PAASCU Consultancy Visit yields positive result

The MDPS Executive Committee with Ms. Faraon during the Consultancy Visit

By Patricia Bianca M. Andres, IV-Perseveranza'

The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) Consultancy Visit held last October 10, 2008 has yielded positive results.
Ms. Priscilla Faraon, a member of the PAASCU Commission on Secondary Education, made a day-long visit to MDPS and met with the school’s PAASCU Executive Committee (ExeCom).
Ms. Faraon, a former Principal of Sienna College, Quezon City, toured the school grounds and viewed the different facilities. Afterwards, she proceeded to the PAASCU Conference Room to study the school’s self survey and exhibits. Finally, she met with the school administrators to give her feedbacks and observations.
Ms. Faraon gave a generally optimistic impression to the ExeCom. She stated that in her opinion, the school is ready for the Preliminary Visit on February 2009 and would recommend this to the PAASCU office.
However, other schools have been lined up for their respective visits and as such, the Preliminary Visit has been officially scheduled on August 24 to 25, 2009.

21 years of excellence

By Niña Grace O. Bacani and Po Teresa S. Santiago, II - Giustizia’



The MDPS 21st Foundation Day Celebration kicked off last November 12, 2008 with the theme, “Indayog ng Pilipinas Tungo sa Pagkakaisa”.
It began with a motorcade around Marikina City, after which, the opening of the Intramurals was held. The Mini-Olympic flame was lighted by student-athletes Ethan Joshua Malelang, Angela Samson, Abigail Tan, and Joshua Carreon. After that, an inspirational message was given by Marikina Heights Barangay Chairman Edwin Adigue.
Next is the Cheer Dance Exhibition of the Juniors and Seniors. Championship competitions in chess, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and basketball were also held last November 13 and 15.
Rev. Fr. Jimmy Anastacio, CRSP presided the Holy Mass for the Family Day which was held last November 15. The MDPS Service Awardees were also presented. Mrs. Lolita Fernando, Assistant Academic Administrator-Cluster B, received the Fifteen (15) Years Service Award.
Other awardees are Mrs. Imelda P. Lustado, Assistant Academic Administrator-Cluster A, and Mr. Ruben Villaflores, Maintenance Staff, Ten (10) Years Service Award and Mrs. Leonora L. Babon, Library Staff and Ms. Everlyn Co, Math Team Leader, Five (5) Years Service Award.
After that, the Preschoolers showcased their talent in dancing in the Field Demonstration. The Parents Advisory Council (PAC) also prepared the program proper, which included the raffle draw and family fun games. This was followed by the “Salu-salo sa Pananghalian” in which different year levels and their guests had lunch at the grass area.
The Cultural Show was held that night. Students, teachers and some alumni performed local indigenous and folk dances in the said event.

Pictures Galore

MDPS Personnel Outing @ Villa Escudero-October-October 28, 2008





Grade School Mr. and Ms. United Nations-October 24, 2008



Pre-School United Nations-October 22, 2008

“Dinner for a Cause” held to raise funds for scholarship program

A fund-raising activity was organized by MDPS to support its scholarship program.
The “Dinner for a Cause” was held at the Covered Court on November 12, 2008. It was meant to gather sponsors and host them to a night of good food and entertainment. Proceeds from the affair went to the Mother Alessandra Sala Scholarship program.
The event was held in conjunction with the MDPS 21st Foundation Day celebration and Mother Alessandra’s 15th death anniversary.
Sr. Ruby D. Diva, ASP, Directress, warmly received the sponsors, composed mainly of MDPSians’ parents and other school contacts tapped as benefactors. In the opening remarks, she thanked them for their generosity and wished that the Lord will bless them a hundred fold.
An audio-visual presentation depicting the life and times in the Philippines of Mother Alessandra Sala, one of the MDPS’ founders, was shown to the audience. This also launched the scholarship program named in her honor which intends to help deserving but less fortunate students.
The night was made even more eventful with the presence of musicians from the Philippine High School for the Arts. The gifted students, who were commissioned by Parents Advisory Council (PAC) President Mr. Vic Ursabia, beautifully rendered their numbers in voice, flute, violin and piano.
This was followed by a sumptuous five-course dinner courtesy of Martha’s Plate Catering which also served cocktails prior to the program.
Mr. Patrick Yusingco, PAC Vice President, spoke in behalf of the sponsors towards the end of the program. He commended the school administration for mounting a well-prepared event and expressed his full support in the scholarship program and other forthcoming activities of MDPS. By Mrs. Dianne Jeanne D. Tagle

Welcome back dear alumni!

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

Former students of MDPS from different batches gathered together once again in their beloved alma mater last November 22, 2008 for the 1st Grand Alumni Homecoming.
The affair started with a Holy Mass presided by Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP. The alumni then held the election of officers and batch representatives for their association.
The dinner-program followed, emceed by Angelica Hementera (GS ’97, HS ’01), and Seniors Jean Kyle Vergel de Dios and Sara Abigail Halal.
Sr. Ruby Diva, ASP gladly welcomed the alumni in the opening remarks. Afterwards, they viewed an audio-visual presentation (AVP) which reminisced their times MDPS. The AVP shooting and editing was facilitated by Bon Salas (GS ’95), Charmina Castro (GS ’96, HS ’00), Fatima Dumalagan (GS ’97, HS ’01) and their friends Arvin Dauz and Paolo Vergara.
After that, selected Seniors ‘09 performed their song and dance numbers. Also singing in separate performances were Jedelin Bautista (HS ’07; 3rd yr) who is a finalist of Pinoy Idol-Singapore, Erika Aranas (GS ’01) and Rafael Remo (GS ’95).
Messages were also delivered by Mrs. Cecilia Mapa and Sr. Ruby Diva, ASP in behalf of their former teachers. Mrs. Bella Tolentino, Academic Support Services Administrator (ASSA) happily thanked the MDPSians for gracing the event in her closing remarks.
The following are the elected alumni association officers:
PRESIDENT CHARMINA CASTRO
VICE PRESIDENT RAFAEL REMO
SECRETARY MARIFAYE PAREL
TREASURER FATIMA MASADRE
AUDITOR CHARLENE VELAS
PRO FATIMA DUMALAGAN
REPRESENTATIVES
GS 1995 BON ERWIN SALAS & JUAN MIGUEL RELOSA
GS1996/HS2000 FATIMA MASADRE & CHARMINA CASTRO
GS1997/HS2001 FATIMA DUMALAGAN & MARIFAYE PAREL
GS1999/HS2003 PAUL HILARIO & RALPH DEGOLLACION
GS2003/HS2007 OLGA MARIE BAUTISTA & BRICANEIL GLORIANA
GS2001/HS2004 CHARLENE VELAS & FARAH DUMALAGAN
GS2004/HS2008 FRANCHESCA DEMDAM & SHARMAINE CONCEPCION

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.