA Sets Off to K-12

By Liezl Lansang

Effective
year 2012-2013,
Academy is set to
K-12 program in
the Department
(DepEd)s decree.

the
school
Holy Family
implement the
accordance to
of Education

The said program will

be applied starting from the
elementary graduates of 2012.
Two more years will be added to
their secondary education, which
will focus on the specialization of
the advocates interest.
We are gearing towards
the implementation of K-12. We
are on the transition from the old
curriculum to the new curriculum.
As a school, first,we are into
training teachers, disseminating
information to parents and giving

orientations to the Grade 7. The

administrators are also attending
seminars regarding the new
curriculum. OIC of Instruction
Miss Reeza Lindo said when
asked about the preparations of
the school regarding the program.
Miss Lindo stated that HFA
is currently in a public-private
partnership with DepEd. It is
also on its preparation of school
facilities. In addition, Whole
Brain Learning System (WBLS),
independent, and cooperative
learning will be incorporated
in the learning approach of this
school years curriculum.
At the moment, the
administrators are preparing
HFAs high school teachers for the

HFA RELIVES
HISTORY
p.3

K-12 program through training.

K-12 is an educational
policy of President Benigno
Aquino III.The goal of the K-12 is
to have an enhanced curriculum
that will decongest academic
workload, giving students more
time to master competencies
and for co-curricular activities
and community involvement,
thus, allowing for a more holistic
development. It also aims to
poduce graduates who will
possess competencies and skills
relevant to the job market.

said celebration. said Michaela

Tuazon, a glee club member.
Mrs. Annie Rose Tolentino,
the High School assistant
Principal, also gave her Word of
Thanks. Both the Grade School
and High School Department
prepared song and dance
intermission numbers performed
by teachers and students. The
food was donated by the alumnae
Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno,
OSB, the schools Directress and
High School Principal, gave her
own speech, stating her gratitude
to God and to the people who
supported in forming Holy Family

Academy. She said that her vision

of putting up the new St. Joseph
Building was completed
After the speeches and a
few other people who gave thanks
to Holy Family Academy, a feast
was shared by everyone who
attended the event. The speakers,
guests, and the performers were
prepared and there were no dull
moments in the celebration. The
food was also very good. They
tasted good as they looketd like.
That in all Things, God may be
glorified! said Paulo Malonzo, a
Student Council Officer.

HFA Implements
RCC-WBLS
By Karl Cunanan

For the purpose of

bringing up Gods teachings
and Jesus life into our lives,
Holy
Family
Academy
implemented a new system
called RCC WBLS or
Religion as the Core
Curriculum Whole Brain
Learning System starting
this school year, 2012-2013.

This program aims to

relate the Word of God to
topics of each of the subject.
Bible passages are to be
integrated with the lesson and
help Familians apply them to
their lives. Miss Jane Manaloto,
the CLE Coordinator, stated
that, The possibility of

ITS A JOURNEY ON
THE YELLOW
JEEPNEY
p.4

using biblical passages that

are applicable to our daily
lives when asked what is the
purpose of this system. She
also stated that it guides the
child to see the importance
of his/her studies and learn
to relate it to his/her everyday
life. The faculty and staff have
decided to implement this
system as recommended by
the PAASCU to have Gospel
Integration that promotes
Benedictine Values.
The use of biblical
passages to lessons was an
effective thing to do.
HFA Implements... p.2

STICKBREAKERS
STRIKE WAY TO
AWARDS
p.12

Campus Writers Qualify to Regionals HFA Implements... from p.1

By Liezl Lansang

Breaking last years record

of three, four Cor-Unum members
qualified for the Regional
Schools Press Conference after
winning in the Division Schools
Press Conference held at Angeles
Elementary School last September
21 and 28, 2012.

Im very thankful that

God helped us win despite of the
limited time of training. CorUnum moderator and Journalism
coach Mr. Arnold Arceo said.
The team is relatively new. Most
are first-timers but they are able
to represent the school well.

The participants Liezl

Lansang, silver in Editorial
Writing
English,
Queenie
Basilio, gold in Photojournalism
English, Bea Liwanag, silver in
Photojournalism Filipino, and
Uriko Labrador, bronze in Feature
Writing English.

The
writing
contest
participants trained for one week
and focused on improving their
structures and writing techniques,
while
the
photojournalism
participants trained for two
weeks.

Other
Familian
participants included Ninna
Adriano, Roland Basilio, Bea
Melchor, Karl Cunanan, Patricia
Tolentino, Chester Uytiepo, Acha
Vitug, Patricia Aguas, and Gian
Liguid.
More than 15 schools
participated in the said event and
four of the Familian delegates
bagged awards.
The RSPC will be held
at Pampanga High School on
October 24, 2012.

Familians
learn
new
lessons,
as
and
they learn new Benedictine
values that can make them
a better Benedictines. With
the new implementation, the
faculty wants each and every
student

to realize that making God,

the center of our lives and the
teaching and values behind
every bible passage will be
helpful to us and hopefully,
apply it to our everyday lives.

HFA Places 3rd Runnerup in Pautakan

By Liezl Lansang

HFA Bags Third on Regional

Bible Quiz Bee
By Liezl Lansang

Participating for the first

time, HFA Team B bagged the
second runner up in the 3rd
St. Pauls National Bible Quiz
Bee Regionals held in SM City
Pampanga last August 26, 2012.
Team B members are
seniors Liezl Lansang, Rhodelyn
Tolentino, and sophomore Marvin
Ocampo.

Ten qualifying schools,

coming from different provinces
in Central Luzon, clashed for the
first place in the regionals, and
the chance to represent the region

in the Nationals. College of the

Holy Spirit, Tarlac landed on first
runner-up, while St. Pauls College
of Bocaue, Bulacan was hailed the
champion of the contest.

The students prepared

well for the contest. It was a welldeserved win. said Coach Mr.
Ryan Sarmiento.
Eliminations were held
a day before the regionals, with
Pampangas taking place in the
AUF Auditorium. 23 teams in
Pampanga joined the elimination,
including Team A of HFA,

consisting of Nia Siy-Hian, Aira

Dizon, and Candice Mercado.
Team B landed on the third
spot, along with Guagua National
College and Angeles University
Foundation, and the top three
teams represented Pampanga for
the regionals.
The St. Pauls National Bible
Quiz Bee is hosted by the Society
of Saint Paul, in its goal of helping
students appreciate reading and
understanding the Holy Bible.

Familian Orators Grab Triumph

By Ninna Adriano

The topic of the debate

emphasized the beauty of the
Kapampangans real culture.
Furthermore, it implied the
role of every Angeleno in the
community, and what one can do
to be able to preserve the culture
for the next generation. The topic
also focused on the deterioration
of the Kapampangan culture in
todays continuing urbanization.
Proud coach, Mr Sarmiento holding the
symbol of victory with HFAs finest poets

Seniors
Joshua
Mae
Chantengco, Kim Russer Santos,
and Paulo Adrian Malonzo
orated their way to the gold in
the Crissotan 2012, held at the
Museo ng Angeles last August 24,
2012.
Aside

from

HFA,

five

other schools in Angeles also

participated in the competition.
Several Angelenos attended
the event, including Mayor
Edgardo Pamintuan. Teachers,
students, and other government
officials also attended to witness
and show support.

The rose and the thorns- Pautakan

team with their coaches Mr Calma
and Ms.Superio

Battling their way with knowledge, HFA Academic Team

claimed the third runner-up in the 35th Pautakan, held at St.
Scholasticas Academy, last October 28-29, 2012.
The representing team includes Leo Rivera, Antonio Molina,
Lyrenz David, Cholo Villanueva, and Christian Baluyut.
The eliminations for the High School Division took place last
October 28, 2012. 16 schools participated to battle their way to the top
five who will be joining the championships the following day. Along
with HFA, the other qualifying teams included Philippine Science
High School, Pampanga High School, Don Bosco Academy, and
Information and Communication Technology High School.
Pampanga High School was hailed the champion in the finals
held last October 29, 2012. ICTHS placed 1st runner-up, while
Philippine Science High School placed 2nd. DBA landed on the 4th
runner-up.
The Pautakan is one of the most anticipated battle of the
brains, held yearly, and hosted by the UP Aguman.

It also stressed that in

being proud of ones dialect, and
in being an active member of
the community, one can enrich
the culture inherited from the
Indung Ibatan.

Familians Cooks Savor Third

in Digmaang Kulinarya

The Crissotan Keti Kuliat:

A Kapampangan Debate was
conducted in commemoration
of the authentic Kapampangan
culture, in the goal of reliving it.

Armed
with
ladles,
knives, and cooking skills, six
Seniors represented HFA in the
Digmaang Kulinarya held at
the Holy Angel University last
September 27, 2012.

HFA celebrates Nutrition and

Buwan ng Wika Month

By Karl Cunanan

To value the essence of good nutrition and appreciate the beauty of our national language, Holy
Family Academy celebrates Nutrition Month together with the Buwan ng Wika last August 2012.
Pagkain
ng
gulay ng Wika and Nutrition Month
on the same month so to give
ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain celebration respectively. The
way for more events.
and Tatag ng Wikang Filipino, integrated activities of the
lakas ng Pagka-Pilipino were Filipino and Technology and
HFA celebrates... p.3
the themes for this years Buwan Livelihood Education were held

By Ninna Adriano

TLE teacher Mr. Joel

Catigtig headed the participants,
who were divided into two teams.
Team A includes Joana Lusung,
Christine Calma, and Joanne
Santos while team B composed
of Leo Rivera, Kim Santos, and
Allain Pasion.
The all-boys group placed
third in the over-all rankings.
Delegates from Narciso School

Inc. and Proverbsville School Inc.

were declared champion and first
runner-up respectively.
Of course, we feel sad
about the results but Im thankful
because it was a wonderful
experience. Christine Calma of
IV-Romans said with fulfillment.
The Familian winning
groups culinary masterpiece
included Chicken Stuffed with
Torta for their main dish, Tuna
Flakes with Tofu for their
appetizer, and Kalamay Balls
with Sweetened Carabaos Milk
Sauce for their dessert.

Arnis: The Spiritual Way

of a Warrior
By Acha Vitug

Arnis de Mano or simply

Arnis is a generic term for
the deadly martial arts of the
Philippines founded by the
late Remy Presas as a selfdefense system. It uses either
bare hands or weaponry such
as rattan sticks as defense
mechanism.

No Fear- Senior
Familian arnisador
during the final
match

Waving the Flag for

the Pinoy Athletes
By Acha Vitug
The Philippine nation
is known to be devotees for
sports and the occurrence
of a raft of games reflect
the active and sporty
means of the Filipinos.
The most popular sports
in the country are said to
be weightlifting, aerobics,
athletics and martial arts.
There are even Filipinos
who represent the country
in the Olympics and other
competitions under said
categories.
There are five major
sports in the Philippines
namely basketball, boxing,
billiards,
football
and
volleyball.
Basketballs
popularity is evident from
its year-round amateur
competitions,
school
championships; provincial
meets
professional
as
well
as
international
tournaments.
The Philippines have
won five Olympic medals

and 12 gold medals from the

Asian Games under boxing
category. The country has
shaped world boxing victors
explicitly Gerry Penalosa,
Nonito Donaire and Manny
Pacquiao.
Completing the Three
Bs is the source of pride
for the nation. Billiard has
produced two Asian gold
medals by Efren Bata
Reyes. Meanwhile, football
has left no stone unturned
to make the country excel in
this sport. Lastly, volleyball
remains as one of the most
popular major games in the
country.
Filipinos from all
around the country had
flipped their luck from rags
to riches by persevering to
be known as the best. They
even stand as role models to
children who dreams to be
in their position someday.

The remark Arnis came

from a Spanish word arnes,
which stand for armos made
of mail. Thus, Arnis de Mano
connote armor composed of
the hand, clearly a figurative
way of saying, defense with the
use of hands.

Arnis, unlike any other

martial art, is not some
ordinary stick-fighting knack.
It accentuate on using and
defending against weapons.
It also requires the whole
body to move as a single coordinate unit,involving usage
of all muscles emphasizing the
flow of movements. Practice
is therefore excellent for coordination.
Weapons used in arnis
are just extensions of the arms.
It regards the arms and legs as
armaments. The core weapon
is a stick about twenty to

thirty inches long and between

a quarter of an inch to one
inch in diameter. Terms such
as escrima (to fight) and
estoquada (to fence) are the
most common expressions in
the said art back in the Spanish
times.
Arnis does not put
excessive strain upon the heart
and lungs, so that even the
weak and the aged can practice
it. Nor is it expensive. All the
arnisador needs is a companion
to practice with, two sticks and
room to swing.

Tidbits from All

the Athleticism
By Liezl Lansang
It is classic for Holy Family Academy to carry on one of the most anticipated events of every
school yearthe Intramurals, every October or November. It is during these months that the spirit of
sports ignites to life.
Comprising of different athletic activities for Familians to participate to, the Intramurals aim to
develop the institutions students not only physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, but also to
plant the seeds of sportsmanship and camaraderie among them.
We all have a picture of the sports played during Intramurals, yet, behind each sport lie facts not
really known by everyone. What do we really know about these activities?
With the aid of the Web, here are some compiled facts of the usual sports we encounter during
Intramurals.

Basketball

-The first basketball game took place

in 1982, where the court was half the size
of today s courts, and only one point was
scored during the match.
-The first hoops were actually just
peach baskets and the first backboards
were made of wire.
-In 1967, slam dunks were considered illegal; nine years later it was legalized again.

Volleyball

- The longest recorded volleyball

game was in Kingston, North Carolina. It
took 75 hours and 30 minutes.
- Most volleyball players jump about
300 times a match.
- Volleyball took some of its characteristics from tennis and handball.

Badminton

- The best badminton shuttles are made

from the feathers from the left wing of a goose.
- Badmintons history dates back to
Ancient Greece and the early Far-Eastern
civilizations; versions of the game, sometimes
using a foot instead of a racket, have been
depicted on pottery around 3000 years ago, in
China.

Table Tennis

- Table Tennis was developed as an afterdinner game played by upper-class English

families in the late nineteenth century.
- Table tennis became a competitive
sport in 1927 but was banned in the Soviet
Union from 1930to 1950 because authorities
believed the sport was harmful to peoples
eyes.

Tidbits From... p. 12

cor Unum
2012-2013

editorial board
E D I TO R I N C H I E F L I EZ L L A N SA N G A S S O C I AT E A N D N E WS E D I TO R K A R L A N G E LO C U N A N A N F EAT U R E E D I TO R U R I KO L A B R A D O R
L I T E R A RY E D I TO R M A R K J O S E P H M A R I M L A S P O RTS N E WS E D I TO R AC H A V I T U G J U N I O R E D I TO RS R A P H A E L RO Q U E PAT R I C I A AG UA S
H EA D A RT I ST RO L A N D BA S I L I O H EA D P H OTOJ O U R N A L I STS K I M B E R LY TA E D O, JA H L I A FAU STO CO PY R EA D E R N I N N A A D R I A N O L AYO U T
A N D G R A P H I C S A RT I STS M A RY N E L A G U T I E R R EZ, PAT R I C I A H E R N A N D EZ S EC R E TA RY M A R I N A BA S I L I O W R I T E RS A N D R ES EA RC H E RS
LO U R D ES D I M A L A N TA, B EAT R I Z YSA B E L R E Y ES, I A R A B I AG, C A D E L E I N E H I L A R I O, SA B R I N A M E N D OZA, M A R I E C L A I R E M A N A BAT,
C H R I ST I A N M I R A N DA, N E I L I TA L I A, M E RY L L SA S H A O C A M P O, M A RV I N O C A M P O, K RYS C H AT I E N ZA, J O S H UA A L DAV E, G I O BAU T I STA,
R A M O N JAC I N TO P H OTOJ O U R N A L I STS Q U E E N I E BA S I L I O, C EZ N A M A R I M L A C A RTO O N I STS E L K E T I OT U I CO, VAU G H N PAU L I N O

Outlandish EcoFriendly Innovations

By Ninna Adriano and Liezl Lansang

Youd think that coffins, dresses, and diapers, simply define the way they are, and the way we know them, or how theyre traditionally supposed to be. 2012 says no,
especially with the innovative designers and scientists of this time. From the different inventions and gadgets emerging place to place, the eco-friendly, yet grotesque
ones have also begun to appear.
Credits to Planet Green, and Julia Austin, here are some of this centurys interesting creations that can potentially save the world...environmentally.

Pollution-Sensitive Dress

Who wouldve thought that

even dresses would evolve to having
EPA sensors? Designed by Stephanie
Sandstrom, these sensors have the ability
to interpret the current atmosphere. It
can also detect the degree of pollution,
creating kinks to the fabric when pollution
is severe. Now thats something Armani
hasnt thought of yet.

Edible Shoe Cream

Something organic, something

palatable and something designed
to shine the shoes. It sounds
extraterrestrial, but Greenfibres edible
shoe cream does not only serve to polish
your shoes, but also to bring flavor to
your bread, or to cook your meals, and
even to moisturize your hair and lips!
Yum yum yum, deliciososhoes.

Moss Carpets

The humidity created during hot

showers and baths can finally be put to
use, with the moss carpet invented by
Nguyen La Chanh. Three different types
of moss, were used to create this soft,
moldy-looking but fresh flooring, the
latter designed to thrive with the humid air
of your bathroom. Weird, but itd make you
want to lay your feet on a bed of mosses.

Organic Coffins

Even the boxes where the remains

of the dead rest are modified to their
ecological purpose. Using banana sheaves
and bamboo, coffins in Colorado, USA, are
constructed, speeding the decomposition
of matter to a couple of months, or years,
along with the bodies inside. With Ecoffin,
one can express to ecological concern even
to death.

They say that the earth is a basket not big enough to hold all the eggsall of us. We can be like these inventors too, with ecological concern in the mind. We are in a bizarre
world of creations, and if we only think outside the box, maybe we can even think of innovations such as these peculiar eco-friendly products.

The Techified Era

By Uriko Labrador
Technology is by far the
greatest contribution of man to
the world. Admit it or not, were
nothing without the internet
these days. From researching
and doing our homework, to
feeding our fangirl (or even
fanboy) fetishes and being kept
updated over our favorite artists
and bands, the internet, plus any
electronic gadget, makes our
world go round. This may sound
cool, but it actually brings an
alarming truth to what brought it
out todaythe world!
We love our phones,
laptops, tablets, and every other
gadget in this world. People on
the elite side love their new
Ferraris and Jaguars. But this
time, consumers bring a very
large danger to our environment.

For example, the factories and

industries earn great wealth
for producing a great deal of air
pollution that affects everybody.
The air in cities is clouded by an
atmosphere full of smoke. When
this happens, respiratory illnesses
start to become the cause of
deaths each year, on urban areas.
Technology can help solve this
problem, but there would be
nothing to solve if technology
didnt cause it in the first place.
Technology also helped
in agriculture but it also has its
flaws. Pesticides are one of the
products made with technology.
Some of them contain chemicals,
which kill insects feeding on crops
and cause stomach aches to those
who eat plants sprayed with it.
They are sprayed onto vegetables,

plants, or crops, harvested and

sold in markets. It isnt purely
technologys fault if humans who
consume contaminated food
have their stomachs aching or
have a bad day in the bathroom.
The humans attitude of relying
everything on technology is the
Bonnie to Clyde in the story of a
doomed world.

It would take another two years of research and development before the next generation of
USB drives would arrive in 2000. The new generation would be named USB 2.0. From 2002-2007 USBs
remained pretty much the same. In 2009 USB 3.0 new flash drives were announced and were up to 10X
faster than 2.0, conserved energy.
Our generation today is lucky to have the USB flash drive and external drive. If you want to save a
movie, the whole movie cant be saved in the floppy disk but it can be done in USBs and external drive.
Moreover, you can save more files and movies using these devices.
SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floppy_disk#History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_flash_drive

FACTS

Animal Quick Facts

Human Quick Facts

Space Quick Facts

1. A giant squids eyes have a

diameter of 15 inches which are
the largest of any animal.
2. A dogs sense of smell is 1,000
times stronger than humans.
3. A snail can sleep for 3 years.
4. A cockroach can survive for
about a week without its head
before dying of starvation.
5. The heart of a shrimp is
located in its head.

1. If stomachs did not have a

lining of mucus, your stomach
would digest itself.
2. On average, women say 7,000
words per day while men manage
just over 2,000 words.
3. On average, humans lose 40100 strands of hair per day.
4. The human brain is composed
of 75% water.
5. Human thigh bones are
stronger than concrete.

1. Saturns rings are made up of

particles of ice, dust and rock. Some
particles are as small as grains of
sand while others are much larger
than skyscrapers.
2. There is a supermassive black
hole right in the middle of the
Milky Way galaxy that is 4 million
times the mass of the Sun.
3. Asteroids and comets are
believed to be ancient remnants of
the formation of our Solar System
(More than 4 billion years ago!).

Source: http://www.science-facts.com/
quick-facts/amazing-animal-facts/

Source: http://www.science-facts.com/
quick-facts/amazing-human-facts/

By Karl Angelo Cunanan

Although
technology
serves a great purpose in the
world, it also has downsides just
as how delicious, tongue-tickling
treats spoil in days. And just like
a fat man who eats every goodie
in the world, we should not abuse
ourselves by drowning ourselves
in gadgets and think that they
make the world a better place!

An Easy Way... from p.10

SCIENCE

Trash to
Cash

Source: http://www.science-facts.com/
quick-facts/amazing-outer-space-facts/

Hey you! Yes you. Do you ever wonder how you can make
money without exerting so much effort? Or should I say, do you ever
wish to have some instant money right now to pay for school stuff
and buy all the things you want? Well, look around you. There are
things in the house which can make money. Yep. Look closely. Are
there uncrumpled papers? Unused CDs? Piles of tin cans and scrap
metals? Its time to make them more beneficial. Lets convert TRASH
into CASH!
During the month of September, HFA observed Ecology
Month. Its the time of the school year where everything goes
green. Activities were made for Familians to value stewardship.
One of the projects that the Science area did was making Trash into
Cash. In this project, the Science teachers asked the students to bring
recyclable materials for a week. Each material will be equivalent to
designated points or incentives.
For week one, the students were asked to bring Compact
Disks or CDs. Ten CDs is equivalent to one point. For week two, they
were asked to bring paper. Six inches tall of paper is equivalent to
one point. On the third week, empty bottles or tin cans. One kilo
is equivalent to one point. Then, they were asked to bring scrap
metals for the fourth week and broken appliances for the last week.
After almost five weeks, the Science department gathered all
the recyclable materials and they brought it to the junkshop to be
sold. They earned a hefty amount of money. They used the money
to buy some pots and flowering plants which they used to beautify
the school. The pots were placed on each side of the classroom and
alongside the guards house.
The project can be concluded as successful since it helped the
school in beautifying its surroundings and converted useless trash
to beneficial and useful cash. The Science are hoping that we too,
can earn money out of our trash. So, gather up those pieces of paper
and cans and go to a junk shop and lets make TRASH into CASH!

Gods and Goddesses Descend to HFA

By Liezl Lansang

Attempting a new approach

in the English instruction for
Seniors, HFA hosted The Greek
and 21st Century Gods and
Goddesses Fashion Show at the
school AVR last August 16, 2012.
English
teachers
Ms.
Sherylou David and Mr. Adrian
Valdez took charge of the program
and organized the said event.
The panel of judges
included OIC of Instruction Ms.
Reeza Lindo, OIC of Student
Activities Mrs. Aurora Yutuc, and
MAPEH Coordinator Mr. Oliver
Timbol. Following awards were
given after judging; Best in Baking,
Best Greek God and Goddess, Best
21st Century God and Goddess,
and Best Production Number, and
subjects TLE, English, and Art,
covered them.

The eight sections of the

Fourth Year were assigned a pair
of Greek gods and goddesses. They
served as bases for the 21st Century
deities stories and introductions,
also to be made by each respective
class. The Filipino subject required
the four introductions to be
translated and read in Filipino,
with related economic resources
cited, for the subject Economics.

IV-Acts bagged 1st place

for the category of the Best Greek
God, and 2nd on the Best Greek
Goddess. Hebrews landed on 2nd
place for Best Greek God and IVCorinthians on 3rd, who also won
1st in the Best Greek Goddess and
2nd in Baking. IV-Ephesians won
1st place in both Best 21st Century
God and Goddess. IV-Romans,
who won 1st place in Baking, also
landed on 3rd for Best 21st Century
Integration in the CLE God. IV-Colossians landed on 3rd
subject was based on the posters for the Best 21st Century Goddess.
made by each class and were
posted outside the AVR.
The Greek and 21st Century
Gods and Goddesses Fashion
With a total of five, IV- Show 2012 was held in relation
Philippians accumulated the most to Mythology, the Seniors 1st
number of awards. The section Quarter Topic in English. It was
won the following; 3rd place for also designed to cover some
the Best Greek Goddess, 2nd place lessons in the different subject
for both Best 21st Century God areas included.
and Goddess, 3rd place in Baking,
and Best in Production.

HFA Relives
History

By Raphael Roque

To raise awareness on social issues, historic events,

and promote patriotism, Holy Family Academy High
School Department held its culminating activity for the
Histor y and Herstor y Week at the Covered Court, last
September 21, 2012.

Not a shot from a horror flick but

a scene during the culminating
activity of History Week. A Kapre
relaxes under a balite tree

The
Social
Studies
Department spearheaded the
event,
arranging
activities
for the History Week, such as
the Pautakan sa Kasaysayan,
Display
of
Philippine
Mythological Creatures, Relief
Making
(interpretation
of
historic events on clay), Fliptop
Debate on different social issues
and PINOYing (promotion of
patriotism through creative
poses).
The activity started at 7:20
a.m., with an opening prayer. It
preceded the announcement
the champions of the Year III
Fliptop Debate held in the AVR,
and the champion, III Micah,
reenacted their debate for the
rest of the student body to
watch.
An intermission number
from the HFA Divas followed
the debate. The Grade 7 students

then showcased their portrayals

of the Philippine Mythological
Creatures.
Mr. Rodigar Alimurong,
the Social Studies coordinator,
announced the winners in
the respective contests. The
champions of the different
contests were 7 Justice in
the Display of the Philippine
Mythological Creatures, II Joy
in the Relief Making, III Micah
in the Fliptop Debate, and IV
Philippians in the PINOYing
contest.
Mark Jasper Ocampo of 7
Patience, Ivy Gale Tolentino of
II Wisdom, Christian Edwin
Baluyut of III Micah and Liezl
Ann Lansang of IV- Romans
were declared as the champions
in the Pautakan sa Kasaysayan
in their respective year levels.

HFA Celebrates... from p.2

Activities were held throughout
the whole month and were
actively participated by all year
levels. The culminating activity
was held last August 24, 2012 at
the High School Covered Court.
The culminating activity started
with an opening prayer lead
by Zharlene Mangune which
was immediately followed by
a bands performance. The
Opening Remarks was given
by the OIC SA, Mrs. Aurora
Yutuc.

Final performances of
the winners of each contest took
place. Starting off with Stories of
the Legends of some Philippine
Vegetables of the Grade 7, then
a performance of some selected
students and faculty members.
The Juniors wowed the audience
with their original nutri-jingle.
Then, selected Dance Club
members performed a ballet
dance. The crowd went wild as
the Seniors sang their original
Acoustic Composition. Then,
last performances were made
by Sherwin de Leon, Jillian
Callinao and Krisitine Garbo,

who all sang respectively. After

that, the most awaited part of
the event, the announcement of
winners. Here are the winners of
each contest.

GRADE 7

Pinakamagandang Maskot:
Charity
PILI at PINO ... Mga Kwentong
Pilipino
3rd: Fortitude/Hope
2nd: Prudence
1st: Patience
MAKISABAY ... MAKISANAY ...
Tarat sumulat na ng Sanaysay
3rd: Prudence
2nd: Humility
1st: Patience

2ND YEAR

2nd: Amity
1st: Joy
LANGHAP ... LASAP ...
Singkasarap
3rd: Wisdom
2nd: Understanding
1st: Forbearance

3RD YEAR

TISA ... DALAWA ... TATLO...

Gumuhit tayo
3rd: Proverbs
2nd: Exodus
1st: Micah
TUGTOG ... TUNOG ... HIMIG
HANDOG
3rd: Genesis
2nd: Proverbs
1st: Micah

4TH YEAR

Paggawa ng Poster (2nd Year):

3rd: Understanding
2nd: Wisdom
1st: Forbearance
Paggawa ng Slogan (2nd Yr):
3rd: Courage
2nd: Understanding
1st: Wisdom
TUNGHAYAN ... PAKINGGAN
... Ang aking ginawang Slogan
3rd: Wisdom

Karatalustasan
5th: Galatians
4th: Philippians
3rd: Colossians
2nd: Corinthians
1st: Romans
HIMIG ... TINIG ... Tunog
Akustik
3rd: Hebrews
2nd: Romans
1st: Ephesians

Dominican School of Mexico.

schools to follow. Some students

from the University of the
Assumption served as hosts.

HFA Hosts Catechists Meet

By Liezl Lansang

In accordance to the
annual tradition of Catholic
schools promoting the Catechesis
program, Holy Family Academy
hosted the General Catechist
Assembly for the first time, in the
school covered court, last October
22, 2012.
The CLE Department
spearheaded the said event,
in collaboration with the
Commission on Catechesis.
The different schools and
vicariates that participated in the
event were Holy Family Academy,
St. Scholasticas Academy, Don
Bosco Academy, Mary Help of
Christians School, University of
the Assumption, ASSUMPTA
Technical School, Holy Rosary
Academy, Chevalier School,
Angeles University Foundation,
Holy Angel University, and

Assistant Principal Mrs.

Annie Rose Tolentino, CLE
Coordinator Ms. Rosita Jane
Manaloto
and
Catechetical
Director Reverend Fr. Joseph
Mary Bacay gave their Opening
Remarks.
This General Assembly was
Spirit-filled, strong, meaningful
and a good opportunity for all
youth catechists; a great way
to recharge and renew their
commitment to the need of
others. Christ is the greatest and
highest proclaimer. This is also
a good time to make friends,
meet brothers and sisters in
Christ. Being a catechist is Christ
centered. Father Bacay said.
Mrs. Tolentino gave the
following guidelines for the guest

The first part of the assembly

consisted of group sharings among
the different schools, tackling
questions regarding catechesis
and experiences. Talks were also
held, regarding the history of the
catechesis in the Philippines.
ASSUMPTA
Technical
School the different icebreakers
after lunch, preceding the
performances of St. Scholasticas
Academy, Dominican School of
Mexico, Mary Help of Christians
School, and Angeles University
Foundation.
A mass was held to close
the assembly, with the help of the
Don Bosco Academy band, and
some students from MHCS.

Because You Need to Know

Its A Journey on the

Yellow Jeepney
Two years have passed since Benigno Simeon Aquino III started his six-year administration on the Pearl. The
wangwang policy, transparency in the government, and the
recently-implemented K-12 program---these are just some
of the perks of his yellow-streaked governance. However, it
is not a secret that in his two years of service, PNoy has faced
a hodgepodge of commendations and criticisms from the
Filipino mass. Is PNoy really accomplishing something for
our country, or just sitting on that royalty for the showbiz?
Are we really on the tuwid na daan? asks a whimpering
Juan de la Cruz.
it all.

Yes, we are on the right track, and PNoys SONA says

Inherited 8% unemployment rate has reduced to 6.9%.

Its a melody ringing on a Filipinos ears when PNoy
stated this on his SONA in Batasang Pambansa last July 23,
2012, along with stating that approximately 3.1 million jobs
were created during his term. With unemployment being
one of the countrys major human resource problems, this
is a footstep forward for the country. Kudos to the man, for
raising the probability of satisfying more of the 95 million
Filipino stomachs needed to be filled, by opening job opportunities for many.
Free education - 4.57 million students who could not go
to school before due to poverty are now able to study.
One of the big issues in the country is the growing rate
of out-of-school youth. And according to OSY, one out of
eight Filipinos aged between six and 24 is an out-of-school
youth.With the program of free education, PNoy has lit up
a spark for the future ahead of the less privileged Filipino
youth. This is another witty move for a country bearing a
young populationan economic fertilizer for boosting our
economys growth in the mere future.
Forgive and forget ang lahat ng atraso ng mga naglubog
sa atin sa bulok na estado? Ang magpatawad, maaari; ang
makalimot, hindi.
For a long period of time, the mass had witnessed CJ
Coronas impeachment trial on the headlines and screens,
as to vivify the fact that there are no secrets left unrevealed in
our government today. Probably to also remind everyone to
not step on the wrong stepping stones and make the same
mistakes. With President Aquino trying to sanitize our
government, the results say it. The Philippines ranking in
the 2011 Corruption Perception Index for the most corrupt
countries has improved, rising five places up. If this would
be carried out consistently, then there would be a decrease
in Philippines kanser ng lipunan cells.
No gain comes with no pain, they say. And considering that he is still on the first-third of his journey, PNoy
has already made some remarkable achievements for the
bayan. It might not be a smooth journey, and on the way
to progress, there will most likely be rocks of obstacles and
potholes of government flaws to smoothen and fill, but the
yellow governance still pursues their laban, and its taking
effect.
Its still an ongoing journey on the yellow jeepney.

Former Justice Secretary

Renato Corona was impeached
and was dethroned as Chief
Justice due to his lack of
transparancy in showing his
SALN Report. Do we have to
know all whats happening in
our government including SALN
Reports? Its about time. Because
we need to know

The
Freedom
of
Information bill gives us the
right to view different reports,
transactions, allocations
and
statements of all government
officials. All of these documents
will be out in public. They have
no choice but to expose their
documents, regardless of what
they are. Examples are the SALN
(Statement of Assets, Liabilities
and Networks), transactions
made by government and
allocations of the national
budget. Also, we have the right
to know what are the future plans
of the government and how the
system works like the distribution
of the pork barrel. When the
bill is passed, all of these will
happen. The power of Freedom
Information will be upon us. As
an allegiance to the bill, I signed
in support of the bill.
The FOI bill was good for

us because it gives us access to the

deepest secrets of a government
official can have. We can even
view the SALN of PNoy and
well know how much his salary
costs. We can also look into the
transactions made by them, how
much money is being spent.
Allocations of the government
can also be displayed in public if
we do so. We can learn how the
government divides the national
budget into the different sectors
of the government., We cannot
look into it before, but now, with
the Freedom of information, we
could request for a copy of it and
know what really is happening
in the governments budget.
At the end of each term, each
employee is asked to pass his/her
SALN to know how much have
they spend, all their properties,
personal belongings and the like.
But, some dont give their correct
SALN. They are blinding us from
knowing the truth. Instead of
putting their real salary, theyll
put only an amount of money.
So, when they passed it, we only
know that they have this amount
but the truth is, they have more
than that.
The
Freedom
of
Information bill has its own
good and bad effects. FOI can

Start out wrong, end up shady

Cheating is considered
one of the infirmities of the
country. Sottos crime shows
that cheating exists in our
country and still continues to
exist. Cheating is one of the
common practices of students
today. Not all students do their
homework. A lazy mind is one
of the reasons why Google
and Wikipedia are some of the
most used sites on the internet.
Everyone thinks its just
homework but small mistakes
can lead to bigger slip-ups.
Cheating is done at home,
school, or even at the office.
Your copy-paste homework
of today could be the copied
speech
of
tomorrows
politician. A cheating or
dishonest
person
could
eventually become a corrupt
individual later. Cheating is
not and it will never be right.
It hasnt brought anything
good to this world. Think
about it: happiness, peace, and
justice is never accomplished
with cheating. This should be

stopped immediately.
It might seem as a
shallow case of immorality but
it isnt. First, cheating is the
reason for so many corrupt
people in the government.
Where does the money of the
people go when they pay tax
to the government? Placing
money in your own pocket is
easy when youre a dishonest
person. People die and starve
because of the misdeeds
done by the government
which started from cheating.
Second, a huge issue came
out from a known politicians
case. Plagiarism is a form of
cheating. Copying someones
homework is as worse as
copying the work of someone
and claiming it as your own.
This makes a huge impact on
the reputation of a person.
Third, many fraudulent and
deceitful people start out by
cheating and end up in jail.
As

Benedictine

be considered as beneficial
because we can know the truth
about our political leaders. It
gives us the opportunity to
look into their political life and
review their performance. FOI
can also be harmful because
excessive information can lead to
misinformation. If we passed on
the truth, it can change and the
whole truth will just be covered
with factoids and it will not be
sensible anymore. See, excessive
information can be bad. Just
like in school, we dont have the
freedom to view your classmates
test answers during a test. That
would be cheating. Imagine, if we
have the FOI in school, we can
see our classmates answers, our
teachers while they are giving
us our deportment grades which
will lead in disrespecting their
privacy. Freedom should really
be controlled and know its limits.
Some things are kept to
be secrets that we should not
know. And if these things were
to be meddled with, we can suffer
really bad consequences. But, in
this case, I agree in passing the
FOI bill. If this will become a
law, no more cheating, no more
secrets, no more corruption. The
government will be a hundred
percent honest. We can determine
who are the honest ones from the
ones who make our counrtry a
corrupt one. So, if any official will
say, why do you want to view my
SALN report? We can answer,
Because we dont want it. Because
we need to know.

child, we should not just

be considerate about other
peoples feelings, but also our
own feelings. Cheating does
not make you a better person.
Youre only fooling yourself
when you cheat. For example,
during test you copy your
seatmates answer but no one
saw you. Who do think youre
fooling? Its you. As Familians,
we are molded to be a better
person. We are expected not to
go the wrong way. We should
straighten our crooked path
and be better than we were
before.
Honesty may be a small
means to make a massive
change in the world but it
works if you do it to a great
extent. If you cant do a great
thing in a big way, do little
things in a great way.

HFA Greens Campus

By Ninna Adriano

Burying seeds in plots

signaled the start of this years
Garden Care project as a response
to the continuous growing
environmental issues last July 10,
2012.
Specific
areas
were
assigned for each respective
class to look after throughout the
school year.
The Garden Care Project
is a very clear statement that as a
school community, we are serious
in realizing our being stewards of
creation. said SCIP Coordinator

Sister Evangeline Madayag, OSB

when asked about the activitys
relation in carrying out the
schools Philosophy, Mission, and
Vision.
Sister Madayag further
stated that Familians did not
fail to show their creativity
once again in beautifying their
gardens. A few classes were also
complimented for building fences
on their areas out of simple
materials such as popsicle sticks
and pebbles. The students were
also encouraged to plant herbal
and ornamental plants in their

Travelling With Style:

The Green Way

By MJ Marimla

When we travel with our iPods, iPhones, laptops, cameras

and probably any gadgets, one thing is for sure; getting their
batteries empty makes us worry a lot.
In my own experience as a biker, I often forget charging
my iPod a night before I go riding, and riding without my iPod is
something I really dislike. But now, as long as the Sun is up above
and you have H2O, you wont be worrying anymore, and you could
use your gadgets as much as you want!
These are the gadgets that would change your travelling
experience:

Shake Up Torch

Solar Paneled Charger

(Solio)

If youre caught up in
the dark, this is the light thatll
only need your arms muscles.
Utilizing simple science to provide
a battery-free light source a
simple rattle of the torch passes
a high strength magnet between
a pair of wire coils, generating
enough power to give you a
bright beam of light a 30 second
shake offers up to 5 minutes of
light. With its weatherproof and
maintenance free attributes, its a
great shake-up!

This must be one that

all would want to have, for this
gadget charges with a USB port
using energy from our greatest
energy source in Earth, the
Sun. It produces a range of
solar-powered chargers using
rechargeable lithium ion batteries
that will also store solar charge for
those non-daylight hours. With
this, we can go just anywhere
with any of our gadgets without
getting their batteries exhausted.

Water-Powered Digital
Alarm Clock

USB-Powered
Rechargeable Battery

When out in the wild or any

place you might be, if you need to
wake up early, this is what anyone
would need, to avoid being late,
whether youre far away, or just a
few blocks away from school! So
this water-powered alarm clock,
or particularly Bedols water
powered alarm clock, uses 100%
renewable energy. You can use
tap water, freshwater or even
seawater, and the water power
lasts around 26 weeks.

Bringing many batteries

would take a lot of space in
your bag or would cost you a
lot too. This battery has no toxic
substances--a great substitute for
some 5 billion non-degradable
alkaline batteries produced each
year. These batteries last up
to 500 charges. Stick them on
charge to your laptop or, even
better, directly into the USB slot
of your solar charger.

Bamboo Blankets

Just to complete your green way travelling experience,

this blanket would do the trick. This bamboo blanket is not only
softer than the traditional cotton fabric, but it is also made from
the pesticide free and sustainable organic bamboo. It is perfect
for people with sensitive skin, and has super absorbent wicking
properties.
At every problem, there would be an answer--thats where
science comes in and makes every problem more fun solving. With this
planet currently having ecological problems, these inventions are some
of the ones that are made to revolutionize the conservation of energy
and making people THINK GREEN, LIVE GREEN, and TRAVEL GREEN.
(Credits to: www.bootnall.com)

garden.
Grade 7 boys just enjoyed
going around the campus with
their wheel barrow collecting
weeds. Sister Madayag said,
enthusiastic with what she
observed.
Aside from the students,
the faculty and staff also
participated in the said program.
As older people, they play an
important role in motivating
Familians to become more active
in maintaining their respective
garden areas.

The Garden Care has been

one of the traditional practices in
HFA. The school hopes to instill
the value of stewardship and

care for the Earth to its students,

through the daily maintenance of
the garden areas.

An Easy Way
for Storage
By Cadeleine Hilario
Do you still remember the times when we still use the floppy disk or what they called Diskettes?
Before the latest, the 3 -inch format, an 8-inch disk followed by the 5 -inch mini floppy then the
Twiggy disk, 3-inch compact floppy disk and the Mitsumis Quick Disk 3-inch floppies evolved four
decades ago.
Floppy disks, initially as 8-inch (200mm) media and later in 5.25-inch (133mm) and 3.5-inch
(89mm) sizes, were a ubiquitous form of data storage and exchange from the mid-1970s well into
the first decade of the 21st century. By 2010,computer motherboardswere rarely manufactured with
floppy drive support;3 12 floppies could be used as an externalUSBdrive, but5 14, 8, and nonstandard drives could only be handled by old equipment.
The first floppy disk was eight inches in diameter, and was protected by a flexible plastic
jacket.IBMused this size as a way of loading microcode into mainframe processors, and the original 8-inch
disk was not field-writeable. Rewriteable disks and drives became useful. Earlymicrocomputersused
for engineering, business, or word processing often used one or more 8-inch disk drives for removable
storage; theCP/Moperating system was developed for microcomputers with 8-inch drives.
Next, an 8-inch disk could store about a megabyte; many microcomputer applications didnt
need that much capacity on one disk, so a smaller size disk with lower-cost media and drives was
feasible. The 5-inch drive succeeded the 8-inch size in many applications, and developed to about the
same storage capacity as the original 8 inch size, using higher-density media and recording techniques.
Then, the 312-inch floppy disk was produced with a capacity of 720 KB, followed by what became the
most common format, 1.44 MB. All disks had a rectangular hole which, if obstructed, write-enabled the
disk. 1.44MB disks had another hole which identified them as being of that capacity.
Lastly, the other smaller floppy sizes were proposed, especially for portable or pocket-sized
devices that needed a smaller storage device. 3 discs similar in construction to312 were manufactured
and used for a time, particularly byAmstradcomputers and word processors. A 2-inch nominal size
was introduced for compact pocket computers and was used with some electronic musical instrument
controllers. Neither of these sizes became popular in personal computers.
Like the floppy disk, aUSB flash driveis adata storage device, but this includesflash memorywith
an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and
rewritable, and physically much smaller than afloppy disk. Most weigh less than 30g. As of September
2011drives of up to 256gigabytes(GB) are available.
Storage capacities as large as two terabytesare planned, with steady improvements in size and
price per capacity expected.Some allow up to 100,000 write/erase cycles, depending on the exact type
of memory chip used, and a 10yearshelf storage time. It has been around for more than a decade, but
they were not as popular or as powerful as they are today. Like every piece of technology, USBs had
to be built form the ground up and went through several changes before they caught the eye of the
awaiting public.
The first version of USB would be named USB 1.0 and would not be officially introduced to nearly
a year later in 1996. The 1.0 specifications are trivial by todays standards, only topping out at 12Mbit/s,
but USB had to start somewhere. The next evolution in USBs would not come until 1998 when USB 1.1
was released. 1.1 was a almost identical to 1.0 except it allowed for slower devices such a joysticks,
keyboards, mice, etc. to be plugged in at a lower speed.

An Easy Way... p.11

You

Can

Make
By Ninna Adriano

As I walk in this blissful corridor of students telling endless stories of wit, and
catching up with their friends like they havent seen one another for millions of years,
I started feeling something deep within me that I could hardly explain. I feel like I am
battling with my own emotions now.
I walked slowly. Before stepping into my room, I have seen the faces of people whom
I have spent my high school life with. In my memory appeared a glimpse of who I was four
years ago. A laidback pupil whos always been afraid of trying a turtle who never found
the courage to get its head out of the shell a mere member of the community who
never learned to take chances and make a stand yes, its all ME. Well, not until I have
decided to be the best that I chose to be brave enough to conquer my fears.
My senses have now brought me back to this present time. Standing on this
doorstep, I am now ready to move forward but three words popped into my mind: it
is November. It may sound so hollow, but for me it is the meaning of time. With the
flashback I had a minute ago, I forgot about this strange feeling I was talking about earlier.
Now it hits me once again.
I only have four months left. I only have four months left to cherish. Theres nothing
more I could afford seeing go to waste. I just want to enjoy my remaining days with all my
friends in this institution that has formed me wholly for four years.
They say high school is the best part of ones school life. Now you think that sounds
too clich right? Yes, but theres nothing more that could sound so real when youre at
this point that everythings about to end. Realizing that you are at this moment of your
life, that youre actually finding it so difficult to let go but you got no power over time is
truly heartbreaking. Its toughits tough to bid goodbye to a place like home. But after

all, I still have to accept that the best part of my school life is all coming to the finale
because as the lines go by, nothing lasts forever. (Hey, I wish I was that nothing!)
I am saying this because I want you, my fellow Familians, to enjoy your high school
life. Choose to make the most out of your Familian-becoming because when all these
fades, memories are the only thing well have left with us. Never let yourself regret about
an opportunity you have just missed or about the seminar you didnt attend because
you were lazy or about the interschool dance competition you didnt join because of
your heavy academic workload or maybe about a friend who said sorry but you didnt
forgive because you cant give up your pride.
Always grab the chances given. You dont have authority over whats next. All
youve got is the will to fight. Go out of your comfort zones and do what will make you
happy and when I say do what makes you happy, I mean, in accordance to Gods will of
course!
To my fellow seniors, I want you to realize that its never too late. With the short
period of time left, I believe that we could still make it up to our friends whom we have
had misunderstandings with, to our classmates whom we have offended because of the
false rumors we have had fun with, to our parents whom we have disappointed because
of a failing grade we had in our Science class, or even to our teachers whom we have
secretly bad-mouthed in the past. Grow up! If you think you have just wasted the four
years we had, take a hold on these remaining four months. Itd still mean a lot, believe
me.
Be wise. The time is NOW. Create something that lasts forever. Savor it and make
millions.i

Its Hard, But We

Make It Look Easy
By Uriko Labrador
FAMILIAN. The first thing
that comes in my mind is the
navy blue skirt and the babycollar blouse, the non-ankle
socks and black leather shoes,
but besides the basic outer
appearance of what a Familian
is, there is more to being one
and this cannot be measured
by merely looking at a student
of Holy Family Academy.
Familian
is
what
the students of Holy Family
Academy are called. High
school student or not, you will
be able to identify one when
you see their navy blue uniform
while you are walking near the
school, strolling around malls,
or having snacks at McDonalds.
But seeing a Familian is
different from knowing one. A
Familian is measured not only
by what he wears, or what he
looks like but also the amount
of good behavior and discipline
he exhibits.
The school brought us up
and still continues to mold us to
become God-fearing, prayerful,
Christ-centered students and
stewards of creation. We are
respectful to those we know
and to those who are strangers
to us. We may seem flawless
but we have our scars. We

know when we are being too

nice and have become victims
of foolishness. We cannot be
kept looking ridiculous in front
of other people. We know
when our kindness is being
abused and we have the right
to stand our ground and defend
ourselves.

earth! We may be shy at times,

but we know how to balance
work and play thats why we all
know how to chill and let loose.
Familians are not the kind of
people who drown themselves
in study without having time to
enjoy a sunny day. Plus, we are
very generous people.
Whether
time
or
donations, Familians are always
ready to lend a helping hand.
Were always here to listen and
open our arms to welcome a
new friend, so next time you
see one of us, dont be afraid to
say hi or give us a smile.

Students of HFA are nice,

but we know when people have
reached the limit. This is just
a reminder so that everyone
knows that we are both sugar
and spice, treat others right,
and should be treated well in
return.
Like I said, knowing
a Familian is different from
seeing one. Some of us may
look harsh, unfriendly, or even
anti-social, but in reality were
not. Familians are one of the
most fun-to-be-with people on

Millions

People always say it is

hard being a Familian. Too
many rules in school, too many
things not allowedbut these
are just little things that help
form a Familian. Its really not
that hard being one as long as
you learn how to balance rules,
time, and fun. Rules in school
do not lessen the chance of a
fun life. Rather, it helps us gain
a greater chance of having one.
I guess were just really good in
showing others that we should
enjoy life, no matter how hard
it may seem!

Surviving
High School
By Jahlia Fausto

High school is a living hell, and a prison.at least, thats

what other students see high school, as tons of homework pile
up on their desks every day. Many think and start worrying about
the pressure they would encounter in academics, extra-curricular
events and in their social life. They think of the problems they
would face without thinking of the solution to it.

So, how do we survive high school?

Here are the answers of some students and teachers on
how they think they would and could survive this hell that they
call.
Leo Rivera of IV-Romans, the SC Vice president, advises
students to just go with the flow and always do their best.
Paulo Malonzo of IV-Romans, the SC Business Manager,
thinks that youll survive high school if you made everything
lighter, faced problems positively and live every day lively.
For Mr. Harvy Calma, we must follow our schools motto,
Ora Et Labora. That in everything we do, we must accompany it
with prayer and surely, you would survive high school happily
and prosperously, so at the end, you could say that in all things,
God may be glorified.
Sabrina Mendoza of III-Proverbs says that to survive high
school, time management is the most important. You have to
know how to divide your works and use your time well. Because
every second counts! Second, focus. You have to know and set
your priorities. Set a goal for you to challenge yourself and aim
for it. Third, think positive and believe in your capabilities. No
matter how many mistakes youve committed, its never too late
to start and do your best again and again. Its better to try than
never.

High school is not really all of what the stressed
imagineit is not merely the hell that is visualized. And surely,
it is not a prison. It serves as the training grounds for us so that
we are prepared to face the upcoming challenges that await us.
High school is the most exciting time of our lives. It is
where everything starts, from our development from gawky kids,
to being confident teenagers during this stage of our education,
and is full of exciting possibilities.
High school is where one further discovers himself.

on a stick to burn when you

have a family or simply yourself
to feed is something smokers
should take consideration of.

Its Not Just Your Lungs

SECTION 5. Smoking Ban in Public Places.Smoking shall be
absolutely prohibited in the following public places; enclosed or confined
areas of all hospitals, medical clinics, schools, public transportation
terminals and offices, and buildings such as private and public offices,
recreational places, shopping malls, movie houses, hotels, restaurants,
and the like.
Republic Act 9211, Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.
Its as if the law itself is
already raising a caution sign
right to the faces of irresponsible
smokers nowadays, but wait,
theres more! The smoking ban,
being more heavily imposed this
2012, will carry fines ranging
from 500 php on the first offense,
to less than five thousand pesos
on the third offense.
Just one act of negligence
and that Ninoy bill is going out
of your wallet.
However, as firm as the
law seems to be, some Filipinos
still do not mind, and continue
the norm they were used on
doingsmoking on public
places is still widespread,
especially on public utility
vehicles. And manong seems to
not mind a passenger or two
smoking in his Sarao, because
sometimes, its he, himself, who
does the deed, when ironically,
stickers of No Smoking on PUJs
are stuck on the back of the front
seat. In one way or another, we
have all witnessed this kind of
scenario.
It might seem like a no
big deal to citizens, but digging

deeper, its not just the lungs of

the smoker that irresponsible
smoking would deteriorate.
Every aspect is deterred of its
function, and affected by the
lack of discipline and concern.
In
these
kinds
of
situations, the first concern is
the health of the commuters,
and citizens inhaling the scent
of burning nicotine on their
own nostrils secondhand. Its
a worse case for them, because
no filter is provided for them,
meaning, no one is spared from
the ill effects of smoking.
Second,
is
the
environment.
With
global
warming
continuing
to
aggravate by the pollutions that
we, humans are responsible
for, we should start taking
responsibility on our actions.
Yet, with Flipinos being ninth
and Filipinas, sixteenth, on the
Survey of the Worlds Heaviest
Smokers by the World Lung
Foundation, there is a serious
need for enforcing such law.
Third is the case of
handling money, where every
peso counts. Spending five pesos

Smoking, as everyone
should see, is simply not a fad
youd think it is when you see
your colleagues doing the deed,
and then join them to go with
the flow. Well, not when you get
older and seek doctors to mend
your once-well functioning
lungs.
Its also ironic that schools
teach of smoking and its ruthless
effect on ones health, when they
have these smoking zones
beyond their walls. Not against
the law, but simply ironic.
As Familians, we are
lucky to be brought up in an
institution that does not only
give us the knowledge and
awareness, but to be brought up
in one that walks the talk. Young
as we are, the value of discipline
is already being inculcated in
our institution. From the proper
segregation of waste, to the
breaking of social barriers by
our extracurricular activities,
oh yes, we are lucky. But most
of all, we do not have a smoking
zone in school, for we do not
encourage smoking and all the
nicotine of it.
And to the smokers who
are continuously, unconsciously,
charring their lungs, its not
just your lungs that you are
slowly contributing on to its
deterioration.
Its your overall health. Its
the health of the person to you
nearby. Its your community.
Its the world you live in.
LGUs that have complied
with the policy as of June
2012.

The Second Ramon Magsaysay

It is in no doubt that
DILG secretar y Jesse Robredo
resembles the great former
president Ramon Magsaysay.
No, it may not be just about
the same way they died, but
its about their willingness to
ser ve the masses until their
last breath. With his different
accomplishments, he has
indeed, proved himself.
One of his remarkable
achievements is the fact
that Naga City has been
hailed as one of the most
improved cities in Asia.
Robredo ser ved as mayor for
19 years and transformed it
from being dull to being one
of todays most recognized
cities in Asia. His efforts and
ser vant leadership lead to the

citys continuing progress in

this present time. He said
once that if we cant change
this country nationally, then
lets start locally; lets start
piece by piece. And he did.
Transparenc y
of
the
L ocal
Government
Units
(LGU)
has
also
been strengthened during
Robredos ser vice. Being
assigned by PNOY, he
too carries the will of
government
transparency
towards the tuwid na daan.
He implemented the Full
Disclosure Policy (FDP),
requiring LGUs to disclose
12 key financial documents
in public places that will
show how funds are spent,
resulting to 99% or 1,697

Added
funds
for
Philippine National Police
have also been given. The
needs for the increase of our
countr ys defense have been
filled by Jesse Robredo by
increasing the budget by 54%
for PNP field units to 1,000
per capita, from P650. This
aims to increase the police
visibility, in the goal of
bringing down the countr ys
crime rate.
Truly, Robredo has
proven his true governance
and ser vice to the last
moments of his life, and
has filled another page in
Philippine histor y with his
legacy, just like Magsaysay.
Jesse Robredo has left
a marka mark not to be
forgotten by the Filipinos.

Do It All, Just Stand Up

An act defining cyber crime, providing for the
prevention, investigation, suppression and theimposition
of penalties therefore and for other purposes
-Republic Act No. 10175, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012
B e ni g no
Ni noy
Aqu i no d i e d for f re e d om
w h i l e h is w i fe C or a z on
C or y
C oju anc o -Aqu i no
fou g ht
for
d e mo c r a c y.
Is
t he i r
s on
B e ni g no
Noy noy Aqu i no, c u r re nt
Pre si d e nt of t he R e publ i c of
t he Ph i l ippi ne s, s e ek to e nd
t he i r not just h is f am i ly s
i n he r it anc e to t he c ou nt r y
but t he t r ust F i l ipi no
c onst itu e nc y me mb e rs l ai d
on h i m ?
F i l ipi no ne t i z e ns have
u nite d as one i n ord e r
to stop w hate ve r Noy noy
pl ot s i n approv a l of t he
s ai d l aw k now n as Cy b e r
Cr i me Pre ve nt i on Ac t of
2012.
The
G ove r nme nt
e n l i g hte ns t he publ i c t hat
Cy b e r Cr i me w as to ha lt
pro s e c ut i on at b ot h t he
d ome st i c and i nte r nat i ona l
l e vels
su ch
as
cyber
s e x , ch i l d p or no g r aphy,
u ns ol i c ite d
c om me rc i a l
c om mu ni c at i ons and c y b e r
bu l ly i ng . But af te r ge tt i ng
to k now t he l aw b e tte r, t he
c ons out nu mb e re d t he pro s.
No more pr iv a c y, words are
to b e hand l e d c are f u l ly,
and a c t s are to b e t hou g ht
b e fore cl i ck i ng . Th is a c t
is sl ow ly t a k i ng aw ay w hat
ou r F i l ipi no he ro e s, not
just Ni noy and C or y ; she d
t he i r bl o o d for f re e d om .
Si mply by shar i ng ,
c om me nt i ng or l i k i ng a
photo
usi ng
Fa c eb o ok ,
t we e t i ng v i a Tw itte r and
e ve n bl o g g i ng usi ng Tu mbl r
c an ge t a ne t i z e n i n pr is on
for 1 2 ye ars w h i l e a robb e r
is s e nte nc e d for 8 ye ars
of st ay on ly. Gu e ss w hat ?
The on ly w ay i n ord e r to
avoi d i mpr is onme nt is to
shel l out t he p e na lt y of 2
to 1 0 m i l l i on p e s o s. Why
s qu and e r 5 0 m i l l i on wor t h
of c ash for t he approv a l of a
l aw t hat a l mo st e ve r yone i n
t he c ou nt r y opp o s e s w he n
t he gove r nme nt c an us e t he
mone y to bu i l d cl assro oms,
s cho ols
and
ho spit a ls
i nste a d of pr is ons to us e for
t ho s e w ho c om m it c y b e r

c r i me ? Its i roni c g ive n t hat

t he y i nsist s olv i ng p ove r t y
is u nfe asibl e w he n t he re a l
d e a l is t he y ke e p p assi ng
stupi d nons e ns e l aw s t hat
have not h i ng to d o w it h
t he probl e m . May b e i f t he y
fo c us more on t he maj or it y,
Ph i l ippi ne s m i g ht have a
bi g chanc e on b e i ng a b e tte r
pl a c e to l ive i n. S or r y to
s ay, ou r gove r nme nt is not
a w ish -g r ant i ng f a c tor y.
Pe rhap s i f t he y ge t to
s olve p ove r t y f i rst , may b e
t he n t he y c an p ass Cy b e r
Cr i me. The on ly re as on
we c om m it c y b e r c r i me
t h rou g h
d ow n l o a d i ng
tor re nt s
and
g ame
appl i c at i ons is b e c aus e t he
c ou nt r y is ge tt i ng p o ore r
and p o ore r w h i l e w ast i ng an
u npro du c t ive d ay hav i ng no
s olut i on for it . Th i n k of it ,
i f t he y approve c y b e r c r i me,
t he p e rc e nt age of p ove r t y
w i l l i nc re as e and t h is w i l l
c aus e t he c ou nt r y to have
a hard e r t i me s olv i ng it .
If ou r gove r nme nt f r itte rs
aw ay 5 0 m i l l i on wor t h
of c ash and c ont i nu e s
c or r upt i ng t he c ou nt r y,
w hat els e is l e f t for ou r
ch i l d re ns f utu re ? Na s aan
na ang sina s abing tuw id na
landa s ni Noy noy ?
Noy noy us e d to s ay
du r i ng h is c amp ai g n Kayo
ang b o ss ko. Di d he s ay
t h is for us to u nite as one
for t he pro g re ss of ou r
c ou nt r y or is it b e c aus e he
on ly w ante d t he F i l ipi no s
to l ay t he vote s on h i m ?
Are we w i l l i ng to have ou r
l e a d e r re mai n as a pre si d e nt
w it hout a pl at for m ? No
F i l ipi no is w i l l i ng to l e t
ou r c ou nt r y re mai n as a
l au g h i ng sto ck just b e c aus e
of a d e ns e l aw. We are
c it i z e ns of t he R e publ i c of
t he Ph i l ippi ne s and we are
e nt it l e d t he r i g ht to sp e a k .
L e t us st and for ou r r i g ht !

Students of Today,
Leaders of Tomorrow
By Beatrice Ysabel C. Reyes, Patricia Anne Denise D. Aguas, and Lourdes R. Dimalanta
Everyone has their own
talent, waiting to be shared
and showed to the world. May
it be the melodious singing,
the
entertaining
dance,
the sensational stories, the
enthralling works of art, and the
enthusiastic sports that everyone
cheers on--all of them are just
lying inside us, waiting to be
broken free from its encased ice.
For that reason, Holy Family
Academy provides 29 clubs, with
two new ones, that centers on
our social hobbies. Take singing
as an example. Would you not
want to join Glee Club? If colors
and brushes fascinate you, would
you not be interested to join the
Young Artists Club? And if youre a
wiz for codes, would you not sign
in to Information Technology?
The fourth of June did not
only mark the start of school
year 2012-2013, but also the

beginning of another journey

towards self-development, with
HFAs clubs ready. Not so long
after, the Reorganization of Clubs
or Club Hopping which happened
on June 22.
That day, we, the Familians,
chose the club to which we would
be a part of, mostly basing from
our interests and passion. Who
knows? The members of the
Presidents League today might be
the future leaders of tomorrow.
The Thespians Guilds actors and
actresses may be the faces we will
see in televisions in the future.
The athletes of our school might
be the representatives for the
Olympics in 2040. The musicians
from the Instrumentalists Club
might be the next One Direction,
Paramore, The Script and many
more famous bands someday.
Even the Youth for Christ for
those who want to serve God,
might be the next ones to step on

the pulpit. And here is another

one: the Yes-O-Club, which was
formerly called as Earth Savers
Club for those who are somehow
naturalistic.
Membership in any of these
clubs does not only promote our
interactive skills but also assist
in developing ones God-given
talents as students with the same
interests share their knowledge,
tips, and tricks in that particular
field.
Joining a club is not just a
joke. You have to think first. It is
not like you will join that club for
nothingpassion would surely
come first. What is important
is you want to develop the skill
you have. So whatever club you
joined, we wish that you will
enjoy it for the rest of the school
year. Good luck!

Tearrific Treat
for the Tea-rsty
By Iara Biag and Claire Manabat

Have you ever liked the

taste of tea? I didnt until milk tea
was born. From the hot, tasteless,
and bitter drink originated from
the East Asians, to this wonderful
creation of tea mixed with milk,
flavors, and pearlsnow who
wouldnt want to try? It is not just
tea mixed with milk. Its tea with
a special twist to the drink
itself.

favorite drinks of many Familians.

Renowned shops that sell
this treat include Dakasi, Mang
Cha-a, Moonleaf, and Serenitea.
This drink though, is not
only loved by the Filipinos,
specifically the youthit also

Milk tea, one of the

most well-known drinks in
Asia, has surely reached
the Filipino shores, the
evidence seen with milk
tea shops sprouting in the
Philippines. It has become
very famous because of its
flavorsome treat.
The good of it, is
that you can drink this
in any weather or any
occasion! The drink itself
comes with tapioca balls
or what we call black
pearls. Most shops in
Taiwan, where it was first created
in the 1980s, even sell their milk
tea with a lot of flavors!
Bestsellers
that
have
captured even the Pinoy tongues
include Okinawa, Taro, Green
Tea, and Wintermelon. The drink
had become so famous that it
has been considered a fad. It is
undeniably, even one of the most

the traditional tea, it is served

cold.
Add-ons such as nata de
coco, pudding, popping boba,
and even aloe vera, can be an
alternative to the pearls, as
popularized in the Philippines.
If you have a hole
in your pocket or are too
lazy to go out and buy,
you could always make
your own.
HERE ARE SOME
INSTRUCTIONS
TO
CREATE YOUR OWN
DRINK:
All you need is a
couple of ingredients-black tea, milk or
evaporated milk, sugar,
honey (optional), and
pearls
or
add-ons
(optional).

has a lot of benefits vital for the

body. It is a good alternative to
cola or any beverage because
it doesnt contain that much of
acid than softdrinks. Plus, its two
essential ingredients are also
healthy--while tea is a source
of antioxidants, milk is a main
source of calcium. Not only does
it detoxify and strengthen your
bones, but it also quenches your
thirst on a very hot day, for unlike

For approximately
30 minutes, boil water and add black
tea until tea is cooked completely.
Then, put the cooked tea in a mug or
tall glass. Add in the sugar (honey is
an option) to the tea, then add in the
milk.
Serve it with ice, and enjoy!

Writing and Listening

and Waiting
By Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes

Every day I remember

That I sit in the corner.
Writing and listening and waiting.
Seven A.M., I thought.
Look what being idle brought.
But still, Im writing and listening and waiting.
Eight then ninetime passed by.
Its twelve now, so what do I try?
I did my best,
Oh why cant I just rest?
But Im here,
Doing nothing aside writing and listening and waiting.
Im queer, yes, I admit.
But it never gave me a reason to quit.
I write,
I listen,
And yes, I wait.
So I may sit in the corner,
Do nothing and write.
But on the bright side,
Being idle made my life an easier ride.
Well, that is for me, of course.

Youre a
Superhero,
Not a Hamster
By Elke Tiotuico

You are worth so much

more than you think you are.
We all are. We are all people,
humans, creatures, who are
trying to get through this journey
called life, yearning for greatness,
and that feeling of infinity. We
are like books, with very unique
and different stories, but all have
one sole purpose, which is to be
read, to reach out, and touch
the hearts of our readers. All so
different yet so similar.
We are given the right to be
different and to express ourselves
and to feel emotions and to have
impulses towards them, to love,
and to be loved. We are here for
a purpose. Each of us mean so
much to this world, and if not
to the whole world, then to an
individual, of whom would not
have had an amazing life without
us in it.
We are what make the
world the way it is.
Every one of us all has this
secret desire inside of us to stand
out, to become famous, to be a
hero, but we always think that
in order to become famous, we
must compete against everyone
else. We are like hamsters
constantly running on our little

hamster wheel trying to obtain

what our master teasingly holds
up in front of us--a piece of
food, that piece of food being
power. Life is not a competition.
Why are heroes famous? Why are
they loved by many? Is it because
we admire them for things we
could not do ourselves? No. We
admire heroes because they
notice little things, and fight
to change them for the better.
Spiderman and Captain America
both are very well-known heroes,
but what were they before they
were well-known? Scrawny,
weak-looking, ordinary guys who
noticed the great number of
bullies on this earth, and despite
their scrawny frame, they fought
against those bullies. We too,
can be heroes, but we never
stop and take into account the
little things, because were too
busy running around in our little
hamster wheel hoping to obtain
power, only thinking of ourselves.
Life is not easy. We are all fighting
battles, great and small. That
homeless man begging for food
on the street; hes fighting a hard
battle.
Youre a Superhero... p.5

Thoughts From Places:

Ilocos
By Elke Tiotuico

Sometimes the most beautiful things in life are those that you
cant seem to comprehend, or understand. The odd things if you
will. But then again, the whole world is a surreal thing in itself.
The days that number our lives are either lengthened or
shortened depending on how we live that day. Such as the
boring drone of everyday lifes routine, makes it seem like our
days are shorter. But if you look more closely and actually feel
and listen to all the things this single day has to offer, you feel
like youve lived way more than just one day.
Its surreal; its an illusion that is constantly messing with my
mind. Its unexplainable, its frightening, yet I want to touch it,
embrace it, and see it through my own point of view.
I walk through the sand and the gravel, listening to the sound
of voices of family and friends close by, laughing, marvelling at
the beauty of it all, and taking it all in. And the terrifying, but
yet somehow calm, sound of thundering, crashing waves of
the big blue ocean nearby. I tried to approach it, running away
whenever the tides got close to my feet. I looked out into the
distance, as far as my eyes can travel across the big blue. To
think, if I could get on a boat and sailed across it, Id end up in
another territory, very far away from home. It reminded me
that there are other things out there, more than meets the eye,
more experiences and stories and people. The world is a big
blue ball of all the things. It blew my mind.
I looked behind me and saw the windmill in the distance; it
was enormous, and just the size of it gave me chills... but I
walked towards it. I trudged through the sand and gravel,
feeling the sea breeze whip through my hair. The closer I got to
the windmill, the more it kind of scared me, but I kept going.
And when I was close enough, I touched it, and embraced it.
I listened to the generators inside its walls. Then I looked up.
I couldnt explain the feeling; I felt like running away, but I
stayed right there and stared up at it. I watched the blades turn,
with the occasional whoosh from one of the blades. It was
dreamlike, hypnotic, beautiful.
Life is only boring watching it from a distance; you have to really
take risks, face your fears, and walk towards it, and touch it,
embrace it, listen and feel it. Look at it from a different point of
view, and then you will see, that the true beauty of it all lies in
you and how you look at it.

Youre a Superhero...
That teacher you despise
most in school; theyre fighting
a hard battle. That politician
running for a position in the
government but nobody favours
him; hes fighting a hard battle.
That peculiar boy in your class
who silently watches everyone
from the corner, book in hand, all
alone, hes fighting a hard battle.
That famous singer who sings
of love, yet has no one to love,
shes fighting a hard battle. Your
mother who weeps, your father
who remains indifferent to you,
they are fighting a hard battle.
You, you are fighting a hard battle.

Learn to get off your high

horse, and give warm hugs to
those who helped you get up
there. Humility, selflessness,
and love, are the keys to a brand
new and beautiful, world of
happiness. Be kind, for everyone
fights a hard battle. Stop running,
start noticing the little things.
Dont stand and watch, DO. Carpe
diem! Youre riding through this
tunnel and feel the strong wind
whip your hair around; the smell
of a Friday evening in the city
fills your nostrils, your favourite
songs blaring from the car radio,
could anything be more perfect?

from p.4

You ride this tunnel with people

whom you love, savouring every
moment of infinity, to find at
the end, a sight that leaves you
speechless, its beauty could not
compare to anything else, you
and the people you are with look
at each other wide eyed and
grinning from ear to ear, as you
all think to yourselves Weve
made it. Its great having to share
this ride with you. We soon start
to realize that we do not live for
only ourselves, but for everyone
else.

IamaFamilian
By Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes

I am a Familian, I care for

Mother Nature.
I am a Familian, I work for
change.
I am a Familian, I believe
that nothing is impossible to
achieve.
Before, it had never once
crossed my mind that I would be
witnessing arrays of creativity.
I never wouldve thought that I
would help make a (vegetablebased) mascot; watch my fellow
seventh graders wear costumes
(and make up stories) of several
Philippine mythical creatures;
look and listen at the second
years parade of endangered
species; witness an MTV from
the third years; and fourth years
assume the roles of famous
scientiststhese
happened
because I chose Holy Family

Academy as a school.
I could easily admit, at first,
I didnt want to be a Familian.
I wanted to go and study to
another school. I wanted to
be with my elementary school
friends. I was afraid to meet new
peopleassuming that they may
reject who I am and who I was
supposed to be. I was reluctant
at first to go to school every day,
knowing that none would wait
for me at the corridors of the
classrooms; knowing that none
would greet me with a smile
when I come; knowing that
none would be on my side. I was
scared, lonely, and afraid. But
despite all these new challenges,
I had managed to come through
and be who I am after periods
of time. Now, I excite myself to
go to school. Now, I know that I
have someone to talk to, either

when I am in dire need or not.

Despite the long process, I was
glad to have been accepted.
And at that time, it was
when I learned how to be a
Familian.
Being a Familian might
not always mean fun. Being a
Familian might not always mean
study, either. Being a Familian
is how you can affect others by
words, action, or speech. Being
a Familian is who you are. You
arent disliked nor disapproved;
neither an outcast nor a reject.
Be yourself. Do what you want,
be what you need. We have
been taught to care for Mother
Nature, we have been taught
to work for change, and we
have learned that nothing is
impossible to achieve.

Familians Speak- k12 edition

By Liezl Lansang

When Philippines started adding two years to its basic education system, the lives of the Filipino youth changed extremely. Mixed emotions, reactions, and perspectives
regarding the transition from 10 to 12 years are cited, and even the Familians are in a mishmash of responses, regarding K-12.

The main question is, Do you agree with the implementation of K-12?

With its incessant weighing down, the issue has brought most Familians to two sidesthe pros, and the cons.

T H E

P R O S

T H E

C O N S

Agree, because it will make the student more educated and learned. This will give
the students more knowledge. It will also improve their skills and talent for the course they
will take. - Jeremiah Caceres, II-Wisdom

No, because some schools dont have enough rooms and materials for the
children to stay in and use. -Maisie Cordero, II-Understanding

Yes, because even if the years of studying will be longer and families will have
to earn more for education it will still be for the improvement and progress of our
countrys future. It will be easier for new graduates to look for work because of their
high quality education. Vina Batac, II-Wisdom

No, because not everyone can shoulder the expenses, and it will be hard,
especially to the poor, because the expenses will increase.- Sharry Guiao, II-Piety

I agree,because at least you can start working after highschool. Jules Sagun,
II-Understanding

No, because Philippines is already in a crisis and yet, theyre still implementing
K-12. Radge Gueco, II-Understanding

I agree, because we will be given a better quality of education. Allaine

Mamangun, 7-Hope

No, because the new system might be confusing for the students. -Francis
Angeles, II Peace

It is a continuing battle between the concern for literacy and financial aspects. While the pros are up for intelligence, and the chance to work right after finishing
secondary education, the cons are concerned with the lack of financial resources and the sudden transition of the countrys educational system.

W H I C H

S I D E

A R E

Y O U

O N ?