ISSUE NO. 2 SEptEmbEr 2017

3

what’s inside

Suzette BalgosEditor

Liz Orbino GastaAssociate Editor

Ricky Lopez / Ryan SiaronPhotographers

Lorie CruzSecretary

Kat TanGraphic/Layout Artist

Comments and suggestions including articles for SinagBerde may be sent through E-mail:

adcomm@dlszobel.edu.ph

3 LAsALLiAn ACHieVeRs

lasallian ACHieVeRs

dLsZ sTUdenTs nAMed 10TH And 11TH

BesT deBATeRs in inTeRnATiOnAL TOURneY

written by Mr. Robert Ryan Valle, high school English teacher

Malaysia World Schools Debating Championship (MWSDC) awarded two De La Salle Santiago Zobel students as Best Speakers.

MWSDC named Jarom Philip Aguilar (DLSZ 2021) as the 10th Best Debater out of 56 participants spread out into 18 teams. He garnered an average speaking score of 76.40. Camille Marie Castro (DLSZ 2022) finished the tournament as the 11th

Best Speaker with an average speaking score of 76.20.

DLSZ Team B made up of Aguilar, Castro, and Therese Lachaona (DLSZ 2022) successfully made it to the Quarterfinals round. Debating teams had to battle through five rounds of both impromptu and prepared rounds. DLSZ Team A was composed of Quintin Armando Chua (DLSZ 2019),

Gabrielle Sofia Ma. Dimatatac (DLSZ 2019), Raymond Elijah Tiuseco (DLSZ 2020).

The DLSZ delegates were accompanied by Ms. Ju Turqueza, Zobel Parliament Club Moderator, and Mr. Gio Cortes, Debate Coach.

MWSDC hosted by Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was held last July 15-17, 2017.

Jarom Aguilar Camille Castro Therese Lachaona Quintin Armando Chua

Gabrielle SofiaMa. Dimatatac

Raymond Elijah Tiuseco

alumni achiever9

13 in the community

16 lasallian partners

AdMissiOn TO KindeR, GRAde 1, GRAde 7, GRAde 11 is nOW OPenDLSZ is now accepting applications for admission to Kinder, Grade 1, Grade 7 and Grade 11 for AY 2018-2019.

For requirements and application procedures, please visit the Admissions Page on the school’s website. You may also visit the Admissions Office located at the Basement of St. La Salle Building, Mondays to Fridays, from 7:30 AM to 11:00

AM and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM or call 771-DLSZ local 712.

APPLICATION SCHEDULES:

Pre-Kinder – November, December and January

Kinder and Grade 1 – September, October and November

Grades 2 to 6 – December and January

Grade 7 and Grade 11 – September, October and November

Grades 8 to 10 – December and January

Grade 12 – December and January

54lasallian ACHieVeRs

GeM sTUdenTs sTRiKe GOLd in CHinA

The following students won medals in the concluded China Primary Mathematics Olympiad held last July 27-31, 2017 in Zhejian, China:

ECHEVARRIA, CHELSEA MARIE FAJARDO (DLSZ 2023)

• Gold Medal, Calculation Skills• Gold Medal, Comprehensive/Problem Solving

• Gold Medal, Team Relay• Silver Medal, Overall Team Contest

CAGUIAT, RAPHAEL ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ (DLSZ 2023)

• Gold Medal, Team Relay• Gold Medal, Overall Team Contest• Silver Medal, Calculation Skills• Bronze Medal, Comprehensive/Problem Solving

There were about 200 participants from China and the Philippines who participated in the said competition.

(L-R) Chelsea Echevarria, Ms. Elizabeth Ortiguero and Raphael Caguiat

lasallian ACHieVeRs

dLsZ Gs BAsKeTBALL BOYs TAKe CHAMPiOnsHiP TiTLes in THRee

eVenTs

Our very own Grade School Basketball Boys has won the Championship Title in the following competitions:

Milcu GOTSKILLS 2017 Basketball Summer Showcase – Enderun, Taguig

Cherifer Summer League Champion 2017 – Immaculate Heart of Mary College, Parañaque

NBA 3x Champion for 13 under division – SM Mall of Asia

76lasallian ACHieVeRs

de LA sALLe sWiMMinG COnTRiBUTes TO nATiOnAL sPORTs

Sacho Ilustre Nikki Pamintuan

Last June 28, DLSZ Swimmers Maurice Sacho Ilustre (DLSZ 2018) and Nicole Meah Pamintuan (DLSZ 2019) were handpicked by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) to be part of a delegation of 14 national swimmers and three national coaches for a one-month training in the US. DLSZ Swimming Team Coach Bong Ilustre was likewise part of the delegation who trained under USA Olympic Coaches Allison Beebe, Doug Djang and Sean Hutchison.

Our swimmers and coaches underwent a very high level of training requiring them to keep up with US national swimmers. “It was difficult, we had to swim twice a day, six times a week, combined with land strengthening programs,” narrated Nicole Pamintuan.

On their return from the US last July 9, Sacho Illustre, Nicole Pamintuan along with DLSZ swimmers Jerard Dominic Jacinto (DLSZ 2020), Raven Faith Alcoseba (DLSZ 2021), Bela Louise Magtibay (DLSZ 2020) and DLSZ Swim Team Coach Garry Domingo joined 16 swimmers from other schools to compete in the ASEAN School Games last July 12 in Singapore.

History was made because it was the first time that our country won a gold medal. It was likewise our best performance, with the national swimmers bringing home 16 medals–12 of those coming from our five De La Salle Zobel kids. Sacho Ilustre won four gold and two silver medals, likewise breaking five national records. Jerard Jacinto won a gold medal for 50-meter backstroke, Nicole

Pamintuan won three bronze medals, Raven Alcoseba and Bela Magtibay also contributed one bronze medal each. The games ended with a historic medal haul for our country, most of which coming from Lasallian swimmers.

DLSZ Swim Team Manager, Mr. Lawrence Sahagun shared, “I was almost in tears during the awarding ceremony. It was the first time I heard our National Anthem being played in an international meet.”

“We are on the right track. The program we started four years ago aims to produce Lasallian swimmers who will not only swim for our alma mater but also for the glory of our country. This is our small contribution to Philippine sports,” he concluded.

lasallian ACHieVeRs

GeM sTUdenTs BAG MedALs And AWARds in iMC sinGAPORe

Congratulations to our GEM students who competed in the International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in Singapore last August 4 – 7, 2017.

Alex Gohockaun Goh (DLSZ 2025), Athena Gabrielle Kimwell (DLSZ 2025), Christian Gendrano (DLSZ 2024), Chelsea Lianne Gomez (DLSZ 2023), Annika Bianca Logarta (DLSZ 2023), Martin Johan Ocho (DLSZ 2023) became part of the Philippine team which amassed a total of 33 gold, 66 silver, and 146 bronze medals. The team consisting of our Filipino math wizards bested their competitors from 13 other countries to emerge as the champions in the IMC.

During the competition, Alex Gohockaun, Christian, Annika Bianca, and Chelsea Lianne won merit awards. Athena Gabrielle bagged a bronze medal and Martin Johan took home a silver medal.

There were fourteen countries that participated in this year’s IMC, namely, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Hong Kong, Iran, South Korea, Australia, India, China, Thailand and the Philippines.

Our said students were chosen to be part of the competition after attending rigorous training given by the Mathematics Trainers’ Guild (MTG) Philippines. Their participation in MTG is under the initiative of the GS and HS GEM Program.

Hats off to everyone! Animo La Salle!

(L-R) Chelsea Lianne Gomez, Alex Gohockaun Sy Goh, Annika Bianca Logarta, Martin Johan Ocho, Christian Gendrano, Athena Gabrielle Kimwell, and Mr. Albert Pagilagan

98lasallian ACHieVeRs

ALLeGRA GenUinO Wins AWARds in BALLeT COMPeTiTiOns

DLSZ acknowledges Allegra Fatima Genuino (DLSZ 2022), a Dance Theater Arts student, for winning the following awards in the Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition and Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition:

1. Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition 2017• Classical Ballet Solo (13-15 y.o.) – Silver • Jazz Duo (13-15 y.o.) – Gold • Classical Ballet Ensemble (13-19 y.o.) – Gold • Jazz Troupe (13-19 y.o.) – Gold • Best Performer Trophy (Classical Ballet Ensemble,

Senior Division)

2. Association of Ballet Academies Philippines Ballet Competition 2017• Classical Ballet Group (13-14 y.o.) – 1st place • Contemporary Duo (Senior Division) – 1st place

On top of her medals, she is also the recipient of a full scholarship awarded by Giovani Rosaci, a Summer Dance Camp in Rome, Italy.

(middle) Allegra Genuino

aluMni ACHieVeR

ZedRiCK F. LAQUi (dLsZ 2012) AMOnG THe TOP OUTsTAndinG sTUdenTs OF

THe PHiLiPPines (nCR)

DLSZ takes pride in one of its alumni, Zedrick F. Laqui (DLSZ 2012), for being included in the Top Outstanding Students of the Philippines (NCR Region).

Zed is taking BS Applied Economics and BS Applied Corporate Management in De La Salle University and will graduate this October 2017.

“The search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines honors graduating college students who have not only excelled academically, but have also dedicated themselves to serve their respective communities, organizations, and other spheres of interaction. It is the domain of dedicated servant-leaders who have heeded the call of lifelong learning, leading and serving.” (source: http://www.philstar.com)

Congratulations, Zed. You make your alma mater ‘greener’ with pride! Animo La Salle!

1110coVER sTORY

dLsZ PResenTs PAGKiLALA sA KULTURA AT KAsAYsAYAn nG MGA KAPATid nA MUsLiM sA

PiLiPinAs: dAAn TUnGO sA KAPAYAPAAn

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was led by Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC with (L-R) Honorable Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Anak Mindanao Partylist Representative, Ms. Aga Mayo Butocan, Kulintang Performer

and Dangal ng Lahi Awardee, and Ms. Marian Pastor Roces, TAO founder and curator.

De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) presents Pagkilala sa Kultura at Kasaysayan ng mga Kapatid na Muslim sa Pilipinas: Daan Tungo sa Kapayapaan (An Exhibit and A Dialogue). It was launched last August 29, 2017 at the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) Lobby and Mezzanine.

The exhibit, managed by a well-known Filipino curator Ms. Marian Pastor Roces, is mounted by Anak Mindanao Party List and TAO, Inc. According

to TAO Inc., the exhibition aims to be a compelling portrayal of Muslim Filipinos in a way that has never been done before. It challenges stereotypes by close views of historical timeline, of a presentation of archival photographs, of examples of intricate Muslim Filipino art, and of rare artifacts. The exhibit uses illustrations, photographs, videos, as well as artifacts to give viewers a glimpse of the Muslim culture and history in the Philippines, with history dating back hundreds of years all the

way to contemporary Muslim Filipinos representing Maranao, Maguindanao, Iranun, Sama and Tausug. An extensive timeline traces the arrival of Muslims in the Philippines up to the present era. Antique swords, textiles, carvings, musical instruments, brassware further concretize the intricacy of muslim culture.

Moreover, it hopes to bring the history and culture of Muslims closer to the hearts of people, and to the everyday consciousness, towards cultural understanding nationwide. It also wishes to build the culture of lasting peace and inculcate the values and principles attached to the on-going crisis in Marawi to our students and the DLSZ community by starting to understand and appreciate the culture, traditions and history of our Muslim sisters and brothers in the Philippines. The institution believes that it is relevant to fully embed this initiative in our curriculum and the formation programs so that we, as a community, can engage ourselves in healing, recovery and rehabilitation grounded on our Christian and Lasallian core values.

It also aims to bring to the fore information that is not being discussed or noticed in mainstream Philippines. It will add to the knowledge base not only about Muslim Filipinos as a unique population segment, but a kind of culture and history that has persisted through tremendous conflict.

There is a section dedicated to Marawi which includes literary piece, and photographs of places and arts in Marawi that have already been destroyed in the on-going conflict.

Kulintang performance by (L-R) Mr. Kinso Danggal, Ms. Aga Mayo Butocan, and Mr. Kanapia Kalanduya

Students and Lasallian Partners gather in front of the Center for Performing Arts Building to witness the Kulintang Performance during

the launching program of the exhibit.

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Some Features of the Exhibit:

• A visually creative timeline of the history of Muslims in the Philippines.

• Artifacts like the Gabbang or bamboo xylophone and the Panolong.

• A wing-like representation of vernacular Maranao houses called Torogan.

• A visual representation of the map of Mindanao and Sulu where the seas, mountains and rivers stand proud.

• Colorfully woven and embellished traditional attires from the Maguindanaon, Yakan, Maranao, and Tausug;

• The famous banig weaving from Tandubas and Laminsa, Sulu. These extraordinary mats are rare as Sulu is remote to outsiders.

• Glass-encased artifacts such as weaponry, which reveals the Muslim’s advanced craftsmanship. Among them are the kampilan, a long, single-edged sword with an ivory handle, which shows the strength of the Maranaws-Maguindanao and Tausugs in metal tradition; and the pirah, a wider version of the bolo or scabbard, with a birdlike horn hilt, produced by the Yakan.

• The textile tradition with the pis siyabit, a silk head cloth from the Tausugs; and the saputangan, a square head kerchief showing rich tapestry (a handwoven fabric with complex patterns).

• Muslim delicacies and other products.

The exhibit run until September 8, 2017. Other than the exhibit, there were Teacher Training on Integrating Muslim’s History and Culture in the Philippines based on grade level’s curriculum competencies for the grade school and high school Social Studies and Christian Living teachers; guided exhibit tour by Amin Partylist for grade school, junior and senior high school, and Br. Rafael Donato FSC Night High School (BRafeNHS) students; and exposure trip in celebration of Eid’l Adha participated in by volunteer students and Lasallian Partners.

in thE COMMUniTY

sPARK MUseUM PResenTs FHL’s “COLOR in HisTORY”

A collaboration between De La Salle Zobel School and Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL), “Color in History” is FHL’s twentieth-anniversary exhibition. First displayed at the Ayala Museum, it features selected historical photographs taken from their Retrato Collection, which were colorized by Cavite-based artist, Ivan Angkaw Bilugan. The exhibit also features a list of Philippine Color Words in Maranaw, Ilokano, Bisaya and Pilipino.

Opened last August 1, 2017, this exhibit which runs until August 31, 2017, is a presentation of the Cultural Affairs Office in Celebration of History Month.

(L-R) Ivan Bilugan, Suzanne Yupangco, Faye Cura, Lynette Feliciano, Thomas Daquioag

1514in thE COMMUniTY

BRAFenHs sTUdenTs in eLeCTROniC MUsiC WORKsHOP

Selected students from Br. Rafael Donato FSC Night High School (BRafeNHS) attended an Electronic Music Workshop by Spanish Artist Le Parody last July 13, 2017 at the Blackbox, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB), School of Design and Arts in Manila.

The activity was sponsored by the CSB Music Production, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy of Manila. The students were assisted by Mr. Jay Codilla, BRafeNHS Teacher and Ms. Lynette Feliciano, Cultural Affairs Office Head.

dLsZ sTUdenTs And TeACHeRs JOins THeATeR TRAininG BY PeTA

Students and teachers attended the theater training sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Office, in partnership with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), last July 22, 2017 held at the grade school classrooms and Center of Lasallian Formation Hall.

The objective of the workshop is for the participants to gain the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude in theater and how they

can help in the betterment of the school, family, and society, using the Integrated Theater Arts Approach.

This activity opens the series of theater training for the theater club and for the school’s annual production in 2018. The activity was headed by PETA Artist-Teachers, Ian Segarra, Alex Yuaga and James Cifra.

donation Report(as of September 18)

One La Salle Scholarship Fund – P152,582.00Br. Rafael Donato FSC Night High School – P574,000.00

Birthday Donation for KAISAKA Inc. – P49,000.00Relief Operation – P70,000.00

This academic year, Br. Bernie asks birthday celebrants to donate NEW manipulative toys (such as blocks, clay, big crayons, large jigsaw puzzle, etc.) or cash to KAISAKA Inc., a community-based rehabilitation program for children with disabilities and their families.

Celebrate your birthday differently as you help these children live a better and more fulfilling life.

1716lasallian PARTneRs

MR. sYMBOL FABeLLOn, MR. dAnieL enCinAs & MR. PAULO LOPeZ ARe MiCROsOFT

CeRTiFied edUCATORs

Mr. Symbol Fabellon Mr. Daniel Encinas Mr. Juan Paulo Lopez

Mr. Symbol Fabellon, High School Science Teacher, Mr. Daniel Carlos Encinas, High School English Teacher, and Mr. Juan Paulo Lopez, BRafeNHS Computer Technology Teacher, have passed and are now duly certified Microsoft Certified Educators.

The teachers took the examination last July 8, 2017 at the Asia Pacific College. Mr. Symbol, Mr. Daniel and Mr. Paulo were nominated by their respective subject area coordinators “based on their technology proficiency and application of Blended Learning Models in their line of expertise.”

The Microsoft Certified Educator Examination is a global validating examination focused on providing rich technology literacy to students. This is mapped along the UNESCO ICT Framework centered on 6 key competencies namely:

• Education policy• Curriculum and assessment• Pedagogy• ICT/technology tools• Organisation and administration• Professional development

(source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ph/learning/mce-certification.aspx)

According to Ms. Emelita Baylon, High School Educational Technology Unit Coordinator and Microsoft Certified Educator, this examination is a comprehensive battery of examination hence passing this examination confirms the technology proficiency and competitiveness of the recipient.

lasallian PARTneRs

MY MeMORABLe sUMMeR TRiP TO THe LAnd OF THe RisinG sUn – JAPAn

written by Mr. JosE aVElino a. GoRoY

It has been my life-long dream to travel to Japan—to experience their culture and traditions; to taste their food and to see its beautiful places. The planning started in December 2016. A Christmas Caroling was organized to raise funds for DLSZ teachers’ Lakbay Aral. As early as February 2017, some of the teachers have already booked their flight to Japan via Nagoya and Narita Airport. Some teachers went to Osaka while my group was bound to Tokyo. We were six in the group and we stayed in our Airbnb in Shinjuku.

Day 1 (May 15, 2017)—We met at NAIA Terminal 1 at around 7:30 PM. Together with Ms. Sheena Albino and her husband, we boarded Jetstar bound to Narita Airport. While Mr. Robert Reyes, Ms. Celine Laroza, Ms. Shane Marges, Ms. Lalaine Buenaobra and Mr. Flubert Cosue were headed to Nagoya Airport.

Day 2—We arrived at Narita Aiport the next day and boarded JR Yamanote Train going to Shinjuku. We arrived in Shinjuku at 11:00 AM and started looking

for our Airbnb. After we checked-in, we left our luggage to look for a fast food chain so we can eat lunch. After eating, we head back to the apartment to meet the group coming from Nagoya.

Day 3—Our group went to Gyoen National Garden. This garden has three different distinct styles: French Formal, English Landscape and Japanese Traditional. The most interesting and beautiful is the Japanese Garden with waterlily ponds, artfully trained bushes, statues, and a Taiwan

1918

Pavilion as background that is good for photo shoots. The well-manicured gardens are great for wandering and taking photos and taking afternoon picnic. It has 1500 Cheery Blossom trees that burst into vivid blooms in the month of March & April and a great spot for viewing cherry blossoms. The original garden dates back in 1906 and was destroyed and rebuilt after the war.

From Gyoen National Garden, we proceeded to Meiji Shrine. Entry into the Shrine grounds is marked by a massive Torii Gates after which sight and sounds of a busy city are replaced with the tranquil forest which has approximately 100,000 trees planted that make it into Meiji Jingu’s forest. This is located at the center of Tokyo. Then we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for the 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, which is on the 45th floor of the Observatory Building. The view in the tower differs from its side. From Northeast side you will see high-rise buildings and skycrapers of Shinjuku and the Tokyo Sky Tree. On the Westside, you can view Mt. Fuji.

Next stop is Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple, that was built 645 A.D. and has the finest Japanese Architecture. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and it holds a special place in the heart of its people. Within the temple ground is a five-storey pagoda where the sacred Kannon Bodhisattva is kept.

After Asakusa we took the train going to Shibuya—considered as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. Shibuya Crossing is like a giant beating heart sending people in all directions with every pulsing light change. Hundreds of people cross at a time coming from all directions at once. The intersection is the most impressive scene during peak hours and you will wonder where the people are coming from. On the side street near the train stations, you can see a park with a bronze statue of the famous dog called Hachiko.

Next stop is Akihabara—the nerdiest place in Tokyo. Here you can see people wearing anime/cosplay costume. It’s a place where you can find different kinds of robot and gadgets. Then we proceeded to Ueno District to eat at Ichiran to taste the famous and delicious freshly cooked Tonkotsu Ramen—rich and savory spicy noodles with a half cooked egg on top and little pork. After eating, we went shopping and spent the night with a Filipino friend who treated us for dinner and drinks in his own restaurant in Koiwa.

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Day 4—We went to Disney Sea. There is a huge globe fountain at the entrance where Mickey Mouse and Goofy welcomes the visitors coming in the park. Here we took photos of Disney characters. As we enter the resort gate, we passed by the theatre and watched the Magic Lamp, a 3D show featuring Genie interacting with a performer. The show is entirely in Japanese but has captions available in English. After that, we ate our lunch at the restaurant inside with a variety of Japanese cuisine. After lunch, we went to the Tokyo Disney Sea’s flagship attraction of the resort, the Journey to the Centre of the Earth, a hybrid dark ride and thrill ride that goes inside a volcano of Mount Prometheus. The attraction takes the guest to board vehicle called Neptune. With a seat for six people and goes on excavators through several different areas deeper and deeper below the earth, from a forest of mushrooms with cute little creatures, to a sea with special effects that will make you jump from your seat. The climax is so intense and spectacular. The scenes and effect are magnificent and detailed. Next, we went to a ride called Indiana Jones Adventures: Temple of the Crystal Skull- this is a Roller Coaster Ride. Then after that, we rode the Caravan Carousel a colourful

double decker carousel ride. We proceeded to watch the musical fireworks display called Fantasmic in a Mediterranean harbor lagoon sitting with a stunning effect of pyrotechnics, water, lasers, fire and a huge dragon that blows fire in his mouth and nose and Disney characters dancing on board the ship while the dancing water fountain goes with the music beats. At around 11:30 PM, we ended our tour at Disney Sea and boarded the Mickey train back to Tokyo station.

Day 5 (Last Day in Japan)—Preparing ourselves to go back home with my partners, Ms. Sheena and her husband. This trip is indeed the most exciting and challenging trip for me since this was my first time in Japan. We would like to thank and owe our sincerest gratitude to our school President, Br. Bernard Oca FSC for making this trip possible. We are looking forward to another educational and exciting trip in the future.

Mr. Jo Goroy is DLSZ’s Bookstore In-Charge

written by ms. leah Marie tumlos-castillo

fa it h

in humanity

Today, we live in a world that is full of war, violence, terrorism, and devastation. All these stem from a range of conflicts that occur among families, friends, communities, societies, and nations, which contribute to distrust and chaos. Yet despite these, many individuals choose to believe in the power of human kindness – that is to have faith in the goodness of humanity.

To have faith in humanity is to commit oneself to do what is right. Italian psychotherapist and philosopher Piero Ferrucci, in his book The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life, affirms this when he wrote, “We do what we do simply because it is right.” Commitment, therefore, entails renewing the self, becoming socially responsible,

and serving others without counting the cost. In so doing, committed individuals have a clear vision of humanity’s goodness that help them create their own upright path.

Who could ever forget the clear vision and upright path created by Mahatma Gandhi in India, which inspired movements for civil rights and freedom through non-violent resistance?

lasallian PARTneRs

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It is simply astonishing that Gandhi’s commitment to renew his nation through non-violent means significantly influenced other political icons like Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar, and Martin Luther King, Jr. of the United States of America. In the same way, the clear vision and the upright path Gandhi created was paralleled by our own national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. He was the proponent of non-violent institutional reforms as well as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution. Countless Filipinos are inspired by Rizal’s commitment to carry out acts of patriotism. Likewise, in more recent years, the Fukushima 50 of Japan – the band of 50 that stayed behind the crippled nuclear plant to prevent a total post-tsunami meltdown in 2011 – risked their health and lives because of the dangers brought about by exposure to radiation. They truly demonstrated an unselfish act of human love and courage when they stayed behind to stabilize the reactors at the plant.

In the present day, we learn about a myriad of stories about restoring faith in humanity by means of social media – thoughtful next-door neighbors, honest taxicab drivers, charitable lawyers, caring employers, and selfless parents. But undeniably, the perfect place to start learning about such commitment is at home.

People begin to trust the world when they trust their families. The set of values obtained at the onset of life are most likely to be the same set one brings along until old age. When family values are intact, individuals proceed to grow in wisdom, maturity, and positivity.

Even as the world continues to struggle to survive, the hope remains that committed people will continue to make a whole lot of difference on this planet. In the biggest family we call humanity, a single act of kindness can induce a giant wave of inspiration that may genuinely influence others to do just the same.

Ms. Leah Castillo is the High School Social Studies Coordinator

lasallian PARTneRs

nATiOnAL CHiLdRen’s BOOK WeeK CeLeBRATiOnwritten by MR. Ross Rama

The Grade School Learning Resource Center of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School celebrated the 34th National Children’s Book Week from July 17-21, 2017. The weeklong celebration aims to promote the love for reading, develop interest in Philippine Literature, display creativity, nurture leadership and portray good qualities of favorite book characters amongst Lasallian students from Pre-Kinder to Grade 6.

In consonance with this year’s theme, “Laging Bago ang Mundo ng Libro”, the Learning Resource Center prepared book-related events and activities for the students ranging from Book Fairs, Parade of Books, Storytelling, Book Character Dress-Up, Art Activity, Book Character Coloring Contest, Author Visit,

Book Wizard, On-The-Spot Poster Making Contest and Book Trailer Contest. Teachers were also invited to take part in the said event through their participation in the Book Character Dress Up and Pinoy Henyo: Teacher’s Edition.

Mr. Ross Rama, the Upper Grades Librarian, and Ms. Jen Dela Rosa, the Lower Grades Librarian, led the Pre-Kinder to Grade 1 pupils’ Parade of Books followed by a Storytelling Session for the Pre-Kinder to Kinder sponsored by Adarna House and a Parent Storyteller simultaneous with the Book

Character Coloring Contest of the Grade 1 and the ribbon-cutting for the opening of the Book Fair participated by different exhibitors namely: Adarna House, Fully Booked, National Bookstore and Scholastic at the Grade School Multi-Purpose Hall on the first day of the celebration.

The Grade 2 pupils enjoyed an Art Activity with materials from Faber-Castell sponsored by National Bookstore at the Gym 5. Illustrator Isabel “Pepper” Roxas was also invited by Adarna House to conduct an Illustrator Talk with the Grade 3 students. The activity for the Grade 4 was Book Wizard, the Grade 5 had an On-The-Spot Poster Making Contest and the Grade 6 had a Book Trailer Contest.

24whistle when in danger

by Celine Esperanza Laroza

i.

i have always thought that a person’s whistleis the most gentle sound ever

it is the car radio’s instrumental jazz musictomy strolling around the park on a Saturday afternoon

it is my voice during a shower concerttowhen in public, and i want to sing along

it is the birds’ chirping by my window,the background musicas i open my eyes to a beautiful day.

ii.

my parents tell me that they used to whistle lullabieswhen i was younger to put me to sleep;not hum, not sing – whistle.the humming and the singing were more like for play timeand for changing my diapers.but, whistling:they say it was the only way to calm me down.

and, because i was that kind of baby whose cryingwould only stop if the company of either my mom or my dad was felt,whistling very much worked like a charm for them.so, even though my mom was in the kitchenand my one-year old self was in the living roomlain on the crib, ballistically weeping,

she would just whistle the tune of my favorite Disney Junior tv show,and i would immediately settle down.

i suppose it made me feel safe.you see, safety has always been associated to the the presence of someone,and the perception of someone’s presence as safeis at some point relative to how mellow he or she is.

it, kind of, makes sense to me now whythat character in a horror movie who would get stuck ina situation where he’s all alone and sensing that something horrible is about to happenwould assuage his fear by whistling.or, that song by The King and Ithe lyrics go like:“Whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect.And whistle a happy tune.”or, take this example from real life:security guards would blow through their whistles upon chasing bad guysand that pitched sound is an indication that we are being protected.

iii.

“anak, whistle when in danger.”i grew up and my parents started telling this to me on a daily basis.i was a college student back thenand had to commute for two hours to get to and from my universitybut i didn’t worry.

because society taught us that the only real trouble outside our home

comes with a knife or a gun,what better way it is to strike back than to use something tangible as welllike a pepper spray keychain or a self-defense claw,which i always had inside my bag.

Danger is physical contact.Otherwise, ignore.

danger is not that man who gave out a whistle ashis eyes walked with me to the bus stop one morning.

“whistle when in danger”was he in danger?i looked at him as he made the soundthere was no sign of fear in his eyes.his whistle –it didn’t sound like the song from that Disney Junior tv show I have always lovedit didn’t sound like my parents’ lullabyheck, it didn’t sound like a lullaby at all!it wasn’t a happy tunenor did it feel like jazz musicor a bird’s chirping

whistle when in danger?or whistle is the danger?

iv.

i have always thought that a person’s whistleis the most gentle sound ever.but, i heard oneand it didnt make me feel safe.

Ms. Celine Laroza is a Junior High School English teacher.