Exultet TerraClub Feature on MDT

A Historical Feature about Marcos' Martial Law Rule

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WHAT IS FACETS?introduction

The word "Facet" means a part or a side of something.

Believing in the strength of diversity and unity, Facets, the official school

publication of the Assumption College High School, aims to capture

our school's different sides and perspectives in our issues.

Hear the latest school news, ideas,and activities happening

from us!

ON THE COVERmade by Kara Santiago (10-1)

contents1ST ISSUE “17-”18

NEWS FEATUREBUWAN NG WIKAby Mik Dizon (10-4) & Bea Bundang (7-4)ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT’S HAPPENING: #WHATNOWby Jillian Lopez (12-H2) & Samantha Maceda (9-3)

WOMEN WITH A HEART FOR SERVICE: SY’S 2017-2018 CICby Ninj Odulio (11-B1)

GRADE 9 AND 10'S PEACE FORUMby Via Apostol (9-2) and Pia Cruz (9-4)

EXULTET TERRA by Pia Cruz (9-4) & Martina Estacion (9-4)

ABLAZE THE SPIRITby Misha Jao (11-B2)

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CLUB FEATURE: GRACE: METTA DANCE THEATRE’S FALL AND REDEMPTIONby Sofia Nagrampa (12-H3)

TEACHERS APPRECIATION POSTby Beatriz Adrineda (7-2)

VARSITY FEATURESIntroduction & Description by Margaret Lee (11-B1)

THE CONJUGAL DICTATORSHIP: GOLDEN AGE OF THE PHILIPPINES?by Mikaela Dizon (10-4) & Danie Nera (10-1)

WELCOME ABOARD: HOW ONE TEACHER VEERED AWAY FROM THE CONVENTIONAL CLASSROOMby Musica Adrineda (9-1)

FEATURES

20EDITIORIAL: THE IMAGE OF A FILIPINO WOMAN: WHY IT’S UNREALISTICby Samantha Maceda (9-3)

OPINION

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editor's note

Hey there, high school.

Or maybe, you’re not high school, and you’re a person who just so happened to see this pop up on your Facebook timeline. Maybe you’re a teacher who’s reading to see which of your students is in this issue. May-be you’re someone who was low-key forced to read this because you have a friend who is quite pleased to have her name showcased in this output. Maybe you’re a proud parent/friend/internet troll. Whoever you may be, and whatever your story is, welcome to Facets.

HereinFacets,weliveuptothedictionarydefinitionofwhata“fac-et” is- a side or a part of something. This newspaper is held together by thirty-three (33) girls, all of whom are assets to this paper. We see what each member has to give to this issue, whether it be the art they make, the words they string together, or the photos they contribute. We get to delve into a small piece of each member, and even some other people who may have been part of an interview.

I believe we all have a story to tell. We are barely even a handful of the population in AC, but we want to share our stories- the stories of the school and the ones that circulate in it, the stories of the students, of the writers, of the artists. We are simply a facet to what this school is. We are all -including you- a facet to this world. We all have our own unique stories to share, in whatever manner we like. Your story may be a drama, a comedy, a romance. Anything under the vast sky that encompasses us, that may be your story. Whatever your story is, share it.

Welcome to Facets, where we share our stories.

Noelle Paternoeditor-in-chief

FACETS 2

news featuresBuwan ng Wika: Say YES to FilipinoMIK DIZON (10-4) & BEA BUNDANG (7-4)

WHAT STEPS ARE the Filipino people taking towards appreciating, respecting, and preserving their language? This year, from the beginning of August all the way to mid-September, the students, faculty, and staff in Assumption College got the opportunity to rightly place meaning and passion into one of the events that celebrates the Filipino language: Buwan ng Wika. Buwan ng Wika came to be after many different Republic Acts although the most significant one is RA no. 186 of Former President Ramon Magsaysay. He moved this special event to August, in honor of Manuel Quezon, who is known as the “Ama ng Wikang Pambansa,” or “Father of Our National Language.” Buwan ng Wika not only celebrates the Filipino language, but it also hones people’s knowledge of the language’s past. Most importantly, it reminds Filipinos why and how they should be proud of their language, culture, and nationality. WITHIN ASSUMPTION COLLEGE’S Junior High School, all of the sections from the different grade levels each prepared a unique performance for a competition hosted by the Filipino Team (this competition was held by batch). For every batch, there was a section that won, and each winning section got the chance to perform at the Culminating Activity. Thus,

on September 7, 2017, the high school students as well as the faculty and staff had a morning filled with activities such as: first of all, the gala wherein selected students and teachers had a parade; second of all, the main event in which there were performances from the winning sections and Assumption’s teachers in the MRA (in fact, the entire grade 10 got to perform: first was the winning section, 10-3, and next was all the other sections as one mash-up performance); and last but not the least, the Pistang Pinoy wherein Filipino food was showcased and enjoyed. During this time of the year, everyone really did their best to impress. WHEN ASKED: “BAKIT BA importante ang pagtuturo sa mga estudyante na pahalagahan nila ang kanilang wika?” (“Why do you think it is important to teach students to appreciate their own language?”), Sir Belbis, one of Assumption College’s Filipino teachers, replied: “Una, dahil sa batas. Konstitusyon ang dapat sundan natin. Pahalagaan natin iyon. Pangalawa, ano pa ang selebrasyon para sa wika natin? Wala naman.” (First of all, because of the law. It’s our constitution that we should follow. We have to appreciate it and give meaning to it. Second of all, what other celebration is there for our language? There’s no other.”). ASSUMPTION COLLEGE’S CELEBRATION of Buwan ng Wika not only celebrated the Filipino language, but it honored the language. From the many events that the students worked so hard on, the students also got to truly learn the value of the Filipino language — and now? They get to spread their knowledge to the people outside Assumption College too. According to Isabela Aganon of 7-4, “I can help people appreciate Buwan ng Wika by reminding them to respect our language and culture, and to also speak our language and celebrate it.” Now, the students who took part in the Buwan ng Wika celebration get to inspire others to love their language, using what they have recently learned.

| ILLUSTRATION BY DANI PADILLA (11-H2)

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W H A T n o w ?

ACknowledge What’s Happening: #WhatNowJILLIAN LOPEZ (12-H2) & SAMANTHA MACEDA (9-3)

RECENT EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES, such as the ongoing War Against Drugs and the extrajudicial killings, has inspired the Assumption youth to respond to the crimes committed by police forces and vigilantes alike. With over 12,000 deaths related to the Philippine Drug War, several movements have been made to raise awareness and act against the brutality of the current administration through means of protests, rallies, and campaigns.

ONE OF THE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS that aims to initiate change within the community is Super Scouts, a non-profit organization established by a group of AC students under the basis of promoting

peace and solidarity with marginalized individuals and communities. Its most recent campaign, #WhatNow, was created to raise awareness on the issue of human rights violations committed under the Duterte administration. With the goal to advocate nonviolence and unity, Super Scouts hopes that their campaign may benefit those in need of aid and support, as well as inform the people regarding pressing concerns about the ongoing extrajudicial killings. Kelly Alviar (12-H2) shares the role of #WhatNow in AC. “#WhatNow in AC urges each one of us to make a stand in light of our country’s current situation.“

She continued, “We are never too young to partake in this action, which is why the campaign stretches over to the little ones in pre-school up until us in high school! It invites us to fulfill our duties to the Filipinos through fundraising and advocating human rights, and to spread the influence to anyone around us. #WhatNow serves as the very education and formation that Assumption aims to instill in all its students—to be women of social transformation.”

PAOLA BASILAN (9-3) HAS ALSO COMMENTED on the issue, supporting what Alviar said. “As a member of the AC community, I am encouraged to speak up,

and stand for what is right. Although people might say that “I’m just a high school student”, I am capable of being more than [that].” Basilan then expounded that AC’s teachings of values and virtues had influenced her to have courage and spread peace. Although she noted that the effect her actions would not be immediate, she said, “At least I did my part in spreading peace.”

BUT OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF THE AC community have also voiced their opinions, such as the teachers. Sir. Nakeem Lucas, Math teacher for Grades 9-10, shared his feelings on the matter. “I grew up in a very patriotic home,” he said. “Back in my time, the worst problems

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W H A T n o w ?

were nothing compared to what’s happening now. We didn’t have war, things like the one thousand peso budget for our human rights—it wasn’t this bad. I feel really saddened with what’s happening in the country and I keep it in my prayers.”But regarding the specific role teachers played in the situations above, Sir. Patrick Sebastian, Grammar teacher for Grades 7 and 9, further explained. “I believe in the quote, ‘We will be remembered for the things we do now.’ I think of myself and other teachers as some sort of candle. Teachers are the light meant to guide students through the dark.” Adding on to what Sir. Sebastian stated, Ms. Angie Solano, Social Studies teacher for Grade 9, said how the teachers truly try to incorporate the issues in lessons as to educate the students.Lastly, upon being inquired about their thoughts on AC speaking up on these problems, Sir Ezequiel De Leon called AC “perfect”. “They chose not to stay silent on the matter, and it’s really a big help to others.” the Math Enrichment teacher for Grades 8-9 expounded. “They use their power as a big institution to speak up and acknowledge what’s happening.” Following up with what Sir. De Leon had said, Sir. Andre De Asis, Literature teacher for Grades 9-10, added, “It breaks the stigma that AC, as much as the other private high schools, are ‘oblivious’ to the issues that surround the country. It basically shows how students aren’t just spoiled kids who know nothing. If anything, it shows that AC students are aware and are willing to make necessary actions to contribute to the welfare of society.”

FINALLY, MS. HAIDEE ESTRADA, CLE TEACHER for Grade 9, mentioned how she truly appreciated AC’s efforts in speaking up. “They don’t turn a blind eye on the suffering,” she said.

LIKE WHAT MS. ESTRADA HAD MENTIONED, Assumption College “[doesn’t] turn a blind eye on the suffering”. With their recent actions taken as of late, the situation happening right now closely correlates to what Sir. Sebastian stated: “We will be remembered for the things we do now.” With that, each action taken is one that must be chosen carefully. After speaking up, what happens next? What now?

a s a m e m b e r o f t h e a c

c o m m u n i t y, i a m

e n c o u r a g e d t o s p e a k u p

a n d s ta n d f o r w h at i s

r i g h t.

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1ST ISSUE FACETSnews features

Women with a Heart for Service: SY’s 2017-2018 CICNINJ ODULIO (11-B1)

THIS SCHOOL YEAR 2017-2018, approximately 15 junior high students and 20 senior high students were accepted and became members of the Community Involvement Community (CIC). The members, along with their heads, Hannah Rubio (12-H1) and Jianna Dalupang (11-S1), participated in an overnight team building program on September 15-16 in the student’s hall. A program marked as an essential part of forming the CIC, many activities and exercises were held in the course of the two days, bringing not only a sense of excitement and fun in the members, but also important lessons. Some members, both new and old, were interviewed in order to talk about their experience during the teambuilding activity.

WHILE EVERYONE IN CIC participated in the same activities, many of them have different descriptions of their experience. One of them, Kristina Robles (11-H2) said, “My experience during teambuilding helped me prepare for what’s to come in terms of all the projects we’ll be having and assured me of the importance of being a team, being able to depend on each other and have people I can turn to when things get hard.” On the other hand, Stefi Alabastro (10-4), a new member, told Facets, “At first, I was really nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. Overall, however, it was a great experience wherein I was able to meet and talk to people from other batches and share my

advocacy. It was fun and exciting!” OLD MEMBER BAMBI RICAFORT (12-H3) shares her take-away from the CIC team building program, saying, “The entire purpose of the community is to cultivate a sense of solidarity within each one. Being in CIC means not just working on projects and handing them to the student body, but also encouraging everyone in your sphere of influence to participate and understand the thought that goes into every initiative.” “THE MAIN GOAL OF CIC’S TEAMBUILDING IS simply to get to know the other members and most importantly, ourselves.” explains one of the heads of CIC, Jianna Dalupang (11-S1), when asked what she planned to accomplish during the teambuilding. “Because how

can others know you if you don’t even know yourself? In Team Building, we really dig deep and take the time to reflect. We acknowledge the fact that we all have our own strengths

and weaknesses. Aside from knowing their strengths and weaknesses, I want them to know their purpose. Their purpose is what will drive them to take action. When things get rough and hard and tiring, we should all remember why we started in the first place. They learn resilience and determination.” SHE CONCLUDES HER point by stating, “We [CIC] train servant leaders. We’re not perfect, but that doesn’t really matter if you do everything genuinely and with love.”

How can others

know you if you don't even

know yourself?

PHOTOS COURTESY OFY YSABEL ILUSTRE (10-1) |

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1ST ISSUE FACETS news features

GRADE 9 AND 10's PEACE FORUMVIA APOSTOL (9-2) AND PIA CRUZ (9-4)

IN GROUPS of twelve, the students of Grade 9 and Grade 10 gathered in the Plenary Hall for a talk entitled “On the Path to Peace: A Listening Forum on the Marawi Crisis” last October 20. There, they were given the opportunity to listen to the insights and stories of two notable speakers: Ms Menchie Silvestre, the Executive Director of TV5’s Alagang Kapatid, and Ms Milet Mendoza, a humanitarian who has been in service for 25 years. ACCORDING to Ms. Haidee Estrada, the Grade 10 CLE teacher of the school and the event’s proponent, the goal of the forum was to “provide the real context of the Marawi crisis, enlighten students on the different perspectives surrounding it, and inspire Grade

9 and Grade 10 to live out their teachable virtues by advocating a solution to the issue in their various spheres of influence”. THE TALK began with a short getting-to-know within each group. After giving opening remarks and an invocation, the first of three main questions were given to the speakers: “What is the real story behind Marawi?”. Ms. Mendoza made mention of extremism, religious exclusivity, and the rampant war culture among the Maranao youth as a primary cause of the crisis. Ms. Silvestre talked about the previous chain of events leading up to the Marawi siege, namely two failed sieges on the municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur and the infamous Davao bombing, and how these may have been an “initiation

process” for the Maute group to prove their loyalty to ISIS, the terrorist group in the MIddle East. Both speakers stressed that Marawi is an “Islamic Capital”; an area of great significance to the Maranao people. THE NEXT key question of the event was about the effects of the war in Marawi on the people living there. Both speakers answered that the city was “pulverized” after, almost like a “ground zero”. Though Marawi had already been declared “liberated” by President Rodrigo Duterte, it was clear that the people were not sure how to begin rebuilding their previously thriving city. Both Ms Silvestre and Ms Mendoza agreed that it would take “years for the Maranao to recover.” THE FINAL question was, “What can we [the AC Community] do to help?”. They believe that we must be in solidarity with others and establish clan relationships or support systems in order to achieve a culture of peace. Through understanding each other’s differences and becoming united with one another, we bring about the “dignity in good faith” in each person. AFTER EACH QUESTION has been answered, the students had the opportunity to share their insights and questions about the discussion to Ms. Silvestre and Ms. Mendoza via Twitter. As soon as the talk came to an end, each person present in the event left the Plenary Hall undoubtedly inspired and moved from their words. Both speakers emphasized that despite the crisis, there is still hope that Marawi can be restored to its previous state as a peaceful community. This peace can only be attained if we, the students, rise up and take the initiative to help.

| ILLUSTRATION BY DANI PADILLA (11-H2)

EXULTET TERRA 1 s t K a p i h a n F o r u m

PIA CRUZ (9-4) & MARTINA ESTACION (9-4)

Photo by Nicky Madrigal (11-H3)

Photo by Kimmy Ibaviosa (9-5)

Photo by Kimmy Ibaviosa (9-5)

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RGANIZED BY THE CSI OFFICE and hosted by Director of Student

Affairs Ms. Dato and SCB-A President Aria Soliven, on September 27, 2017, students in Grades 9 to 12, the faculty and staff, and the Assumption community gathered at the MRA to listen to different advocacies regarding the environmental status of the Philippines. Representatives from different organizations came onstage to talk about their efforts to save the deteriorating environment, and how they, too, can participate in their movement to restore, rebuild, and rehabilitate what has been destroyed. These were all discussed in an interview-style setup with each representative coming onstage to promote their products and movements. THE FIRST PART OF THE FORUM

was dedicated to short introductions from five organizations, each describing their advocacies and projects. FIRST UP WAS MESSY BESSY and HOUSE project, a joint organization which produces cleaning materials to help employ and send young people to school. Ms. Sophie Antacio, the Operations Officer of HOUSE project, shared that their advocacy empowers the impoverished through academics, psychological support, work training, and instilled work ethics. NEXT WAS THE MINDORO Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), whose main goal is to preserve the heart of the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. Ms. Grace Diamante spoke of the origin of Mindoro’s wide range of flora and fauna, the various eco-

O

Representatives of the Biodiversity Man-agement Bureau (BMB), Ms. Susan Fe and Ms. Fidel Saldova uses the tagline “Kung wala ‘yon, wala ito” in order to call their audience to contribute to save the natural resources of the country.

PHOTO AND CAPTION BY FRANNIE APOSTOL (11-B3)

Grades 9-12 of Assumption College partake in a Kapihan Forum at the Mother Rose Auditorium.PHOTO AND CAPTION BY NICKY MADRIGAL (11-H3)