New School Year, New Facilities

By Po Teresa S. Santiago, II – Giustizia’

As School Year 2008-2009 opened, new facilities were made available as well. In preparation for the school’s bid for Philippine Accrediting Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) accreditation, the Science Rooms were expanded and given bigger space, offices were renovated and the canteen is now under new management.
The former HS canteen was renovated is now the Science Building. MDPS contracted the job to Mars Laboratory, Instruments Center, a renowned company devoted to laboratories construction.
Due to this, the old Physics and Chemistry Room were vacated and transformed into the HS Audio-Visual Room (AVR) and Conference Room, respectively.
The Student Welfare and Activities Administrator (SWAA), Academic Support Services Administrator (ASSA) and Registrar have also a newly-renovated and organized office.
The new Student Body Organization (SBO) Headquarters was opened in the HS building 2nd floor so that the students can access the officers easily. It will also serve as a place for SBO officers to meet and concentrate on their projects and discuss concerns. Their room was formerly the HS Guidance Office.
New computers with LCD monitors were also acquired in the HS Computer Laboratory which will definitely make it easier for the students to learn.
The Canteen has a new concessionaire and a mini store was also opened in the HS building.

Tagaytay Retreat for MDPS Personnel

By Nikka R. Fernandez, IV-Misericordia

MDPS Faculty and Staff had their two-day Retreat last June 2 and 3, 2008 at the Carmelite Missionary Center of Spirituality in Tagaytay City, Cavite.
Their Retreat Master is Fr. Rene Molina, SDB. He talked about family relations, work culture and other things concerning life and God.
“The new teachers including myself became close with each other and the retreat gave us the chance to communicate with each other. I also enjoyed the Mass held just for us.” Mrs. Rose Manipor, Technology and Living Education (TLE) I-IV teacher, commented.
The said event was capped with a Mass held in the afternoon of June 3.

Healthy Month, Nutrition Month

By Kamille C. Mena, II-Nobilta’ and Niña Grace Bacani, II-Giustizia’

MDPSians celebrated July as Nutrition Month with the theme “Sa Wastong Nutrisyon ni Mommy, Siguradong Healthy si Baby”. A food exhibit and symposiums were held as a part of the event.
Mr. Palma of the Marikina City Health Office talked about dengue awareness last July 14, 2008 at the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall (MASH). He discussed the facts on dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Another health awareness symposium was done last July 18 by the Student Health Care Office. School Physician Dr. Lorma Jeanne Dela Cruz, MD welcomed the students with her warm greetings. School Nurse, Ms. Milagros C. Guanio, RN, explained that “The greatest love of all is to love yourself.” She gave points and tips on how to have a healthier life.
The main event was the Food Exhibit at the Tanghalang Zaccaria. High School students from each level prepared nutritious foods according to different categories. These were assigned by their Technology and Living Education (TLE) teacher Mrs. Rose Manipor. The Homemakers Club also joined in the event. The foods were displayed and tasted by the teachers and students as well.

Kasiyahan sa Pagdiwang ng Buwan ng Wika

Ni Jason L. Bandojo, IV-Matiyaga at Paula Cecilia Camille T. Rodriguez, II-Katarungan

Ipanagdiwang ng mga MDPSian ang Buwan ng Wika noong Agosto 29. Ang tema para sa taong ito ay “Wika mo, Wikang Filipino, Wika ng Mundo, mahalaga”.
Maraming paligsahan ang naganap. Sa panimula pa laman nasilayan natin ang mga magagara at makukulay na pambansang damit ng bawat isa.
Binuksan ang programa sa parada ng mga nag-gagandahan at gwapuhang mga lakan at lakambini ng bawat seksyon.
Dito rin nagtagisan ng galing sa pag-arte ang bawat taon sa kanilang inihandang dula-dulaan: “Ibong Adarna” sa Unang Taon, “Florante at Laura” sa Ikalawang Taon, “Noli Me Tangere” sa Ikatlong Taon, at “El Filibusterismo” sa Ika-apat na Taon.
Tulad sa nakaraang taon, nagkaroon din ng masayang salu-salo ang lahat ng taon sa hayskul. Ito ay sinabayan ng “Kundirana” na programa ng SBO. Ang I-Kasimplehan ang nagwagi sa kanilang napaka-gandang presentasyon ng sari-saring pagkaing pinoy.
Sumunod ang isa pang programa ng SBO, ang “Amazing Race”. Ang bawat isa ay may kanya-kanyang kulay o grupo. Ito ay isang laro kung saan ang mga grupo ay nag-uunahang makarating sa huling istasyon at makahanap ng isang baul. Ngunit kailangan muna nilang malagpasan ang mga pagsubok sa bawat istasyon.
“Nauna kaming makarating sa huling istasyon. Nang makita naming paparating na ang Pangkat Kahel, kinabahan ako na baka maunahan nila kami. Sinabihan ko ang aking mga kagrupo na bilisan ang paghanap sa baul hanggang sa nahanap na ito ng isa sa aking kasamahan,” wika ni Mariel Nini, IV-Matiyaga, pinuno ng Pangkat Dilaw.
Isang malugod na pagbati sa mga nagwagi! Narito sila:
Lakan at Lakambini ng taon: Thaeceline Ursua at Justin Fokno (II-Katarungan)
Pinakamahusay na actor Yñigo De Guzman (bilang Basilio)
Pinakamahusay na actress Michelle Mascareñas (bilang Donya Consolacion)
Pinakamahusay na dula-dulaan Noli Me Tangere (Ikatlong Taon)
Gurong may pinakamagandang kasuotan Gng. Theresa Parayno
Amazing Race: Pangkat Dilaw

Makes Dreams Real

By Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, III- Temperanza

The Interact Club of MDPS hosted the Zone Interact Assembly with the theme “Makes Dreams Real” last August 23, 2008. Interactors from public high schools in San Mateo Municipal, Cupang, Marikina Science, Tañong, Marikina Heights, and others went to MDPS at around 7:00 AM.
Registrations was done at the waiting area. Afterwards, they had their picture taking with Jojo Banzon, President of the Rotary Club Marikina East. At 8:00 AM , the 310 Interactors went to the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall (MASH).
The Opening Prayer was led by MDPS Interact President Sarah Abigail SD. Halal. Participants pledged the “4-Way Test” composed by Rotary International which tells that what we say and do affect our personality and our organizations.
Marikina Heights HS and Cupang HS led the welcome song while Mrs. Bella Tolentino, Academic Support Services Administrator, gave the welcome remarks. David Pante, Rotary Club president of Marikina Heights HS presented the District Interact Committee members for 2008-2009. Lorraine Mirano, MDPS Interact Secretary, closed the program and acknowledged the Interactors with certificates.
This is a one great and eventful assembly of the Interactors and hopefully, it will be done again next year.

Exploring Goals

By Nikka R. Fernandez, IV-Misericordia’

The Career Exploration Seminar for Juniors and Seniors took place at the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall last July 11, 2008, 9:00 AM.
Mrs. Teresita Retamar, Guidance Center Coordinator, introduced guest speakers Mr. Salvador Salvador, Entrepreneur/Businessman; Mr. Mike Puson, Vice Chairman of the Environmental Planning and Management Course of Miriam College; Mr. Derick Mar Geronimo, Career Adviser of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Course of STI College and Ms. Beth Icasiano, a Nurse.
Each speaker talked about the different courses they took and gave the students tips on how to choose the course that is right for them.
An open forum was held afterwards wherein students asked questions on the topic.
Mrs. Cecilia Mapa gave the Closing Remarks and Patricia Bianca Andres, IV-Perseveranza, lead the prayer.

Buwan ng Wika, idinaos

By Marjorie Joyce Q. Villarosa and Maricar S. Tarnate, 6- Generosita’

Ang Buwan ng Wika sa grade school ay ginanap noong Agosto 29, 2008 na may temang “Wika Mo, Wikang Flipino, Wika ng Mundo- Mahalaga.”
Marami ang nagpakitang gilas sa naturang programa mula sa iba’t ibang antas. Ang mga mag-aaral sa Preschool ay nanguna sa pagpapakita nang kanilang angking talento sa pagkanta at pagsayaw ng may katutubong tema. Sinundan naman ito nang pagpapamalas ng mga nanalong kalahok sa unang baitang sa kanilang Masining na Pagtula. Ang ikalawang-baitang ay nangharana sa lahat sa kanyang magiliw na pag-awit ng kantang “Si Filemon”. Sa ikatlong baitang naman ay nagpapakita nang kanilang Masining na Pagsayaw.
Nagkaroon nang paligsahan sa iba’t-ibang patimpalak gaya ng Masining na Pagsayaw nang ika-apat na baitang, Madulang Pagkukuwento nang ika-limang baitang, at Balagtasan sa ika-anim na baitang.
Noong natapos ang programa, nagkaroon din nang paligsahan sa pagandahan ng ayos ng hapag-kainan bago pa man ang masayang Salu-salong Pinoy.
Ang ikalawang bahagi ng buong araw na pagdiriwang ay ang Palarong-Pinoy. Ang mga mag-aaral ay hinati sa iba’t-ibang grupo. Ang mga nanalo ay ang sumusunod:

v Sack Race - Grupo ng Berde
v Tug of War - Grupo ng Kahel
v Guessing Game - Grupo ng Berde
v Hula-Hoop Game - Grupo ng Pula
v Bunong Braso - Lalake: Bon Angelo Rizabal, 6-Sobrieta’
Babae: Ma. Isabela Tan, 4-Prudenza’

MDPSians celebrate Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

By Allyssa Areña, 6-Generosita and Yna Joyce Villarosa, 6-Sobrieta

Last September 8, 2008, MDPS celebrated Mama Mary’s birthday with an institutional Holy Mass officiated by Father Roan. The mass was held at 2:00 pm in the covered court.
This day was also the special day of the Children of Mary Club (COM) members because it was their special time to receive their miraculous medals. The girls were on their white dress and the boys are also in their white outfit. Sr. Ruby D. Diva, ASP, the school directress distributed the medals together with Father Roan and Sr. Rosell Gorro, COM moderator.
Feast Day of Saint Anthony Mary
Every 5th of July is marked as special day for MDPS community because it is the feast day of its founder, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria (SAMZ). This year, since July 5 falls on a Saturday, the celebration was scheduled a day ahead. A mass was held on July 4, 2008 in the covered court with Rev. Fr. Ferdinal, the mass celebrant.
The new set of the Student Body Organization (SBO) officers was presented to the community and was also oath into office that day. Classes were called off after the mass to give way for the religious members of MDPS to observe religious rites for their celebration.

Grade School officers attend Leadership Training

By Aishwarya Lei F. Thadhani and Andrea L. Olivar, 6-Generosita’

The grade school leadership training was held last July 25, 2008 at the MASH Hall with all the classroom and club officers of the intermediate level in attendance. The theme of this year was “ Empowering the Leaders to be Effective Doers”.
The said program was divided into three sessions with the following program content: (Part 1) Improve One’s Ability to Motivate Others; (Part II) Face One’s Limitations and Embrace Criticisms; and (Part III) Essential Characteristics of an Effective Christian Leader.
Mr. Paul Leonard Hilario, a former MDPSian himself, was one the guest speakers in the training program. He shared his experiences and gave details in the first part of the program content. The second and third parts were being explained and discussed by other two able speakers and they were Mr. Lito Enriquez and Ms. Angelica Hementera.
The said program was spearheaded by the Guidance Center headed by Mrs. Teresita Retamar and Mrs. Lemar Bellosillo, guidance counselors. Intermediate teachers and other high school faculty were also present in the said event. The activity was successfully carried out and the student-leaders all went home knowing how to become a better leaders in the future.

A Seminar to Mold Better Leaders

By Camille Christelle G. Herrera and Po Teresa S. Santiago, II – Giustizia’

A Leadership Training for HS officers at the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall held last July 11, 2008.
The opening prayer was led by Mr. Joel Jacobo, Christian Living Education (CLE) teacher, followed by the opening remarks given by Mrs. Tess Retamar, Guidance Center Coordinator.
Ms. Camille Alejo, MDPS alumna 2003, discussed how a leader should face his limitations and criticisms from other people. She gave tips based on her experience as former Student Body Organization (SBO) officer in MDPS.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Councilor Bench Marco, who is also the SK President of Marikina, talked on how to improve a leader’s ability to motivate others. He presented ways and techniques on how a leader can reach out to the audience.
Mr. George and Sheila Pidlaoan discussed about cooperation. Their talk motivated the leaders to interact with one another to make their projects more successful.
The last activity was the program planning facilitated by Mrs. Bella Tolentino, Academic Support Services Administrator (ASSA). The class officers drafted programs and project proposals that will be implemented in their class.
“They made the seminar entertaining so that the officers would see the role of being a leader in a different point of view,” shared one of the participants.

Seniors take NCAE

By Julliane Love F. de Jesus, IV-Misericordia
MDPS Seniors took the annual National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) administered by the Department of Education last August 27, 2008.
Generally, the purpose of the exam is to avoid mismatch in choosing a career for every high school students.
The whole fourth year batch was divided with each room was supervised by proctors from Irving Hall School, namely, Mr. Dindo C. Laureneo (IV-Perseveranza room) and Mr. Juan Paolo Janolino (IV-Misericordia room).
Before the actual exams, the Seniors underwent a mock examination last August 22, 2008 as preparation.
The NCAE basically consists of General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA), technical-vocational aptitude (TVA), entrepreneurial skills, nonverbal ability and occupational interest tests. (Reference: www.gmanews.tv)

EDITORIAL - The Burden of the Nation

At present time, it is a fact that Filipinos, regardless of wealth or status, are affected by the soaring prices of food products, fuel and other commodities. It was said that July 2008 recorded the fastest consumer price increase for the past 17 years (Inflation Comparison, Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 11, 2008). Nonetheless, this problem is not experienced by our country alone. As they say, this is a problem that our neighboring countries are experiencing too.
If we look closely on the consequence of this problem, it will come down to the conclusion that the people who are very much affected by the weight of the surge in price increase are the poor. As the situation worsens and as the prices of commodities climb up, it becomes more difficult for the poor to cope up and find a way to make their already meager income suffice for their needs.
Likewise, people on the middle-class also carry the burden of this obstacle. As a result of the escalation of fuel prices, nowadays, even individuals who have their own cars would resort to commuting in order to lessen their expenses.
We students are in no way exemptions to the situation. Indeed, at the moment, we do not have to worry about how to allocate our income or manage household expenses.
Nonetheless, the least we can do is to help in lessening the load on our parents’ shoulders. The final question is, “What can we do?” At this point, we cannot expect that we will be able to move mountains on the blink of an eye. No matter how small is the help that we give or the effort that we exert, one way or another, we were able to help. PBMA

SBO Corner

By Dhanice Ann Mengote, SBO President

The Student Body Organization (SBO) for this year aims to be visible and productive. We wish to render more services to our fellow MDPsians.
To encourage them to aim for academic excellence, we prepared activities like the academic fair, scheduled peer teaching and symposiums.
For the spiritual aspect, we feel responsible in supporting and helping our school in living up with its Catholic title. We have included programs like Most Pious class, “Pondo ng Pinoy”, Christmas outreach and the medical mission which will be held by October.
“Students Caught on Eye”, “Anti-Smoking Campaign”, “Signages”, “Parol- making Contest”, “Top Three Cleanest Classrooms” and the “Newspaper Drive” are programs which may help the school in maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of the campuses.
To break free from stress, we have prepared programs that are meant for recreation and promoting camaraderie. Some of which are the Teachers’ Day, Students’ Day / Variety Show, Junior-Senior Prom, Christmas Program and the Foundation Day booths.
All of these are meant for the well-being of students and we hope to achieve that goal by the end of the year with your support.

New Teacher - Ms. Leonie Marquez

Ms. Leonie Marquez is the new Chemistry teacher of the Juniors.
She graduated from Far Eastern University (FEU) with a degree in BS Chemistry in 1980. She earned Education units at De La Salle University and a Masters Degree in Educational Management at Trinity College.
At first, she took up BS Nursing but then shifted to BS Chemistry because aside from having preference on Chemistry as a subject, most of her earned units were to be credited in the BS Chemistry program.
Being a teacher was a twist of fate that she did not expect. She decided to be a teacher because she felt that it was a better option than to work in an industrial company like her friends. At that time, she was helping her parents sustain her younger brother’s college studies.
Ms. Marquez worked at Xavier School initially as a Laboratory Assistant in 1977. At that time, she was in college as a working student. She started teaching in 1980. In her 24 years of service in the said Jesuit-Chinese school, she became the Department Head for science and Team Leader.
In 2004, Ms. Marquez was accepted in the Visiting International Faculty (VIF) program as an exchange teacher and decided to resign from Xavier.
“It was an opportunity for me that I think I should not miss”, she said. She handled Physical Science of the 8th grade at Farmwell Station Middle School in Northern Virginia, United States. Her stint ended in June 2007.
She chose to work at MDPS after one year’s rest because she was ready to teach again. She applied in three schools here in Marikina and MDPS was one of them.
In her short time here, she said that she is really enjoying her stay. Ms. Leonie also loves her students that working here at MDPS with her colleagues make her happy.
What advice can she give to the MDPSians? “The students should take the chance given to them seriously. Their parents sacrifice to give them a good education, to see them succeed in the future. So in return, MDPSians have to study hard, earn good grades and become well-rounded and God fearing individuals.” By Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, III Temperanza

New Teacher - Ms. ELIZA ARCALA

Another school year has passed and many changes have occurred in MDPS - new facilities, students and teachers. The 28-year old Ms. Eliza Arcala is one of the new teachers in MDPS.
She is handling the English III and IV and the HS Speech classes. She took up BS Education Major in English at the University of Cebu in Mandaue City. “I love English and I have no problem with it,” Ms.Arcala stated.
English is one of the subjects where students have difficulty aside from Math and Science. But Ms. Arcala believes that there is only one reason behind it.
“For me, students find difficulty in my subject because they do not read a lot. Even if they do, some cannot understand what they are reading. It is more on comprehension. It is very important to understand because from that, a student becomes more equipped,” she explained.
Now that she is already a certified MDPS teacher, there is one thing that she can say about the MDPSians, “They are very inquisitive and eager for knowledge,” she quipped. By Jason L. Bandojo, IV- Perseveranza’