Raffle…Raffle…Raffle…

Nov. 15, 2008 - The time we are all been waiting for has come. One of the main highlights of the Foundation week celebration is the raffle draw, a project by the PAC and the lucky winners were as follows:
Major Prizes:
1st prize - Laptop - Rosalinda Mundo
2nd prize - Nokia 3120 cellphone - Norissa Nase
3rd prize - Portable DVD player - Evelyn Baltazar
Consolation prizes:
10th - Twilight book - Roman Joseph Acenas
9th - Desk fan - Erica Aranas
8th - Rice cooker - Reinita Garcia
7th - Blender - Caitlin Enteria
6th - Kettle - Odielyn Bognalos
5th - Coffee maker - Natalie Madrid
4th - Sandwich maker - Agassi Sto. Domingo
3rd - Oven toaster - Alejandro Estolas
2nd - Flat iron - Sharon Lee
1st - Hair dryer - Carl Levi Pega
It was a fun filled day for all of us celebrating our school’s 21st foundation anniversary. Congratulations to all the winners!

Regional Press Conference and Contests - CWC Senior Reporter goes to MMYWCC

Senior Reporter Aishwarya Lei F. Thadhani of Grade 6-Generosita’ made it to the 29th Metro Manila Young Writers Conference and Contests (MMYWCC) after landing first place in the Feature Writing category - Division level held in Kalumpang Elementary School.
EM’s Signal Village Elementary School under the 2nd district of Taguig City hosted the said conference and contests last November 26, 2008 with the theme “Climate Change: A Call For Responsible Campus Journalism”.
The guest speaker in the said conference is no less than Karen Davila, ABS CBN anchor/reporter of TV Patrol World. She encouraged all the participants that they have to continue nurturing their love of the pen.
“You were given much empowerment, young vibrant writers. Maximize such privilege with the corresponding responsibility.” “Affirm to yourself that you are the best and no one else, say to yourself “Magaling ako!, Matalino ako! Kaya ko!” and she let the audience say those words aloud.
The closing ceremonies were held at The Fort, Global City Taguig on December 3, 2008.

MDPSians win medals at Division PressCon

By Kamille C. Mena, II-Nobilta

The 10th Division Press Conference–Secondary Level was held at Kalumpang Elementary School last October 10, 2008.
The competition theme is “Role of Campus Journalism in Social and Political Reform.” It was joined by different public and private schools in Marikina including MDPS. The event was organized by the Department of Education-Division of Marikina City.
Three HS MDPSians won in their respective categories and will compete in the Regional Press Conference. Congratulations to the winners!
Julliane Love F. De Jesus 3rd place - News writing
Po Teresa S. Santiago 7th place - Feature writing
Rebecca Isabel F. Salinas 10th place - Feature writing

Seniors lend a helping hand

By Julliane Love de Jesus, IV – Misericordia’

As a part of the religion and values education program, the IV- Misericordia' and IV-Perseveranza students had their outreach program last September 27, 2008.
The activity was held at the Founding home of the Manila Boys Town Complex (MBTC) in Parang, Marikina City as part of their requirements in Christian Living Education (CLE) IV.
The two sections conducted their respective activities on separate instances within the said day.
The activity aims to enhance the social awareness of the students and motivate them to a life of service and solidarity among the less fortunate brothers and sisters.
MDPS Senior brought joy to the kids of Boys Town together with CLE IV teacher Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP and class moderators Mrs. Chona Emana and Mrs. Ma. Bella Tolentino.
“The Senior students made the day of grandmothers and grandfathers in MBTC. They were full of joy. I can’t explain the feeling if you see them happy and full of smiles,” said Anna Patricia Bagtas, IV- Perseveranza. Photos courtesy of Jessa Mae Laurente, IV-Misericordia'

Teatro and Dance Club’s CCP experience

By Nikka R. Fernandez, IV – Misericordia’

Selected members of the Teatro and Dance Club were given the opportunity to watch the La Revolucion Filipina at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalan Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theatre), last September 19, 2008.
Joining them are MDPS personnel Ms. Nerissa Quesada, Sr. Rorivic Israel, ASP, Mrs. Nerissa Brusola and Ms. Elsie Dumatog and the Parents Advisory Council (PAC) President Mr. Victor Ursabia.
Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier professional dance company and the resident dance company of the CCP, performed at the said event.
“The theater presentation was fantastic. It was great because the members were able to have first hand information about technical theatre.” Ms. Quesada commented.
Right after the show, the MDPS group was toured by Mr. Ursabia at the photo exhibit and for some behind-the-scenes information.
“It was magnificent and the food was great!” Katrina Seitz, Teatro club member, stated.
It was an unforgettable experience and a superb presentation for the members of the said clubs and for the MDPS Personnel who came to watch. Photos courtesy of Nina Sarah Olivar and Kaymar Lopez, IV-Misericordia'

Literacy Week @ MDPS HS

By Geof Andrei D. Yturzaeta, II-Nobilta and Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, III-Temperanza

The High School (HS) Literacy Week organized by the English Department was held last September 8 to 12, 2008.
A school-wide activity named “DEAR” or “Drop Everything and Read” was done wherein there was an allotted time within class hours for the students to read the books brought. All HS students also competed in the spelling bee.
HS students also engaged in the “Book Swapping” activity and some were able to exchange their old books for new titles that were previously owned by a schoolmate. A Book Fair sponsored by Adarna House Inc. was also held.
There were also different activities for each year level. For the Seniors, they had the Dramatic Monologue wherein chosen students were given a topic in which they have to develop an act upon.
The Juniors had an Impromptu Speech, while the Sophomores and Freshmen did the Children’s Theater in which each section chose a fairy tale to dramatize.
Congratulations to all participants and winners!
Dramatic Monolouge - Dhanice Anne Mengote
Impromptu Speech – Angelica Samson
Spelling Bee – Regine Bonifacio and Jull

MDPS Literacy Week-Every MDPSian: A Reader!

By Alyssa C. Areña and Andrea L. Olivar, Gr. 6-Generosita
and Alfonse Keith C. Corpus, Gr. 6-Sobrieta

September 8-12, 2008 – To creatively promote literacy through different channels and to enhance the pupil’s appreciation of English as a medium of communication were one of the many objectives of the annual MDPS Literacy Week held on these days with the theme: “Every MDPSian : A Reader”.
There were many activities lined up to make the event meaningful and these are: DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) program, Book Fair, Book Picnic. Story-Telling Sessions, Spelling Quiz Bee, Library Visitation, Formal Public Speaking and Book Swapping.
The DEAR program is a 40-minute period in different specified time of each day for the whole week was devoted to silent reading among all MDPS community. The students were asked to bring a reading material for such purpose. A Book Fair was also staged to increase the student’s book collection.
Pupils from preschool to grade two were expose to different kinds of reading materials and experience fun while reading them with friends and classmates over a Book Picnic.
In the Story-Telling Sessions, the high school students from the first and second year levels acted out and role-played an excerpt of selected fables for the preschool- grade 2 viewers.
To familiarize the pupils with the different areas of the library and encourage them to experience the welcoming atmosphere of it, a 40-minute library visitation for the students was arranged and coordinated to the EMC department.
The grade school intermediate level and high school students enjoyed the Spelling Quiz Bee. The Formal Public Speaking and Book Swapping were arranged particularly for the high school students to enhance their speaking abilities and to promote better camaraderie between and among them.

Feeling the Presence of God…

By Sara Jamel S. Bangayan, III-Fortezza


The Juniors had their spiritual recollection in the High School Audio-Visual Room last November 25, 2008.
The theme of the talk was about “Deepening Friendship” – an in-depth and elaborate discussion on keeping friends. The recollection was facilitated by Fr. Roan Aborque, CRSP.
The Juniors were able to learn more on what friendship really means. The Bible’s and Church’s views about friendship were also discussed in the activity to relate the topic to their spiritual health.
The Recollection culminated with the celebration of a Holy Mass at the Chapel.

MDPSians attend “7 habits” talk

By Kamille C. Mena , I–Nobilta’ and Jerel Nikko Goto, II - Guistizia

HS MDPSians attended a personality development talk at Ateneo De Manila University last November 25, 2008.
“It's Your Choice, TeenChat with Sean Covey” is a youth congress held at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of the Jesuit school’s Loyola Heights campus.
Covey wrote “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens” and the son of the Stephen Covey, noted author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”
The seminar was also attended by students from different schools in Manila.

My Sem-Break Vacation

By Thea Angela S. Dela Paz, 5-Sincerita

Since my brother and I both got good grades in school, we were rewarded by our parents to spend our semestral vacation in Hong Kong.
We left last October 25 and stayed there until November 2. We had a week full of fun activities. We went to Disneyland and saw my favorite Disney Characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and the Princesses like, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella and Jasmine. This is not my first time to visit this magical place but I every time I’m there, everything’s full of fun and excitement.
We also explored the place by visiting their famous tourist spots. The place was highly developed, there were a lot of high-rise buildings and the people seems to be always in a hurry to go to their destinations. There were a lot of shops to visit and it’s also yummy to eat at different Chinese restaurants.
Our family really bonded because, we had a lot of quality time together. I realized that I am so lucky to have experienced this kind of adventure in life. Each day, I learned to appreciate the little things that are happening in my life. I have a lot to be thankful for, that’s why, and I would want to be the best that I can be, that is, a good person and a loving daughter of God.

Unedited entry of Ms. Thadhani to the 29th Metro Manila Young Writers Conference and Contests - Climate Change: is it unstoppable?

By Aishwarya Lei F. Thadhani, 6-Generosita’

Everyone is talking about “climate change” but what is climate change actually? Climate change is already happening and is one of the greatest threats the planet is facing; many are taking notice of this problem, and they are trying to stop it. The question is, is it unstoppable?
Over 100 years ago, people worldwide began burning coal and oil for homes, factories, and transportation. Burning these fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other green house gases into the atmosphere. These added green house gases have caused the earth to warm more quickly than it has in the past. How much warming has happened? Scientist from around the world tells us that during the past 100 years, the world’s surface air temperature increased. This may not sound like very much change, but even one degree can affect the Earth. Below are some possible solutions we can do as a student.
Possible solutions to this can be: stop indiscriminate throwing of garbages anywhere, decrease the use of vehicles one by one instead we could learn to use public transportation. We could join organizations to help in this problem. We could hold seminars and go into action against this problem.
If we don’t take action quickly imagine what would happen to the Earth’s condition in a few hundred years, what would happen to humans, animals and all living things? We better take care of the earth because a planet like this doesn’t come around everyday. Our earth, our home, comes only once.

A Tour Around SM City Marikina

By Rebecca Isabel F. Salinas, I-Semplicita

September 5, 2008 was really a memorable day for mall lovers in Marikina City. Once again, a mall was built in our dear city and has now been opened for everyone. Welcome to SM City Marikina!
I myself have gone to SM City Marikina, and I can say that this quaint place really pays off. As you step inside, you can really feel the coolness of the place as well as the modern ambiance in it. Shops are filled with very colorful designs and most especially, there are fastfood chains and restaurants filled with lots and lots of people!
My favorite section is the SM Cyberzone Plaza. It is a huge place filled with shops of techie stuff and gadgets! Looking around it makes me crave for more gadgets, especially the cellphones which are really great! Wish I could buy what I wanted but sorry for me, zero balance in my pocket.
My tour around SM City Marikina was indeed cool and enjoyable. It is a very nice place to relax and spend some time with your family and friends. Visit SM City Marikina and surely, you’ll have a great time!

Photos taken from: http://aleafofgrass.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/sm-city-marikina/

HSM 3: Senior Year

By Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, III- Temperanza’

“High School Musical” went on big screen last October 24, 2008. This movie will is the last part of the highly successful series. It will be our last time to hear Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron and the whole cast sing their trademark HSM songs that many teens and children love.
The movie starts with the final basketball match between the West High Knights and the East High Wildcats where Troy Bolton is the team captain. Wildcats won the game and were hailed as champions.
Ms. Darbus, the drama club teacher, was preparing a play for the spring musical. She assigned her class to be its main cast. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and Taylor together with other friends decided on what to do with the play and even rehearsed for it.
But then Gabriella received her scholarship notice from Stanford University. This is when she felt the need to decide on her future. So, she decides to leave the play and go to Stanford to achieve what she wants.
Troy gets upset and cannot focus on the rehearsal anymore because of Gabriella’s absence. He decides to go to Stanford and visit Gabriella at the day of the spring musical. Troy sent a text message saying he will be late at the musical.
At the middle of the musical while Sharpay is singing, Troy arrives and sings with Gabriella. During the Graduation Ceremony, Troy delivers a speech for the Wildcats and there, they take their final bow.
There are many new songs in HSM 3 like Now or Never, Right Here, Right Now, I Want It All, Can I Have This Dance, A Night to Remember, Just Wanna Be with You, The Boys Are Back, Walk Away, Scream, Can I Have This Dance – Reprise, Last Chance – Ballad, I Want It All – Reprise, Just Wanna Be with You – Reprise, A Night to Remember – Reprise, We're All in This Together - Graduation Mix, High School Musical and Just Getting Started.
HSM 3 caps the series in a very fun way and I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

Twilight : A Review

By Kathleen Mae G. Carungay, I - Lealta

Bored at your daily routine? Well, this is the time for you to read the bestselling book of Stephenie Meyer, entitled “Twilight.” It is the first book of the bestselling Twilight Saga composed of: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.
Mostly read by teenagers because of its adventure and romance elements, Twilight is a unique story about a vampire and a human.
Edward Cullen, the vampire, studies at the school where Isabella Swan, the mortal, is also attending since she moved to her dad’s place called Forks.
Isabella, also known as Bella, is a very good food for the Cullen family, Edward’s family of vampires. But the family has a different diet; they drink beastly blood and not human blood.
As the days passed by, Edward learns to restrain his craving to bite Bella and eventually falls in love with her. As the story goes by, Bella will know everything about Edward and his love for her will go deeper than the first.
The first book ended during their school’s prom. Bella expressed her desire to become a vampire, like her sweetheart which Edward refused. Will Bella be a vampire? Let’s find out soon.
Did you know that a Filipino vampire was mentioned in the book? There is! Meyer included the story of Danag, the Filipino vampire in the book.

BIDA Tayo!

By Patricia Bianca M. Andres, IV-Perseveranza’

“Isa ka bang BIDA?” This is the question that the Filipino youth of today are called to answer throughout the BIDA: Be The Change, Youth Empowerment Camp organized by the Catholic Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and the Manila Archdiocesan Parochial Schools Associations (MAPSA). The event was held last November 14 and 15 at La Salle Greenhills.
Roughly 1,500 high school and college student-participants, catechists, Sangguniang Kabataan leaders, parish youth ministry members and teachers from the different regions of the country were invited to accept the challenge to be champions in the game of life, to be a “bida sa pelikula ng ating buhay.”
However, many had given up on this path. As Fr. Elu had said, “To be a champion means having the courage to stand on one’s two feet, having the guts to stand for something different which is out of the ordinary or the mainstream and having the strength to endure the adversities of life. Take the road less traveled and dare to be one in a thousand.”
The challenges that the youth has to face are not only those that they should confront alone but the struggles that they have to face all together; the problems of the nation. It is true that we are aware of the current national situation and in many ways, we are affected by it. However, being indifferent does not give any help. Thus, we are called to make a move, speak up and express our views.
His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales encourages us to dream with our eyes open and take the steps in order to make our goals happen. We cannot transform the situation in the blink of an eye but we can definitely start the change that we want to see. If we work together and use our abilities we can be the spark. As Gang Badoy of RockEd has said, “Hindi ako naniniwalang ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan dahil tayo ang bayan.”
STOP! Being part of the problem. START! Being part of the solution. GO! BIDA Hero! BIDA, Change!

Picture taken from http://www.titikpilipino.com/news/index.php?aid=1180&msgid=52033&offset=0

Ms. Analyn Cayat

By Jason L. Bandojo, IV-Perseveranza’ and Matthew Gerald G. Mañago, I- Semplicita’

Ms. Analyn Cayat is the newest MDPS teacher. She is currently handling Technology and Livelihood Education I, II, IV and Arts I-IV. She took up Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education at Benguet State University and graduated in 1999.
Even though TLE and Arts are both minor subjects, there are some students who find difficulty in it. Ms. Cayat believes that there is one reason behind it.
“Students are taking their studies for granted. They should ask help from their teacher especially if they don’t understand something on a particular topic.”
Now that she is already a certified MDPS teacher, the only thing that comes to her mind when asked on her impression about MDPSians is that, “They are very honest, respectful and accommodating.” She quipped.

Christmas Wishes…

They say that Christmas is for the children.
For this season, let’s listen to our schoolmates’ heart’s desire for this Christmas and we wish that it will be granted by Santa.
“I want to have more Barbies.” – Charmione Mikaela Ani, Prep-Gioia
“ I want to see Santa Claus and to ride an airplane.” – Angelus Dumaquita, Kinder Gentillezza
“ I want to receive a jackstones, robot and matchbox cars.” – Kent Brusola, Kinder Amore’
“I wish that I will be happy this Christmas.” – Magie Cruz, 1-Umilta’
“ I wish to have a computer.” – Lira Feriz Juliana Palao, 1-Umilta’
“ I wish for my dad to come home this Christmas.” – Kaira Badua, 2-Sapienza’
“I wish for many gifts.” – Francesca Loise Zapunta, 2-Sapienza’
“ I wish to have a PSP” – Lance Oliver Lim, 3- Sapienza’
“I wish that my family would be happy this season.” – Juliette Santos, 3- Carita
“That my family would be in tact this Christmas”… Ma. Isabella Tan, 4-Prudenza’
“ I wish for new video game… Ray Henri Sison, 4-Prudenza’
“ I wish that my family is complete, - Adrian Paul Fajardo, 5-Sincereta’
“ I wish I will receive many gifts.”- Lean Andrew Sarmiento, 5- Sincereta’
“ I wish for a high grades.” – Hector William Yuson, 5-Fedelta’
“I wish for world peace” - Colleen Herrera, 6-Sobrieta’
“I would like to have a Nintendo DS.” - Michelle Lee, 6-Generosita’

32nd Regional Secondary Schools Press Conference

By Rebecca Isabel F. Salinas, I-Semplicita

Being a Freshman student, I don’t gave any idea what the Regional Press Conference in High School does. I started to think its hard, but I guess I will be able to get over it.
Last November 25, 2008, we went to the Regional Press Conference in Notre Dame of Greater Manila in Grace Park, Caloocan City. I was with ate Po Teresa Santiago and ate Julianne Love de Jesus. We were accompanied by our moderator, Mrs. Dianne Tagle.
Climate Change: A Call for Responsible Journalism was the contest’s theme. It tells that journalists like us have a special role in protecting Mother Earth. Through writing, we can encourage people on how to start thinking about this issue.
The Regional Press Conference’s Keynote Speaker was Cheryl Cosim, a reporter from ABS-CBN. She encourages us to pursue writing so that the society will be aware of the current environmental issue.
After the short program, the schedules of the contest proper was started, I was with the last contest time; on Editorial Writing.
When my time came, I listened to the speaker and wrote my piece afterwards; it sounded easy, but its not.
A tiring day ended, and we all went back to school full of hope.

Editorial-Bridge Program: Advantages and Disadvantages

Indeed, basic education is a significant tool in producing professionals who are skilled and well-prepared in order to be a strong labor force and foundation of the country.
At present the Philippines requires only 10 years of basic education, a considerably a shorter period compared to neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore which require 13 years of basic education. It is also due to this that the three countries perform better in international science and mathematics achievement tests.
Due to the need to improve the academic skills of students, some educators feel that an additional 2 years would be a key to the problem of the country regarding the poor academic performance of Filipino students. They refer to this as the Bridge Program of the Department of Education.
If the Bridge Program will be approved, what would be the results? It is expected that primarily, there will be an enhanced labor marketability of the graduates. Moreover, there will be improvement in the academic performance and awareness of students.
However, what would be the negative results? It is said that the program would require a huge amount of money for additional rooms, furniture, books and school materials.
Likewise, more teachers will be needed and this will require additional budget not only on the part of the government but also on the part of the parents who will have to support their children for two more years. Furthermore, some say that this will increase the rate of drop-outs due to the family’s lack of capability to support the studies of the children.
If the expected results of the program will happen, it would be of great help to the students and the country. However, there are still many circumstances to consider. Nonetheless, if the objectives are good and if the outcome will be beneficial to all, the Bridge Program must be implemented. PBMA

SBO CORNER

Busy, excited, anxious, stressed -- these are the words, which may describe the SBO officers’ experience for the last couple of months. Fortunately, we were able to accomplish and launch the programs targeted for August to November, thanks to the efforts and sweat of all the SBO officers and class officers.
Last August, though there was little span of time for planning, we were able to contribute in the celebration of the “Buwan ng Wika” through our “Kundirana” and “Mini-Amazing Race.”
By October, we have launched the “Newspaper Drive” and the “Top Three Cleanest Classroom.” The newspaper drive was successful and because of this we were able to generate funds for upcoming activities. For the Cleanest Classroom campaign, we hope that it would be continued for the succeeding school years to come because the improvement of cleanliness in our school was very much visible when it was implemented.
As MDPS celebrated its 21st Foundation Day, the SBO continued to add fun and entertainment through the booths we have put up, namely, the Jail, Dedication, Dare and Music booths.
Come December, we hope to accomplish three activities, our “Parol-making contest,” “Personnel’s Day” and the Christmas Outreach program.

2ND QUARTER HONORS

Another quarter has passed and the top students are worthy to be recognized. Congratulations! Keep it up!

First Year
Abilagoyo, Decidela
Lim, Catherine Lyka
Cabacas, Mary Rose
Chua, Danina Victoria
Salinas, Rebecca Isabel
Isungga, Maria Camille
Horiondo, Chelsie
Crisostomo, Camil Ysabel
Patricio, Reina Marie
Cunanan, Nycholle Beatrice
Tinsay, Jean Ashley
Tolentino, Camille
Delen, Ma. Eleonor
Delim, Sean Marwin
Javier, Ellaine
Sorio, Tinamaree
Milla, Maria Katricia
Santos, Maria Celina Kyle
Second Year
Socias, Charizza Arra
Santiago, Po Teresa
De Guzman, Joanna Irish
Fokno, Justin Criel
Ordoñez, Lawrence Anthony
Third Year
Casballido, Emmarie Vida
Bangayan, Sara Jamel
Peguit, Maria Kamila
Tanpoco, Jan Christian
Barcelona, Gladys
Mirano, Lorraine
Tanyag, Marcelle Christina
Samson, Maria Johanna
Bondoc, Princess
Mapa, Jan Marie
Correa, Kim Raycel
Herrera, Ma. Francesca
Angeles, Theresa Mae
Fourth Year
Andres, Patricia Bianca
Nini, Mariel Jasmine
Laurente, Jessa Mae
Mengote, Dhanice Ann
Carreon, Joshua
De Jesus, Julliane Love

Compiled by Julliane Love De Jesus, IV-Misericordia

MDPS 21st Foundation Day November 12 to 15, 2008