MORMS scribes Achieving an NEW Sections:

The tragic A simple wish Science,

post wins in environmentally
story behind for Christmas technology and
Division Press sustainable
abortion Health, page 12
Con Philippines Community
LITERARY/ FEATURES/
NEWS/ OPINION/ Development,
page 7 page 9
page 2 page 5 page 13

THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF MARCIAL O. RAÑOLA MEMORIAL SCHOOL

Exponent of Campus-Based, Community Oriented High School Journalism
VOLUME LVI- ISSUE 1 JUNE-DECEMBER 2010 16 PAGES

MORMS alumnus is new

Environment
Class ‘77 grad appointed
Secretary
DENR chief
By Christian I. Dy and Therese Isabelle S. Vega
secretary for Field Operations torate in Public Administra-
MORMS alumnus Ramon and the concurrent Execu- tion in the same school. The
Paje succeeded Sec. Horacio tive Director of the Minerals DENR Secretary also took short
Ramos as the 19th Secretary of Development Council under the courses in Harvard University,
the Department of Environment Office of the President. in Massachusetts, USA, and in
and Natural Resources (DENR) As a government scholar, the Australian National Univer-
lafter he was selected by Pres. Paje graduated from the Uni- sity, in Canberra, Australia.
Benigno Simeon Aquino III to versity of the Philippines-Los Among the awards Paje
head the said agency. Banos (UPLB), in Laguna, with has received are a Jose Rizal
Paje was the undersecretary the degree BS Forestry. He then Huwarang Pilipino Award for
for Forestry Research of the earned his masters degree in Public Service in 1999, and the
DENR before he succeeded Urban and Regional Planning citation of the Philippine Jay-
Ramos. He was also the Under- from UP-Diliman, and his doc- continued on page 3

Student government officers elect

Vega as National Secretary
SO HELP ME GOD
Vega takes oath as
new NFSSG secretary.
The elections were
held at Teachers’
Camp in Baguio City.
Bartolome grabs top spot in
statistics gabfest
By Mean Magalang
Joseph Nidua Barto-
lome of IV-Zircon won first
place in the Regional Ora-
torical contest held at Pacific
By Jeahan Potonia
Therese Isabelle S.
Vega, a student form IV-Galileo
and MORMS Supreme Student
Government President, was
elected as National Federation
of Supreme Student Govern-
ments Secretary during the 8th
National Leadership Training
for Student Government Offi-
cers (NLTSGO) held last Sep-
tember 2-8, 2010 at the Teach-
er’s Camp, in Baguio City.
Vega, who was also
elected Division Federation
of SSG’s (DFSSG) President,
and Regional Federation of
SSG’s (RFSSG) President,was
the lone NFSSG awardee dur-
ing the said national leaders’
convention. She was given
the award for atttending the
Mall Activity Center, Legazpi on October 1, 2010 in Manila. represented by Roderick O.
City last September 17, 2010. The contest, which was Palacio of IV-Ruby garnering
He was awarded P 5000.00 and conducted in connection with the 1st spot which was coached
will represent Region V to the the National Statistics Month by Mr. Amiel Militante; Hair
Island Cluster level (Luzon), continued on page 3
NLTSGO 4 times in a row, the HELLO.
most number that a high school DENR Sec. Ramon Paje (at center) answering a
student can participate in. cellphone call.
Other elected officers
were Mika Jajima of Region 6,
who was elected President; Von MORMS bets score
wins in Skills tilt
Carlo Yacob, from the National
Capital Region, Vice President
for Luzon; Kevin Navares, of
Region 7, Vice President for By Lawrence Oarde
Visayas; Ma. Jesa Yu, Region
Ralph Esplana of and Efrain Bodigon of IV-Emerald
11, Vice President for Mindan-
Ivy Makabenta of IV-Zircon which won 1st place, coached
ao; Armani Martinez of Region
took home the Division Mr. by Mrs. Rosalina Peñafiel;
1, Treasurer; Jobeth Dy of Re-
STEP Skills and Division Ms. Electronic Poster Making, Mer-
gion 2, Auditor; and Joana Mari-
Step Skills 1st Runner-up titles ciline Joy Palaje garnering the
elle Tividad of MIMAROPA
respectively during the Divi- 3rd Place, coached by Mr. Ro-
as Public Information Officer
sion STEP Skills Competition lando Loria, Jr. and; Christian
Mr. Roy L. Nipas,
last September 23-24 2010 at Dy of II-Mendel, Xyrel Tuson,
Supreme Student Govern-
Marcial O. Rañola Memorial Yves Lawrence Ivan Oarde and
ment (SSG) Adviser, ac-
School, Guinobatan, Albay. Patrick Dhael O. Sambajon all
companied MORMS’ del-
Esplana received the from I- Edison, bagged the 3rd
egation for the said training.
Best in Talent with Makabenta spot on the Techno Quiz Com-
also garnering the best in Fili-
piniana as minor awards.
petition, coached by Mrs. Ad-
ela Buban.
Other events were Residential
Wiring Installation which was
Ralph Esplana, Divi-
sion Mr. Step Skills; Roder-
ick Palacio, 1st on Residential
Wiring Installation and; Efrain
Bodigon, 1st place, Hair Trim-
ming with Facial Make-up will
Trimming with Facial Make-up, compete for the regionals.

CAMP FOR
MOTHER
EARTH
Page 3
MORMS hosts Regional Press
Conference
By Christine Jane Gonzalez
The battle of wits in
the field of campus journalism
was fought during the Regional
Secondary Schools Press Con-
ference held last November
9-12, 2010 at Marcial O. Raño-
la Memorial School, Guinoba-
tan, Albay, pursuant to Region-
STEP leads Nutrition Month
celebrations
FRUITY PARADE
Freshmen at the head of a parade of fruit bas-
kets during the Nutrition Month Celebration
School bets moving up in
IQ Challenge
By Christian Rey Notario
MORMS is taking
its chances in bringing home
the bacon in the Memo Plus
Gold IQ challenge Search
for Bicol’s Best Quizzers.
Christian I. Dy of
II-Mendel and James Ob-
staculo of III-Dalton won in
the Monthly finals of the said
competition last October 25,
2010 and are qualified to par-
ticipate in the semi-finals.
After the team won in
the weekly eliminations held
last October 9, 2010, they
qualified for the monthly finals.
In this round, they were
fitted against teams from dif-
ferent schools, both private
and public, after the said teams
al Memorandum 135, s. 2010.
The Regional Second-
ary Schools Press Conference
was attended by winners in the
Division-level Schools Press
Conferences, held in Bicol's
13 divisions namely, Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines
Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate,
Sorsogon, Ligao City, Legazpi
were also able to qualify in the
monthly finals after compet-
ing with other schools in other
sets of weekly eliminations.
In the weekly elimina-
tions, they defeated the teams
of Ligao National High School,
Casiguran National High
School, and Aquinas University
of Legapi. They also outwitted
teams from St. Louis the Maril-
lac School of Sorsogon, and
Tabaco National High School,
both of which have also won in
separate weekly eliminations
For winning, the team
was awarded 2000 pesos, to-
gether with certificates for
each of the team's members.
The IQ Challenge is
a quiz composed of questions
City, Naga City, Tabaco City,
Iriga City, Sorsogon City,
and Masbate City, and their
coaches, as well as officers
from the 13 division offices.
Winners in the
RSSPC will represent Bi-
col in the National Schools
Press Conference which is
to be held in Butuan City. GOLDEN VOICES
MORMS’ Radio Brodcasting Team during the
DSPC
To highlight the Nu-
trition Month celebration, the
Technology and Livelihood
Education (TLE) department
with the Student Technolo-
gists and Entrepreneurs of the
Philippines (STEP) Club con-
ducted a two-day culminating
activity last July 29-30, 2010.
The two-day event
was composed of contests and
activities such as the poster-
making and slogan-making
which are the start up activi-
ties. During the second day,
a cookfest, which showcased
inexpensive yet nutritious dish-
es, highlighted the program.
The said activ-
ity, which focused on pro-
moting good nutrition was
headed by the STEP Club.
from General Knowledge and
Current Events, Mathematics,
English, Science, Filipino and
other learning areas. The con-
test is a collaboratio between
PBN Brodcasting Network,
Incorporated, and Memo Plus
Gold. The Department of Edu-
cation makes the questions be-
ing asked in the competition
The semi-finals is
scheduled to be held on
February 12, 2011. If the
team wins this round, it will
qualify for the Finals to be
held on February 19, 2011.
The team was coached
by Ms. Salome Altavano and
was chaperoned by Mrs. Ar-
senia P. Pasion, both from
the English Department
2
TLE feeding
program a
continuing
success
Page 3
Campus scribes post
DSSPC wins
Twelve Student-writers
of Marcial O. Ranola Memo-
rial School topped the Indi-
vidual and Group Contests
during the 2010 Division Press
Conference held at Polangui
General Comprehensive High
School last October 7, 2010.
Christian Dy of II-Men-
del and Xyrel Tuson of I-Edison
both grabbed the 1st place in
Feature Writing in English and
Filipino Category respectively.
Therese Isabelle Vega and Mark
Jay Pradiez both of IV-Galileo
both bagged the top rank in Ed-
itorial Writing also both in Eng-
lish and Filipino category. Rose
Ann Plotado of IV-Galileo got
the 3rd place in Copyreading
and Headline Writing Filipino.
The Radio Broadcasting
team of MORMS was adjudged
champion in Radio Broad-
casting English. The team is
Loria in Japan for
training grant
By Christine Jane Gonzalez
Mrs. Rosylin S. Lo-
ria, Teacher III of Marcial
O. Ranola Memorial School
was one of the 14 qualifiers
among more than 100 ap-
plicants for the Mombaka-
gakusho Scholarship(Teacher
Training Category) all
over the Philippines.
Her training is in Hiro-
shima University. Her 18-month
training course in the said uni-
versity started last October
2009 and will end on March
2011. Her training focuses on
Physics Education, and Devel-
composed of Ma.Katrina Sac-
ueza, Maricar Ojano, Maria
Genica Chavez and Christian
Rey Notario all of II-Mendel,
Mean Magalang of III-Ar-
chimedes, Jeahan Potonia of
I-Aristotle, and Yves Law-
rence Ivan Oarde of I-Edison.
Their team also won awards
for Best Anchor, Best News
Presenter, Best in Infomer-
cial, and Best in Scriptwriting.
Contestants for the
English Category were
coached by Mrs. Maria Jovita
Mariscotes, and contestants
for the Filipino Category were
coached by Mrs. Sarah Red.
DSSPC winners are
qualified for the Regional
Level Schools Press Con-
ference which is scheduled
on November 9-12, 2010 at
Marcial O. Rañola Memorial
School, Guinobatan, Albay.
opment of Teaching Materials.
Loria underwent a
rigorous screening which in-
cluded the submission of
study abstract, taking writ-
ten tests and interview.
MRS. LORIA

Studes show wits in
Padunungan 2010
By Jeahan Potonia
MORMS scored 4
wins in the 2010 Padunungan,
held at Daragang Magayon
hall at Aquinas University of
Legazpi, in Rawis, Legazpi
City last October 29-30, 2010.
Therese Isabelle S. Vega won
1st place in Extemporaneous
Speaking, and also ranked 1st in
Essay Writing. Tifanny Villac-
eran won 3rd place for Tigsik
Writing. The team composed of
Zane Arden Namora, Christian
Dy and James Obstaculo also
TLE dept. continues
feeding program
By Christine Jane Gonzalez
Marcial O. Rañola Me-
morial School holds a feed-
ing activity where 30 students
benefit. The program started
last September 2010 at the
MORMS’ Home Economics
Building, and is continuous-
ly being implemented by the
school.
The said activity tar-
gets first year students whose
weight are 26 kilograms and
below, and are considered mal-
MORMS alumnus...
from page 1
cees as one of the Ten Outstand-
ing Young Men in 1996. prior to his appointment as Earlier, Bartolome was
Paje, a Career Executive Ser-
vice Officer (CESO) also held
positions such as junior forester
conducting field inspection of
reforestation projects of then
Bureau of Forest Develop-
ment (now Forest Management
Brigada Eskwela 2010
held
Marcial O. Ranola
Memorial School conducted
for its National Maintenance
Week for Secondary Schools
(NMWSS) or the briga-
da Eskwela last May 2009.
The school’s Supreme Student
Government (SSG) officers
circulated solicitation letters
to different non-government
agencies (NGO’s) to support
the said activity. The accumu-
lated amount was used to buy
snacks for the volunteers and
some materials for the repaint-
ing and repair of the classrooms.
To promote further par-
ticipation by the parents, the
SSG also sponsored a raffle pro-
mo where all participants to the
brigada eskwela were entitled
to join. The prizes were school
supplies and school bags need-
ed for the coming school year.
NEWS 3
won 1st place for the Quiz Bee.
The winnings resulted
to MORMS’ being 1st runner
up in the over-all rankings.
The Padunungan is
an annual event organized by
the UP Ibalon, a campus or-
ganization of Bicolano stu-
dents of the University of
the Philippines- Diliman.
Their coaches were OWN BACKYARD
Ms. Mehlaine Clamar, Mr. Seniors during a tree planting activity held in the back portion of
Hector Ryann Oxales, Mr. MORMS
Orfelino Vibar, Mrs. Evelyn
Egar and Mrs. Violeta Bernal.
Camp advocating environmental
consciousness conducted
The School Youth for conducted during the event Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City.
Environment and Science The YES camp is an The YES camp was
(YES) Camp was held last Oc- echo of the National YES camp organized by the Youth for
nourished.
being organized annuallly, in Environment in Schools Or-
The source of funds are tober 19-21, 2010 at Marcial
summer by the Center for Stu- ganization (YES-O), under
the revenue of the TLE can- O. Rañola Memorial School.
dents and Co-Curricular Affairs its president, Jeremy Mer-
teen, situated in the Second Seven hundred fifty par-
ticipants joined the said camp. ( CSCA) of the Department of cader, of IV-Galileo, and its
Year area.
Education. The most recent adviser, Mr. Virgilio Morcozo,
“The feeding program Competitions, plenary ses-
was held last May 2010 at of the Science Department.
is held to improve the health of sions and camp courses were
the undernourished students,”
Mrs. Velasco said. Bartolome...
Mrs. Adela Buban is
the coordinator of the said pro- from page 1 Freshmen
gram and Mrs. Nerissa Velasco
is in charge of feeding the stu- Other winners dur- elect
SSG
dents. celebration, revolved on the ing the Regional contest were
theme “Towards Philippine Sta- the contestants from Tabaco
National High School and
reps
tistic System Responsive to Na-
tional and Global Challenges”, Legaspi City High school,
who garnered second and
and was sponsored by the Cen-
third place, respectively.
Bureau), senior forester, service tral Bank of the Philippines and In compliance with its
director, and assistant secretary the Department of Education. The first five winners in the Is-
land Cluster Level for Luzon will Standard Constitution and By-
undersecretary in 1998. compete in the National Level Laws ,the Supreme Student
adjudged first during the Di-
Paje, a member of MORMS’ vision level Oratorical Con- on October 29, 2010 in Manila. Government (SSG) held the
batch 1977, also supported Bartolome’s coach was election for the 1st year rep-
the construction of MORMS’ test held last September 15, resentatives last July 2, 2010.
Alumni Building, a project of 2010 at Malabog National Ms. Salome Altavano, of the
English Department. The winners were Yves
the MORMS Alumni Associa- High School, Daraga, Albay.
tion (MORMSAA). Lawrence Ivan Oarde of I-
Edison, whose garnering the
highest number of votes re-
sulted to his election as 1st year
level chairperson; Xyrel Tuson
of I-Edison, Riza Moratalla,
“I am grateful for the of I-Cattleya, Vanehsa Claire
efforts made by the parents, Londono of I-Edison, Karl An-
staff, stakeholders, students thony Palencia of I-Anthurium,
and faculty,” said the SSG Pres- Patrick Dhael Sambajon of I-
ident Therese Isabelle S. Vega Edison, Karen May Oyardo of
“The participation of I- Aristotle, Nica Jane Peraro
parents in preparing the school of I-Cattleya, and Diana Perez
for the resumption of classes of I-Edison, and Maxine Pa-
is very helpful in reducing the trice Malicdem of I-Edison.
costs of repaires for facilities “The elections will
so that the funds can be used promote civic involvement to
for other services helpful to our the students. It will create an
students. The expenses for the awareness in them that they
prizes for the raffle was a small are necessary in the build-
portion of the savings gener- ing of society.”, Mr. Roy L.
ated”, Mr. Roy L. Nipas added. Nipas, SSG adviser said.
The NMWSS, which The said election
was participated in by the stu- was headed by the Com-
dents, parents and teachers of mission on Elections of the
MORMS is an institutionalized COOLING OFF Supreme Student Govern-
activity of the Department of Teachers pause for a short ice cream break ment, which was activated 2
Education geared towards after cleaning their rooms during the Brigada weeks before the elections.
preparing the schools for the Eskwela
yearly opening of classes.
 4
Vote Buying; NAT; Student
The death of Excellence;
EDSA Bicol History;
Project LEAD
Page 5
Page 6

EDITORIAL
Dengue Dilemma
The Philippines is challenged by a small but terrible foe-the
dengue mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. Over the previous year, dengue
has been feared and has become a major cause of mortality in the
country. Dengue has left 465 Filipinos dead since January 2010.
It has changed the lives of 90000 people in our country. Dengue
is a feared threat to every Filipino.
The number of dengue fever cases rise everyday. Everyday, a
child gets bitten by a mosquito and suffers the Dengue Hemor-
rhagic Fever. The Department of Health (DOH) lacked extra
effort in reminding that a possible outbreak could happen. They
only started acting after they had noticed a rise in the number of
dengue cases by 300%.
The Filipino community became too relaxed and focused on
earning a living that they never anticipated the outbreak of the
disease. They have become too busy to be cleaning dirty canals,
throw away stagnant waters and segregate garbage. They have
forgotten that mosquitoes never were a friend.
The government, too, is also relaxed. Only information dis-
semination is being done on a large-scale basis. The people do
not pay for posters and fliers alone.Nor do we pay taxes to have
a government as relaxed as we are. We could’ve prevented the
spreading of Dengue through community wide actions. But the
die is cast. It is now an epidemic. It is the government who has
the resources to prevent further spreading of the disease, to cure
those with dengue, and give hospitals more technical support as
well as support in terms of manpower and logistics.
TALKING POINTS
Yet, the government seems to preoccupied by appeasing Hong
Kong and China, with regards to the hostage drama in Manila. So
everything is left to us.
CHRISTIAN DY
The rising figures are tragic, because dengue is in fact a prevent-
able disease. We just need to prevent the multiplying of mosquitoes
by eliminating possible breeding grounds. Protecting oneself using
mosquito nets, repellants, and protective clothing will also help in
minimizing the rising numbers. People should also seek immediate

Small relief=
care when flu-like signs and symptoms appear.
While the government remains preoccupied with the aftermath
of the Quirino Grandstand tragedy, it needs to pay attention to
the threat brought about by the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. The
government needs to realize that dengue poses a deadly threat to
the life of each and every Filipino. We need to bang the drum more
loudly. No bungling here. All of us need to realize that mosquitoes
Bigger Problems
were not and never will be a friend. TIV
Poor as church rats-- this is
the current status of student orga-
on contests, having no funds
to pay for the registration fee
of participants, and in the few
rely on college grants to finish
studying may not be able to get
the scholarships that they need
nizations in MORMS. After the cases where the school organi- to pursue college degrees.
implementation of the Depart- zations find money to pay for If we cannot keep in touch
ment of Education or DepEd’s contest expenses, the amount with our stakeholders through
“No Collection Policy” regard- is only good for entering few our school publication, then
THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL-COMMUNITY PUBLICATION
ing Miscellaneous Fees, clubs participants to competitions. we cannot expect for class-
OF MARCIAL O RAÑOLA MEMORIAL SCHOOL and other school organizations Still, there are many cases when room repairs from donors. We
Exponent of Campus-based, Community-oriented, receive no more funds to begin the participants shoulder all cannot expect that stakehold-
High School Journalism with during the school year. the expenses-- often reaching ers will give our school much
EDITORIAL STAFF
Most of the students and par- hundreds or even thousands of needed financing if they are not
ents view the policy positively, pesos. informed of the problems as
CHRISTIAN I. DY because it lessens the school There willl be even greater well as the developments hap-
Editor-In-Chief expenses to be paid. However, negative effects on the school pening in MORMS.
THERESE ISABELLE S. VEGA
Associate Editor
a small deduction to the weight if the school paper cannot be
JESSA MARIE MONZON the pocket bears has finally published due to budget deficits. Let us think again before
Managing Editor taken its toll on the school. The One, alumni and other stake- we turn our backs on the mis-
Quill itself and its counterpart in holders will not be updated on cellaneous fees. Is avoiding to
SECTION EDITORS:
NEWS-- Jhoanne May Millete; FEATURES--Shaira
Filipino, Ang Sinag, are strug- the events happening within the pay fees totalling to about 200
Orogo; SPORTS----Asti Nasayao; LITERARY---Jazzielle gling to produce the school school--this would prove disas- pesos worth all the trouble it
Panesa; COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT---Clarice Nasol publication. The Supreme Stu- trous because our school relies will cause the school and the
SCI.TECH.---Christian Rey Notario,Christine Joy Acero dent Government is constantly heavily on alumni for financial studentry? After all, when the
CONTRIBUTORS:
troubled by budget shortages. support. Also, our alumni give school is in trouble, it will still
Yves Lawrence Ivan Oarde, Mean Magalang, Jeahan Some school organizations are less fortunate, yet diligent and be our pockets which will pay
Potonia, Earl Fred Orozco, Jelyn Oliquino, Christine totally out of funding. determined students, scholar- an even greater price, and above
Jane Gonzales As a result of student orga- ships for college. If the dilemma all, it will be our less fortunate
CARTOONISTS:
Merciline Joy Palaje, Rhea Ivy Nimo
nizations’ lack of finances, on this lack of budget continues, students who will suffer in the
MORMS often has to give up many students who can only long run.

Environmental
Sustainability:
The Philippine Scene
P overty breeds
grief. Poor people usually
fall victims to calamities.
Last September 26,
2009, Typhoon Ondoy struck
the National Capital Region
and some areas in the Region
IV-A leaving 300,000 with
shattered dreams and 47,000
hopeless, homeless and hungry.
Surveys show that
more than half of the people
devastated by typhoon Ondoy
are living in slum areas. They
also showed that there were
higher number of casualties
there compared to the provi-
dent areas in Metro Manila.
Analysts also say that
a country which does not care
for the environment is the most
prone to calamities wrought
K+12: A plus or a minus?
Secretary
LastArmin
October 5, 2010,
Luistro of
the Department of Education
(DepEd) announced to the
public the full details of the
newly calibrated K+12 program
(K for KIndergarten, plus 12
years in Basic Education).
Timing his announcement to the
celebration of World Teachers'
Day, Luistro said that the Aquino
administration wants to ensure a
good future for those who will
not be able to finish college, and
this is why they have created the
proposal which aims to teach
high school students specialized
skills which will help promote
the country's industrialization.
As soon as Luistro
released this announcement,
there were numerous negative
comments from the teachers, the
parents, the students, and many
other sectors. According to the
latter, DepEd is not yet prepared
TEXTWRAP
THERESE ISABELLE
VEGA
by nature. This shows that
we have a very unstable en-
vironment. This pictures a fu-
ture that is hanging off a cliff.
But something can still
be done. Even students can
do something to help achieve
environmental sustainability.
Planting trees is a must
in order for us to achieve en-
vironmental sustainability.
For instance, MORMS has a
population of 4, 095 students.
If all students would plant
trees, that would mean 4,095
trees to grow and to care for.
That also means 4,095 new
trees to give off oxygen and
give us fresh air to breathe.
The province of Albay
set a very good example in re-
planting when super typhoon
Reming hit the province in
BEHIND THE BY-
LINES
JESSA MARIE MONZON
for the changes, citing the lack of
facilities, competency trainings
for teachers, and educational
materials.
It is clear to the public that the
Aquino administration wants to
produce more students which
the country can utilize in its
urbanization, The public has
nothing against that. However,
let us put into consideration
the perennial problems in our
public schools which are yet to
be resolved. Let us also think
of the ever-increasing public
debt, as well as our huge
budeget deficit. An increase in
the number of years in Basic
Education means more expenses
for the government, and at this
point, our country can no longer
afford to go deeper into the pit
of debt.
Also, what is the
government's assurance that
those who will not be under
the year 2006. The provincial
government of Albay headed
by Gov. Fernando V. Gon-
zales distributed vegetable
seeds and tree seedlings to
the residents of Albay. They
had the initiative of starting
a new life after devastation.
Following the three
meter easement away the riv-
erbanks will also be helpful
in saving lives and achieving
environmental sustainability.
The millennium devel-
opment goals are a timely and
a focused move of the govern-
ment and the United Nations.
It is somehow an assurance of
a bright future for the world.
The future is still
bright. The sun is still shin-
ing behind the dark clouds.
Man always decides the future.
K+12, those who will not be put
under the program, will not be
subjected to discrimination in
jobs, since the most preferrable
choice for employment would
be the graduates of the new
program?
It is hardly imaginable
that DepEd sees this as a tribute
to our teachers, who during
World Teachers' Day, should
be given recognition for their
selfless work.
The choice between
implementing K+12 and
setting it aside lies in the hands
of others, those who are in
power. We can only go down
to our studies, and persevere to
achieve a brighter future amidst
the darkness of uncertainty.
While the government considers
its proposal as "new doors that
will open up" for our youth, it
fails to unlock the old doors that
remain shut.
OPINION 5
Selling-out
The tricycle driver plying downtown routes boastfully
said to me after the recent barangay elections that he sold his
vote for 1500 pesos. The said candidate won. He also told
me that one of the candidates didn’t even make an attempt
to buy votes, though he was seen as an able candidate, better
than the one who emerged the winner. The driver saw this can-
didate as a hypocrite. I saw this driver as a dead man. Why?
Selling one’s vote is selling one’s freedom. And without
freedom, what does on have? His life? He will not be able to defend
his life without his freedom. Without freedom, one only has his
soul, and selling one’s freedom equals selling one’s soul to the devil.
Our country is a democracy. Suffrage is the blood and
soul of every democratic country. The government is only liable
to us because we can vote out the leaders that we deem incapable.
Elections are the only way to channel our sentiments to the
government. It’s indirect expression with direct response be-
ing generated. The huge voter turn-out during the 2010 elec-
tions only shows optimism for the future. The opposition vic-
tory last 2007 showed the public’s displeasure in the government.
The recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were
nothing but a bidding process. The highest bidder, whoever he
or she is, won the position desired. Voters saw their votes as an
asset, a cashable one, more like a check. Politics has evolved
into a new monster, one that can turn anything into gold.
The day after the elections, voters flooded the pub-
lic market and in less than 5 hours from when the stores
opened, the vegetables were sold out. I doubt that when they
eat pinakbet cooked out of vegetables bought with dirty
money, they will even think of the consequences of selling
their sacred votes. This is the Filipino mind. It is one-track.
When I got down the tricycle, I handed the driver 5 pe-
sos. I saw a police car ahead. I wouldn’t wonder if a cop comes
out and extorts from him the same 1500 pesos he got from the
dirty local politician he chose. He can’t defend himself. He’s
been bought. This is the kind of government that will rule our
communities for the next 3 years. He’ll just have to learn this
lesson, and try not to commit the same mistake 3 years later. CID
EDSA:
A dead spirit?
The year 1986 ushered the wind of change
All the world was singing one song and the Philippines was no
exception. The dictatorships of the 70’s were falling like ten-
pins; and in the country there was this little spark that Marcos
could never have prevented from becoming a huge pyre that
consumed the remains of his government. The fire went off, and
the whole of Marcos’ barn was reduced to mere ashes. The peo-
ple had risen up. The streets were filled with a movement for
change. The night was cold, the breeze swept the city of Ma-
nila, but it wasn’t enough to cool down the emotions of a peo-
ple—the burning desire for change. That night was on February
24, 1986- the last night Marcos slept as President of the nation.
What began as Senator Benigno Aquino Jr’s
fight was now the cause of millions in the streets of Ma-
nila and millions more in the provinces across the nation.
When the spark had become a bonfire, demise had be-
fallen on the dictatorship. The widow of the martyred senator
became president of the nation, and the small band of soldiers
who desperately fled Marcos’ purging was now a group of cel-
ebrated heroes. The Filipinos were singing “Handog ng Pilipino
sa Mundo” (The Gift of the Filipino to the World) and while there
was gunfire in Central Europe, here there were only fireworks.
But all this was 24 years ago. The spirit of
EDSA had ceased to burn. The torch was afire no more.
The turn of the 21st century killed the fire off completely. A
“pirated copy” of the revolt was staged by the middle and up-
per middle classes against the unpopular government of Jo-
seph Estrada. It wasn’t people power. It was power play.
In May of 2001, when the new government was
in place, powerless people-the masses- who were still
loyal to Estrada tried to seize power through “EDSA
3.” But it was suppressed violently. Thus the death
So how do we rekindle the EDSA spirit? The revolution will
certainly not begin in the streets. It will ignite in the hearts of the
Filipino people. Revolution will begin through personal change.
Let us get involved in national development. Let us be the change we
want to see in the world, as Gandhi once said. After this, surely, the
EDSA spirit will be lit afire once more, and it will blaze on forever.
 OPINION 6
Digging Deeper: Bicol History, What’s That?
One Problem, Many Roots; This was the question It is not. It is the Bicolano students’ use. However, one
asked by a student a while epic, a tale of kings, which if student, this time one from
One Sickness, Many Cures ago. MORMS advocates the examined, is a clue to more MORMS, was asked, “What
promoting of Bicol history discoveries concerning Bi- is Ibalong?” He replied with a
among the youth through ar- colano civilization during question “What’s that?” This
ing the Regional Schools Press ticles concerning the history the Philippines’ age of ep- is something to be scared of.
MORMS’ poor perfor- Conference, one performance and culture of the region. och. Our heritage is being erased
mance in the National Achieve- had the almost classic song However, when such articles This student can’t re- without us knowing it. How
ment Test (NAT) in successive “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” by Floran- are being published, the stu- ally be blamed for not know- can we call ourselves Bicol-
years only suggests one thing- te mixed up with heavy metal, dents seem to not care at all. ing what Ibalong is, nor can anos if we don’t even know
something hiphop In the age of globalization, we blame the rest of the why we are Bicolano?
needs to be and rap Bicolano youth. The blame We must go the extra
VIEW FROM perhaps it is supposed to be
done. With songs in must be on the lack of infor-
usual. But what is usual isn’t mile, and try to know our in-
this urgency, THE GROUND English,
always what is right. And mation being spread about heritance as a region. In Iba-
the school s o m e
erasing one’s roots is cer- Bicolano heritage. long it is said that we come
decided to re- Christian I. Dy with ex-
locate the ar- plicit and tainly wrong. However, in from a great race. If such is
eas being oc- illicit lyr- One student was MORMS, there are articles true, then we must rediscover
cupied by the fourth year level ics. This is clearly a profana- asked, “What is Ibalong?” on Bicol history and cul- our forgotten past, and in the
and the second year level. The tion of the values that the song The student replied, “Is that ture being published. The process, regain the elements
second year students now oc- by Florante promotes. But somewhere in Legazpi?” No. information is there for the that made us great before.
cupy the Alumni Building and perhaps no one seems to no-
the buildings that surround it, tice. Better yet, when such per-
while the fourth year students formances are being made, our Achieving Student Excellence
have been transferred to the students become an unruly mob
Araling Panlipunan Building, willing to stampede to the front By Lawrence Oarde
and in the classrooms near it. seats just to get a view of the
The reason for the re- their new idols. We don’t need What is it MORMS that students stay as disci- form of cash incentive. The
location is simple, to have the demi-gods. We need good NAT that makes it a winner in con- plined as they can when they point is simple. Something
students focus further on their results, academic excellence, tests but a loser in diagnostic are in the premises of the rewarding is something
studies, and to make review- and more graduates produced. exams? school. Also, more student worth doing. And if studying
ing for the National Achieve- There is this question This is a troubling services must be done by will be a rewarding activity
ment Test more convenient, about the issue: Don’t we have question indeed. We know the Supreme Student Gov- for the students, then it can
considering the accessibil- our Special Program for the Arts for sure that there are stu- ernment. The Reading and be expected that students
ity of the Alumni Building to (SPA)? We do. This is exactly Peer Tutoring Services must will do their best to get the
dents in MORMS who do
many subject departments, the point. Why let our formal incentives they deserve for
more than what is expected be strengthened. The school
and the school administration. school events become a scene
of them. But why is it that we must classify students ac- striving for excellence.
A doctor first diagno- of mob rule, when we could
still fail to do well in achieve- cording to their ability so It is not natural intel-
ses the patient before he could get our SPA to do what they do
make some prescriptions. So best- and they do very well at it- ment tests? The answer is be- that those needing extra help ligence that makes one stu-
what is the problem with our that is, to sing, dance, and play cause, although a number of can be given the help they dent excellent. It is his ability
second year students any- instruments for the audience? students exceed the expecta- need through catch up class- to strive for academic excel-
way? The answer is distrac- That way, we will be promot- tions, most simple can’t meet es, and other measures. lence. It is determination that
tions. The relocation partially ing the excellence of our SPA. such expectations. In addition to such sets students apart. There are
solves this, but does far from Computer gaming, How do we meet these measures, incentives must 4000 students in MORMS-
curing the patient completely. among other distractions expectations then? The style be given to those who serve 4000 potential minds wait-
Let us dissect the is- found in the internet and in of teaching must drastically as good examples to their ing to be unlocked, 4000
sue. What are the things that computers are also present, fellow students. Such in- dreams that may come true.
change. Teachers must go the
distract our students from fo- as well as explicit music, lit- The school must give them
extra mile. In addition to this, centives will need minimal
cusing on their studies? One erature and visual materials.
strict regulations must be resources, for the printing all the help they need to turn
is that students that are not be- Now back to the relocation is-
implemented by the school of certificates, awarding of these raw dreams into sweet
ing closely attended to tend to sue, the move by the school
flirt among themselves. The administration will be of help administration to make sure medals perhaps, or for some reality.

MORMS Project LEAD:

second one is the toleration of in getting higher scores in the
activities unrelated to the cur- NAT. But it will be fully ef-
riculum. When there are school fective if and only if the stu-
programs dance groups which dents’ distractions are deliv-
are not at all recognized by the ered a death blow. Weeds will
Opening New Doors
school formally are being in- keep on growing if they are By Christian Rey Notario
vited to perform during events. not fully uprooted. And weeds
Excellence is a prod- to excel, it will also produce outlook on their studies. It
Performances made by such will strangle the good stock of
uct of hard work. To recog- examples for the students. will teach the students that
dance groups during school plants in the garden- that is,
events often end up to be out of the good scores being achieved nize students who strive for Such motivation is high- education is a rewarding
character. At one instance dur- by our diligent students. excellence, the concept of a ly needed in order for the stage, a step towards achiev-
reward system for students’ school to gain high marks in ing a better future.
exemplary performance has diagnostic exams such as the LEAD awardees will
come to life. Leaping on National Achievement Test also be motivated to push
Excellence and Academic (NAT). their knowledge further, and
Development (LEAD) is an excel even more. It will cre-
award scheme proposed by MORMS needs a ate a new flavor in the way
Mr. Roy L. Nipas and is un- stock of highly motivated MORMS recognizes the ef-
der the Guidance Office. It students in order for it to forts of its students.
will be under full implemen- be able to achieve greater LEAD is leading
tation next school year. heights and be highly com- MORMS to new doors,
CHANGES LEAD will not only petitive on the local and on doors waiting to be unlocked
The MORMS Alumni Building, previously being the global stage. LEAD will by young minds eager for
help boost morale among our
occupied by the seniors, now houses second year
students, and motivate them create a change in students’ knowledge.
classes.
 LITERARY 7
Section Editor’s Note:
Contibutions for the
Literary Section are
Section Editor: being accepted through
Jazzielle Panesa the email address
indicated. Contributions
are subject to editing for
clarity, conciseness and
grammar.

A SHORT STORY
“Mom, Let Me Live”
By Jazziele Panesa
Editor’s Note: The issue on the Reproductive Health Bill is one pressing concern that plagues
the Aquino administration. The following story is one of a teenage mother who had an un-
wanted pregnancy. Her life in the years to come would soon be determined by a choice she
makes- a fateful and a fatal one.-CID
assured Aria that he’ll try to were rumors which had once
The afternoon was dark support their child, and that circulated their whole cam-
and gloomy, and the grey clouds they’ll find a way out of the pus. She had often seen her in
blocked out any brilliant ray possible shame it will bring school almost every day, even
the sun could’ve offered them. them, and the scandal their loitering with some people a
A girl stirs her head a little to families will face. few hours past their school
the side before cracking an eye Aria knew another way dismissal, and when she heard
open to see a hand shaking her out. The child inside her body that rumor about Noelle get-
awake. must cease to exist. Yet she had ting pregnant, she knew she
“W-What?” Aria asked this question in mind: “Would shouldn’t have been surprised.
in a weak, exhausted voice as Rae agree to it?” Rae, who Though it wasn’t actually slum in the city. They sat on she felt pains in her abdomen.
she looks at the person beside wanted the child, would sure- proven yet at that time, she al- a worn-out couch and were She had tumors in her womb
her. It was all she could manage ly not. But even if he did, she most felt disgusted of her, even met by an old woman. The old because of the operation. The
at the moment. She was feeling knew it would be difficult. resented her for what she’d woman didn’t need to hear a obstetrician said that this may
desperately ill and retching. But desperate times lead people done. word from her. She knew all cause her infertility. She may
It took her a few sec- to doing desperate actions. But now, she blocked too well Aria’s business with never be able to have children
onds to settle on his vague im- When morning came, out all those things she knew her. again. She sank in the seat. All
age, but as soon as her vision she’d finally called up some- about Noelle. All she wanted Thus began the opera- she could do was listening, and
settled on him, Rae spoke in one she had arranged to meet was somebody to help her deal tion. It may have been an un- fill her heart with pain.
a seemingly unbelievable soft the previous day. Though she’s with their problem and help nerving scene. But the abortion She and Rae eventually
voice, “I think you’re preg- still feeling ill and dizzy with her get through with this abor- was pushed through anyway. separated. They couldn’t take
nant.” almost every move, Aria braced tion. She knew there wouldn’t After the process, even the grief anymore. It was bet-
It was the softest voice herself as she opened the door be any turning back now. She before Aria could regain con- ter for the two of them. As for
she had ever heard. Yet it was to meet her. had settled her mind. And this sciousness, the operation was Aria, she could only watch her
one loud whisper- one that will Her name was Noelle; would probably be for the best over. It took less than 20 min- dreams of having a happy fam-
echo through her entire life. a schoolmate whom she knew for her and for her boyfriend. utes. The old woman took the ily shattered. Abortion wasn’t
This little life inside Aria’s had undergone abortion twice After a brief walk they payment for her “service”, and a way out of her problems. It
womb could destroy their already. Aria had never spoken arrived at a building not even told Aria never to come back to was a way in to a nightmare.
lives. to her before, not even once. decent enough to be called a that address again. She could only learn from the
It was a dilemma. Rae All she’d ever heard about her home. It was in the filthiest And then suddenly, past.

ESSAY

POETRY SECTION
MAYON IBALONG

The Mayon is quite a lovely Queen O, Kadungung, tell our youth,

The Queen of our humble race
Who fills our soil with her grace,
And has her wondrous beauty seen
Lovely is our Queen Mayon,
Who fills with loveliness our azure sky
And fills with awe our every eye,
Be it in daylight or even nigh
To open their eyes on pleasant truth,
Truth of Kings Handong, and Baltog
Of the valiant hero named Bantung
Fill their ears with your lovely poetry,
That they might not forget their ancestry,
That they are Bicolanos in blood and virtue,
That they are part of Ibalong their whole lives through.

Educ’l.
Tour
2010/
PAGE 11
Ibalong:
A Civilization Forgotten
By Christian I. Dy
We Bicolanos, particu-
larly us Albayanos have al-
ways traced our ancestry to a
cosmopolitan race created by
years of multicultural interac-
tion between earlier Filipinos,
the Malay settlers, the Chinese
merchants of Fujian Province
in the southern coast of China,
or perhaps with the Spanish
Conquistadores. We have al-
ways considered ourselves as
non-original residents of the
peninsular region of Cama-
rines, like the pioneers of Con-
tinental America. Furthermore,
we have always dismissed the
epic of Ibalon as nothing but
an epic that ran through the
mind of a Spanish friar named
Fray Bernardino Melendre-
ras, after all an epic is gener-
ally fanciful, a storehouse of
legends, myths and exaggera-
tion combined to form a story.
This never-ending narration of
kings, glory, heroes, war and
bloodshed is to the Bicolano
mind, a fictional part of region-
al culture. In popular culture, it
is celebrated only in a culmina-
tion at the streets of the City of
Legazpi. The history behind
the story is yet to be known.
BOATS WAIT for passengers to embark on a
boat ride along the Bicol River.
The story begins with
Iling, a talking bird who asks
Kadungung, a bard to relate the
story of the land of Aslon and
its revered ruler Handyong;
its heroes and its glory.
Aslon is a vast pen-
insula now occupied by the
provinces of Camarines Norte,
Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorso-
gon, and the island-provinces
of Catanduanes and Masbate.
It had a rich cultural past and
a tempting wealth. Its topo-
graphical feature includes a set
of three towering mountains
looking over the people—
Asog, Masaraga and Isarog;
and a lake where the maiden
Fair Lakay was laid to rest.
The first hero to emerge from
this kingdom was the brave
Baltog, honored his subjuga-
tion of the infamous Tandayag,
despised for being a pest to the
farmers. He ate crops in the area
and thus many attempted to
cause the demise of the creature
but all to no avail. Since he was
such a predicament to the farm-
ers, Baltog decided to assume
the responsibility of slaying
the beast. He accomplishes this
task and was considered a hero.
8
FAMILIES
BEING
REUNITED
THIS
CHRISTMAS
Page 10
During this time, a tribal mili-
tary leader named Handyong en-
ters the scene after his overland
journey that began somewhere
south of Aslon. He slaughtered
all kinds of creatures with the
help of his handpicked band
of warriors. One being how-
ever proved to be a difficult foe
for the valiant Handyong— it
was Oryol.
Oryol was a half hu-
man, half serpent who had a
hypnotic gaze. Oryol was also
an expert of deceit. But the
THE HANGING BRIDGE at Barangay Malbogon,
twpo would later be allies and
Libmanan, Camraines Sur
they would slay all the croco-
diles that infested the Bikol
the Bikol River. His court in- A strip of land rose in Pasakaw;
River and instilled fear upon
ventor, Kimantong would in- an islet rose and it was called
other beasts that inhabited the
vent the rudder. More inven- Malbogong; and in Bato, a
realms of the kingdom, mak-
tions were made during this mountain sank and formed a
ing it easy for Handyong to
newly organized government. lake that provided the people
drive the away from Aslon.
The people of Ibalon were with all the fish the people
With all this carnage
more than happy to cooperate needed. But as soon as this
being over, the people of Aslon
with the king. Progress was apocalyptic scene was over,
were able to live in peace.
without flaw, or so it seemed. Ibalon rose on its feet and ac-
With these exploits, Handyong
One day a deluge of massive cumulated power even more.
consolidates power and se-
dimensions struck the king- Kadungung at this point
cures the throne for himself.
dom. It brought havoc upon the unveils the story of Bantung,
He is hailed king. He starts to
people. The volcanoes Hantik, whose major exploit was his
make laws for his people. Ag-
Kulasi, and Isarog exploded as conquest of Rabot, a half-man,
riculture prospered and during
floods took place. With this tre- half-beast whose gigantic size
this age, prosperity gave rise
mendous disaster, many altera- was made with a solitary eye
to new inventions. He would
tions on the physical appear- whose gaze could turn men into
later build the first boat to ply
ance of the land, took place. stone, as he did to those who at-
tempted to put an end to his life.
By a fortunate hunch, Ban-
tung, embattled by great odds,
guesses correctly that Rabot
was a heavy sleeper. In front of
a thousand warriors, on a rainy
day, he successfully times his
assault to the moment when
Rabot was sleeping away his
hours. He splits the creature
in two, and eradicates this Cy-
clops from the face of the earth.
Bantung delivers the corpse
to Ligmanan, to be viewed by
Handyong. This sight was so
unnerving that even the brave
ruler was not able to cope with
utmost disgust he experienced
upon seeing the lifeless corpse.
Suddenly, Kadungung stops,
leaving the story unfinished.
So could such an epic
be true? Why would such an
epic stop instantly? With these
puzzling questions that ran
through my head, a was left
curious of the said civiliza-

SHARDS of pottery as well as thick layers of
shell in what the author believes to be a shell-
bed gravesite
tion. An insatiable craving for
knowledge about the epic was
born in me. Such void could
only be filled by investigation.
Some of the places men-
tioned in the epic retain the
same name up to now. Given
this for a fact, I decided to re-
search on the history of Bicol
during the pre-Hispanic era.
I was able to find compel-
ling facts. Also, after collect-
ing information from various
sources, the clues guided me
to the Town of Libmanan, in
the province of Camarines Sur.
Libmanan, or Ligmanan as it
was mentioned in the epic, is
nestled upon the coast of the
Bikol River Basin, a source
of water for the Bikol River.
Upon setting foot on the mu-
nicipality, I rushed to explore
the area, and embarked on a
boat-trip on the Bikol River,
towards Barangay Handong
(notice the similarity of Han-
dong with Handyong) where
thick layers of shell and broken
pottery are apparent. Every-
where in the area, chinaware,
clay and stone ware can be
seen. Through research I found
out that the layer of shell pres-
ent is actually the covering for
an ancient gravesite (shellbed
burial) which occupies an en-
tire half of the Barangay. Why
would such a huge gravesite be
needed for a settlement which,
during the pre-Christian era,
had relatively less people?
Only two possibilities were
present—there was a massive
famine or this place was a scene
for a great natural disaster.
Evidence was to clinch this
puzzle—storage potteries
large enough to fill a sack of
rice found in the area. This
indicates that famine was far
from possible, since this settle-
ment was plentiful with food.
Based on the accounts
of famous German-Russian
traveler, Feodore Jagor, hu-
man and animal remains have
been found in Libmanan dur-
ing a road construction, about
the time of his arrival to the
Philippines. The way these
remains were positioned led
him to a conclusion that these
remains belonged to those
who died during a flood. His
travels date back to 1851.
Let us remember that a
massive natural disas-
ter happened in the epic.
Further into the place is Sitio
Bingkay where more ancient
pottery can be uncovered. Walk-
ing through an aisle made of
compacted earth is a footbridge
that leads to Barangay Malbog-
on. ( a place called Malbogong
was mentioned in the epic)
In a place called Tangkong
Baka, a certain American ar-
chaeologist was able to un-
earth the remains of a human
being some seven feet tall,
adding up the possibility that
this oversized creature was
mistaken by old folks as the
Cyclops mentioned in Ibalon.
In Libmanan, another evi-
dence to support the real-
ity of Ibalon was a lid for
a burial urn containing the
icons of Ibalon. This artifact
is now displayed in Naga City.
With all this cultural
richness, one may wonder
if ancient gold can be found
in the area. From the locals,
I learned that nary a single
nugget of gold was discov-
ered in the area which adds
another piece to our jigsaw
puzzle. Let us remember that
the people of Aslon contribut-
ed all their gold to Handyong
so that his golden throne may
be made. Unfortunately, the
throne is yet to be found.
Combining all the pos-
sibilities that exist, the chances
of finding proof of a civilization
called Aslon are increasing.
We Bicolanos, like the
Warays of Visayas, the Moros
of Mindanao have something
to be proud of , which is more
precious than a single relic.
We may have Ibalon. In fact,
we may be Ibalon. As long as
that remains to be a possibility
there is much pride in our col-
lective heart. For to think that
there are things buried under
our feet that we do not fully
understand right now, but are
a direct link to our past, and
account for a significant frac-
tion of our cultural heritage is
heart-warming. There could be
a civilization culturally refined
to which we can trace our race.
Maybe such civilization is not
lost, simply forgotten. The epic
of Ibalon is perhaps an unfin-
ished business because it is left
for us to finish. Like the epic it-
self, the quest for Ibalon is left
for every Bicolano to finish.
A Christmas Wish
By Christian Dy
“What happens to a
dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a rai-
sin in the sun?”
With these lines from
“Harlem” by Langston Hughes,
I wonder what happens to the
dreamer. Does he shrug off
the bad memories that come
with the failure, and above all,
does he lose hope of living the
dream he once longed to reach?
All of us, at some point in time,
dared to dream, and failed. So
this coming Yule, all I wish
for is to be able to hope once
more --to see the same rain-
bow Noah saw when the great
flood finally came to an end.
Hope is the most dan-
gerous thing to lose- and I’ve
come close to losing hope.
By accepting the fact that the
whole and the broken live side
by side, I personally recov-
ered; however, some do not.
During these perilous times
when our country is suffering
so much indignity, when dis-
appointment is at an all-time
high, when terror is corrupting
our dreams and the gathering
darkness of fear is consuming
society, we turn to The Ulti-
mate Embodiment of Hope,
and as we celebrate His com-
ing, we wish that we be given
the gift of hope in perpetuity.
However, hope is a gift
that one must let himself re-
ceive, and this is the difficult
Theater of Life
Entertainment is a re-
prieve from the realities of life- or
so it seems. But is this really so?
In ancient Rome, en-
tertainment was presented in
the form of the Circus and of
Gladiator fights. This was also
done in the form of Christians
being slaughtered in the arena
or fed to wild beasts for the
purpose of entertaining the
crowd. It was usually held in
the Coliseum, or the Roman
Amphitheater, where a huge
crowd gathers for these events
(it is said that the Amphithe-
ater could seat 12000). The
emperor is present to grace the
occasion, and to act as judge
whenever there is a situation of
life or death for the gladiators.
This scene of gladia-
tor fighting is depicted in Juan
Luna’s “Spolarium”. If one
were to look at the painting,
one wonders how this could
serve as a reprieve, when the
harsh realities of life can be
seen in the picture. The losing
gladiator is usually killed; his
body is carted away by slaves
FEATURES
part. To be able to be worthy
of this gift, we must learn to
deal with our past—and forget-
ting the experiences that hurt
will never be the solution. Be-
sides, would we be better off
if the media did not show any-
more images of the tragic hos-
tage taking in Manila? I don’t
think so. We must hold on to
the memories of the mistakes
we have committed in order
to learn from them. Accep-
tance of the actions we regret
to have committed will ulti-
mately lead to the gift of hope.
Time heals all wounds,
and it would take a whole lot
of time to cure the injuries
this nation has long suffered
from, as well as the wounds
it has inflicted other nations.
to be buried or in most cases,
fed to the lions. In these events,
bread was given for free to
the crowd at the command of
the emperor. Hence, the term
“Bread and Circus”. These
public entertainment we would
later know, served another
purpose. It diverted people’s
attention from the political
and economic issues at hand.
In our town, we have
a public entertainment in the
form of free television viewing
in the town plaza. The theater
area is situated in a covered
stage, (on the same stage where
the Bicolano folk song, “Sar-
umbanggi” was first played)
with rows of seats at the front.
It also serves as a waiting
area for stranded passengers
or people just whiling away
their time. There are the uni-
formed students from different
schools with their cellphones,
very young children running
around (God knows where
their parents are), jeepney
drivers waiting for their vehi-
cle to fill up, the usual tramps,
9
But Christmas is the season of
eternal hope. Let us remem-
ber that while there is a tiny
spot of light visible amidst the
darkness we are experiencing,
the end of the tunnel can be
reached. Jesus came in a time of
challenge. Through the tough
times of today, let us always
bear in mind that Christmas Is
that little candle that reminds
us that He is with the world.
As we mark this day,
eighty-eight days from Christ-
mas (as of the time of writing),
let us all dare to dream. Let us
all wish for better fates. Let
us share love and goodwill,
and surely, 88 days from to-
day, Christmas will exude the
sweet scent of lasting hope
and some very old people
with their meager belongings.
The film showing be-
gins at noon, with gameshows
featuring “easy-to-get-rich”
segments which are the crowd’s
favorite, followed by teledra-
mas in the early evening and late
at night by not-so-old movies.
If one were to look
closely at the people in this
area, one would notice that they
come from different walks of
life. They are people who face
up their day with anxiety, with
fear of uncertainty. They are
people who resort to this visual
entertainment for their reprieve.
If all of us could keep ourselves
entertained as such how would
we focus on the real issues af-
fecting us? Do we ever wonder
how some of our countrymen
get by their daily lives in spite
of the growing poverty around
us? With all the leaders we have
elected into position, where is
the nation leading to? I watch
in the sidelines, and doubt
if I will ever be entertained.

A Christmas
reunion
By Lawrence Oarde
The Son of God taking
the form of man- this is Christ-
mas. Yet that modest scene in
a stable in Bethlehem depicts
a family. And for this reason,
we find Christmas incomplete
without being together with our
family- the sole element that
makes one house a home.
The Philippines cel-
ebrates the longest Christmas
season on earth. Yet during this
season, so much longing fills the
air- longing of children for their
parents who have gone abroad
to look for greener pastures
outside this poverty-stricken
country of ours. In their pur-
suit of securing a brighter fu-
ture for the families they have
temporarily left at home, they
sacrifice being with their loved
ones.
Our Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) are regard-
ed as heroes in our times. Yet
they are simply parents, moth-
ers, and fathers missing their
children. And while they work
hard abroad, sons and daugh-
ters look out in windows dur-
ing starry nights, hoping that
the day they’d see their parent
back home would come soon.
I wish that all Filipino families
would be together this Christ-
mas, yet that wouldn’t solve
anything. As a follow up, I
wish that every Filipino worked
harder here in the country; I
wish that our government pro-
vided more jobs and business
capital so that opportunities
would flourish in our country,
and there won’t be any need for
working abroad.
But the scene grows
November 1 blues
By Rhea Ivy Nimo
Mud was everywhere,
on the moist ground, on the
paved roads, and on the narrow
aisles. There was mud on my
feet as well, but no matter, we
were to pay homage to those
who passed away, we were to
go to the cemetery. Well, at least
this was what went on in my
mind when I was 7 years old.
Now that I am twice that age,
little have changed-the mud is
still on the ground- except my
whole perception of the 1st of
November.
When I was a child, I
kept on wondering, why there
are mausoleums, why we of-
fer flowers, and light candles
for the dead. Perhaps, to honor
the departed, as my mind sug-
gested. Now, I still keep on
bleaker everyday. Families
not being together during
Christmas Day symbolizes our
nation-a nation of poverty, a
nation having a brain-drain, a
nation losing its labor force to
other countries, a nation slowly
being sold to slavery! It seems
that there should be at least
1000 more wishes to be spent
to fix the Philippines before
families of OFWs could be
complete on Christmas Day.
Yet, a wish, no mat-
ter how impossible it may be,
wouldn’t hurt. So, I’ll go back
to my earlier wish: that every
OFW’s family will be com-
plete this Christmas, even just
for an hour. On Christmas Eve,
I won’t be hanging a sock, or
wait for Santa Claus to put gifts
under the Christmas tree. I will
be waiting near our window,
and maybe, just maybe, my
aunts who are in the States will
suddenly show up and knock at
our door, and every OFW will
go back home to dine with his
or her family. And when every
little child waiting for his father
who is a seaman, or his mother
who is a caregiver, flashes a big
grin on his face, for his parent
is staying until December 26th,
then that would mean Christ-
mas. I’ll be wearing an even
bigger smile by then. But for
now, when my wish isn’t still
due, I’ll be sending my aunts
Christmas cards.
As for my wish, well,
who knows? It may come true.
Christmas is a time of many
surprises. God does things in
ways we’d never think are pos-
sible. Christmas itself is a tes-
timony to this.
wondering. Only this time, my
mind has a different answer.
Whether Christian,
or Muslim, or whatever reli-
gion, we all know that there
is a huge, impenetrable void
between the living and the
departed. After life here, they
live a different life, in differ-
ent worlds- far from ours. Now
my mind suggests that it is the
ego of the living that is fed by
building mausoleums. And no
matter how we “placate” spir-
its with flowers or candles, if
we have not been kind to them
in the earthly life, when they
were still roaming with us in
human flesh, we cannot change
the heartaches we have caused
them.
So what is the signifi-
LAND-AND-SEASCAPE
Mt. Mayon protrudes in the scene. Legazpi Boulevard, as shown in the
photo is at the coast of Albay Gulf.
‘Round the Slopes of Mayon
By Christian I. Dy
At all angles, Mayon
dazzles the eyes equally.
This was proven dur-
ing the Educational Tour 2010,
a trip around the slopes of the
majestic volcano.
The first stop was in
Mayon Resthouse, a jewel
nestled at the slope of Mayon
itself. The Planetarium in the
complex contains displays on
astronomy as well as various
volcanic activities of Mayon.
The complex is located in Ta-
baco City. When one begins the
trip in Guinobatan, the shortest
way to the resthouse is through
Sabloyon Road.
Next in line was the
workshop of Philippine Ce-
ramics, a factory for mass pro-
cance of November the 1st? It
is for remembering moments
with those we have lost. Happy
moments shared together. It is
remembering their legacy in
us.
Now back to the mau-
soleum issue. If we will calcu-
late how much affluent families
spend for their fabulous mau-
soleums, up to 10 college-aged
students can be made scholars.
If they will spend this amount
for the education of a number
of students, the memory of
their loved one will live forever
in the hearts of living men. For
living men are the only ones
capable of remembering. The
soil forgets. It leaves millions
of years to fading memory. So
does the grave.
FEATURES
PHOTO COURTESY OF: MRS ARSENIA PASION
duction of sun-dried terra cotta
pottery. There were pieces
of pottery of various motifs.
There were even designs con-
taining Philippine maps. There
are lamp shades and vases of
all sorts, as well. The sun-dry-
ing technique helps the potters
give more detailed designs on
the pottery. Philippine Ceram-
ics is a 10 minute drive from
Twi Geothermal Power Plant.
In Tiwi’s town center lies Tiwi
Church, where an image of
Our Lady of Salvation is be-
ing housed. The said image is
believed to be delivering mi-
raculous healing, and one will
notice that visitors to the place
rub handkerchiefs on the im-
age.
In the resort called
Viento del Mar, in Bacacay,
Albay was the next stop of our
tour. The resort is built on the
coast of the Albay Gulf. Boat-
ing rides cost only 10 pesos per
head. There the crescent shape
of Albay gulf is so apparent
that from the beach it looks no
bigger than a lake. One will
find so much to write about the
place- the breeze, the sunset,
the sea.
Next we toured Legaz-
pi City and dropped by Embar-
cadero de Legazpi, the newest
tourist spot in the city. It lies
near the Legazpi Port. Its posh
interior is perfect for func-
tions in this fast growing city.
The huge dome is the center of
the building, while the watch-
tower stands out as the icon of
the whole complex. There are
several shops and boutiques, as
well as restaurants, and stalls.
10
And while it may be considered
a mall, one will not feel like in-
side a mall at all. The feel of
the place is unlike malls that
cage the shoppers in. There is
also an obstacle course in the
complex. A hill is also behind
the place, and a drive along
Legazpi Boulevard is a satis-
fying sightseeing trip that will
fill the visitor with awe as he
witnesses Mayon in all her glo-
ry, as land and see meet in the
foreground.
Finally, we reached Al-
bay Wildlife Park, on Lignon
Hill’s footsteps. There are
various types of animals in the
park, many of which are not
native to the Philippines. There
are also displays on animal sci-
ence. There are bikes for rent,
which cost only 20 pesos per
20 minutes of use. A boat ride
on the man-made lagoon is
worth 10 pesos.
All in all, to tour Albay,
one doe not need a large sum
of pocket money in order to
have a whale of a time. All that
one needs is himself, a sense of
thrift, a curious mind, and paa-
sion for travel. Besides, here in
Albay, there is more than what
the common person knows.
Here, there are a million hues
unfolding right before your
eyes and you won’t even know
it. And this is the mystery of
the place. Mayon knows too
well ho to treat the tourist to a
hard-to-forget tour,
There is much to see in
Albay than just Mayon. Yet in
every destination in Albay, she
stands firm in the background,
and in every scene, she remains
the star.

Section Editor:
Asti Nasayao
Staff:
Yves Lawrence Oarde
Earl Fred Orozco
Jeahan Potonia
Meets to be held
in MORMS
MORMS has launched
its beautification drive, aimed
at preparing the school as venue
for the upcoming athletic meets.
Clubs and school orga-
nizations were assigned their
respective zones. The principal
will give awards for the cleanest
and most beautifully prepared
zones with a cash prizes for the
YOUR MOVE
The chess matches at the library during
Intrams
Seniors champ
2010 Intrams
The seniors remained
unbeatable in the School Inta-
murals, after holding on to the
top place overall, a title they
have for a long period of time.
The seniors gained 600
points in all the events, in-
cluding the athletic meets, the
Literary, Musical and Dance
Competitions, the Dance Sport,
the Search for Mr. and Ms. In-
trams, and the Mass Demon-
stration, easily making them
HIGH UP
The Seniors cheerdance team
winning school organizations.
Signposts have
also been put up in vari-
ous areas of the school.
“The principal’s idea
of promoting cleanliness in the
school is new and is effective”,
Roy L. Nipas, SSG Adviser
and Badminton coach says.
the champion for this year.
The juniors came in
second place with 300 points,
followed by the sophomores
with 156 points. The fresh-
men came in 4th place, gar-
nering a total of 80 points,
while the Evening Opportu-
nity Class gained 14 points.
Meanwhile, win-
ners in the athletic events
are to represent MORMS
to the Municipal Meet
OUTSIDE A RING
Mr. Virgilio Morcozo officiating a boxing match during the Intrams 2010
Boxing:
Past, Present, Future
By Asti Nasayao
Boxing is the talk of the
town-at least in our town, and in
any other town in the country.
The 7-division champion, now
the Hon. Manny Pacquiao is the
star of every television set, each
time his fight is on air, and an
entire nation punches with him,
as he fights his boxing contend-
ers half the world away. All of
them (his opponents, of course),
fall like bowling pins against
the unstoppable fist of the
congressman from Sarangani.
And since everyone loves
boxing, we’ll talk about
boxing. First, here’s a hitting an opponent who was
brief history of the sport.
The origins of boxing are un-
known. Homer describes a two-
man fight in Iliad, but it is too
ambiguous a description to be
directly attributed to the kind
of boxing we know as a com-
mercial sport (with the amount
of money involved in the sport,
“commercial” would be the best
way to describe modern box-
ing). Records indicate the sport
was part of the ancient Olympic
Games of 688 BC. Plato men-
tions boxing in both The Repub-
lic and the dialogue Gorgias,
and the poet Pindar elegized
the Olympic boxing cham-
pion of 474 BC. The Romans
also embraced boxing, turning
the sport into the gladiatorial
fights they so often diplayed
in public, and for the public.
SPORTS 11
The municipal, cluster.
provincial and regional
meets will be held in
MORMS. Be there!
a rematch. June 22 1938 was
Boxing did not reappear in
the date. And 2 minutes and 4
society until the restoration
seconds was the length of time
of the English monarchy in
it’d take Louis to knock-out
1660 The first mention of a
the German. This was a hard
staged fight came in an English
blow against Germany’s pro-
newspaper in 1681, and the
paganda machine- which was
first boxing champion—self-
badly needed by German dic-
appointed—was James Figg,
tator Hitler, to rally Germany
who claimed the title in 1719.
into his war- the war to devour
James Broughton, drew up a
Europe, the Second World War.
set of rules in 1743 promoting
The winner may be de-
the idea that boxing was a le-
termined in a number of ways.
gitimate British sport. Brough-
They are by disqualification,
ton’s rules prohibited hitting
which may be filed by any of
below the waist (note the “no
the two competing parties,
hitting below the belt” rule) or
through a sports commission,
or a sports board, such as that
down(knocked out). Brough-
in Nevada; by knockout (KO),
ton also promoted the use of
when a fighter is knocked down
gloves known as “mufflers.”
and cannot get up within the
After boxing was nearly
count of ten seconds ; by tech-
banned in Great Britain, after
nical knockout (TKO), which
the issuance of a law prohibiting
is declared when a fighter is
prizefighting in the kingdom,
judged physically unable to
boxers migrated to the United
continue due to injuries or does
States, where it flourished.
not answer the bell to begin the
Boxing has a special
succeeding round; or, at the end
place in history. The Louis-
of all rounds, by decision using
Schmelling fights are the most
the scores tallied by the ringside
emminent example of this. The
judges, (usually, there are 3).
first one was in 1936. Max
In our nation’s popular
Schmelling defeated Joe Louis
culture , boxing is nearly in-
via knock-out just 31 seconds
dispensable. Imagine if Manny
before the last round. This was
Pacquiao (who is about to re-
a victory of the German propa-
tire, by the way), didn’t any-
ganda against the U.S.. Shortly,
more fight boxing matches. But
in 1938, by the time Germany
no matter, everyone still loves
had swallowed up Czecho-
boxing, and as Pacquiao’s fight
slovakia and Austria, Max
with Antonio Margarito is com-
Schmelling and Joe Louis had
ing, we wish him all the luck.
 Sci., Tech, Health 12

A NEW SECTION OF
Section Editors:
Christian Rey Notario The Quill
Christine Joy Acero

SCIENCE NEWS Siling Labuyo as Insecticide

Editor’s Note: The following is the Abstract as well as some other details about the research
project “Capsicum Frutescens Extract as Insect Killer”, the winning entry of Romulo Ignacio,
MORMS: 2nd in of IV-Zircon for the Regional INTEL Science Fairs. The entry won 2nd, and has qualified for
the national level.
Science Quest in killing insects particularly
significant since it resolves and
answers everyone’s problem.
flies or in the native language,
The researcher used ripe,
“langaw”. The isects were con-
Marcial O. Ranola Me- place in Jingle Singing Con- unripe, combination of the
trolled from the researcher’s
morial School was declared test. Christian I. Dy got 2nd two, and dried Siling Labuyo
backyard while the siling labuyo
overall 1st runner up during the place while Therese Isabelle S. fruit and compared which
fruit was collected from Binog-
Division Science Quest held Vega got 3rd place for Essay one is more feasible in kill-
sacan, Guinobatan, Albay.
last September 22-23, 2010, at Writing. Tiffany Villaceran of ing the experimental insects.
Insects are such vectors
Sto. Domingo National High IV-Santos made it to 2nd place Based on the data from
of some diseases to humans
School. in On-the-spot painting while the feasibility tests, Treatment
and other vertebrates. The
Earl Fred Orozco of I-Edison Shiela Loma gained the 3rd C-25 mL water and 9 grams
elimination of insects from our
garnered 2nd place in Science spot. of ripe Siling Labuyo Extract
environment requires simulta-
Quiz, Level One. Diana Perez, For the teachers’ con- mixture, the results are the fol-
neous application of all possi-
Xyrel Tuson, and Yves Law- test, Mr. Virgilio Morcozo Jr. lowing: 99 % mortality on the
ble control measures from the
rence Ivan Oarde got 5th, 10th got the 7th place in Sci-Dama. house flies. This means that the
insect’s swatter to the best that
and 15th place respectively. Ms. Brenda Montas, Mr. Rich- mixture with greater amounts of
sanitary engineering can offer.
Christian Dy and Mar- ard P. Riobaldez, and Mrs. Siling Labuyo extract has more
Nowadays, insecticides
lex Tuson, both of whom are Amelia M. Gonzales got the significant effects against flies
are getting more and more ex-
from II- Mendel, tied up at 6th 5th place in On-the-spot im- compared to the treatments.
pensive and many chemicals
place in Science Quiz, level provisation. Mr. Riobaldez, IGNACIO The Siling Labuyo
are being used just to make an
two. Christian Rey Notario got Ms. Montas also garnered the extract showed promising re-
effective insecticide, well in
13th place in the same event. 1st place with Mrs. Norlin- The study entitled, fact these dreadful chemicals sults indicating it could be
Zane Arden Namora of III- da Marquez and Mr. Ramon “Capsicum Frutescens Extract feasible substitute to commer-
can affect the health of the peo-
Dalton got 1st place for Sci- Oyardo in the Team Competi- as Insect Killer” was conducted cial insecticides. The use of
ple who will handle the insecti-
ence Quiz level 3, while Carlo tion for the Teacher’s Quiz. Mr. last July 2010 to August 2010 Siling Labuyo could be one
cide. Due to this phenomenon,
Nikko Mar, Mary Claire Moje- Riobaldez garnered 1st place to determine the effectiveness of the ways in eliminating
the researcher came up with
no ranked 3rd and 4th place for the Individual Category of of the Siling Labuyo Extract chemical solutions that harm
this study. The study is very
respectively. Angeline Aba- the Teacher’s Quiz. our environment and health.

TechWRAP
reta and Richfel Millare both The coaches for the
ranked 9th place. different events were Mrs. Ro-
Angieline Broqueza wena Munoz for Science Quiz
of IV-Galileo got rank 8, for and Sci-Dama Level One;
Science Quiz level 4. Alyssa Mrs. Lea O. Londono for Quiz CHRISTIAN REY NOTARIO
Responsible use of
Zscharina Torres and Raymoon (Level 2); Mrs. Lea R. Pa-
Constantino both reached 13th liangayan for Level 3 Science

technology and media

place. Quiz; Ms. Brenda Montas for
Christian Panesares Level 4 Quiz; Mrs. Jocelyn P.
ranked 3rd place for Super Castelo for Essay Writing and;
Quiz Bee. For the Student Mr. Richard Riobaldez for Sci- Technology is the prod- speaking country yet! with them, a meeting between
Category of Sci-Dama Level Dama Level 4. All teacher- uct of man’s discovery and hard Next is the growing two people who met each other
I, Charles Dave Destreza got contestants were coached by work combined. The modern use of social media like face- only through social media.
the 8th spot, while Luigi Moyo MORMS Principal III, Mrs. age has given rise to the most book and twitter. These social But as said earlier, these
got 10th place. Marcel Morales Gemma R. Saberon-Sapo. sophisticated technological in- networking sites can be very social media can be used for
garnered the 6th spot for Sci- Top 3 placers for the ventions yet. Among these are beneficial if used properly. the benefit of the community
Dama Level IV. individual events and the 1st the various media of telecom- However, in such sites, there and the society. For instance,
Mark Anthony Mesina, place for team competition munications, among these the are countless diversions that outreach programs can be pro-
Regine Simondac, Danah Faye (teachers) and Jingle Singing cellphone and the computer. wait to make the user an ad- moted through such media.
Olitin, Gibran Conrad Botial, Contest will represent the Divi- People who are oceans away dict, for instance games, sense- Open letters could be made to
Jeriza Osabel, and Cedric Men- sion of Albay for the Regional can communicate with each less quizzes, and spam mails politicians via facebook. The
doza of IV-Zircon grabbed 1st Science Quest. other, and through these media, that tell you to send a certain people can also join participa-
all nations have been bridged message to a certain number tive discussions concerning the
together. of people otherwise something nation on such sites. Causes can
Ignacio going But with these advance- bad will happen. And in many be promoted through the social
ments come the effects of mis- cases, these social networking media. Although these social

national in SIP use of such media. Cellphones sites are being used by many media have potentially nega-
have become an addiction, and terrorist organizations to re- tive effects if not used prop-
since cellphones have limited cruit members. Also there are erly, these sites are bridges,
character counts for texting, many scams on such sites, of- and bridges are used to elimi-
Romulo Ignacio of IV- Frutescens Extract as Insect using shortcuts to reduce word fers which are outrageously nate the gap between people.
Zircon is going national for the Killer. lengths have become part of generous. There are also many Besides, we have the ability to
Students’ Investigatory Proj- Ignacio’s coach is Mrs. this addiction as well. Hence, abusers waiting for people to decide on a case to case basis.
ect (SIP) sponsored by Intel Lea R. Paliangayan, Officer-in- a growing horde of people who fall victim to their malicious We always have a choice. And
Philippines, for his investiga- Charge of the Science Depart- can’t use English correctly— plans, such as those who in- we should choose responsible
tory project entitled, Capsicum ment, and Chemistry teacher. and in the 3rd largest English- vite others to have an “eyeball” use of media.
 13
Student
COMMUNITY initiatives: From
healthy farming,
to tree growing;

DEVELOPMENT
Section Editor:
Clarice Nasol from recycling
to computer
training
comdev_thequill@yahoo.com Page 14
News on how MORMS students are creating better communities

Studes out to help communities

Teachers assign
community work as
class project
By Jeremy Mercader
Mr. Rolando D. Loria
Jr and Mr. Roy L. Nipas have
assigned community work as
class projects for their stu-
dents.
Nipas, a third year
teacher from the Araling Pan-
lipunan Department, gave tree
planting in communities as a
project for his students. Lo-
ria, MORMS Information and
Communication Technology
(ICT) Coordinator, and com-
puter education teacher for all
the sections of the Engineering
and Science Education Pro-
gram (ESEP) tasked his stu-
dents to initiate outreach and
environment projects using
ICT as their medium of infor-
mation dissemination. The said
teachers oblige their students to
submit narrative reports of the
projects, every grading period.
In an earlier statement,
Nipas said that community
work will help the students gain
knowledge of being productive
members of the community.

THE WORLD AT HER FINGERTIPS
A beneficiary of an outreach program on computer education for the
underpriveleged learns to use a computer
Juniors, Seniors start outreach
programs
By Jeremy Mercader
A community is a not
just as simple as group of twigs
that are bundled up together, a
community is a complex sub-
ject that needs time and knowl-
edge to understand, and this
was proven true by the students
of Marcial O. Rañola Memorial
School with their outreach pro-
grams aiming at creating better
communities.
Programs promoting
environmental protection, and
helping achieve the Millenium
Development Goal of educa-
tion for all have been initiated
by students from the 3rd and
4th year levels. The said pro-
grams have been started last
July 2010.
The third ESEP stu-
dents from III-Dalton and III-
Archimedes have initiated pro-
grams programs that targeted
marketing and selling products
that derived through recycling.
Some programs of the said sec-
tions also advocated tree plant-
ing and producing sustainably-
grown food. The programs
being implemented by students
form III-Dalton are Old and
Dirty to New and Lovely, a
recycling project; Planting for
Selling (P-4-S), a project fo-
cusing on sustainable farming;
School Bottle Campaign; Trash
Makes Revolution, also a recy-
cling project; Bottles into Col-
lectibles, an initiative to make
handicrafts out of thrown-away
Polyethylene (PET) bottles;
and Crafty Junks, also a recy-
cling project.
Students from III-Ar-
chimedes have initiated the
projects Teach a Few Save a
Lot, an initiative to give edu-
cational assistance and moti-
vation for children with spe-
cial needs; 3R’s Alert, which
advocates waste segregation;
Planting tree is living free;
Tree Planting, Proper waste
disposal Towards Cleanliness;
and The Relevance of Environ-
ment for everybody’s Success
(TREES).
For the Fourth Year
students from IV-Galileo and
IV-Zircon the programs have
been based on community out-
reach. The programs are Con-
tingency for Computer Skills
Development for Computer
Skills Development, a weekly
computer tutorial for the un-
derpriveleged youth; Help To-
day Build the Future; PLAY
Movement; and ImpEdAL. The
projects initiated by the seniors
which revolved around envi-
ronmental consciousness and
protection were Plant Veggies,
GSIC (Green School is Cool),
The Backyard Market, GWCS
(Global Warming Needs Com-
munity Service), Veggie Good,
and Veggies for All.
Each outreach program
has a page on the social net-
working site, facebook. The
programs use facebook as their
information dissemination me-
dium.
The adviser of the pro-
grams is Mr. Rolando D. Loria
Jr, MORMS Information and
Communication Technology
(ICT) Coordinator.
2008 outreach
programs is nucleus
of student initiatives
The 2009-2010 nar-
rative report on the outreach
programs being initiated by
MORMS is now the guide of
students in launching their own
outreach programs.
As stated in the report
the vision of the outreach pro-
gram is to allow the maximized
use of ICT resources by using
Marcial O. Rañola Memorial
School (MORMS) as a ‘central
hub’ of ICT learning to under-
privileged youth in our region
and to provide ICT learning
experience to rural schools
and out-of-school youth in the
nearby barangay.
“Student Assisting Stu-
dents” (SAS), a computer lit-
eracy workshop which helps
elementary age pupils from
the Guinobatan area gain basic
knowledge in computer opera-
tion and allows students who are
currently attending MORMS to
help their community by shar-
ing their knowledge, formed
earlier in 2008 is now the back-
bone of student-initiated com-
puter training programs.
“New Experiences
through Technology” (NETT).
Recent technology has opened
up the possibilities of computer
technology to those who are
blind. NETT began on February
28, 2009 with two blind out of
school youth from Guinobatan
and ten students of MORMS.
An additional outreach
program was proposed entitled
“Students assisting Students –
Special Children” (SAS – Spe-
cial Children). It is a training
workshop to selected SPED
pupils in the SPED Class of Ca-
malig North Central School.
Due to the said out-
reach programs, MORMS
has received attention form a
number of Non-Governmen-
tal Organizations. MORMS’
partner-NGO in the outreach
programs, HotCity Wireless,
Incorporated, a New Jersey-
based organization, has been
constantly providing MORMS
with computer equipment,
which help in the initiatives’
progress. MORMS has also re-
ceived computer sets from in-
dividuals in support of its out-
reach programs.
“We hope that the stu-
dents’ initiatives will help gain
more attention for MORMS”,
Mr. Rolando D. Loria, MORMS
ICT Coordinator said in an ear-
lier statement.

WHICH IS WHICH
A student sorts out juice foils for recycling.
Turning trash to treasure
Collecting juice drink
foils to convert into a beauti-
ful and useful bags, organizers,
and other handicrafts is what
WIKIPEDIANS do, a group
from III-Dalton composed of 6
members joined together for a
program called “Trash Makes
Revolution” in MORMS.
The program started on
July 3, 2010. It aims to improve
the income generating capacity
of the students of MORMS and
residents of the community. It
also aims to alleviate the lives
of the people and reduce pov-
Bringing technology
PHOTO COURTESY OF Trash Makes Revolution group
erty. It also aims to contrib-
ute in the maintenance of the
cleanliness in school and the
community.
The program encour-
ages everyone to practice recy-
cling and to make others aware
of the problems confronting
our country and even the whole
world.
The products derived
from the recycling program are
being sold. The proponents also
hold exhibits during school ac-
tivities and advertise their pro-
gram through information dis-
help!
semination and by using social
media like facebook, twitter
and blogs.
As an environmental
project, one of its goals is to
decrease the waste production.
In their own ways, Wikipedi-
ans are helping to reduce the
waste in our school and in our
community through recycling.
A “bottle” to save nature
By Christian Rey Notario
Let’s do something to
COM. DEV’T.
Saving the world,
one tree at a time
A community having
a greener environment is what
Angeline Abareta, Clarice Na-
sol and Mykha Mae Martilla
of III-Dalton envisions. As
part of their ARALING PAN-
LIPUNAN project regarding
community development they
came up with a program called
“Planting for a Change”.
The program is a very
convenient solution on how
people can help prevent the
total destruction of the envi-
ronment by means of planting
trees. It aimed to increase the
number of trees in the com-
munity as the manifestation of
preservation and environmental
care. They encouraged people
to help preserve the environ-
ment and to make the whole
Studes begin healthy
farming
Students from II-Men-
del have begun a crusade to
make the world a healthier place
through Bio-Intensive Garden-
ing, a project they have started
last June, 2010 in Cabangan,
Camalig, Albay. There are now
2 project sites, the second one
being in Banao, Guinobatan,
Albay.
The project has been
The project aims to
awaken the minds of MORMS
students on the current envi-
ronmental scene and what the
14
community greener.
The group started the
program by asking permission
from the Barangay Captain of
Ilawod, Camalig, Albay. With
the cooperation of the people
living in the barangay who
donated seedlings and young
trees, the program was imple-
mented. They gathered a total
of 15 young trees and seed-
lings. 3 were coconut young
trees, 4 were mango seedlings,
4 were santol and 2 were sili.
The planting activity was con-
ducted last August 8, 2010 at
Ilawod, Camalig, Albay near
Nuarin’s residence.
The group is having its
schedule of visiting the planted
trees to see to it that the trees
are growing.
started by Jesvic Naag, Chris-
tian Dy, Arvin Roy Murillo and
Joco Franz Amano. The project
aims to produce sustainably
grown food, and to serve as an
example for other members of
the community.
The proponents also
plan to expand the program by
gaining support from the Su-
preme Student Government.
and Racquel Remorque of III-
Dalton.
Mr. Rolando D. Loria
Jr., MORMS Information and

to the youth Surfers Generation, a

Bringing technology to
the world, one child at a time
is what a group of seniors are
trying to do.
Contingency for Com-
puter Skills Development, a
10-Saturday tutorial program
which began last July 17,
2010 is being implemented in
MORMS. The program gives
training to 15 students, cho-
sen from section I-Cattleya.
The proponents of the program
are Jeremy Mercader, Shaira
Orogo, and Alyssa Zscharina
Torres. The computer train-
ing sessions are being held
at the computer laboratory of
MORMS.
Each session begins
at 8:00 am and ends at 11:30
am. Basic topics and applica-
tions of computers are taught
by the proponents. These in-
clude basics on the computer
unit and mouse, the keyboars,
word processing, powerpoint,
group of juniors initiated a proj-
students can do to help ease
the growing problem on global
Communication (ICT) Coordi-
nator, and the group’s TLE ad-
ect called “Bottles into Collect- warming. viser, assigned formulating and
ibles which started last June 24, Surfers Generation is implementing environmental
internet, and user accounts and 2010. The project was initially composed of Clarice Nasol, programs as a project for the
emailing. The facilities in the implemented in the MORMS Ma. Janina Murillo, Maria Lei- class, and using ICT as a means
computer laboratory are being campus. la Monge, Marissa Mendones, of promoting such projects.
used for free, thus the training
is also free of charge. The pro-
ponents also spend their spare
time on weekends to teach the
trainees.
The said training ben-
efits the students from the
Basic Education Curriculum
(BEC). Since they do not have
computer-based subjects, stu-
dents from BEC get needed
computer skills from the train-
ing program. Training on com-
puter usage prepares students
for future jobs which require
knowledge on computers.
Mr. Rolando D. Loria
Jr, MORMS Information and
Communication Technology
(ICT) Coordinator and TLE
Teacher for all year levels in
the Engineering and Science
HOMEMADE
Education Program (ESEP) su-
Members of Surfers Generation create products out of plastic bottles
pervises the proponents.

School joins
contests in EP
After the school level
competition in Edukasyon sa
Pagpapahalaga (EP) held last
November 8, 2010, the win-
ners of the school competitions
were sent to Malabog National
High School to compete with
more than 30 schools for the
4th Division Tagis-Isip at Ta-
gis-Pusong Diskarte sa EP last
November 12, 2010
Jazziele Panesa (Essay
writing) of IV-Galileo; Mark
Anthony Mesina and Sherie
Ann Gubot (Slogan Making) of
IV-Zircon; Joseph Barotolome
Training on
layouting held
To upgrade the skills of
the school paper advisers and
campus writers in layouting the
school paper, the Department
of Education, Regional Of-
fice V conducted the Regional
Live-in Training-Workshop on
Adobe Indesign CS3 for Se-
lected Secondary School Paper
Advisers and Campus Writers,
September 27-30, 2010 at Cha-
risma Function Hall in Guino-
batan, Albay.
A total of 57 partici-
pants were drawn out from the
Divisions of Albay, Camarines
Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon,
and the City-Divisions of Li-
gao, Legazpi, Tabaco, Iriga,
Naga, Sorsogon and, Masbate.
The objectives of the
said training-workshop as
stated in Division Memoran-
Values Dept. holds
school contests Laguda ranks 3rd in search
for ten best teachers
The kabataang Sektor
ng Pampaaralang Samahan sa
Edukasyon sa Pagpapahalaga
Receives P 100K as cash prize
(KSEP) held the 4th School
Level competition in Values
Education last November 18,
2010
Participants from various
year levels joined the events.
The following are the events,
with the corresponding number
of participants: “Tagis Talino”
with 20 teams, “Di kita Ma-
Reach” (Essay Writing) with
34 sudents, Poster Making with
only 4 constentants (5) Usa-
pang Kaibigan (Peer Counsel-
ing) with 3 students, “Git aral
ko” with 2 students and “Idea
ko.. Gets MO? “with one con-
testant.
The winners for the
said events are Jessa Marie
Monzon, Alyssa Zcharina and
Shaira Orogo of IV-Galileo for
NEWS 15
(Idea ko,. Gets Mo?) of IV-
Zircon; Jessa Marie Monzon,
Alyssa Zcharina Torres, Shaira
Orogo (Tagis Talino) of IV-
Galileo; Merciline Joy Palaje
(Poster Making) II-Dalton and
David John Candelana (Git-
aral Ko) of IV-Zircon; and Jer-
emy Mercader (Usapang Kai-
bigan) of IV-Galileo were the
pnes who were sent to compete
for the second competition.
Winners in the said
competition will proceed to the
National Level.
ALBAY’S BEST STUDENTS
Jessa Marie Monzon, (right), and Shaira Orogo (2nd from left) with
Francis Gerard Toscano (2nd from right), 2009 SEAL Most Outstanding
Student and Joylen Namia (left), SSG Vice President during the
dum no. 201, s. 2010 issued awarding ceremonies of the 2010 Gawad Albay sa Edukasyon
by the Division of Albay are:
to familiarize the participants
on the use of Adobe Indesign Monzon, Orogo among
Albay’s best students
CS3; have hands-on experi-
ence on layouting a school pa-
per using the said software; im-
prove the layout of the school
publications of the respective
By Lawrence Oarde school and the community cate and cash prize.
schools of the participants and;
to produce quality publication The Provincial Gov- Other SEAL awardees “MORMS congratu-
as entry to the group contest ernment of Albay named Jessa for this year are Rhod Jeram lates our SEAL awardees, Jes-
during the National Secondary Marie Monzon and Shaira Oro- Sabater, John Eulo Bas, Micah sa Marie Monzon and Shaira
Schools Press Conference. go of IV-Galileo among the Ten Madelejos, Andre Nico Belen, Orogo. We will be aiming at
Mrs. Aida A. Naz, Outstanding Students of Albay, Kimberly Rapirap, Ronald first place next year”, Roy L.
Chief of the Philippine Infor- as part of the award-giving Francis Dacillo, Antonette Re- Nipas, Supreme Student Gov-
mation Agency,Bicol Planning program Student Excellence buriano, and Aaron Castillo. ernment adviser said.
Services Division, and Mr. in Academics and Leadership The multi-stage se- SEAL is part of Albay
Raffi A. Banzuela, freelance (SEAL). lection process includes in- Governor Joey Srate Salceda’s
journalist and a professor at This rewards system terviews, submission of cre- campaign on education, and
Aquinas University of Legazpi was started in 2008 and is now dentials, and presentation of is under the Gawad Albay sa
served as the speakers of the organized by the Albay Educa- project for the community, Edukasyon, a group of awards
said training. tion Department (PED). SEAL which is the last phase of the for students, teachers, Local
is for students who even at the selcetion processs. Government Units (LGU’s),
young age show significant SEAL awardees will and Principals with exemplary
and positive contribution to the receive medal, trophy, certifi- performance .
the “Tagis Talino”, Jazzielle
Panesa of IV-Galileo for “Di
Kita Ma-Reach”, Merciline Joy
Palaje of III-Dalton for Poster
Making, Jeremy Mercader of
IV-Galileo and Mark Mesina
of IV –Zircon for Values Ad-
Tsika Board, Jeremy Mercader
for Usapang Kaibigan, David
John Candelaria for Git-Aral
Ko, and Joseph Bartolome of
IV-Zircon for “Idea Ko, Getz
Mo?” (Extemporaneous Speak-
ing)
The event was or-
ganized by the KPSEP Officers
with Me-Ann Oarde of III-Ar-
chimedes as President and Ms.
Christine Orolfo of the Values LAGUDA
Department as adviser, and
was supported by Mrs. Chari-
to Borras, Head of the Values
Education Department and the
principal, Mrs. Gemma R. Sa-
beron-Sapo.
 The NEWS 16

Quill
OFFICIAL SCHOOL COMMUNITY PUBLICATION OF
MARCIAL O. RAÑOLA MEMORIAL SCHOOL
Exponent of Campus-Based, Community-Oriented High School Journalism

Quill, Sinag writers

qualify for National Press Con
By Christine Jane Gonzalez
MORMS’ campus writ-
ers always want to prove their
writing prowess, and bring
honor for the school. Last No-
vember 9-12, 2010, they did.
Four campus writers
of MORMS qualified for the
in Feature Writing in English.
Therese Isabelle S. Vega gar-
nered second place for Edito-
rial Writing in English. Mark
Jay Pradiez won 3rd place for
Editorial writing in Filipino,
and Xyrel Tuson won 3rd place
runner-up during the Division
Level. The Radio Brodcasting
Team of MORMS, which won
1st place in the Division level, TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
also competed in the RSPC. SSG officers give apples to teachers during the
MORMS’ wins contrib- teachers’ day program. Mrs. Gemma Tayo is at
uted to Albay Division’s rank left.

National Schools Press Con-
ference after winning in their
respective events during the
Regional Schools Press Confer-
ence (RSPC) held at MORMS.
Christian I. Dy won 1st place
for Feature writing in Filipino.
Last October 25, 2010,
the said contestants also won
in the Division Level, which
qualified them to join in the
RSPC. MORMS ranked 1st
MORMS pays
as 2nd place.
The coaches were Mrs.
Maria Jovita Mariscotes for
the English category and Mrs.
Sarah Red for the Filipino Cat- tribute to teachers
egory.
October 4, 2010 was from the different school clubs

SSG officers join national celebrated in MORMS as

Teachers’ Day, one day before
the global celebration of the
and campus organizations
made performances such as

confab
By Jessa Marie Monzon
Six student leaders
from Marcial O. Rañola Me-
morial School attended the Na-
tional Leadership Training for
Student Government Officers
(NLTSGO) last September 3-8,
2010 at Teachers Camp, Baguio
City with the theme “Teamwork
Makes the Dream Work”. management and leadership Education-Center for Students The opening program
The students were the
following Ronny Rey N. Or-
pilla, Shaira D. Orogo, 4th year
representative, Jessa Marie M.
Monzon, secretary, Joylen G.
Namia, vice president, Therese
singing and dance numbers.
said event. The event had the Teachers were given a
theme, “My Teacher, My Hero”. meal, and gifts form their stu-
The Supreme Student dents. There were also mes-
Isabelle S. Vega, the MORMS of the training is the National
Government (SSG), under sages made by the students,
Supreme Student Government Federation of Supreme Student
president Therese Isabelle S. delivered by the SSG officers.
(SSG) president and the Re- Government Elections which
gional Federation of Supreme was held on the third day of the Vega, and adviser Mr. Roy “Our teachers must
Student Government (RFSSG) said training. Therese Isabelle L. Nipas headed the orga- be given due recognition for
president with Mr. Roy L. Ni- S. Vega, the RFSSG president nizing of the program. The the selfless work they are do-
pas, the MORMS SSG advis- (Region V) was elected as the SSG also distributed solicita- ing for our youth. They are
er. new NFSSG Secretary. tion letters from the school’s building our future, more
The said training aims The training was spon- stakeholders for funding to fi- than our engineers, for they
to develop and enhance the sored by the Department of nance the conduct of the event. are builidng people, not mere
structures.”, Roy L. Nipas,
knowledge, skills and attitudes and Co- Curricular Affairs was conducted in the after- MORMS SSG Adviser said.
of the elected SSG officers (DepEd-CSCA) in partner- noon, when all classrooms “We must be thankful
through dynamic plenary ses- ship with The Master’s Light- were vacated for the begin- for our teachers’ hard work
sions, interactive break-out house Foundation (TMLF) and ning of the said program. The
for the school and for the stu-
sessions, and enriched discus- the Ateneo Student-Trainers said program was held at the dents. They truly are heroes”,
sion. One of the highlights (STRAINS). Joey Sarte Salceda Gymna- Therese Isabelle S. Vega,
sium. Intermission numbers MORMS SSG President added.

Environment camp focuses

on Disaster risk reduction
By Christian Rey Notario
To prevent disaster
through Environmental train-
ing, the 2010 Division Yes-O
Camp and Traning-Workshop
was held at Balogo High
School, Oas, Albay, September
2-4, 2010.
The three-day training-
workshop was participated in
by over 1000 students from
different schools throughout
Albay Division. Various ac-
tivities were held namely:
academic competitions like
essay writing, environmental
DUCK, COVER AND HOLD quiz (teachers and students),
MORMS students during an earthquake drill spelling bee and extemporane-
lead by the Supreme Student Government and ous speaking. There were also
the Citizenship Advancement Training Cadets. SAYAWIT (jingle singing con-
The drill is in line with Albay Province’s test), battle of the bands and
disaster risk reduction campaign environmental games in a form
of laro ng lahi. Workshops
were also conducted about Di-
saster Risk management, Best
Practices in Environmental
Governance and other Envi-
ronmental Ordinances, Waste
Management, Stewardship and
the Generation Green. As part
of the activity, A Tree Planting
and Adventure Trail were also
conducted.
The Search for Lakan
and Lakambini of Division Yes
Camp 2010 highlighted the en-
tire activity. Kristine Jane Nota
(III-Dalton) and Joescel James
Ivan Grageda (III-Archimedes)
were crowned as the Lakan and
Lakambini of the Division Yes
Camp 2010. Christian Dy (II-
Mendel) ranked 3rd place in
extemporaneous speaking and
got 1st place in essay writing.
Carlo Nikko Mar and Maria
Tricia Nasayao (III-Dalton)
ranked 1st and 3rd respective
in environmental quiz level III.
James Carl Orbase (I-Edison)
got the 5th place in environ-
mental quiz Level I while AJ
Pelgone (II-Mendel) ranked
3rd in Level II. Fernand Roscal,
Alyssa Zscharinna Torres and
Renz Collins Rosales ranked
1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively
in environmental quiz Level
IV. Genica Chavez (II-Mendel)
got 2nd place in spelling bee.
MORMS’ Kaspersky Sync
Masters ranked 2nd place in
battle of the bands. Mr. Virgilio
Morcozo, Mr Richard Riobal-
dez served as coaches in the
said activity.