BRIDGING GAPS.

Boats serve now as a means

of transportation among students and teachers of the
Integrated School after Calumpang Bridge collapsed
due to the raging effects of Typhoon Glenda, July 16.
Photo by: Danna Darlene Catapang
STORY ON PAGE 4

Official Student Publication of Batangas State University (High School Department), Division of Batangas City, Region IV A (Calabarzon)

University bares plans for senior high

by ROANN PHOEBE MANALO & JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

The University will be offering senior high school for the graduates of the Integrated Schools
junior high school in 2016. The possibility of admitting students from other schools is still under study.

This was the statement given by Prof. Vilma Aguda, director

for Integrated School, during an interview with The LATHE,
November 26.
Prof. Aguda explained to The LATHE the Universitys plans
regarding the implementation of senior high school under the K
to 12 Curriculum for Basic Education in 2016.
The University will open its senior high school for
the graduates of IS junior high school department. Some
considerations were taken during the deliberation process, Prof.
Aguda said.
Arrangements regarding the tracks that will be offerred and
the personnel who will teach the prescribed subjects in each track
were also evaluated by the planning committee.
We are still yet to conduct a survey and feasibility study
regarding the track preferences of our students. Of course,

students aptitude will also be a consideration, Prof. Aguda

added.
Instructors and professors from the college department
who teach mostly the general education courses are expected
to teach in the senior high school department.
Among the members of the planning committee for
senior high school were Dr. Cynthia Manalo, VP for
academic affairs; Atty. Luzviminda Rosales, VP for finance
and resource generation; Prof. Vilma Aguda, director for
Integrated School; Prof. Enrico Dalangin, executive director,
Nasugbu Campus; Prof. Rogelio Antenor, executive director
for Main Campus I and the University Chaipersons.
The planning committee is now in the process of
finalizing the plans for senior high school implementation to
be submitted to DepEd Central Office before August 2015.

BOR installs Dr. Ronquillo as University prexy

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

PLEDGE OF SERVICE. Dr.Tirso A. Ronquillo swears in front of the members of the Universitys Board of
Regents as the third president of Batangas State University during the BORs Special Meeting, July 17. Photo
from the Universitys official website

Among six candidates who vied

for University presidency, the Board
of Regents (BOR) proclaimed Dr.
Tirso Ronquillo as the new president
of Batangas State University effective
July 18, 2014 to July 17, 2018 during
the Board of Regents (BOR) Special
Meeting, July 17.
Dr. Ronquillo, an ASEAN engineer,
served the University as the Vice
President for Academic Affairs for four
years and Vice President for Research,
Development and Extension for another
four years.
Dr. Ronquillo holds a doctorate

degree in philosophy major in

management from Akamai University in
Hawaii, USA. He also holds a masters
degree in electronics engineering
from De La Salle University, Manila.
He obtained his Bachelors degree in
Electronics Engineering, Cum Laude,
at the former Pablo Borbon Memorial
Institute of Technology, now Batangas
State University.
Together, we shall strive to achieve
the universitys vision of developing
leaders who are active participants in
nation building and responsive to 21st
century challenges. this was a statement

Dr. Ronquillo posted on Batangas State

University Official Site.
Also, he expressed that he is willing
to take on the responsibility of the
serving the university with great honor
and humility.
We shall continue serving the
university and the community with vigor
and a strong sense of commitment to
situate Batangas State University at the
forefront of sustainable development.
he added.
He stated that he is aware that along
with his acceptance in his responsibility
comes a challenge of sustaining the
image and reputation of the university
which he described as one of the leading
institutions of higher learning in the
region.
Prior to this current achievement,
Dr. Ronquillo had gathered several
awards in his professional career. He was
honored as the Most Outstanding Faculty
of the University in 2005 and the Most
Outstanding Electronics Engineer in the
Academe in 2013. He was also regarded
as the first engineer in the Province of
Batangas to be recognized as an ASEAN
Engineer.

>>p. 5

>>p. 8

>>p. 14

>>p. 18

In LATHEs survey

G9 studes favor STEM as track

choice for senior high school
by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

About six out of ten Grade 9 students

or equivalent to 58 percent preferred
to enter the Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
strand among five others as track choice
for senior high school.
This was according to a recent
survey conducted by The LATHE (HS
Edition) to 348 Grade 9 students last
November 20.
Results of the survey suggest that
the Integrated School (IS) remains
to be consistent when it comes to its
goal as the feeder to the Universitys
engineering programs, Prof. Agudas
assessment after learning the results of
the survey.
The IS existing old curriculum
prepares students to become prepared
for science, technology and engineeringrelated programs.
Coming in second was the
Humanities and Social Sciences strand
(HUMMS) with 13 percent. Students in
favor of this track prefer to enter fields
of journalism, social works, the social
sciences and law.
Both Arts and Design (AD)
and Accountancy and Business
Management (ABM) tracks ranked
third having 11 percent apiece. Students

LET THE FIGURES SPEAK. The Borbonians pulse on the survey

who will take up Arts and Design will

be dealing with fields like architecture
and interior design. On the other
hand, ABM consists of economics and
business-related courses.
Technology and Vocational courses
(TechVoc) garnered five percent to
come in fourth while the Sports Track
came in last trailing having only two
percent of the votes. TechVoc courses
involve technology related courses like
Information Technology (IT) whereas
students in favor of the Sports track
would mostly be in the field of coaching
and officiating different sports events.

Borbonians take part on papal

visit activities to PH

by CHRISTINE JOY CAGUICLA

After the Pontifical Committee in

Vatican has chosen anew the Philippines
to host the International Eucharist
Congress (IEC), preparations are now in
full swing for the upcoming visit of Pope
Francis to the Philippines on January 1519.
In connection to this, the Integrated
School has taken part in the campaign
Piso para sa Misa ng Mundo wherein
every class was provided with coin banks
to fill from August to September.
The event was spearheaded by the
Campus-based Youth For Christ (YFC)
with their adviser, Miss
Rowena Abe.
The Piso para sa Misa
ng Mundo is a fund raising
event which was initiated by

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to remind us

that the works of faith, virtue, charity and
evangelization
is a collection
of all the
little things
done
by
little people
in their little
spheres
of
influence.

NEWS

page

The

LATHE bags DSPC plums,

LATHE

16 scribes to advance in RSPC 15

by ANGELA MADELLIENNE PERADILLA & JENICA CZARINA MENDEZ

The LATHE (HS Edition) maintains its trail towards responsible scholastic journalism after it bagged most of the awards
in the individual writing contests of the 2014 Division Schools Press Conference held at Batangas City East Central School,
October 8-11.
James Adrian Panganiban and Jurpreet Sanger retained in the category.
most coveted top spots in science and health writing (English)
In sports writing contests, Ranver Castillo won second place
and editorial cartooning (Filipino) contests respectively. in the English category while Ried Arcillas clung on the fifteenth
Romarie Ann Sagaonit was hailed as this years champion in spot in the Filipino category.
photojournalism (Filipino).
Meanwhile, Maryrose Lizette Reyes and Christa Angelica
Roann Phoebe Manalo, Christine Caguicla and Jonellyn Sagun won the fifth and eighth places respectively in news
Dayo won the second, eighth and fourteenth places respectively writing and feature writing contests, both in English.
in editorial writing (Filipino) contests respectively. Caguicla
Radio broadcasters also shone in the 2014 DSPC. Radyo ni
also won the twelfth spot in copyreading and headline writing Pablo, composed of Edrick Morales, Jenica Czarina Mendez,
(Filipino) contest.
Angela Madellienne Peradilla, Lenalie Anne Aguila, Caezarius
Jon Limuel Calinao and Spencer John Manalo were declared Vincent Aleta, Angelika Vhem Baliwag and Germaine Marie
second and twelfth place winners in editorial cartooning Manalang, was hailed as the second best radio broadcasting team
(Filipino) contests. Kris Emmanuel Dimaapi, Elma Chiello in Filipino.
Caprangca and Aliana Krista Atienza, meanwhile, won the
The Pristine News, on the other hand, was declared the third
sixth, thirteenth and fourteenth places respectively in editorial best radio broadcasting team in English. The team was composed
cartooning (English) contests.
by Ma. Anneth Matira, Ross HenreeVillena, James Andrei
Science and health writers also reaped awards. Danielle Dimatulac, Tricia Faye Escobar, Quin Abigaile Evangelista,
Isabelle Dalisay was adjudged second place in the English Marsha Czarina Almeria and Jerome Paul Bejasa.
category. Reaner Jacqueline Bool and John Vincent Garcia,
The top seven winners in each contest will represent the
meanwhile were declared as third and thirteenth place winners division in the 2015 Regional Schools Press Conference to
respectively in the Filipino category. Bool also won the fifth be held in Lipa City on January 2015. Sixteen scribes of The
place in feature writing (Filipino) contest.
LATHE made it to the shortlist.
Godwin Benedict Panaligan and Dannah Darlene Catapang
Each contest in the 2014 DSPC were participated by an
won the ninth and tenth places in photojournalism (English). estimated 150-175 students across the secondary schools of the
Julius Jandel Papa won the fourteenth place in the Filipino city division.

In LPUs Inter-HS contests

IS reigns supreme, grab 3-peat

overall championship title

by JAN CARLO TINAJA

Besting over 35 secondary schools across the province of Batangas, the BatStateU Integrated School (IS) remained to
be the top performing school in the annual Lyceum of the Philippines Universitys (LPU) Inter-High School Academic,
Skills and Cultural Competitions held last September 13.
The group of Denver Paul Gayeta, competition. The group was trained by speaking contests, essay writing, poster
Glyndel Kate Falqueza and Elaine Engay Mr. Jojo Conti.
making, spelling bee and cooking
Meanwhile, the group of dancers contests.
were hailed champion in the ICT Quiz
Bee. Mr. Luis Philip Oropesa served as and singers from the Integrated School
Together with BatStateU Integrated
their coach.
won the second place in show choir School in the top three were Sta. Teresa
The IS Cultural Guild trained by competition, a debut contest this year. College and St. James Academy. The
Mr. Bryan Carlos meanwhile, sealed a The students were trained by Mr. school received a seven-cubic feet
seven-peat championship in the modern Christian Dick Cunag.
refrigerator as prize.
dance competition.
Other contests participated by
The Integrated School consistently
IS Folkloric Groups Hispanized- students in the inter-high school maintained its overall championship title
influence dance Habanera Botolea was competitions were general information since 2012.
declared champion in the folk dance quiz bee, extemporaneous and oratorical

Cultural Guild to perform on internatl stage

Twenty students
along with
two faculty members of BatStateU
Integrated School will represent the
country in the upcoming 2015 Yi-Ian
International Childrens Folklore and
Folkgame Festival at Yi-Ian County,
Taiwan on July 14-23, 2015.
Originally, there will be 50 pupils
from the elementary and high school
departments who will undergo trainingworkshops on Summer 2015. They will
be judged through their performance in
the said training where a shortlist of 20
students will carry the Universitys flag

to the international stage.

The delegation will be trained and
choreographed by Mr. Bryan Carlos,
Adviser and Choreographer of the
Cultural Guild-High School.
I am really excited yet pressured
because it is my first time to train a folk
dance group for an international event.
We are also the first secondary school in
the city who will participate in an event
like this. It will be a great opportunity
for me if it will be pushed through, Mr.
Carlos stated.
The group will prepare a three-hour

by JAMES ANDREI DIMATULAC

performance of traditional folk music

and dance with live musical band and
traditional costumes which will take
place on major streets, squares and
theaters of Taiwan in accordance with
the arrangement made by the Festival
Organization of Taiwan and the YiIan County Cultural and Educational
Foundation.
The festival will also include folk
dance, music stage performance, parade,
and cultural exchange among other
participating groups.

STAND OUT. Christa Angelica Sagun and Bryle Eron Macatangay were hailed as Bb.
and G. Kalikasan-First Runners-up during the 2014 Eco-Environmental Science Camp held
at Talumpok National High School, August 9-10. Photo by: Mr.. Vinson-Roi de Chavez

Borbonians rule in Division EcoEnvironmental Science Camp

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

In triumphant atmosphere, students of the Integrated School bagged laurels

in the different academic and cultural competitions scheduled during 2014
Division Eco-Environmental Science Camp held at Talumpok National High
School, August 9-10.
John Vincent Garcia was declared pageant showcased contenders donned
champion in extemporaneous speaking with costumes made from indigenous
contest (English). Jan Carlo Tinaja and materials.
The eco-environmental science
James Adrian Panganiban won second
place in the super quiz bee and essay camp also involved non-contestants in
writing contest (English) respectively. different environment-related activities.
Jenica Czarina Mendez and Kris A natures trail was done on August 9
Emmanuel Dimaapi won third place in where campers participated in a race.
A symposium was also conducted on
the extemporaneous speaking and poster
August 10 where Borbonians also took
making contest respectively.
Meanwhile, the IS Cultural Guild part. Dr. Donna Paz Reyes from Miriam
bested among modern dance contenders College served as the keynote speaker
from different schools after seizing the in the symposium. She talked about
ways on how students can contribute in
most coveted championship title.
Select students, on the other hand, the conservation of our planet through
won second place in Tugsayawit and efficient energy usage with relevance to
the seven environmental principles.
jingle making contests.
Bryle Eron Macatangay and Christa
Around 170 students of the Integrated
Angelica Sagun were hailed as G. and School participated in this years EcoBb. Kalikasan first runners-up. The Environmental Science Camp.

Wizards rake gold in CAL tourney

by CHRISTINE JOY CAGUICLA

Three students of the Integrated School brought home gold medals after
winning in the Battle of ICT Wizards (Calabarzon stretch) sponsored by
Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) Corporation held at San Pablo Colleges,
San Pablo City Laguna, November 21.
The duo of Glyndel Kate Falqueza (digital photography).
Mr. Luis Philip Oropesa, Mrs.
and Elaine Engay won first place in ICT
Quiz Bee. Jan Carlo Tinaja, meanwhile, Rhodoria Guillo and Mr. Vinson-Roi de
was declared champion in Visual Basic Chavez served as trainors of the student
2008 programming. contestants.
The said contests were participated
Other contestants of the Integrated
School to other contests were Denver by 26 secondary schools across the
Paul Gayeta (PC Servicing and Calabarzon region.
First place winners in each category
Troubleshooting), John Paolo Arga
(AVP using Adobe Flash), Jurpreet will compete in CALs Battle of the ICT
Sanger (Dreamweaver), Kendrick Jared Wizards National Finals to be held on
Amboy (poster making using Adobe 2015 in the National Capital Region
Photoshop) and Hannah Isabel Conti (NCR).

IS shines in STCs inter-HS contests

by QUIN ABIGAILE EVANGELISTA

SOONON
ONINTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
STAGE.
Members
of Cultural
the IS Cultural
Guild
during
theirforpictorial
forYi-Ian
the 2015
Yi-Ian International
SOON
STAGE.
Members
of the IS
Guild during
their
pictorial
the 2015
International
Childrens
Childrens
and Festival
Folkgame
Festival
to July
be held
July
2015
at Yi-an
County,
Taiwan.
Photo
by: Mrs.
Folklore
andFolklore
Folkgame
to be
held in
2015in at
Yi-an
County,
Taiwan.
Photo
by: Mrs.
Helen
Driz Helen Driz

Students from the Integrated School

again shined in the 14th Sta. Teresa
de Avilas Academic and Cultural
Competitions held at Sta. Teresa
College, October 5.
The IS Cultural Guild triumphed
in the modern dance competition after
being declared as six-peat champion.
The winning dance was choreographed
by Mr. Bryan Carlos.
On the other hand, the IS Folkloric
Dance Troupe placed second in the
folkdance competition. Mr. Jojo Conti
trained the group.
John
Vincent
Garcia
(IVHonesty) was hailed champion in the
extemporaneous speaking contest. Miss

Daiana Solmirano served as his trainor.

Meanwhile, Jan Carlo Tinaja (IVHonesty), clinched the third place in the
academic quiz show. Mr. Joni Albarico
was the coach.
Other partcipants in the contests were
Caezarius Vincent Aleta (declamation),
Daniella Gelera (painting) and Nhoel
Perez (vocal solo)
The said inter-high school contests
was participated by around 15 secondary
schools across the province of Batangas.
The 14th Sta. Teresa de Avilas
Academic and Cultural Competitions
was part of Sta. Teresa Colleges
activities in celebration of its 74th
founding anniversary.

3
NEWS
BSP, GSP hold investiture rites

LATHE

page

The

by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA & JENICA CZARINA MENDEZ

WELCOME TO THE CLUB. An investing officer from the GSP Batangas City Council
places the GSP pin as sign of the girls admission to the worldwide scouting movement during
the solment investiture rites, October 2.

Borbonian scouts hold key City

executive positions
by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA

Seven Senior Scouts from Batangas

State University Integrated School were
hand-picked to serve as government
executives in the City Hall in line with
the annual Boy City Officials Week
of the Boys Scout of the Philippines
Batangas City Council.
The said Senior Scouts assumed
office in the City Hall from October 13
16, doing the duties of their respective
counterparts in the City government.
The said scouts with their
respective offices were: Sct. Arvin Freo
Department Head, City Social Welfare
and Development; Sct. Jay Mion
Department Head City Treasurer; Sct.
Mark Kingsley Acosta, Department
Head, City Environment and Natural
Resource Office; Sct. Michael Angelo

Ramos, Department Head, Public

Information Office; Sct. Fil Kimuel
Mendoza, Department Head, City
Engineers Office; Sct. James Delfinado
Department, Head City Planning And
Development and Sct. Jules Clark
Villanueva, City Councilor and ABC
President.
Meanwhile, Sct. Ramos expressed
his gratitude and fulfillment for being
selected as one of the City boy executives.
It has been a great pleasure to be a
Boy Official, says Sct. Michael Ramos.
What was more exciting is to be able
to perform what our counterpart officials
do. This is a great sign that our youth is
the countrys next hope who are able to
serve the nation as responsible citizens.
he added.

Dongwon Middle School cancels

sending of exchange studes
by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

In observance of grief towards

students of Danwon High School who
died in MV Sewol mishap last April,
Dongwon Middle School (DMS)
cancelled the scheduled sending of
the fifth batch of students and teachers
for a student exchange program with
Batangas State University Integrated
School in January 2015.
This was according to a notice
received by Prof. Vilma Aguda,
director for Integrated School from
the Universitys Public Relations and
International Linkages Office (PRILO).
Preparations for their arrival are
alrerady in full swing. We were surprised
with the notice from PRILO, Prof.
Aguda said in an interview with The
LATHE.
The fifth batch of Korean faction was
supposed to be composed of 21 students

and three teachers from Dongwon

Middle School.
We understand the decision of
Dongwon Middle School regarding this
matter. We are also deeply saddened
with the tragic death of Korean students
last April, Prof. Aguda added.
MV Sewol mishap led to the death
of around 300 passengers mostly were
students of Danwon High School who
were bound to Jeju Island for a field trip
last April 16.
Prof. Aguda, meanwhile, said that the
exchange program between BatStateU
IS and DMS will still pursue sometime
in 2016.
The student exchange program
between BatStateU IS and DMS started
in 2010 as part of the city sisterhood
activities between Daegu City in South
Korea and Batangas City.

Girl Scouts participate in Division

citywide encampment

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

One hundred thirteen senior girl

scouts of the Integrated School trooped
to Balagtas, Batangas City to participate
in the 2014 Division Citywide
Encampment, November 21-23.
Borbonian Scouts were hailed the
biggest delegation and the winners for
the PinaSikat, a talent competition.
During the first day, campers had
the chance of living back to basics by
installing their tents and gadgets. An
opening ceremony was held. It was led
by the senior girl scouts of the Integrated
School.
The first night of stay featured
a talent competition wherein the IS
showcased a variety of talents including
Sabayang Pagbigkas, singing, dancing
and painting.
Obstacle Course and Team Building
Activities sponsored by the Red Cross
were held on the campsite.
On the other hand, Basic Water
Survival were held in the Batangas City
Sports Coliseum which aimed to impart

with the scouts basic knowledge on

swimming.
Grand bonfire was executed on the
second night in which scouts gather
around a fire and each rendered a
performance.
From 5:30 to 7:30 in the morning of
the third day, scouts endured in zumba
fitness exercise sponsored by the Barako
Club.
Scouts assembled in a circle and
executed the Friendship Ring singing
Yesterdays Dream.
In the closing ceremony led by the
scouts from Unit 1, Chief Girl Scout
Medalists were recognized and shared
their experiences.
The Break Camp concluded the
three-day camp.
It wasnt a waste of time if you
learned something. This three-day camp
taught me how to live independently,
to act with initiative and exercise Girl
Power! Sr. Scout Nneka Evangelista
said after an interview with The LATHE.

Five hundred twenty-four male students and six hundred ninety-three female students of the high school department
were officially welcomed as members of the worldwide scouting movement during the solemn investiture rites held at
the Gov. Feliciano Sanoy Leviste Memorial Gymnasium, October 2.
The Girl Scouts conducted their neckerchief to newly invested Girl Ramil Borbon, Batangas City Council
investiture ceremony in the morning with Scouts.
Scout Executive was the ceremonys
the presence of investing officers from
Present also during the GSP keynote speaker.
the GSP Batangas City Council.
Investiture Ceremony were principal
Present also during the BSP
Present during the GSP investiture sponsors Mrs. Melanie Andal, Mrs. Investiture Rites were Scouter Antonino
rites were Miss Anamarie T. De Castro, Melanie Bool, Mrs. Imelda Catapang, Velasquez, Chairman for Committee of
Executive Official of GSP Batangas Mrs. Ella Catibog, Mrs. Martites Comia, Advancement; Scouter RamilBorbon
City; Mrs. Rebecca R. Pagcaliwagan, Mrs. Agnes Ditan, Mrs. Maria Teresa and Scouter Richard Limsiaco, Council
Commisioner of the Program of GSP Gomez, Mrs. Clabel Hiwatig, Mrs. Leni Training Staff.
Batangas City and Mrs. Elpidia M. Mendoza, Mrs. Rachel Palayad, Mrs.
Funds were also raised during the
Garcia, Advisor of the GSP Senior Angelina B. Peradilla and Mrs. Rona investiture rites through voluntary
Rosales.
Planning Board.
donations from sponsors. Proceeds
The investing officers led the
In the afternoon, the investiture will be used by both organizations
ceremonial putting of pins and ceremony for Boy Scouts was held. Mr. in sustaining their scouting-related
activities.

5 Senior scouts receive medal of valor

by JENICA CZARINA MENDEZ

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines National Headquarters conferred the highest medal of distinction a Senior Girl Scout
may receive to five senior girl scouts of Batangas State University Integrated School during its awarding ceremonies at the
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, November 18.
Among the recepients of the
prestigious medal were Sct. Christine
Catibog, Sct. Joechelle Marisse
Macalalad, Sct. Jamielyn Mendoza,
Sct. Glyndel Kate Falqueza and Sct.
Graziella Nia Joan Tumambing.
The recepients of the award
were chosen based on their service
and performance to their adopted
communities. The said senior girl scouts
implemented their community programs
for a year ranging from health and
nutrition, spirituality and environment.
Meanwhile, Sct. Christine Catibogs
chapel renovation project at Bolbok,
Batangas City was shortlisted in this
years top ten senior girl scouts who
applied for the Chief Girl Scout Medal
Scheme.
At present, another batch of senior
girl
scouts are doing their social work
HONOR AND VALOR. Sct. Christine Catibog, as she receives the Chief Girl Scout Medal, the
as part of their application for the said
highest award that can be conferred to a Senior Girl Scout, at the PICC, November 18. Photo from: GSP
National Headquarters, Ermita, Manila.
prestigious award.

In Buwan ng Wika 2014 celebration

Students take part, seniors dominate contests

by CHRISTINE JOY CAGUICLA

Seniors emerged victorious as they led the race for supremacy in the different contests conducted in line with the
celebration of Buwan ng Wika 2014 centering on the theme Wikang Filipino: Wika ng Pagkakaisa. The culminating
activity was held at the University Gymnasium, September 3.
Inter-level contests included the
Sophomores, juniors and freshmen Economics and International Hospitality
Search for Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika, were declared as over-all second, third Management (CABEIHM).
Sabayang Pagbigkas,essay writing, and fourth place winners in the race.
The Integrated School also dominated
poster making, movie review writing
The celebration of Buwan ng Wika in the sigaw sayaw contest held during
and singing competition.
the Integrated School was facilitated by the culminating activity for Buwan ng
The group of seniors ruled the the Students Linguistic Association of Wika at the University Gymnasium,
Sabayang Pagbigkas contest. Vincent the New Generation (SLANG).
August 29. The College of Teacher
Adrielle Alea and James Adrian
Other than the high school Education and CABEIHM, meanwhile,
Panganiban, both from IV-Honesty, departments scheduled activities, the were declared second and third placers
topped essay writing and movie review Integrated School also participated in the respectively.
writing contests respectively.
Keon Patrick Driz (G7-Hyacinth)
Universitys inter-college competitions
Meanwhile Donell Macaraig and for Buwan ng Wika.
won third place in vocal solo competition
Famela Endozo, both from Grade 8,
The group of students from the for students. Mr. Christian Dick Cunag,
were hailed as this years Lakan at Integrated School was hailed champion on the other hand, was declared first
Lakambini ng Wika. Also, John Rafael in the sabayang pagbigkas contest held runner-up in the vocal solo competition
Mariano (VIII-Onyx) was declared at the CITE Amphitheater, August 20. for teachers.
champion in poster making.
All winners were recognized during
Together with IS in the top three were
Zannady Magtibay of Grade 7 won the General Engineering Department and the culminating activity, August 29.
first place in the vocal solo competition. the College of Accountancy, Business,

Student leaders convene for leadership training

To develop and enhance the

leadership skills of student leaders,
the Integrated School Student Council
(ISSC) together with other student
organizations, spearheaded a two-day
leadership training camp at Rosanna
Beach Resort, June 13-14.
All officers of different student
organizations participated in this activity
by performing some team building tasks.
Mr. Alvin Palo, a certified public
accountant and practicing internal
auditor served as the facilitator for
the said training. Mr. Palo, during his
college days, served the University
as the vice president of the Supreme
Student Councils Confederation (SSCC)
in 2008-2009.
After the training sessions, student
organizations developed plans as to how
will they implement their activities for
the entire school year.

by LENALIE ANNE AGUILA

TRUST FALL. Student leaders, in one of the sessions, in the leadership training seminar held at
Rosanna Beach Resort, Aplaya, Bauan, Batangas, June 13-14. Photo by: Integrated School Student
Council

NEWS

page

The

LATHE

City govt takes action on

Calumpang Bridge collapse

by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA & JAMES ANDREI DIMATULAC

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), together with the
Local Government Unit of Batangas City, performed an implosion operation
upon the remaining portion of the fallen Calumpang Bridge, November 19.

WRECK TO BUILD. An implosion of the remaining structure of the fallen Calumpang Bridge was done to start reconstruction efforts. The bridge
collapsed due to the raging waters of Calumpang River brought by Typhoon Glenda. Photo from the Citys Public Information Office.

The operation which blew up the

said remaining structure is one of the
many plans of the government to make
way for a new bridge to accommodate
the need for travel of the Batangueos.
In an interview with the City
Engineers Office (CEO), they disclosed
many of their intended course of actions
towards the construction of the bridge
including an estimated budget of 77
million pesos from the national fund, a
tentative date for the start of the project
(either late December or early January)
and an apparent plan for a third bridge
to be constructed in the ferry area near
Kumintang, Ibaba, Batangas City.
With the constant threat of calamities

that frequently visits the country, the city

government views that a third bridge
might be the answer to accommodate
the vehicles using that route should
the Calumpang Bridge or the Bridge
of Promise fall. Also, it would greatly
lessen the load between the two bridges.
Although the construction of the new
bridge is under the national government,
the local government is also taking
measures to address the problem of the
bridge. One of this said measures is the
installation of the pontoon bridge (a
kind of footbridge) to cater the needs of
the citizens to cross the river especially
now that the Christmas season is
looming.

Students, teachers adapt to heavy traffic

With the collapse of the bridge that
connects downtown Batangas City
and Barangay Pallocan West causing
heavy traffic across the City, students
and teachers of the Integrated School
started to adapt with the traffic scheme
implemented in the City.
Five peso-boat ride and free jeepney
ride were among the adaptation methods
exercised by the local residents affected
by the destruction of the bridge.
A boat dock implanted along the

Calumpang River offered ride across the

river from Brgy. 1 to Pallocan West. One
way trip is charged five pesos.
Every morning, we need to get up
early so that we wont catch a long line
of boat passengers along the bridge,
Mr. Lucio Bayeta said to The LATHE
during an interview.
On the other hand, a free jeepney
ride rolls from six to nine in the morning
and three to six in the afternoon. This
is made possible through partnership

In Citys 45th founding anniversary festivities

Borbonians take part, reap awards

by MARSHA CZARINA ALMERIA & ANGELIKA VHEM BALIWAG

Students of the Integrated School

took part in the different activities
scheduled for the celebration of the
Citys 45th founding anniversary, July
5-29.
This years celebration revolved
on the theme Idol Kita Ka Pule! in
commemoration of the sesquicentennial
of the birth of Apolinario Mabini. These
included inter-high school competitions
some in which Borbonians won.
Select students from Integrated
School bagged the third prize in
Dulakasan (a one-act play for the
environment) held at the Batangas City
Convention Center, July 19. The group

presented the one-act play entitled

Kabataang Batangueo Tulong-tulong,
Makakalikasang Kapaligiran Isusulong
under the direction of Miss Daiana
Solmirano.
Meanwhile, select high school
members of the BatStateU Diwayanis
Dance Theater also won third place
in the Sublian Festival (Community
Category), July 29.
Different events were also held
during the month-long celebration of
the Citys Foundation Day including
dance competitions, games, and
contests, feeding programs and cooking
showdowns.

by CAEZARIUS VINCENT ALETA

School family.
Among the discussants during the
orientation program were Mr. Joni
Albarico, department head for academics
(admission procedure, grading system
and subject nomenclature), Mr. Ernie
Roa, department head for technology
(technology-related subjects and grading
system), Mr. Luis Philip Oropesa
(scholarship matters and guidelines
for the selection of honor students),
Mr. Lucio Bayeta (student discipline),
Mr. Michael Bathan (student life and

by ROANN PHOEBE MANALO &

MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

of the City Government and SM City

Batangas.
Other visible changes were the
transfer of jeepney terminals.
Dagatan-bound jeepneys relocated
their terminal from a lot located along
Rizal Avenue corner Lt. Col. Atienza
Street to Gulod Labac near Pontefino
Hotel and Residences.
The transfer of terminal has both
good and bad sides. Good because it
help lessen traffic but causes delay on
passengers because we need to take
two trips to reach our destination,
Deignielle Arellano, a regular student
commuter, exclaimed.
Meanwhile a number of late arrivals
in morning classes were recorded as a
result of the bridge collapse. This was
according to the records of most subject
teachers in first period classes.
Prof. Vilma Aguda, director for
Integrated School expressed her opinion
regarding this matter.
We should be adaptive with the
changes. Students should not make the
bridge as an excuse as a habitual excuse
for tardiness, Prof. Aguda stressed in
an interview with The LATHE.

G7 studes, parents attend orientation program

To make Grade 7 students and parents

get informed about the Integrated
Schools academic and disciplinary
policies, the Integrated School held
an orientation program for Grade 7
students and parents at the University
Gymnasium, June 13.
Prof. Vilma R. Aguda, director
for Integrated School, welcomed the
students and parents. She also extended
her congratulations to all Grade 7
students for being part of the Integrated

activities) and Mr. Joselito Macalalad,

PTA president (PTA-related matters).
An open forum was conducted after
every discussion. Parents were able
to clarify issues most especially on
issues on purchasing of school uniform,
academic requirements and guidelines
for the selection of honors under the K
to 12 program.
Faculty members and staff were
also introduced to parents during the
orientation program.

SUPERB. Members of Teatro ni Pablo during their one-act play presentation at the Batangas City
Convention Center, July 19. Photo by: Mr.Vinson-Roi de Chavez

INTERACT extends hands

for community service

by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA & JAMES ANDREI DIMATULAC

With the end in mind of rendering

service to the less fortunate fellows,
the Integrated School Rotary Club
(INTERACT) conducts feeding and
literacy programs to the children of
Sto. Domingo, Bauan, Batangas every
Saturday.
The weekend community service
started last August 2. Every Saturday,
INTERACT officers together with some
student-volunteers take part in various
charitable activities.
During its launching, INTERACT in
partnership with the Boy Scouts of the
Philippines (BSP) cooked and served
nutritious foods to children ages 5-12.
Aside from feeding programs, the
group also conducted reading and
writing sessions. In some cases, the
group also spread the word of God
through Bible sharing.
INTERACT also spearheaded a
tee planting activity at Diversion Rd.
Batangas City in partnership with
the Philippine National Police (PNP)
Batangas Chapter, Red Cross , Girl

Scouts of the Philippines and BSP

officers.
Likewise, the organization held
a coastal cleanup drive in Sta. Rita,
Batangas City.
The group sustains the project
through fund-raising activities like
bottle collecting contests. All classes
collect bottles. At the end of the month,
INTERACT officers collect the bottles
from each class and determines which
classes collected the most number of
bottles. The top five collectors every
month are given simple token. Collected
bottles are then sold.
Allan Glenn Palbacal, INTERACTs
president expressed his gratitude to the
student-volunteers who readily support
the organizations activities.
Nakakatuwang may mga kasama
kami sa school na tumutulong sa amin
para mag-conduct ng project na ito
kahit alam naming marami rin silang
mga school requirements na kailangang
tapusin every weekend, Palbacal said
to The LATHE during an interview.

Comelec sets SK polls

on February 2015

by JEROME PAUL BEJASA & JULIUS JANDEL PAPA

A year after the scheduled

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections
was postponed President Benigno
Simeon Aquino III through RA 10632,
the Commission on Elections (Comelec)
bared to public that SK elections will
push through on February 21, 2015.
Deadline for registration period for
qualified voters for SK election was set
to September 20-29.
The deadline of filing of candidacies
for seats in the SK of each barangay was
set on February 10, 2015.
Meanwhile, some students of the
Integrated School have expressed their
intention to run as SK chairman or
councilor in their respective barangay.
Among the Borbonian contenders
for the most coveted seats in the SK

are Deignielle Bert Arellano (Tulo,

Batangas City), Alona Jane Magnaye
(Bucal, Batangas City), Joechelle
Marisse Macalalad (Balagtas, Batangas
City), Graziella Nia Joan Tumambing
(Palsahingin, San Pascual, Batangas),
Airen Joy Villena (Paharang West,
Batangas City) and Kristina Meez
(Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City).
SK is designed by the national
government to train students for
leadership and empower them as
members of their respective barangay.
James Andrei Dimatulac, member
of The LATHE, expressed his views
regarding the upcoming SK polls.
Its good that the youth regained the
governments trust for public service,
said Dimatulac.

ITS CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY. The lighted giant Christmas tree and Christmas lights adorning the sturdy narra trees at Plaza Mabini signify the
start of the happiest season of the year. Photo by Danna Darlene Catapang

OPINION

LATHE

page

The

EDITORIAL
Amidst Chaos
In the midst of crisis and calamities, the
unity reflected among the people is indeed
commendable.
We, Filipinos, possess the Filipino-spirit;
that we can overcome all the hardships and
sufferings with Gods grace and smiles on our
faces.
Last July, typhoon Glenda wiped out the
vicinity of Batangas City resulting to linked
troubles regarding electricity and water
supply. The downfall of the Calumpang Bridge
caused many interruptions to the residents
and motorists. Logs and debris of structures
scattered all over the area. The aftermath
was unimaginable.
Nevertheless, the concept of bayanihan
was visible.
As a habit, the term bayanihan conveys an
image of several men hoisting a nipa hut over
their shoulders and moving themselves to
another location while women and children
are watching the spectacle. And although
this manner of bayanihan isnt observed
nowadays, its spirit and value lives on and
just recently, the Filipinos displayed the spirit
of bayanihan anew.
Unlike in the past, bayanihan doesnt
just focus within a neighborhood. It has now
reached new heights for the reason that even
other nations had their fair share of support
as cash donations were given to the victims of
typhoon Glenda. Filipinos from all across the
nation also extended their hands by giving
relief goods, clothes and even toiletries. And
the best thing about it is that we get to see
that even the poor shows compassion even in
their little ways.
Through rough times like this, being
rich or poor holds no account if you have the
willingness and the mind to help. And with
the efforts of the government and the heart
of volunteerism in every Filipino, truly are
we displaying our resilience in empowering
our community.

Honesty in Humanity
SHARPSHOOTER
ROANN PHOEBE MANALO

Freedom and access to information on all aspects

of life prior to leadership is vital to living.
Declaring boundaries or limitations
and denying access to others are
different ideas concealed beneath
two mistakenly identified concepts of
privacy and secrecy.
Apparently, both are concerned
with the recent controversial issues of
corruption, mismanagement and denial
of properties and worse, identity.
The Freedom of Information (FOI)
Bill aims to mandate the disclosure
of public documents and right to
information of common citizens.
Meaning, we are given the freedom
to visit and check the official records
of the government such as the proper
allotment of public fund to the people.
This would also mean that personal data
of government leaders can be monitored
by everyone.
This is where contradictions collide.
Stating whats obvious, many of
our politicians are deeply bothered and
hesitant regarding the access to personal
information, which, they believe is an
invasion of privacy. It never was and
never will. Some things are better kept,
and, it is taken into consideration under
the bill. There are always exemption to
the rule, there are restrictions bounded
in it. Such record under the control of
a government agency including official
acts, transactions or decisions, as well
People often tell a lie with the
intuition that it would make things better
and that it would be best for everybody.
When in fact, not speaking the truth just
makes everything worse.
This is where complications and
misunderstandings arise, and the
dilemma grows deeper.
Stating the truth, though it includes
straightforwardness of conduct, would
grant you a pure conscience. For
instance, being brave enough in voicing
out what you believe is a transgression
could bring you inner peace, because
you know in yourself that you made an
action to put an end to the unethical acts
you have witnessed.
People may threaten you for the
information you possess. But in reality,
they threaten you because they are
intimidated by your just character and
would immediately seek out brutal
retribution as the only course of action.
Despite others trying to make you
feel guilty, be tough. Theyve gone
too blinded by the fear of facing the
consequences. We must serve as their
eye opener, thus, we need to be firm and
brave to stand for our own righteous

as government research data used as a

basis for policy developmtent is free, but
private acts, transactions or records of
public officials and private individuals
shall only be released subject to existing
laws. Fair enough for the popular
and the commoners. There is nothing
to be afraid of as long as there are no
unjust anomalies occurring. Were all
just looking for an assurance for good
governance.
On the other hand, Binay and
Purisimas unexplained wealth remains
a question. Why does it need to be kept
a secret? In fact, it is something they
should be proud of because all their
hard work paid off, unless it is a product
of stealing and corruption. Sadly,
all investigations point to the same
common ground.
In reality, we must learn to keep
things in private because it is necessary
for an individual to have an identity and
to show at most value to something.
After all, no one wants to be so nude.
However, denying something you
rightfully own is a different thing,
parallel to lying.
Furthermore, FOI bill reveals
ones transparency, accountability and
honesty; traits that a real leader must
possess.

On a larger scale, it is a big challenge

to become liable and honest both in
words and papers, most especially when
you are handling the countrys wealth.
Even so, officials are tempted to snip
amounts in any way possible, thus,
resulting in corruption.
Perhaps, on smaller communities
like school, it is equally important to
practice appropriate administration to
attain good leadership and respectful
feedback. Handling a community was
never easy. You have to think what will
benefit or harm your fellowmen. You
have to consult others before making
an action. Listening to others point of
view and perspective is essential but
understanding what theyre up to is
more significant.
Often, when we are put in position,
we take it for granted and demand so
much than the usual. This must be
observed and ended in case. We must
not live by our position, rather, live as
even leader with the desire to serve and
improve the society for the betterment
of everyone. That is the purpose of
leadership; we must not wobble to help
and give assistance when inquired.
Being a student leader is not a privilege
so as to be known and eminent but an
immense responsibility that one must
comply.
Freedom and access to information
on all aspects of life prior to leadership
is vital to living. We are all born to be
free and get necessary information
we need even if we craft faults
sometimes. Nevertheless, we are born
to make mistakes and not to counterfeit
perfection.

The Best Policy

adamant crystal
CHRISTA ANGELICA SAGUN

Applying honesty even to the smallest and simplest things, is where we learn all other values.
beliefs. People may try to alleviate your
principle, but the truth shall prevail.
Applying honesty even to the
smallest and simplest things, is where
we learn all other values. A person
raised out of honesty usually turns out
to be trustworthy and reliable. Just
speaking your mind always without
hiding anything would gain faith and
certitude from others.
Recently, Cadet 1st Class Aldrin
Jeff Cudia was dismissed from the
Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
days before his graduation on March
after the academys honor committee
found him guilty of violating the Honor
Code by lying. PMAs Honor Code is
a unique system administered by the

cadets to themselves, barring them from

lying, cheating, stealing, and tolerating
fellow cadets who do so.
This discharged cadet is a concrete
example of the price that you will have
to pay for acts of illegitimacy. It just
shows us that the consequences brought
by dishonest conducts do not justify the
very act itself, because it is usually more
severe and shameful. Living with a guilty
conscience is no way to live, because
the misdeeds you have committed will
haunt you into an awkward relationship
with yourself. So the bottom line here
is that, it is much simpler to be truthful
in all your endeavours rather than do
something deceitful and make a fool out
of yourself.

The

LATHE

OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

INTEGRATED SCHOOL - HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Vol. XLII, Issue No. 1
AY 2014-2015

EDITORIAL BOARD
Roann Phoebe Manalo, editor in chief;
James Adrian Panganiban, associate editor;
Maryrose Lizette Reyes, managing editor;
Christine Joy Caguicla, news editor; Christa Angelica Sagun, features editor; John
Vincent Garcia, science & technology section editor, Ranver Castillo, sports editor; Lenalie
Anne Aguila, circulation manager; James Andrei Dimatulac, chief correspondent; Edrick
Morales, chief layout artist
Angela Madellienne Peradilla, Quin Abigaile Evangelista, Jenica Czarina Mendez, Jan
Carlo Tinaja, Ma. Anneth Matira, Ross Henree Villena, Charizze Anne Esto, Jerome Paul
Bejasa, Germaine Marie Manalang, Reaner Jacqueline Bool, Danielle Isabelle Dalisay,
Christen May Laureta, Trishia Jean Bagsit, Jonellyn Dayo, Angelika Vhem Baliwag,
Marsha Czarina Almeria, Caezarius Vincent Aleta, Alfonso Miguel Atienza, Kristine Anne
Festijo, Ried Arcillas, Trisha Faye Escobar, John Andrei Macuja, Laurence Panganiban,
Hannah Suzette Arcega, reporters
Jurpreet Sanger, Kris Emmanuel Dimaapi, Spencer John Manalo, Jon Limuel Calinao,
Elma Chiello Caprangca, Aliana Krista Atienza, cartoonists;
Julius Jandel Papa, Romarie Ann Sagaoinit, Darlene Danna Catapang, Godwin Benedict
Panaligan, Hannah Isabel Conti, Vince Allen Paa, photojournalists;
Mr. Joni M. Albarico, publication assistant;
Ms. Heidi B. Baraan, assistant director, office of student publication;
Prof. Vilma R. Aguda, director, integrated school

OPINION

page

Erroneous Conception
GYROSCOPIC IDEAS
CHRISTINE CAGUICLA

Extra-curricular activities are designed to make

students manage their time wisely an opportunity to
juggle studies with personal interests.
Extra rice. Extra gravy. Extra-curricular activities.
We used to live in a world of extras. Soap operas. Challenges and the
like. Extras connote excesses an assurance that everything can be filled up
whenever there are inadequacies.
Even in the normal classroom setting, nowadays, students take grade
incentives from participation in extracurricular activities in the form of extra
points. These points, according to them, are just ways of making the student
feel that all his efforts are properly compensated.
This capitalist notion of grading is a scenario that brings a cumbersome
feeling for those who are left in the classroom and diligently attend the regular
class sessions. In some cases, students who were excused from attending class
for a long period of time tend to obtain higher grades compared with those
whove done everything just to make their grades cling to passing.
Extra-curricular activities are designed to make students manage their
time wisely an opportunity to juggle studies with personal interests. These
should not be used as an excuse to save one self from failing in a subject or in
worse cases, to surpass others in terms of grade.
Even the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers states that the students
academic grade should be based upon actual proficiency demonstrated and
not upon other considerations such as conduct or attendance. This only means
that the academic grade of a student must depend solely upon the scholastic
performance and should not be tampered with rewards and incentives that is
bestowed by the teachers for activities that uplifted the institutions name.
Likewise, the University Norms and Conduct for High School Students
also provides every student their right to participate in co-curricular or extracurricular activities but as we all know every right has its corresponding
responsibility. It is not new to us that every time we miss class, we also miss
quizzes and activities.Hence, we must make up with our missed requirements.
This only means, we should embrace the fact that a student shall be able
to juggle studies and other matters because just like in ecology, balance is
needed to maintain life on the planet.
In the end, extra-curricular activities are considered at the end of the
school year whenever there is a selection for a recipient of a particular award.
I think efforts can also be compensated, not in the form of grades, but in the
form of scholarships or other benefits.
Sometimes, self-satisfaction from participating in an event or contest is
already a compensation. It is one way of seeking pleasure and self-identity.
I hope the erroneous conception on extra-curricular activities be purged
from every students mind.

Temporary Haven
CEREBRAL VIEWS
MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

These facilities simply give the students

temporary rest and repose in leisure time.

For the famished and the starving, they need a sanctuary which could offer
them a moment of relaxation and enjoyment.
In a university supported by the government, students are expected to be
eager and persevered in studying. Thus, the facilities which students may use
to acquire this drive must be appealing, clean and well-ventilated.
These facilities do not only pertain to classrooms and libraries full of
reading and studying materials but may also apply to the canteens and even
comfort rooms. Why? These facilities simply give the students temporary rest
and repose in leisure time.
The high school department of the Integrated School issued a new scheme
on meal breaks to lessen the hassle of the congestion in the school canteen. A
certain batch is distinct to have their breaks at 9 a.m. while the rest takes theirs
at 10 a.m. This new policy has helped reduce the population of the canteengoers but I may say that this is not enough action to give every student of the
university a convenient canteen experience.
With over thousands of students in our university all loitering around
the canteen, 15 minutes allotted for recess and 45 minutes for lunch is not
sufficient to squeeze in the three narrow doors of the establishment and
after that, to crowd over its congested kiosks. Also, the small numbers of
functioning fans which are barely felt due to the thick population worsen
the situation. The natural ventilations which could perhaps help alleviate the
dilemma also lacked.
Going in the canteen fresh and going out covered with sweat is a common
sight among canteen goers, but should we be contented upon seeing this
situation? Integrated School comprises only a minute percent of the total
population of the university. They are not the only ones who utilize the school
canteen. Consequently, they should not be the only responsible to try to
impose organization on this canteen. Other departments can also take action
on this specific matter. The shifting of break schedules could be a good start.
During our meal breaks, our canteen resembles a movie house hosting a
premier night of a really famous film; most awaited and most mobbed for.
But something we should have probably gained in this circumstance is that
despite the huge volume of people, there are systems and regulations that
circulate to keep everything organized. We also lacked distinct schedule of
meal breaks like distinct schedule of movie showing to give equal chances to
each student of the university.
It is never too late for an action.

The

LATHE

In Dire Need of Exploration

What little glimmer of hope we had

of actually having a field trip might have
been long gone after what seemed like
a tragic field trip accident that ended
the bond betweenstar crossed lovers
Michelle Bonzo and HiroMallari.
Itmade much buzz in social media and it
even seemed like the HiroMich love
story overshadowed the real picture
were all supposed to be focusing on.
The death toll from this particular
mishap involving students from
Bulacan State University who
were apparently swept by raging
floodwaters seemed like the final straw
one of which the government did
not overlook. And we shouldall expect
the government to do all the necessary
precautions to stop risky field trips
from ensuing.The Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) reminded
schools and universities that there is
no need for a trip if students would not
learn from them and if risks outweigh
benefits from such exercises. But the
truth is, despite every effort of the
government to prevent field trips so as
to ensure everyones wellbeing, we all
know that nothing compares to the joy
and satisfaction we get from taking part
on these trips.
Come to think of it, a field trip wont
be that much accident prone if we pick
the right places to go to. You might even
be surprised with the wide array of sites
and places to choose from including

hotshot hermes
JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

Our universities cant keep us in our classrooms forever and deprive us of the enjoyment
of a field trip.

science museums, cultural institutions,

theaters, historical sites, zoos, nature
centers, botanical gardens, government
agencies and various factories which
are all equally fun and interactive at the
same time.
Furthermore, field trips give
students a chance to break free from
their usual classroom setup even for just
a single day. Most of the time, students
have a difficult time understanding
concepts and seeing these topics
presented with a different approach
might help reinforce the information
easier. Take a museum for example,
instead of just sitting passively in class;
students are able to contemplate on the
different displays around them. They
are able to touch and experience what
a certain object feels like up-close.
Plus, minimal explanations are needed
because basically what you see is what
you get.
Local field trips also give teachers a
chance to see their students in a different
perspective. And similarly, the students
get to see their teachers differently
as well. It is also an opportunity to

Physics of Life
VISTAS JUSTAS
MR. JONI ALBARICO

But the basic principles of life need not be

very complex.
Ive been in the teaching arena for six
years. So far, Ive met a lot of students;
sometimes I cannot even remember their
names. All I can remember probably is
that once in a while, we learned and had
fun in the classroom.
Talking about how things in nature
behave the way they do has been my
mission for the past six years. Aided with
mathematical formulas and conceptual
understanding, I have accompanied my
students in their journey to the world
of physics. It is a basic science that lets
everyone understand broader fields of
science.
Our everyday encounter with
Einstein, Newton, Galileo and their
descendants has provided us clearer and
wider perspective of how the universe
works. More importantly, these men
of science provided us insights on how
these principles, theories and laws can
be applied in a more complex system
known as life.
For instance, physics tells us that
an objects motion is dependent on its
change in position. But other than this, a

It is no wonder that communication

nowadays
has
become
more
democratized for everyone. From
snail mails and messages in a bottle,
conveying information and opinions
can be now made at an instant.
Expression is now within our fingertips.
The prevalence of social media
has become a big hit among people
of different ages, gender and race.
According to a statistics published
Third Team Media last January, about
thirty six percent of the Filipino
population are social media users.
Social media have successfully
dominated most of our activities.
For instance, news about the country
and the globe can be easily accessed
through news feeds in Facebook and
Twitter. Anyone can freely tweet or
share to the public what he is doing at
any moment in time (even going to the
comfort room).

reference point must also be considered.

It dictates the precise change in location
of an object being referred in motion. In
its deepest sense, we can reflect on how
we have attained our goals in life based
on where we started. Goal attainment in
life should always start from the end in
mind. Did we have a good start?
Another thing that is really
indispensable in field of physics is the
concept of force. It is the requirement
for an object to undergo a state of
motion. Therefore, we must exert our
utmost effort to move towards the
achievement of the desired goal. If we
remain at rest and complacent, we will
not move forward. Likewise, a person
whos very spirited will continue to
move whatever minor obstacles he may
face along the trail. Thats what Law of
Inertia says.
The rate at which we move along
our trail may not be constant. In times
we speed up, sometimes sloppy. It
is the driving force within us that
determines our acceleration. Nothing
beats an exhilarating spirit. This is what

bring the teachers and students closer

together. Moreover, a field trip may
awaken a childs hidden desire to go
out and explore new things. It can be a
means to introduce students to different
jobs and could quite possibly spark
up his passion for once unconsidered
dreams.
By seeing real-life application
of the lessons that students learn in
school, we learn to see the purpose of
why we actually go to school. There
is a good chance that we might be
able understand and appreciate things
better. And to keep things clear, CHED
clarified that they didnt entirely ban
school field trips. So one things for
sure, CHED has good intentions of
keeping us away from harm but it is
still schools decision to make the first
move whether they would conduct a
field trip or not. Our universities cant
keep us in our classrooms forever and
deprive us of the enjoyment of a field
trip. Well all be missing out on the joys
of life. If it isnt that risky then give us
a break, every student needs a breath of
fresh air every once in a while.
Newton wants us to realize the law
of acceleration. Acceleration is always
dependent on applied force, no matter
what the situation is.
And never forget the third law. For
every action, there is an equal and
opposite force of reaction. It may sound
a clich but its the universal rule. When
you do well, you gain better. So the
same can be applied in reverse. When
we want to achieve something in life,
its the one with the most noble and
purest spirit that will hitch the goal.
True happiness is one that does not
deprive others to feel the same.
And dont forget the nuisance in any
physics problems friction. Whenever
we deal with word problems dealing
with friction, students become out of
the rule. Forces diminish in effect due
to friction. No matter what happens,
it will always exist. Friction reminds
us of obstacles in life that need to be
overcome. They make us turn to become
the strongest alloys for construction or
sometimes the most expensive gem for
jewelry (take the case of diamonds).
Life is a complex process (biology
explains it). Its just a matter of how we
deal with it. We become better when in
company with others (chemistry proves
it). But the basic principles of life need
not be very complex. Because even the
very simple laws of physics can be our
philosophical springboard in life, just
live with it.
Love physics. Live life!

Wireless Ethics
MERMAIDS MELODY
LENALIE ANNE AGUILA

Means of communication may change every time but

the tenets of proper and respectful communication
shall always prevail at all times.
Though there are a lot of advantages
on the use of social media, it has also
created another villain that nowadays
is quite hard to combat. Crimes in
society have started to evolve into a
more digital and virtual nature. This is
the thing that mostly bothers us if left
unresolved.
It is common scenery in our social
networking sites to read messages that
slanderous and offensive in nature. The
convenience social media offers has
become cordial for users to express
whatever they want. A common line of
reasoning given by this group of people

freedom of expression.
It is good to note that the government
has enacted laws that aim to protect
the welfare of netizens. At least, there
seems to be ray of hope that would
enlighten online offenders regarding
their misdemeanor in the wireless
community.
At the end of the day,
communication among people shall
always observe proper decorum.
Means of communication may change
every time but the tenets of proper and
respectful communication shall always
prevail at all times.

LATHE

OPINION

Seeking Niches
INK BLOTS

JAMES ANDREI DIMATULAC

We must all understand that no one is superior

to the other and neither gender nor race can hinder
someone from unlocking their potentials.
Going to school does not necessarily
require gaining intellectual knowledge.
Apart from these academic learning, we
acquire values of communication and
learn to cope up with the circumstances
which are unaccustomed. School is more
like home which nourish fine etiquette
and conduct which hones students to
become better people of the future.
In our younger years, our parents
taught us a very valuable lesson. They
told us to respect and value diversity.
And although men and women may
have their differences, they instilled
that every individual is capable of doing
what he wishes to if he has that desire
to do so.
Fortunately, the past administration
of the university began its quest to
showcase the true essence of being a
Borbonian by having a new set of core
values. Two of the new ideologies of the
university tells about the human dignity
and mutual respect. Human dignity
affirms the uniqueness and distinction of

every member of the community, with

high respect to equality, social justice and
human right that is necessary to ensure
as harmonious university environment.
Meanwhile, mutual respect refers to the
recognition and acceptance of individual
and professional differences in the
exercise of academic freedom and the
freedom of expression. It is exhibited
by a community to growth and positive
change.
And although the school promotes
gender equality and mutual respect, its
sad to say that this matter still is a major
concern within the campus.
A perfect paradigm showing the
disparity between the sexes is the
Integrated Schools technology subjects
as it is divided into two: Sets A and
B. Most courses under Set A involves
courses that require a strong physical
built like Electricity, Electronics, Wood
Working, Mechanical and AutoCAD
thus this set is mostly dominated by
men. On the other hand, Set B is all

about femininity. It mostly involves

Dress Making, Cosmetology, Food
Technology and Handicrafts thats why
this set of courses is assumed to be
exclusive only for the girls.
However, that is not the case as some
girls take up Automotive Servicing
classes despite knowing that its a class
more suitable for boys. Similarly, it is
unusual to see a boy taking up courses
from Set B as it is a class that mostly
women would take. Regardless of their
gender, students are entitled to choose
among the options given to them even
though others might have something to
say about the choice they made because
whats important is that we decided for
ourselves.
Sadly, students are overshadowed by
the thought that only women should get
involved in feminine practices and that
only men should take part in physical
jobs. Women from the modern age have
proven this misconception wrong as
they are now able to drive trucks like
men. Likewise, men have proven that
they too, can take care of the household
chores. These just show that God made
us all equal in every aspect. We have
no right to judge others based purely
on their gender or race. We must all
understand that no one is superior to the
other and neither gender nor race can
hinder someone from unlocking their
potentials.

Wanted: Sanctuary
PILGRIMS THOUGHTS
JONELLYN DAYO

The problem with Filipinos is that sometimes, we take actions without even thinking of
the consequences.
Theres no place like home, as
stated on one of the popular quotations
weve heard but during these times, it
seems like even in the comfort of our
homes, we cannot ensure our safety.
Crime rate in the Philippines
continues to rise. Recently, a survey
was conducted and the Philippines was
considered as the number one country
in Southeast Asia with the most number
of crimes reported. It was indeed an
alarming issue for all of us Filipinos.
Adds up to this was the alleged
kidnapping
reported
just
along
Calumpang Bridge, Batangas City
wherein two students of Batangas
State University were threatened. Just
right before the incident was another
student who was just walking home one
evening from school when suddenly an
unfamiliar face of a man snatched her
cellular phone. Another group of senior
students, likewise, were bullied by a
group of young men just a few meters

from the schools periphery.

Students were often chosen by
criminals to be their targets since they
seem to be vulnerable as compared
to adults. While their parents are busy
working thinking that their children will
come home safely from school, they
were never been aware on the danger
that their beloved may face after school
or even during the school hours. At
school, there are authorities to ensure
the safety of students. Some schools
were even equipped with Closed Circuit
Television (CCTV). Outside the school
are the policemen but despite of all these
forces, still we cannot make sure all the
time that they are there so we have to be
more cautious.
But as I went through all these
news, a single thought flew in my mind
questions like Who were the one
we must blame? Is it the government
officials who were irresponsible and are
lacking some necessary movements, the

policemen who were too busy doing

something else instead of doing their
jobs properly or is it ourselves?
Most of the Filipinos blame the
government officials because according
to them, its their responsibility to take
further actions that will later result to
a safer place for all of us. However,
before pointing our fingers on them,
we must reflect on ourselves first. Ask
ourselves if we have already done our
part. The problem with Filipinos is that
sometimes, we take actions without
even thinking of the consequences. We
just care about our own lives, we make
decisions for our own selfish gain at
the expense of other people, innocent
people like those students. Our wrong
perspective towards success pushes us
down more.
Instead of looking for someone to
blame, let us start to change ourselves
for good. After all, we are all Filipinos
born on the same land. Now is the time
to wake up. We all have our freedom
so let us not waste that freedom in
doing such wrong actions. In the end,
each and every one of us still have
responsibilities and a good country
starts with productive and responsible
citizens. Lead the change! So that well
one day wake up seeing the world that
just existed in our minds before, now
come to life.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

I am deeply concerned with my sons unhealthy

sleeping habit. He would often complain about some
teachers telling them to submit a project a few days after
it has been given to them. What bothers me most is him
sleeping late at night and the insufficient time given to
finish his project as it will surely affect his grades and
performance at school. I hope that the school would do
something about this issue because Im sure other parents
would agree with me on this matter.

-Concerned parent
Dear Concerned Parent,

It has been my observation that some parents

overstay in school even in times when their presence is
not needed. I understand that they only want to watch over
their children but I often see and hear them chitchatting
in some areas where class sessions are being held. I think
there should be some restrictions on when and where they
shall stay in the campus.
-Concerned student

Greetings! I understand your concern regarding your

childs poor sleeping habit. As a student myself, were
riding on the same boat. Well make a point that this matter
will be aired to proper authorities.

An action regarding your concern has long been

made. Parents are supposed to be staying in the parents
lounge when visiting the campus. Well try to communicate
your concern with the PTA officials and the director.

-The Editor

-The Editor

page

The

BORBONIAN
EXPRESS

eavy traffic is now a perceived

problem every morning in
the City after the Calumpang
Bridge collapsed. This also includes
congested roads along Sta. Rita and
Bolbok due to large volume of vehicles passing this
area. This results to a number of students who come
late in class every first period classes. What is your
sentiment about this matter?
ORNALD TABARES
IV-Humility

For me, this traffic has been a normal scenario

where we are all very affected. We all know that it
may take a long time before the government may be
able to restore the traffic systems and avoid
such traffics. So as an answer, maybe
we could fortify the Number Coding
scheme and strengthen laws about
this. While when it comes to students who come to school late due to
this, a difference in class schedule may also be helpful. This way most
students would avoid being tardy and they will have more time for their
requirements and would avoid sleeping late.

BRENT ROI GUTIERREZ

G9-Uranus

In my humble opinion, I think it is not

necessary to have different class schedules
because this may affect some of our subjects and
also the time we may be able to reach home. I
think what we need is discipline regardless of
your gender, age, or social status because
having discipline is a worthy deed to
contribute in the development of our city
and our country.

Mrs. GRETCHEN BAYETA

Math Teacher

Since the downfall of the Calumpang Bridge, I

have observed how every type of person is affected.
Students and employees run late from their
schedules which greatly affects their performance
and those who run their businesses through
crossing the river faces a great problem. The
state of the bridge really reflects the reaction
of many citizens who feel that thegoverment
is not doing enough for the people. Its
something of a wake-up call for our leaders and even for the locals, that
we should always expect obstacles and always remain vigilant.

Mr. LUCIO BAYETA

Student Discipline Coordinator
This collapsed bridge truly is a grim predicament,
and I can testify to that statement as an affected
citizen. Nowadays I am frequently late in coming
to school and the trip is very taxing. Problems arise
because of the tides in the river and the loading area
for the boats. The immense volume of vehicles passing
through the other functioning bridge is not
helping matters either. I just wish that the
Calumpang Bridge will be reconstructed as
soon as possible. Because from my point of
view, they chose to renovate a marketplace
which doesnt need renovation over
fixing a broken bridge that affects many
Batangueos.

Mrs. SHERYL C. GONZALES

Math Teacher
This problem with the bridge should be
addressed with as soon as possible. Many citizens
are weighed down its condition and I myself find
it very troublesome.

Dear Concerned Parent,

WANT TO BE READ?

The LATHE wants to know your sentiments. We accept articles

written by our fellow students.Interested parties may visit us at our
office, 3/F Media Studies and Publication Building (near DevCom
Building).

page

FEATURES

The

LATHE

A Teacher to Remember
by CHRISTEN MAY LAURETA

Our basic learning may be compared to the one whom we owe these knacks. Like elements in Science, they are
building blocks of our society. Like the variable x in Math, they lead to a solution through a process. Like the proper
usage of grammar in English and in Filipino, they are teaching us to be upright. Like the skills learned in MAPEH, they
are teaching us to apply our wisdom. And like the virtues obtained in EsP, they are instructing us to be a better person
permeated with morality.
They are acknowledged as second mother outside our respective houses. Molding the young, promoting
intelligence, and lighting our dusky paths. These are just rudimentary descriptions for these people.
One of these teachers shall be recognized and awarded not with trophies, but with unconditional love and the
appreciation of what she contributed to us. It is indeed an honor to feature this inspiring person.
THE GENESIS
On the 21st of October 1949, she came to life. After prosy years of studying, she took her college under Bachelor
of Science in Education major in Filipino at University of the East. She spent her several years at Saint Bridget College as
a Filipino teacher and later the head of the Filipino department. When she reached the age of 60, she retired from the
teaching service.
It seemed that her passion for teaching remains kindling. Three years after retirement, she decided to return to
teaching. Last year, fortune brought her here at Batangas State University. She became the adviser of G9-Saturn and
handled Filipino and EsP classes. We conducted a survey among her class and the findings were very blatant.
LITTLE THINGS
When she enters the room, the light and mirth ambiance arises. It would be another hour of sharing experiences,
not just the experiences itself, but their outlooks and feelings toward this experiences. The way she pronounces the word
Saturn is quite funny and remarkable. She starts the class the usual way with a greeting then a prayer, but everything
she does is unique in her own way. Every movement she accomplishes is soft, caring and coy.
She has her mannerisms and trademarks, which is normal among our docents. There is always something with her,
which we cant ignore and makes her feel special. Likewise, her hobbies also add color to her as a whole. She is fond of
mastication. She always has her ginger which is very noticeable, as well as her. This person is humorous and jovial. She
loves jokes and she has her own version.
She often tells stories regarding her life and experiences with teaching, like the way she handles students and their
behaviors. Every memory seems to be precious for her.
A MOTHER BY NATURE
Chastising her learners is another issue. She has her own way of regulating her students. She never punishes them
with tough tasks nor shouts at them. She never bumps heads with her students, just to let her students realize that their
mistakes are the most valuable learning. She was never too old for anything; she still enjoys the so-called selfies and
also develops bonding with her students through this medium.
A teacher is also a parent; a full time mom and dad at school and at home. She really acts as a mom to her
students and gives food to them which goes with care and passion. She always thinks of her students sake. She gives
consideration to her students and to their inevitable late projects and home works. She also tries to reach out to every
student to open up to her and shows no favoritism. She seldom shares words of wisdom to her students which they
never forget.
No negative feedbacks has been perceived during the survey to her students. All were positive and it seems
that she really is a heroine, who doesnt just save lives but inspires to save others, too. She is the kind of teacher which
students wont hide to, because everyday seeing her is a day full of joy and wisdom.
Age was never a hindrance to inspire, love and be loved. Specifically to a person whose dedication and passion not
just ends in school but in every chapter of living to be spent with all walks of life. She is indeed a person who works not
for income but for the perks of her workmanship. A mother not just in her biological children but also to her offspring
by heart, and a teacher who taught us to view the world optimistically and the way we want to see the changes by
initiating it.
Good day Maam Daisy De Torres, we are your students and our love to you is immeasurable and our gratitude is
not enough to be expressed here, but the fruits of our hard works will define it. You are our second mother, our hearts
are destined to be with each other forever, you will be an inspiration for every triumph we will attain. You are indeed a
teacher to remember! We love you and will always love you, Mommy.

Mother of Sweets
by MONICA DENISE BAUTISTA

Huy, ineng, bili na ikaw ng meringue, she greeted with a smile. I bought a pack of the candy and sat beside her
big bag of goods.
Esther Caballe leaves her grandsons humble at Sariaya, Quezon early at 4am. With a big bag of goods, she travels
alone to Batangas.
Its not a burden. The collector in the bus helps me with my load, she beamed showing off marks of age that defined her kind face. At the age of 89, shes a remarkable woman.
CANDY AND PHILOSOPHY
As we try to sell out all the
goods in her bag, I noticed how she
wont let the students give her their
change. She would not accept it.
She said that her pride wouldnt
let her to. I looked intently on her
Esther told about how she buys her and asked if she has something
SWEET BEGINNINGS
Lola Esther was left to put up her own necessities at her grandsons that bothers her life. She bore her
family early at 26 since her husband house. She would buy her own share eyes straight t mine as if reading my
died of leukemia, her eyes glistening of rice, coffee, and milk. Sometimes, soul and then said, All people have
and her voice slightly cracking as she she would gladly spend for them. Its problems but they are all easy to
spoke to me. She worked at a coconut not like she is forced to do so but this solve. The people are complicated.
factory in Candelaria, Quezon that is how she wanted to live, at least, Im I smiled sheepishly as I am guilty of
she said was Peter Pao. With hardly acknowledged, she once told me. This the fact. She continued through and
P64.00 a day she managed to raise all sweet woman of her age only wanted said she isnt an easy person. She
the 3 of her children.
to be a mother to her children. She described herself to be complaining
At the age of 54, she retired in even attends to her great grandsons a lot. All people are, she would add,
the factory and took P2000 to start never forgetting to buy them fruits on Because if you wont recognize their
her journey in Batangas. She bought the way home.
faults, they would think that what they
different goods from Quezon and
Another reason why she never do is right. It was all too personal for
transported them alone. It wasnt easy. stops is her strong faith to humanity. her to tell more about it. I can see her
Shes not getting any younger. At first, Be as human as you can be. Anywhere trying so much to be strong.
she tried selling those off the town but you go, there would always be good
When I asked her how she could
God never left her, soon she began people who would treat you like a keep up al and she said was, My
selling inside different campuses. brother, Lola Esther started off as she secret is the Lord. Hes the one that
Batangas State University (BatStateU) shared her story of Leonardo Sanchez. makes me strong.
is one of her frequent dwellings.
He was the owner of a parlor in the
I usually leave at 4pm, when all
The other side of the goods. city. She said that he was like son to of my goods are sold out, I remember
My son doesnt want me to work him and the latter would treat her her tell me. I checked my phone and
anymore, Lola Esther confessed to like a mother. This guy would let her read 10:00am. I glanced at her bag
me. But she said shes still strong stay in his place whenever travel is not and saw it empty. She smiled at me. I
and as long as she would sell sweets. possible. He even offered lola Esther helped her pack up her things and was
When actually, what she wants was to live with hijm. She is grateful to him surprised when she held her hand out
to be helpful to her sons. She doesnt saying that hes more a man than he on me. It contained a pack of apas.
want to be burden to them. Lola thinks he is.
This is for you.

Another reason why she never stops is her strong faith to humanity. Be as human as you can be. Anywhere you go, there would
always be good people who would treat you like a brother.

FEATURES

LATHE

Leaders in the Making:

The SK Wannabes

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES & CHRISTA ANGELICA SAGUN

Leaders live by choice, not by accident. -Mark Gorman

Everyone craves for leadership. It is because people have the fallacy that leadership is a way of attaining
power and superiority. When the truth is, leadership warrants much more from a man than anything he ever
hopes to accomplish.
A leader becomes outstanding not when the person is charismatic. A leader becomes exemplary when
hes doing what his heart tells him so.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is the venue for young Filipinos to be trained as leaders. Despite all the
judgment being thrown at the new era of kids, still there are people who has the heart to serve others. Here
our are fellow Borbonians who have accepted the challenge of servant leadership in their respective localities

page

The

A Borbonians
Survival Kit
by ROANN PHOEBE MANALO

Red and white is the distinction of Borbonians, indeed. It is

perceived among the bright crimson uniform that intensify the
dreary streets on mid-day. Nevertheless, there are also things that
would hint the identification of a certified Borbonian. Stuffs that
are never out of an IS students padded bags. Perhaps, if you own
these, you are exactly where you are, no more turning back.

DEIGNIELLE BERT ARELLANO, IV-Honesty

Tulo, Batangas City

I have decided to run in the SK Elections because of my aspiration to

serve and help my kabarangays especially the youth. I grew up in a family of
public servants and because of that, I was steered into the path theyve been
through and I intend to be a memorable part of their legacy. River sanitation
drives, and community service, specifically feeding programs are just some of
my proposed plot to contribute to the progressive state of our barangay. As a
way of reaching out to the people, I would like to pay the locals a visit on their
homes and hand out campaign paraphernalia for them to comprehend that
my purpose to serve them is sincere and whole

ALONA JANE MAGNAYE, IV-Integrity

Bucal, Batangas City

I am filing my candidacy this upcoming SK election, because I have this

unfaltering principle that if you possess the skill, you should also have the will. I
was influenced by my father who is a councilor of our barangay too. Escalating
crime rates and absence of curfew were among the problems I want to resolve.
I would also want create an action against teenage pregnancy and engage the
youth in recreational activities such as Basketball Leagues.

JOECHELLE MARISSE MACALALAD, IV-Integrity

Balagtas, Batangas City

Having someone who believe in me gave me the spirit. A councilor

of our barangay had seen my potential in community serving in my feeding
program as part of my Chief Girl Scout Medal Scheme Project. I envision
myself leading the youth to a path away from teenage pregnancy and
addiction. I plan to hold seminar and clean up drives for the advancement
of our barangay. Losing in this election will not hinder me from advocating
the rights of my fellow youth.

GRAZIELLA NIA JOAN TUMAMBING, IV-Honesty

Palsahingin, San Pascual, Batangas

With due certainty, I want to be an SK Officer because I believe that

Ive already proven that I could serve my kabarangays and my fellow youth.
I want to make a difference at my young age and influence the youth to
the right path. It was my parents who urged me to enter the challenging
field of politics since they used to be SK Chairpersons themselves. I want to
motivate the youth to join different community services to be conducted
for the benefit of our barangay. Some of my propositions are feeding
programs, basketball and volleyball leagues, and barangay cleaning. I will
be honest in all my endeavors and will always speak from the heart. I am
still willing to serve even if I dont win in this SK Election.

AIREN JOY VILLENA, IV-Sincerity

Paharang West, Batangas City

My desire to help and my advocacy towards unity and oneness in

our barangay pushed me to file candidacy in the upcoming SK Elections. I
was inspired by the capabilities of the past SK Officers who made a move
towards the development of our barangay. To develop camaraderie among
people, I am planning to arrange basketball and volleyball leagues. And
I intend to be an active part of all the projects in our vicinity, so that the
people would be aware of my intent to serve them.

KRISTINA MEEZ, IV-Sincerity

Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City

As a concerned youth, I have it mind to bring upon my barangay,

the reform and change that they so deserved. My father, who used to
be a barangay councillor, was my motivation to pursue a position in the
government. I plan to help them in line of health by launching feeding
programs and vaccination, and towards education, I intend to organize
and systematize our Day-Care Centres. And for my fellow kabarangays to
be familiar with me I am going to be more sociable and friendly towards
them.

MECHANICAL & HB PENCILS

Mechanical and HB pencils are permanent residents of your

pencil cases. You cant end your drafting class without using any of
these materials. As a technology-based institution that requires skills
and craftsmanship, these are perfectly suitable to gratify your need.
Mechanical pencils are used to provide lines of constant thickness
without sharpening in technical drawing and writing. They have also
been used for fine-art drawing. On the other hand, HB pencil is ideal for
writing, drawing and sketching on paper and matt drafting film.

COLLEEN COLOR PENCILS

IS life would be dull without Colleen color pencils. The artistry of
a Borbonian is reflected to every master piece created, thus, Colleen is
the best companion to rely on (no other brand can outshine it). With
its vibrant colors and with a reputation of yielding exquisite output,
students bet on obtaining flawless outcome. A work is naked but with a
touch of Colleen magic, amateur artists seem to be experts.

UNI PIN
Your isometric drawings and orthographic views are blot-free
because of Uni Pin. With its tendency to produce clean drawings, it
is preferred by many borbonians over the more traditional gel pens.
The highly economical Uni Pin drawing pen features waterproof and
fade-proof pigment ink. Ideal for all types of art and design, including
sketching and technical drawing, with a Uni Pin at hand, those mediocre
drafting plates and mechanical drawings could even pass on as works
of professional architects and engineers.

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
A Borbonians class schedule is mostly dominated by math and
science classes. You will always find yourself bombarded by confounding
mathematical equations only to be saved by your dear friend- the
scientific calculator (preferably Casio Natural Display). This top of the
range scientific calculator presents 417 mathematical functions on its
exceptionally clear and easy-to-read Natural Textbook Display. This ever
popular model is now available with random integers and an improved
equation mode, as well as solar power. Just when you taught of giving
up on your advance algebra and physics class, always keep in mind that
your scientific calculator is just hushed down your backpack.

FLASH DRIVE WITH LACE

Other than the school ID, it seems that students have practiced to
wear necklaces pendant and keychain with a flash drive, merely because
it is necessary to own one. USB flash drives are touted as being easyto-use as they are small enough to be carried in a pocket and can plug
into any computer with a USB drive. Having computer-aided subjects
requires personal thumb drives to compile all requirements and school
works. Accessory it is for Borbonians of all levels.
But above all, you are a certified IS student if your knowledge and
crafts are ideal.
More than just tools, the things mentioned above serve as a
source of inspiration for students aiming to succeed; future engineers
and architects, artists, educators and programmers.

page

10

FEATURES

The

LATHE

Coming on Time
by CHRISTA ANGELICA SAGUN

I have never known something so precious; that is valued even to its feeblest form. Something that matters up to
its core, and an entity that we crave for just to rewind it, until I was matured enough to realize the importance of time.
We never know what life-changing moment could happen in just a split second. Time wasted, is life wasted. It can never
return. Dont leave yourself with regrets later.
Being on time builds your discipline like communication, information and the early bird catches the worm. Discard
and shows that you can set aside a entertainment. It is easy to become all the misconception embedded in your
pleasure to take care of something addicted to gaming, texting, talking fertile mind and start this process with
much more important. It is also one way over the phone or socializing online. optimism. Mind over matter. Always.
of revealing your integrity and having Research shows that 95% of people
Traversing the obstacle course
respect towards others. Being punctual say that they regularly browse the web, that leads to the university is another
also teaches you that you can rely on text, or watch the television in the hour adventure. Incidents such as vehicular
yourself, that you are a man of your before bed. Gadgets dont just wake you accidents, fully loaded public utility
words. The more you keep the promises up, they also make it harder for you to jeep, traffic jams, lack of ways of
you make, the more your self-confidence fall asleep. A two-hour exposure to light transportation, and the abundance
will grow. And it will make you feel to from electronic displays suppresses of commuters patiently waiting are
have more control in your life.
melatonin, a chemical in our body that inevitable. You just have to be clever and
Students often come late to their promotes sleep, by about 22%. So quit street wise. Try taking other routes that
classes and appointments, simply hash tagging on Twitter and posting would also lead to your school. If youre
because they fail to wake up early in the images on Instagram. You love your stuck in a heavy traffic just a few miles
morning due to lack of sleep. Experts gadgets, but taking them to bed isnt away from your school, start walking.
generally recommend seven to nine worth it. When you go to bed, say In that way, you could spend your time
hours a night for healthy adults. In order goodnight to technology, too.
wisely so as not to be late. Plus a little
to achieve this, be responsible and have
Despite the continuous buzzing exercise wont hurt, would it?
the will to finish all your assignments of the alarm clock and the piercing
There are plenty of reasons as to
and chores quickly. Set a time table or nagging of your mom, you cant help why each individual comes late to their
a schedule for yourself and make every but say the five more minutes magical respective agenda. An efficient solution?
effort to follow it. Estimate the time it lines. Resisting the magnetic force your Time management and discipline. And
will take you to complete each activity, bed offers and leaving the comfort of as the old saying goes, better late than
and start first with the difficult ones and your pillows is indeed a difficult task to never. But it would be best if we will
requires much effort. If its a project, do. But challenges have always been a always be timely and punctual. We may
make sure you dont procrastinate. You part of our daily lives, and the morning no longer live in the age of black and
will have the drive to finish these tons of sickness is one of them. Just realize how white televisions and charcoal irons, but
homework before getting comfortable grateful you should be, because God being punctual is just as important as it
under covers.
woke you up and gave you another ever was. It is still an essential component
This is the generation where day to realize how wonderful life is. All of the character of an upstanding man.
Internet and gadgets has become a those negativity of waking up early in
necessity. People rely on it for things the morning, let it all go. Remember that

The Power of Five

by AERAH BELLE GUINHAWA

Tired of failing grades? Disappointed on your class

card? Well here are five effective tips for you to improve.
Take down notes and discuss.
Studies have shown that we remember 10 percent of
what we read, 20 percent of what we hear, 30 percent of
what we see and hear, 70 percent of what we say and write,
and lastly, 90 percent of what we say as we do. On class
discussions, students often only listen to the teachers and
just few take down notes. Memorization would be faster
if lessons would be outlined and written neatly. It would
also be better if important terms would be highlighted with
yellow. Colors have psychological effects.
Thus, this specific color promotes memory and clear
thinking.
Set a place and time.
Our places where we study affect us. Reading while
in the bed could make you feel sleepy. Being in front of
the television may remove your focus on the things you
study. Being surrounded by a lot of noisy people could
also distract you. Its good if the place to study is far from
interruptions and is appropriate. It should be properly lighted and could make you attentive. Another
good routine is browsing or lessons, lectures, books or notes everyday.
Eat right and exercise.
Foods such as fish, egg, cereal, pasta, pork and beef have high omega-3 fatty acids which helps
our brain. Chocolates, nuts and even coffee are also good to our brains health. Its good that we
include these in what we eat everyday. Exercise is also essential to maintain a good condition of our
brain. Its proven that 20 minutes of exercise each day is enough. Have a little walk to the school or
perhaps a cleaning activity in your room. You saved your coins and become a great help, plus you
stay healthy.
Have enough sleep and dont cram.
Having enough sleep helps people stay alert and refreshed. Aside from that it gives better
memory and thinking skills. Staying awake all night just to memorize is a bad habit. It would lose your
concentration the next day and would keep you drowsy. A good sleep, with minimum of eight hours,
is necessary. Cramming is also a big NO. Our body needs relaxation and rest for it to function well. A
simple review of your notes everyday is better than studying the whole lesson the night before the
examinations.
Treat yourself.
Everyone needs a reward after all the hard works weve done. This would motivate you to work
more and to keep up what youre doing. Eat your favourite foods, go to the mall, or spend time with
your friends. We all deserve a break. Only be sure to balance your time and be wise.
Students normally cram; the feeling of boredom and exhaustion in studying is not new especially
when test are coming. But with a piece of sacrifice and adjustments, everything would work just fine.
Just what like Hugh White said, The past cannot be changed, the future is still in your power.

Dual Wielding
by CHARIZZE ANNE ESTO

Dota 2, Clash of Clans, Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, Instagram,

G-mail, Yahoo and other applications online along with the websites
linked to them are accounts that leaves a mark-footprints of our identity.
Information that would either make or break us.
Information is a double-edge sword, a weapon that we should
utilize wisely. Just like digital footprint, our trail left behind after using
an application especially online and of course using the net. Your
contract details, location, messages and photos you send and received,
status, comments, posts and tweets you publish, liked and share along
with what they say about. The history of the sites you visit and other
data used to market products to be know and establish a reputation.
These are information gathered by certain people and companies. The
gathered intel from every single person which could be sold to another.
The higher the rate of activity, popularity, and influence raises the price
for the information of a person.
The game Watch Dogs by ubisoft is about a hacker attempting
to hack multi-million companies and government organizations. There
is the digital shadow , an application in the game that shows how
active and how many are your posts and who your family members and
affiliates are. It also shows a graph about your mood and behavioural
conditions. Gamers were frightened to that fact and it pointed a certain
person accurately.
In an account, we all encounter privacy settings which is actually
not so private even if you customize it. Due to the passages of data
flow: passive data and active data. Passive datas are the information
stored without client knowledge. After browsing the web, it leaves a
digital shadow gathered via site hits & cookies, records IP address, time
of access etc. Some proxy servers collect every keylog. The hardware or
software analyzes the way you type and your patterns
These information are available and used by marketers,
researchers, law enforcement agencies etc. While active datas are the
files that we knowingly show and release to the internet. These are
our status, comments, tweets, shares. Information we create online
but analyzed offline by a keylogger away to analyze human actions.
Ofcourse, online, our personal interests, social life, behaviour and
locations are recorded. Nonetheless, some personal privacy settings
are fixed within social sites.
According to www2.huhs.org, a survey was performed to show
how vital digital footprint is. In 2008, 26% if all hiring managers use
search engines to research the digital footprint of potential applicants
(45% in 2009). Then, 63% of hiring managers admitted that what they
found about applicants on social networks, to use one media type,
cause them to hot make an offer to applicants on social networks, to
use one media type, caused them to not make an offer to applicants.
While 50% of recruiters for college graduate jobs exhibited the same
behaviour. And just 3% of self-searchers report that the make a regular
habit of it and 74% have checked up on their digital footprints only
once or twice.
Information we release and receive are vital. Right now, we
should be straight forward to our feelings and actions so that we could
prevent lying to ourselves infront of people. We should try and not do
anything bad or else it will backfire. We should leave every footprint not
only within the internet but also ourselves- our life. We should leave
something behind that will be looked upon years after. Bad words and
rude behaviour does not make us a cool person but rather a person
that is weak to follow the evil.

LATHE

FEATURES

page

The

11

Paradise of the North

by JAN CARLO TINAJA

Long trips have never been boring if its purpose is really to discover, explore things and to entertain us. From the
moment youre packing up your things, excitement overflows in our nerves. We would search the sceneries, cultures,
vicinity, and spots in the place youre gonna tackle down. Most specially, when you already know, yourself, that, that
place is really prominent and naturally beautiful.
Northern Luzon, specifically Region I, is where you can find different kinds of minority groups, sceneries that
are naturally fascinating, food that can only be found there, and much k0ore. Truth to be told, I really appreciated the
things I have seen and newly discovered there. Theres no reason to regret our very own places besides the fact that Im
somewhat nationalistic when it comes to travelling.
It was a 14-hour trip from Batangas to Vigan. Obviously, Vigan is familiar because of its antique-themed city. The
fact that the medium for transportation here is kalesa. How will you not appreciate it being an orthodox. Besides, most
of the goods theyre selling were made up of wood and fashioned by carving? You really do want to buy those because
of their efficiency and rarity. These famous I <3 Vigan shirts that I think, have been bought bey each and everyone
present there. I dont really know the veritable reason why they kept on selling this wood-carved genital of a man. Who
would care less, even in Baguio, Tagaytay, and Cebu, these are present.
The next place we have gone was in Ilocos Norte, the limit of the Philippines in Northern West of it. Who would
not love those rhythmic waves coming from the shore, where you can already sight the islands of Batanes. Besides,
those windmill that generator the electricity in some parts of Ilocos, as they have said. You will also see stalagmites and
stalactites in the caves of Kapurpurawan, the bats that cling up from there and you gotta love the smell of their wastes
because youre adventurous. Speaking of food, they are famously known in their longganisa. I really dont know whats
behind this, but youll experience how tender, delicate and delicious this is. The fact that these were our breakfast, lunch
and even dinner. Garlics in Ilocos are really, really expensive compared on what we have in Batangas. Besides, it is, I think
is just three-fourths of the regular size we have in markets.
We really do want adventures in life. We have to enjoy every minute of it. Experience everything they have.
Appreciate all the moments you have experienced. Share the memories you have encountered.

Tingloy at a Glance
by REANER JACQUELINE BOOL

Travelling, its one of the things in my life that I love the most. Being at
different places with lots of eye catching and breath taking sceneries, is what I
enjoy and excites me, and that makes me love travelling more. This kind of things
relax me and make me feel home even though Im kilometres away. Just last
summer, I had the most unforgettable experience. I have been to a place like a
paradise, Tingloy.
Tingloy is a wonderful place, where anywhere you look is beauty. From its
fine, white sand, clear water and hospitable people, you will surely feel like youre
in paradise, and this is what I loved the most in this one of a kind place. Just
walking and roaming around can easily warm everyones heart because it feels
like heaven. Unique and rare foods are also found there, like the one I tried called
Pakpakan, which is really delicious and makes you want to eat more. There are
lots of beaches that you can go to, better than those famous ones, which you can
go have a swim without any entrance fee. Different aquatic animals which are
rare can be seen, like the ones that you can only see in televisions. People living
there are kind and very caring, and thats also a reason why I want to stay there
and not to go home. Even though, I only stayed there for three days, it felt longer
and it feels like I want to live there. A place where love dominates and rules, where
harmonious relationships are existing.
Leaving was the most heart breaking and hardest part of that visit. Just
seeing that municipality getting little from the boat I was riding on is really painful.
If I had a chance to give a message to the citizens of Tingloy, I want to say thank
you for a great experience. I sure had fun, and that unique feeling and experience
will always be with me forever. And if ever, Ill have another chance to go there
again, I wont think twice to visit or live in there even.

Flashbacks at the Walled City

by CHARIZZE ANNE ESTO

Where cannons shout freedom, guns fired independence and where people died for our country- Intramuros.
Intramuros is enclosed by great strong walls and eight study gates which may also be called forts. It was the fortress of the
high officials and the family of Rajah Sulayman, the person that gave Manila to the Spaniards. It had seven cathedrals wherein
when an earthquake shook the ground, all of them fell except one- Saint Augustine Church. The oldest church in the Philippines
lasting 480 years or so. Manila Cathedral also fell that was severely destroyed by World War II but left its mighty walls that are
high with steel bars even the windows. It was said that there was treasure hidden inside.
Intramuros today tries its best to make us Filipinos to be proud of our own country. Thanks to the regime of Marcos that
rebuilt most of them. We can ride by a kalesa around Intramuros with the drives dressed uniformly and looking like a real
Spanish-era drive. They will tour you around the forts which are the gates. When World War II happened, Fort Santiago was one
of the severely damaged gates. We rode along the walls by the kalesa. I noticed deep holes that I presumed to be gunshots.
Intramuros walls are like the great wall of China, but smaller. Both are perfect spot for soldiers to defend their nightful
place. They still have those heavy cannons positioned at those walls. Between the walls were the place where soldiers used to
prepare themselves to attack.
I loved the food in the Intamuros. It was during my mothers birthday, June 10, 2014, when we visited Saint Augustine
Church. We walked to what looks like a mini street that have houses left and right. Houses that will bring you back 200 years
ago. We arrived to a place called Casablanca- a restaurant that serves Filipino dishes. We ordered kare-kare, Kaldereta and
Nilagang Hipon with egg rice. It was heavenly. The waiters were kind and hospitable, the food was ethereal. I did not taste those
kind of foods in my grandmothers cooking. We enjoyed it. We talked with my aunt via Skype since the restaurant has a free
internet connection and the restaurant is fully air-conditioned with flat screen TVs. After that, we walked to a cake shop nearby.
It was operated by priests and nuns. The decoration inside were full of crucifixes and things that popes used. They even have a
mannequin where it was dressed like a pope. The menus name for cakes was saints and popes names. We ordered a cake, and
it was heavenly holy. It felt like I am already in heaven. After eating and a little chitchat, we drove home.
Intamuros is so amazing that this paper is not enough to describe it. I learned to appreciate our past and why Dr. Jose Rizal
and Gomburza fought for us, for this country. We should appreciate our past more and treasure it for it made as to what we are
now. Visit Intamuros and see these for yourself!

page

12

FEATURES

The

LATHE

Successful Strife
by CHRISTA ANGELICA SAGUN

Teaching as a profession, has always been a pride to ones country. They feed our fertile minds not only with knowledge, but with life lessons.

A Middle School Instructor at

Mohave Valley Junior High School
in Mohave Valley Arizona has
brought honor to the Philippines
for
his
achievements
and
outstanding performance. He
was hailed as the Middle School
Science Teacher of the Year by
the Arizona Science Teachers
Association (ASTA) to recognize
and honor a middle/junior high
school teacher who exemplifies
quality science teaching at the
middle/junior high school. He also
received numerous awards such as
McKellips Awards Fall of 2012 and
Spring of 2014, and was a nominee
for the Teacher of the Year award for
three consecutive years.
Before reaping the fruits of
your success, one must learn to
toil and work hard for it. Hoping to
search for happiness on a greener
pasture, he was motivated to teach
in the United States. This educator
wanted to develop professional
growth, and somehow, has his own
financial reasons. Horrible the
appropriate word to describe his
initial encounter with American
students. Soon, he noticed a lot

of differences between Filipino

students and his new charges. His
students collaboratively searched
for ways on how to push him to his
limits. They laughed at his Filipino
accent, interrupted his lessons,
distracted his teaching strategies,
and most of them blurted out
unnecessary
comments
while
hes in the middle of his teaching
presentation. This was one of the
struggles he went through. He felt
depressed and miserable during his
first few months being in this new
setting.
During
his
teaching
experience in the United States,
he recalls some of his memorable
moments. He introduced the
Arizona Science Olympiad to their
district, and was even in the news
several times for winning awards,
and they were recognized before
the different schools all over
Arizona. At this point, he realized
that he was a well-loved teacher.
Students appreciate his efforts to
make his Science lessons fun and
at the same time, knowledgeable.
Students even made him certificates
as a sign of appreciation. He was
even chosen to deliver the speech

during their recent High School

promotion ceremony.
Most of his experiences were
so unforgettable that it stirred him
to express them into words, hence,
the birth of I Survive: a Filipino
Teachers Journey to teaching in
the United States. He shares that
God is the source of all success.
The book tells his readers about his
extraordinary skills, amazing talents,
and the affectionate character of
Filipino teachers. It also serves as a
guide for the teachers who would
like to follow the same path as his.
The author also wants to erase the
negative intuition that American
teenagers are disrespectful and
ferocious. This remarkable story of
bravery and conviction is for anyone
wishing to read an inspirational
story that brings laughter, tears,
and a grateful heart to everyone
who reads it.

sharing to the teachers more tips

to improve their craft as educators.
A man who is fond of motivating
educators with his experiences
who once wore his white toga
at the confinements of Batangas
State University Integrated School
(formerly, Pablo Borbon Memorial
Institute of Technology Laboratory
School) in 1997, Mr. Baldwin
Gutierrez.

However, this teacher sees

himself as an educator in the
states for a while. He plans on
giving himself ten more years in
the United States to see for dual
citizenship, and then stay longer in
the Philippines. He wishes to enrich
himself professionally and continue

Financial Literacy 101

by JAN CARLO TINAJA

Like how the typical students listen to their teachers, answer their homework, prepare for their quizzes, and do their project, they must also have sufficient knowledge and
understanding regarding how they spend their financial resources even though they, themselves, are not yet in the critical age of handling such thing. Basically, we, students, get our
allowance from our parents as our budget for our daily expenses such as the fares to jeepneys and tricycles, food we eat at school, project and test paper fees, and if we still have enough,
we go to malls to watch movies and computer shops to play. But, are we spending our money effectively by doing extra things like accounting the expenses we spent instead of just
earning and spending the money we have?

Usually, it is our parents who

budget the water and electric
bills, rent for apartment, weekly
or monthly grocery in the market,
allowances of us, and many more.
Certainly, they would have a
complete list of all the expenses
of the month and the required
receipts for future purposes. They
account all these things to maintain
the stability of their budget so that
inconsistencies will be avoided. But
as a student, is it necessary to do
also the same things? Definitely
NOT because we still dont have
sufficient knowledge about all the
credits and financial assessments
required by our family to sustain
the daily and month basis of living.
But, as a student, we may have
certain algorithm or steps like what
our parents do. Since we also hold
certain money, large or small, it is still
advisable that we value and account
them the way our parents do so that
we can use them effectively and no
part of it is unnecessarily used.
SOURCE
It is important to know where
your money came from because
basically, it will be our source.
Without a source, we will not know
where to get our money in case
we badly need it. As a student, the
source of our money is from our
parents allowance. In case we have
sidelines, selling goods, etc, then we
can include them.
PRIORITY
Know your priorities, the most
important to the least one. Probably,
the ones listed on the top are the
daily expenses transportation,

food, projects, down to the bottom

gifts, personal wants, hangouts.
Why is it important to know your
priority? You should do this in order
to secure the important things, the
one that will make you have a hard
time without them. It will make you
sure that these things have already
been set to be secured for stability
purposes
LISTING
Most student wonder where their
money usually go. Like a diary, you
must have a list of all your daily
expenses so that when you come to
ask yourself, you will have an ease
way to recall them. This is important
because this will serve as your basis
for your future financial obligations.
Besides, youll know where you
spent much of your money and you
could probably have an adjustment
in this in the future time until you
completely deal a month with
secured finances.

SAVE
It is not enough to know where
your money came from, how you
prioritize them, and having a list of
the things you spend, it is a very big
deal too to save your money. People
save money so that they could have
something to spend on when they
needed it for the future. Sometimes,
they also want to buy something
that they have waited for a very
long time. It is essential to save
money because youll definitely not
worry about future circumstances
emergencies, urgent need.
GROW
Let your money grow. Do not just
depend on the
allowances
given to you
by
your
m o t h e r.
Even
t h o u g h
youre still a
student,
think of a

way on how you can increase your

monthly budget. The most common
thing students do is they buy and sell
things through the internet social
media, receive orders from clients,
and have meet-ups for personal
transactions. Others consider a
networking business. Like the latter
mentioned, the difference is just
that all the transactions happen too
in internet, all youre gonna need is
an internet connection, computer
unit, and pleasing approach to
the customers.
Financial literacy is
not limited to adults
only; even students
can learn the

concepts of it. Although it is not

under the high school curriculum,
it does not mean youll never learn
this. Its not yet too late to catch up
and be a wise and effective finance
user. Integrate yourself to the world
of financing, adjust yourself to cope
up with the instabilities, changes,
and inconsistencies, start now and
make a difference by yourself for a
better future ahead.

LATHE

SCI & TECH

DOST launches tablet for

disaster risk management

by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

From one biblical character to

another.
The Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) launched the
Monitoring and Operating System
for Emergency Services (Moses)
tablet to make way for a more
efficient
communication
during
calamities and natural disasters.
The Moses is a tablet developed
under Project NOAH (Nationwide
Operational Assessment of Hazards),
an android app that specializes in flood
hazard maps where high-risk areas as
well as safer grounds are identified.
The eight-inch tablet comes with a
dual SIM, TV and radio functionalities,
with long-life battery that can last for
three days.
The locally developed Moses allows
its user to take pictures of calamities
such as flooded areas, fires, and

landslides. Afterwards the pictures are

uploaded and sent to the command
center via 3G or Wifi. The photos
pinpoint the location of search-andrescue facilities. Similarly, it displays
blocked access routes and emergency
access routes, providing visual access
on different scenarios in a barangay.
Despite its tablet form, it is not
intended for downloading game
applications and software. Each tablet
is estimated to cost Php 20,000.
Other
than
distaster
rish
management, the tablet was also
designed for agricultural purposes.
This device can monitor moisture and
temperature conditions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Philip Oropesa,
computer
technology
instructor,
expressed his views regarding this
recent technology.
It is good to note that DOST
continuously strives in developing
technologies that would enable public
to be informed in real time, Mr.
Oropesa said. access routes, providing
visual access on different scenarios in
a barangay.
Moses has been placed under pilot
testing in Marikina where flooding is
prevalent during the rainy season.

Senior student eyes agri

tech as career path

by DANIELLE ISABELLE DALISAY

GARCIA

A senior student of the Integrated

School chose to cross the thin line than
to take stereotype degree programs
on engineering and related fields in
college.
John Vincent Garcia (IV-Honesty)
qualified for the program Bachelor of
Science in Agricultural Technology at
University of the Philippine (UP) Los
Banos after passing the UP College
Admission Test (UPCAT) last August.
In an interview with The LATHE,
Garcia shared his views why he chose
to take the road less taken.
I believe that the future and
progress of our nation depends a lot
on agriculture. We have many arable
lands but only few have the technicalknow-how on how to manage this
arable lands, Garcia said.
Borbonian graduates used to
enter degrees related to engineering,

allied medical sciences and business

and economics-related programs in
college as shown by records kept by
the Office of Guidance and Counseling
Office.
Besides, history has shown
that ancient civilizations were able
to sustain their living by engaging
themselves in different agricultural
activities. This made me realize to
take agriculture as my career path in
college, Garcia added.
The technology department of the
Integrated School is indeed elated
with Garcias choice.
Considering that agriculture is
not included among the options for
majorship in technology courses for
high school students, we are happy
that some students still want to be part
of the nations improtant economic
sector, Mr. Ernie Roa, department
head for technology said to The LATHE
in an interview.
Garcia, meanwhile, explained to
The LATHE his plans, in case he will
be able to finish the four-year degree
program.
I want to be part in the nations
search for solutions to food security
and nutrition. I see this program as a
way of helping fellow Filipinos, Garcia
added.
Garcia is planning to be connected
with research agencies that help
farmers increase their harvest yield
through organic and sustainable
methods of farming.

page

The

IS to offer robotics in AY 15-16

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

The Academic Council approved the

possible implementation of robotics
program as track which targets to
educate Grade 10 students taking
up electronics as their major field
of specialization in Technology and
Livelihood Education (TLE) subject.
To be at par with the standards set
for graduates of a technology-based
curriculum and to respond with the
demands of a technologically-oriented
workplace, said Prof. Vilma Aguda while
explaining to The LATHE the reason
behind such decision.
The academic decision was one
of the development plans of Dr. Tirso
Ronquillo, University President, for the
Integrated School.
Meanwhile, the University will
benchmark with the First Asia Institute
of Technology and Humanities (FAITH)
in Tanauan City regarding the curricular
implementation of robotics.
In an interview with The LATHE, Prof.
Vilma Aguda, director for Integrated

SOON TO RISE. Students of the Integrated School, just like students in other schools in Manila, will
soon be equipped with skills for robotics as the new subject will be offered as majorship in TLE for Grade
10 in AY 2015-2016. Photo from Google Images

School, explained the plans of the

administration regarding offering of
robotics in the basic education level.
The University will tie up with other
institutions that offer robotics in high
school. This is to make our students well

Seniors participate in DOSTs

Science Film Fest

Together with Geothe Institue of

Manila, the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) organized a
Science Film Festival (ScFF) screening
in Calabarzon to celebrate science
communication throughout Southeast
Asia, North Africa and Middle East.
As part of the program, DOST Region
IV-A initiated a viewing of the said Film
Fest throughout the region with partner
universities and public highschools
including Batangas State University to
be invited to the film showing featuring
the recent films about greenhouse
effect, carbon dioxide balance, and other
environmental problems, December 12.

by CHRISTINE JOY CAGUICLA &

MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

The event aims to initiate young

students to be inclined in Science and
to come up with Filipino scientists.
DOST has other programs including
Science Fair with investigatory projects,
youth contests, and scholarships to
Philippine Science High School with
the same advocacy, Ms. Zoraida Dazo,
Science Teacher Specialist I of DOST-IV
said in an interview with The LATHE.
ScFF had also its screenings at the
Laguna State Polytechnic College, San
Pablo City High School, Southern Luzon
State University and the University of
Rizal System.

Stress relates with academic

pressure, study says
A department head urged teachers
to give ample time to students in
completing their requirements in
different subjects.
Mr. Joni Albarico said this in response
to the findings of a study showing that
academic presssure is the main reason
for stress among high school students.
It is important for teachers to ensure
that students be given ample time
in completing their requirements for
the project. We would like to develop
students that have high sense of time
management, said Mr. Albarico.
According to the report, the pressure
that students feel from parents and
schools raises stress levels so high that
some teachers regard student stress
to be a health epidemic. As a result,
students resort to cheating to cope up
with academic pressure.
Results also revealed that time
management is linked to academic
workload as two major contributors to

by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA

stress.
Significantly, the study associated
unhealthy sleeping patterns with stress.
Furthermore, inadequate amounts
of sleep make students aggressive and
limit their learning and concentration.
In addition, results showed poor
nutrition and unhealthy eating habits
as another stressor as foods high
in fat, caffeine, sugar and refined
carbohydrates are more likely increase
ones stress levels.
On the other hand, Miss Louzle
Mangubat, health teacher shared her
views on this matter.
Other than academics, students
should also find other recreational
activities such as sports to serve as their
outlet for academic pressure. Likewise,
students shall also develop a sense of
time management or else everything
will turn to chaos, Miss Mangubat
added.

LATHE scribes
grab natl science
writing awards
by JOHN VINCENT GARCIA

PANGANIBAN

The LATHEs associate editor and

adviser bested among the nations
science writers after winning the SciDev.
Nets science writing titles during the
conduct of the 2014 National Schools
Press Conference (NSPC) at the Subic
Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, April
7-10.
James Adrian Panganibans news
feature article on climate change won
the third place in the special science
writing contest in English for high
school students.
Meanwhile, Mr. Joni Albaricos
commentary on climate change was
adjudged second place in the science
writing contest in English for school
paper advisers.
Science writing was a debut contest
of this years NSPC, the highest and
most prestigious journalism contest for
basic education. Training and plenary
sessions for science writing across
the country was facilitated by SciDev.
Net, a leading agency on science and
technology news and articles.

by REANER JACQUELINE BOOL

by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

of the Integrated School to observe

their carbon emissions to at least lessen
the increase in the worlds temperature.
Meanwhile, John Vincent Garcia,
in behalf of the student attendees
expressed his gratitude for the lessons
they learned in the seminar.
It is good that groups like this try
to go to schools and educate students
about this perennial environmental
problem, said Garcia.
Meanwhile, Prof. Vilma Aguda,
director
for
Integrated
School
reiterated to student atendees that
concepts learned in the seminar should
be applied in real life like switching off
lights and air conditioning units when
not in use.
The environmental group from PPA
go to different schools across Batangas
province to educate students about
carbon footprint and climate change.

equipped with the skills expected from

a high school that offers a technologybased curriculum, Prof. Aguda said.
Teachers who will teach robotics will
be trained by select faculty members
from the College of Engineering.

Borbonians partake Rotarys anti-polio drive

Seniors attend seminar on carbon

footprint, climate change

A group of environmental advocates

from the Philippine Ports Authority
(PPA) Batangas City conducted an
information dissemination activity on
carbon footprint and climate change
at the Universitys Audio Visual Room,
September 2.
The said seminar was attended by
students of IV-Honesty and IV-Integrity.
Discussants talked about the recent
trends on global temperature and
clitmatic patterns and how these things
are related to major human activities
and consumption patterns.
Carbon footprint refers to the
amount of greenhouse gas emissions
a person or group create due to
different activities such as energy usage
related to burning of fossil fuels and
other related products. Large carbon
footprint is related to cases of global
warming.
The group challenged the students

13

BEYOND WORDS. Grade 8 and 9 students during the END-POLIO-NOW formation activity in
support for Rotary Club of Dowtown Batangas anti-polio drive activities, October 24. Photo by: Rotary
Club of Downtown Batangas

In line with the celebration of World

Polio Day, the Rotary Club of Downtown
Batangas, in cooperation with the
students of Batangas State University
Integrated School, initiated a movement
to the fight of the said organization
against polio, at the Batangas City
Sports Complex, October 24.
Together, the students of BSU
created a human word formation,
spelling the words End Polio Now. This

partnership with the Rotary Club is to

show support for their campaign about
polio eradication.
Polio is a contagious disease that
became an epidemic in the past, and
caused a widespread problem in many
countries worldwide. In present times,
there still arent any cure discovered for
halting polio, but effective vaccines are
available to prevent the disease from
surfacing.

Due to the severe cases recorded

in the past, several organizations
initiated programs, exerted efforts
and cooperated with one another to
help fight the prevalent disease. One
of the groups who pioneered in the
said prevention is the international
organization, Rotary.
Polio eradication is Rotarys top
charitable priority. In 1985, Rotary
launched the PolioPlus Program,
supporting polio-endemic countries.
Even in the first few years of
implementation, together with global
effort, the incidence of polio has
successfully decreased by more than 99
percent all over the world.
Until today, polio statistics around
the world decreased to three countries
only from more than 120 in the 1980s.
Philippines is a good example of the
countries which successfully prevented
the said diseases, in which the last case
recorded dated back from 1993, and in
year 2000, declared to be polio-free.
At present, the Rotary Club of
Downtown Batangas continues to work
with other organizations on information
dissemination and fund-raising activities
to eradicate polio cases in the province.

SCI & TECH

page

14

The

LATHE

SCI-EDITORIAL
Not Bad at All
Education empowers people from all walks
of life. It unlocks our doors of ignorance. It is a
basic right that everybody should enjoy.
This view then becomes a hot issue when
the word sex is attached to education. Sex
education, up to this time, has created big
headlines in our dailies and created a clash of
opinions among different sectors of society.
People wonder if its the schools duty to
disclose sexual matters among the youth.
It is high time to include sex education in
the curriculum for basic education. Not only it
tells the youth what sex is all about but it lets
the youth to make informed decisions in the
next years to come.
In a report published by the Philippine HIV
and AIDS Registry of the Department of Health
last August 2014, there were 509 new recorded
cases of HIV-positive individuals. About 146
cases or equivalent to 28 percent include youths
15-24 years of age. And these figures continue
to balloon as time progresses.
These figures are enough to say that
schools shall take part in the nationwide
information drive on sex education to inform
the youth about the consequences of engaging
themselves in early and unsafe sexual activities.
Moreover, sex education prevents spread
of misconceptions about sexual practices and
beliefs that lead to proliferation of sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs). Population
education can also be addressed when talking
about sex education in schools.
More importantly, sex education does not
spare the parents on their prime responsibility
of educating their children about the matter.
In fact, there shall be stronger involvement on
their part with the school on matters related
to this because it takes a village to educate a
child.
Sex is not bad at all. It is a natural process
that sustains humanity. Its the way how we
think about sex that creates bad connotation.
It is better to do something than to do
nothing at all.

Get High on Reality

SENTIENT MONOLITH
JOHN VINCENT GARCIA

All in all, the struggle for the legalization of

marijuana is truly not a walk in the park.
Have you ever wondered why the
government puts a lot of fuss about
what seems to be a pretty trifling
matter? What with the new laws
and all decrees about protecting the
state of the nation from a seemingly
dangerous thing. Im not talking
about terrorists or territorial disputes.
No, Im talking about a plant, a weed
of no small renown. Cannabis sativa
or marijuana also referred to as pot,
grass or dope.
The legalization of marijuana
in the country through House
Bill 4477 (Compassionate Use of
Medical Cannabis Bill) has been a
real clash of laws and facts between
the government together with
other sectors who strongly opposes
the usage of the said product and
the medical community and other
benefactors who insist that the

cannabis sativais not all bad and

should therefore be legalized and
used in medicinal practice.
Apparently, this uproar was due
to the fact, which recent studies have
essentially confirmed; that marijuana
usage have been known to freeze
cancer cells and treat the pain caused
by HIV/AIDS, which in the immediate
sense translates to marijuana being
an agent to cancer medication. But
still, even with these in mind, we could
not overlook that the risks of using
these kinds of substance suppress the
benefits that it provides.
Preliminary studies done in the
United States reveal that mary jane
cane be used in treating neurological
disorders such as epilepsy and post
traumatic stress disorder. It can also
treat multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy
side effects, brain injuries, glaucoma,

rheumatoid arthritis and sleep and

eating disorders.
Marijuana
is
an
extremely
addictive substance and studies show
that one out of six users become truly
hooked to the substance and are even
referring to it as a gateway drug
for more potent substances such as
heroin and cocaine. So naturally, the
government already has their hands
full trying to regulate its circulation
especially from the youth. And with
our present generations attitude
and thirst for the new, that is a lot to
handle.
All in all, the struggle for the
legalization of marijuana is truly not
a walk in the park. It requires a lot of
intricate research and well-rounded
tests. And we must also understand
even if it is deemed to be within the
parameters of the law, there are still
borders that we must not cross. The
people, especially us (the students),
must be open-minded to these
matters, keeping in mind that there
are no dangerous objects in the
world, only dangerous people and
those who do not truly comprehend
the boundaries that has been set by
self-discipline and ethics.

For Further Study

Advancements in science and

technology enabled civilizations to
raise their standard of living. From
stone-tooled ancestors, we have
already embraced an electricitygenerated society. This precious form
of energy make us prioritize it in the
slice of our household budget.
The Department of Energy (DOE)
bared to public the upcoming energy
crisis in April 2015. According to
them, supply of electricity will start
to deplete leading to scheduled
rotational brownouts across Luzon.
And if this persists, it will lead to
more problems including the nations
economy and agriculture.
Solutions are now being addressed
by the government regarding this
energy dilemma. We have different
alternative sources of energy like wind,
solar and hydroelectric power. But the
demand for electricity is indeed large
that it cant serve all Juans in every
Filipino household.
This made DOE revive the issue of
operating the rusty and old Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
Flashback. The BNPP was built
during the Marcos administration to
solve the nations problem on energy
crisis that time. The government spent
much of its budget to build the said
power plant. However, the foreseen
solution to the looming energy crists

hotshot hermes
JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

The government shall spend time and funds

to study the feasibility of generating a nuclear
power plant in the country.
hadnt even lighted a single light bulb.
The project was strongly opposed
by the general public due to its
foreseen threat to health and security.
With its location along the Bataan
Peninsula, there is no assurance that
safety is ensured once strong waves
of water hit the periphery of the
power plant.
Nuclear energy is a promising
source of energy in the country. Some
of our neighboring countries in the
ASEAN have adopted this as a source
of electrical energy. Unlike other
sources of energy, are more efficient
that others generating enormous
amount of electrical power.
Reviving the BNPP as a solution
to the looming energy crists require
certainty on the part of the people
who maintain it.
The plant is too old to be revived.
Though some parts can be replaced,
there is no 100 percent assurance that

it will be safe. Reviving the old and

musty BNPP is like putting the people
near it at stake.
The hazards that BNPP can also
bring are also hard to imagine. Aside
from BNPPs peninsular location, the
fact that our country is situated along
the Pacific Ring of Fire - an area where
volcanoes and faults are very active.
Putting a nuclear power plant in this
area is really putting our life at stake.
The government shall spend time
and funds to study the feasibility of
generating a nuclear power plant in
the country. These matters need to be
disclosed first before considering it as
a viable source of electrical power.
For the meantime, the government
can look for more alternative sources
of energy other than those available.
At the end of the day, we must
observe proper utilization of our
scarce resources.

SCI & TECH

LATHE

Winged Worries

by DANIELLE ISABELLE DALISAY

Photos by: Darlene Danna Catapang

page

The

15

SCI-BEATS
University implements 4WEP

To achieve sustainable development through strategic environmental

programs, the Universitys Environmental Management Unit (EMU) drafted and
implemented the 4-Way Environmental Program (4WEP).
The 4WEP includes four activities, each designed to facilitate sustainable
use of resources in the University. These include Synergy Management of
Solid Recyclables (SyMans), Water Control and Conservation (WatCon), Energy
Control and Conservation (EnerCon) and Cradle-to-Grave Hazardous Materials
(Cr-GrH).
In an interview with The LATHE, Engr. Jerick Pecaso, EMU director,
explained the reason behind the implementation of the program.
The implementation of 4WEP aims to prevent negative impact on
the environment, health and safety, and to comply with the requirements of
the five major environmental regulations namely the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), Clean Air Act (RA 8749). Clean Water Act
(RA 9275), Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of
1990 (RA 6969) and PD 1586, said Engr. Pecaso.
Meanwhile, the Integrated School complies with the provisions of the
4WEP through proper segregation of solid wastes. Likewise, students are
encouraged to observe the proper schedule of turning on and off of lights and
air conditioning units.

ATOMS plants amarillo to repel mosquitoes

Try to picture this in your head: Its already dusk. The giant armada of birds are coming rapidly in flocks. People are
running to take cover because soon, it will start to rain. And its not just any rain. Its going to be a stinky-and-sticky shower.
Yes, thats right. Its the everyday situation in the city along the streets of P. Burgos and D. Silang. Isnt it annoying when
youre just peacefully waiting for your ride home and you feel the gooey mess those wicked birds made on your head? Gross.
But hey, lets look more into this dilemma.
PESKY PERPETRATORS
The rain of terror comes from the swallows huddled on the cable lines which the locals call as the layang-layang. Universally
known as barn swallows, these avians are just visitors from countries like China and Japan, trying to escape the chilly weather.
In search of a warmer burrow, they found themselves in the comfort of our tropical country and eventually, in our own city.
But apparently, their stay is taking quite longer than expected. Their stopover is already eight months overdue as they
were set to leave the Philippines on March or April. Now, we can tell that its beginning to be problematic.
MANURE MANIA
Aside
from
the
perched
freeloaders dropping their dirty load
on the poor passersby and motorists,
the problem takes on more serious
concerns. Other than overstaying, the
birds are even multiplying with their
numbers now estimated to 200,000. The
havoc they caused releases a pungent
smell in the morning, especially after
the rain.
The City Government allots
budget in cleaning these bird drippings.
It is a visible scenery thirce a week
the personnel of the general services
department spraying water and organic
disinfectant on the roads to remove the
unpleasant smell.
URBAN LIVING
Researchers are surprised that the
birds remain unfazed by the streetlights
that are known to ward off the lightsensitive fowls. They also found out that
the birds now prefer urban roosting and
its really advantageous on their side. By
staying in commercial places, they are
kept away from wild dwellings of their
predators like large birds and snakes.
In addition to these, the warm
temperature and breeze in the city
could also be in their checklist. The
buildings along the streets block the
strong winds making the cable wires a
suitable temporary haven at night.
ONE LESS PROBLEM
But people shouldnt worry about
the avian flu, experts say. Swallows

NOT YOUR ORDINARY MOSQUITO REPELLANT. Officers of ATOMS together

with Mrs. Evangeline Estrada during the amarillo planting activity. Photo by: Romarie Sagaoinit

ATOMS, the science club of the Integrated School, together with the
ISSC, BSP and GSP, initiated a marigold planting activity along the plant
boxes situated at G7 and fourth year classrooms in response to noted
cases of dengue among students of the Integrated School last August.
According to Mrs. Evangeline Estrada, ATOMS adviser, marigold or
more commonly known as amarillo is found to have insecticidal properties
that can repel insects most especially mosquitoes.
Yung amoy ng amarillo ang inaayawan ng mga lamok, said Mrs.
Estrada in an interview with The LATHE.
The said activity was also a part of the beautification projects of
ATOMS in the Integrated School.

Canteen stops selling of colored viands, sodas

A NIGHT RITUAL. Tasked personnel of the City government while cleaning swallows drippings at
night along P. Burgos Street. Photo by: Romarie Sagaoinit

are insectivores and they cant be

infected by the disease that only affects
domesticated birds. Besides, even if they
do get infected by the flu in another
country, they would just die out in the
sea if they try to push themselves to fly
with the others.
Well, thats one off the list of
worries right?
A POSSIBLE KEY
It may take some time to find a
solution for this unsightly mess. The
government surely knows that an
environment filled with bird dung isnt an

Power Up!
by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

ideal place to live in and, in partnership

with the field experts, they are now
trying to address to this situation in the
best they can. Researchers are planning
to track the birds in order to monitor
their activities and the places where
they come from and where they go next.
For now, what we can do is to try
to adapt to the birds presence. Although
they are causing disturbances around,
we really cant do anything other than
dodge their bullets. Just try to make
sure to take your umbrella or your cap
the next you walk the streets dotted in
white. You never know if youre the next
victim of these winged worries.

To ensure consumer health and safety, the Universitys Health

Services Department ordered the prohibition of selling food items with
food color and softdrinks in compliance with a Department of Education
Order.
Other beverages such as bottled teas and juices were put as
alternative on stores. Food items like red-colored hotdogs and others were
also banned on sale. Vendors now sell healthier food options like fruits and
vegatable dishes.
It was a good move for the University canteen. Students then are
refrained from consuming products with too much additives that may
bring health problems, Prof. Aguda said during in an interview with The
LATHE.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Minerva Ramos, science teacher, shared her
experience with the new regulation.
Before, I used to drink softdrinks during breaktime. The regulation
is one way of cutting down my sugar consumption. Banning food-colored
items will definitely bring positive results for students, said Mrs. Ramos.

Going camping can be quite boring at times. And at times like this, our mobile phones create the much needed
diversion acting as our last stand against boredom. But the reality is, batteries dont last forever. Whats even worse
is that we have to endure those moments when our battery slowly dies little by little making us suffer that mini-heart
attack when the realization that we wont be able to make those important calls and messages starts sinking in.
Fourth year student Ma. Anneth
Matira recalled her experience during
typhoon Glenda where electric supply
was cut for a week.
Apart from the strong winds and
rain, what bothered me most was the five
days of total communication blockout.
No social media. No cellphone. It was
almost a barren world. Gadgets need to
be charged in situations when electric
supply was cut down. said Anneth.
The good for news to people like
Anneth is that power banks are here to
back them up. Charging phones in cars
or paying for a 5-minute charge to the
nearest convenience store is old school!
With power banks, one can easily
charge their phones on the go without
the hassle of constantly going back to
that one corner where your phone is
charged to check whether your battery
fully charged or not.
Now if this is the first time youve
heard of this innovation then listen
up! Basically, a power bank works like
your typical charger having an external

battery in a sealed case attached with

a USB cable. The only difference is that
you have to charge the power bank itself
to be able to bring your mobile phones
back from the dead by connecting the
USB cable to a power source like a
laptop.
And if you think power banks are
limited to tablets and mobile phones
alone, then youre wide of the mark.
This device is tailor made for almost
any USB-charged devices from cameras,
GoPros, Portable speakers, GPS systems,
MP3 players, smart phones and even
some tablets.
The only catch is that you must
keep yourself noted to charge your
power banks time after time because
electricity proved to be very important
particularly when Typhoon Glenda
struck the city depriving us of electricity.
Under such circumstances, keeping our
batteries full might have outweighed
our need to take a bath. Whats more,
many even bothered travelling to places
where electricity is readily available just

to plug in their chargers and keep their

battery life going.
Think about it, if only you had
Power Banks that time then you wouldnt
have missed those significant calls and
HOW ARE YOUs. And you probably
wouldve had communication and
information had you kept your battery
life running. The point is, in this world,
gadgets and battery life means securing
ones sanity. Most people would say they
cant live with gadgets and that life is
boring without it. Besides, power banks
are more convenient than generators as
it is budget-friendly and one can easily
carry it because obviously, Power Banks
are as light as a feather compared to
a heavyweight generator. Moreover,
technologists devised Power Banks
as a means of providing electricity
right within our fingertips and to keep
everyone equipped with gadgets
proving that men will continue to think
of ways on how to cope with changes
come what may.

page

16

SCI & TECH

A Glimpse to the
Century-old Malady

The

LATHE

by REANER JACQUELINE BOOL & DANIELLE ISABELLE DALISAY

The gradual increase in the worlds atmospheric temperature has been a century-old problem of the world.
Though actions have already been done by different groups, the malady seems to escalate into a more complex
dilemma that starts to haunt human civilization regarding their actions toward Mother Nature. This may seem
to be a common information to everyone, there is a still a need to remind people about their actions before
worst comes to worst.
A NATURAL PROCESS
It all starts with how heat is
circulated and distributed in the
planet. Energy coming from the sun
reaches the surface of the planet
through radiation. Not all of the
energy from the sun is absorbed by
the planet. Some are reflected to
outer space through the presence of
our atmosphere our main line of
defense against the harmful forms of
radiation.
Meanwhile, light and infrared
radiation from the sun enters the
planet. Rebound of these gases is
prevented through the presence
of
gases
called
greenhouse
gases (GHGs). GHGs work like a
greenhouse. They trap the heat thus
makes the planet more livable for a
wide variety of life forms. These gases
include carbon dioxide, water vapor
and methane.
WHERE THE MALADY STARTS
As the clich goes, anything
that comes in excess is not good.
The same scenario applies to the
situation. Increasing concentration of
these gases worsen the situation by
trapping to much heat in the earths
atmosphere resulting to global
warming. Too much increase in the
worlds global temperature can bring
detrimental effects to physical and
living systems.

According to recent reports,

increase in the concentration of GHGs
is due to emissions from different
manmade activities. Carbon dioxide,
which is considered to be the prime
suspect for the continuous warming
of the Earths atmosphere, is widely
released during the combustion of
fossil fuel like gasoline and other
derivatives. In a highly fuel-dependent
society, carbon emissions seem to be
inexorable.
Farming
activities
are
also
considered as primary cause of
excessive methane emissions. For
instance, too much raising of cattle
contribute on increased methane
emission. According to Princeton
Journal Watch, methane is a more
efficient GHG, about 30 times the
strength of carbon dioxide.
IF LEFT UNRESOLVED
Excessive global warming leads
to fluctuating climatic conditions a
term which is more commonly known
as climate change. In effect, climate
change triggers the melting of ice
caps in the polar region. This results
to increase in sea levels that would
submerge low lying islands on the
globe. Studies reveal that our country,
the Philippines, is highly vulnerable
on the effects of climate change.
Destruction of flora and fauna
would also be a perceived effect of

climate change. Fluctuations in the

earths temperature can also affect
the way organisms respond to their
environment. Environmental groups
such as Greenpeace are staunch in
their advocacy to save vulnerable
species from possible extinction due
to effects of global warming.
Mostly, global warming leads to
prolonged droughts and formation of
stronger typhoons. Our country was
not spared by the devastating effects
of strong typhoons from the Pacific
(take Yolanda and Ruby for instance).
This is due to increased interval on
the sea temperatures resulting to
more perturbed weather cycles.
NOT TOO LATE
Our math classes remind that
problems can be solved if treated
systematically. The same can be
applied in this context. Leaders of
different nations convene to talk
about issues pertaining to this
century-old problem. A change
in economic and political policies
can help solve the problem. One of
which is the Montreal Protocol that
prohibits nations on using substances
that deplete the ozone layer.
Education is also possible solution
to the problem. In school, we are
taught of the implications of global
warming and climate change to

our daily living. We learn that if

we continue preserve our natural
ecosystems, we are also saving the
Earth from possible destruction.
Most importantly, the way we look
at things could also help solve the
problem. Our need-that-turned-greed
principle can be gradually eliminated
through changing our consumption
patterns. Using energy efficient
appliances and turning them off when
not in use can reduce the problems

on too much fuel consumption.

Scientists are also finding ways on
using alternative sources of energy
instead of being run by fossil fuel.
It is not too late for an action. We
can still save the planet from this
century-old malady. The mitigation
lies on our hands. At the end of the
day, our choices will define the way
we will live tomorrow and in the
following years to come.

when body fluids in our body reach

critical levels telling us when its time
to replenish.

drinking less could put you at risk of

having kidney stones.

Wonders of Drinking Water

by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

If ever youre stuck out in the

wilderness in a battle for survival,
what would your survival instinct say?
Perhaps, your neurons would tell your
brain to go hunt for food. Your body
can last for three weeks without food
but lasting a few days without water is
a very different story.
Without a shadow of doubt, water
has been the most essential element
to life on Earth because basically a
life without water is unimaginable.
Imagine waking up in the morning
without taking a bath or taking a sip
of coffee. Similarly with the absence
of drinking water, one would choke
to death upon consecutive spoonfuls

of meat. This is why water should

not be taken for granted for it has
several benefits that might make you
reconsider hydrating yourselves with
at least eight to ten glasses a day.

HYDRATING BEATS DEHYDRATION

Needless to say, nothing beats the
satisfaction of drinking ice cold water,
or any fluid for that matter after an
exhausting PE class or an intense
game of basketball. Water keeps us
energized and it gives us that extra
boost to keep us going.
Among those who believes on the
ritual of drinking water is Mrs. Lucila
Solis, teacher in Filipino.

I always drink water in between

classes. In classes where teachers are
used to speak in front of students,
drinking water in between classes is a
relieving experience, says Mrs. Solis.
However, if we fail to comply with
the protocol of drinking at least eight
to ten glasses of water daily, then well
most likely lose body fluids faster
than usual.
This condition wherein more
body fluids are lost rather than
those that enter our system is called
dehydration. Normally, our body loses
fluids due to sweating, breathing and
urinating. Fortunately, our body has
a thirst mechanism that reminds us

WATER AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS

Whether youre on a vegetarian
diet or a no carb diet, drinking water
will always be with you every step
of the way. Surprisingly, aside from
quenching our thirst and pushing
foods down our esophagus, water
actually speeds up weight loss.
Apparently, the process of burning
calories requires an adequate supply
of water and dehydration slows it
down. Also, water flushes toxins
created through the fat-burning
process away from our body.
A research estimated that over
the course of a year, increasing our
water consumptions by at least
1.5 litres a day would burn an extra
17,400 calories amounting to a total
weight loss of roughly five pounds.
And if youd want to burn additional
calories, drinking cold water does the
trick. It turns out, that the body needs
to warm up water for it to be used
properly. Warming cold water require
energy thus burning calories in the
process.
KIDNEY-FRIENDLY

Our kidneys function very
well most of the time. As long as our
intake of fluids remains adequate then
our kidneys wont have a hard time
cleansing and getting rid of toxins in
our body. However, drinking alcohol
is highly discouraged as it makes the
kidneys task of ridding the body of
toxins a lot harder.

Whats more is that urine
flows freely when we meet the need
for sufficient body fluid intake. Your
urine should be pale or light in color
and should be odorless. A darker
color and the presence of odor may
indicate dehydration or insufficiency
of fluids in the body. Quite possibly,

PAPAYA SOAP NO MORE

People who drink more water
often tend to look younger and fairer
because hydration increases the skins
elasticity. A hydrated skin also defends
well against environmental toxins
causing skin blemishes. Likewise,
water functions as a protective barrier
to prevent excessive loss of fluids in
the body.
On the other hand, little intake
of water results to dry and wrinkly
skin but over-hydration wont be a
solution as this may lead to a bloated
stomach. In this case, water acts as a
moisturizer both from the inside and
on the outside.
One whose fond of hydrating for
skin toning is Mr. Bryan Carlos, MAPEH
teacher and resident choreographer
of the IS Cultural Guild.
Drinking water is one of my beauty
regimens. Getting hydrated makes
me feel and look younger. Before and
after every meal, I always make sure
that I drink a glass of water, quips Mr.
Carlos.
Clearly, drinking water takes very
little amount of effort and very little of
our time but still, some people suffer
from kidney related infections and
some still fail to drink eight glasses
of water daily. Maybe, its the choice
of fluids; one should drink a flavour
that they prefer because basically, a
person tends to drink what he enjoys.
Carrying a water bottle also helps
as it allows you to drink when and
wherever you want to. Moreover, as a
tropical country, it is advised that we
take in extra water to compensate for
the loss of body fluids as we sweat.
And whatever it takes, be sure to drink
up adequate amount of water because
obviously, all the aforementioned
benefits are much better than having
dry throats.

LATHE

SCI & TECH

A Makeshift Pharmacy

page

The

17

by JAMES ADRIAN PANGANIBAN

You can never tell when youre going to cut yourself or when youll be having a sore throat because basically, all these happen unexpectedly. And looking for
possible remedies can be quite challenging especially when all drug stores and pharmacies seem so distant. Not every family is fully equipped with medicinal drugs or
pills at home. Besides, you cant run into a store late at night so youre left to endure your problem overnight. Good news is, you no longer have to suffer because well
be giving tips on how to get rid of them the old natural way. Burns, boils, scars, hiccups, acne, you name it! Well be counting down seven of your most unlikely allies
at home to cure these for you that will leave your mind blown.
PEANUT BUTTER
Hic! Cant talk straight because of
hiccups? Well, go check for some peanut
butter in your cupboards because this
all-time favorite apparently has more
uses than keeping our hungry mouths
satisfied.
The hiccup sound traces its
roots from your diaphragm a domeshaped muscle located at the bottom of
your chest. Your diaphragm works rather
efficiently most of the time but in some
cases, it goes wild and involuntarily
contracts which cause you to suck for
air and when it hits your voice box you
are left with a big hic-cup!
Now, how does peanut butter
cure hiccups? You take in a big spoonful
of peanut butter and in the chewing
process and with all that effort to
desperately get it out of your teeth; your
breathing patterns are interrupted thus,
you say goodbye to hiccups!

cares right? When your mouth is on fire

you start to channel your inner Usain
Bolt and desperately grab the nearest
available water and you start to drink
like theres no tomorrow. That is dead
wrong!
Chilies have a particular substance
that scientists call as capsaicin which is
responsible for making your taste buds
sting. When capsaicin hits your taste
buds, your neurons send a message
to your brain which pretty much says:
fire!
Other liquors and beverages may
offer a short relief but because oil and
water dont mix they will only spread
the capsaicin rather than help you in
all your agony. Its a good thing milk
contains casein, a compound that binds
with capsaicin oil and then that spice is
nothing but history. So please bear in
mind that milk works better than any
other liquid.

BLACK PEPPER
Dont you just hate that moment
when youre chewing on something
then suddenly you feel all spicy, and
then it starts to sink in that you chewed
black pepper. Dont like how it tastes?
Dont worry youre not alone on this
one.
It turns out black pepper has
more uses than spicing up our everyday
meals. This condiment can in fact be used
to treat medium sized cuts and wounds.
The scientific explanation behind this
feat is the fact that it is antibacterial
which makes blood coagulate or dry up
quickly and stops bleeding.
Applying black pepper on
wounds is so easy. Just pour the right
amount of ground black pepper onto
the wound and apply pressure and that
should do the trick. If necessary, please
do apply bandage. Although it was
already aforementioned, let us reiterate
that it is only an alternative for small
wounds. Please do have the initiative to
go see your doctor when things get out
of control.

POTATOES
A nasty boil can be very annoying
and very hard to look at. Wve often hear
of unlikely procedures like popping it
with a bottle which is quite gross in all
honesty. Would you rather choose to
take your chances with a potato? If yes,
then lets proceed.
Its easy. You cut a potato in
half then place it on top of the boil.
Potatoes have natural antimicrobial
and antibacterial properties, so they are
great for healing many things. A lot of
people claim that the potato cure
works overnight! By letting it sit on
the boil, it somehow sucks out the
infection out of the boil. You can
re-apply twice or thrice, it depends
upon you. So instead of munching
on fries, be sure to save some
potatoes for instances like this.

MILK

Strange as it may seem, water

doesnt actually counteract the zing
of your favorite spicy cuisine. But who

Onions produce a mist of gas that

irritates your eyes. Rumor has it that the
bread absorbs the fumes released by
the onion. Youll look a bit silly though
but it gets rid of all the drama for you!

GARLIC
While a lot of people dislike
garlic, we all know we hate acnes
even more. And as a teenager, weve
all probably had that occurrence of
inflamed sebaceous glands on skin, or
to put it simply; its pimples or acne. It
doesnt matter what you call it, we just
want it off of our faces.
Warning, always dilute garlic in
water because if you forget this step,
youll most likely have serious burns.
Mix it with some water and rub or apply
on acne prone area. Be sure to wash it
off afterwards of course!
Using garlic as a topical reduces
acne because its naturally anti-bacterial,
anti-fungal and anti-viral. Moreover,
it contains allicinorganosulfur. Its a
substance that softens our skin and
it also eliminates stretch marks. Now
is some serious time to reconsider
including garlic in your beauty regimen.
CALAMANSI
Any fruit rich in Vitamin C is
considerably beneficial. Lemons arent

BREAD
Stop wasting your precious
tears for that little onion. Youre
not really supposed to be crying
over food.
They say that this is an
old wives tale but it works. This is
how it does the magic: you leave
a piece of bread dangling on your
mouth while you chop onions.

really that famous in the country so calamansi

will suffice.
This fruit is exploding with Vitamin C that
has been shown to be very effective in helping
acne scars fade. Calamansi lightens dark spots
and reduces their appearance too. Simply take
the juice out of the fruit and put some juice on
a cotton pad. Results dont reveal themselves
overnight so youll have to be patient.

OATMEAL
There are several reasons to love oatmeal.
It makes for a very good breakfast, keeps you
warm during cold days and it is jam-packed with
fiber keeping your colon clean.
Research shows that oatmeal combats
skin irritants and helps relieve itchiness.
It acts a skin protector proven to be
effective against the chicken pox itch.
We wouldnt want to make things
worse so scratching is not very
advisable. Instead, try taking
an oatmeal bath. Sounds
fun right? Its antiinflammator y
proper ties

p r o v i d e
temporary relief and
will reduce
the need to scratch. In addition, oatmeal is
also a natural cleanser absorbing dirt, oil and
odor all at once! Bathing in oatmeal is definitely
worth a try!

Droplets of Life
by REANER JACQUELINE BOOL

Its not only the recepient who benefits from

the transfusion. Donors also take some advantages
from sharing their blood to those in need.
INSTANT MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
Donors, before the process of transfusion,
undergo series of medical check up. This is to
ensure that they are bodily fit for the process. They
should be healthy and free from blood-related
ailments. Dr. Leila J. Manalo, University Health
Services Department Director attested to this.

The river of life this is how biologists describe this fluid that sustains life. Transporting
nutrients and wastes inside the human body its prime role. It runs through the different vessels
nourishing our organs to maintain its bodily function. Blood connotes life and vigor.
In some cases, it is unavoidable to have leaks on our surfaces leading to blood loss. This
may be due to small cuts or large wounds from injuries. Blood loss can also be attributed to
discharges like vomiting and nose bleeding. When the body loses indiscriminate volume of
blood, it might lead to undesirable health conditions and in worst cases, death.
Blood transfusion has become the possible solution to this problem. Blood from one
person is passed through a needle connected to a bag where blood is temporarily stored. This
in turn is passed through the vein of a person who is in dire need of this stuff. Then one life is
spared from possible end.

Persons who want to donate blood should

be of normal blood pressure. Likewise, they shall
not be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
We dont want a patient to receive intoxicated
blood, Dr. Manalo quips while explaining the
process of screening blood donors.
t
REJUVINATES BLOOD CELLS
Blood donation is also a way of cleansing
the body. The bone marrow, commonly known
as bulalo, produces new blood cells. In a
study published in the American Journal of
Epidemeology, it was found out that regular blood
donations help to keep the levels of iron in the
body in check. Iron is an important component of
hemoglobin, the protein in blood responsible for
maintaining oxygen levels in blood.
Moreover, the findings of the study
contends that excessive iron in the blood is
linked to excessive oxidative damage, resulting to

accelerated ageing, heart attacks and strokes.

HEROIC DEED
Other than the health benefits, blood
donation also brings joy on the part of the donor.
It is a wonderful and blissful feeling that you will
be an angel to someones life. Mr. Philip Oropesa,
computer teacher, recalls his experience during a
bloodletting activity done by the National Service
Training Program (NSTP) Office of the University.
At first, I was scared seeing the sharp
pointed steel tube pushed through my skin down
into my vein. I just closed my eyes and tried to
relax. Even though I made myself calm, my right
arm git benumbed and then the blood flow stop.
There was a blood clot, Mr. Oropesa shares.
Her nurse volunteered if she can transfer the
needle to her other arm. Sir Philip got her consent.
I just endured the temporary pain thinking
that this deed would save someones life, he says
with enjoyment.
We, as high students may not still be
entitled to donate the liquid that sustains life. In
the future, however, some of us will be faced to
situations where someone will need our blood.
Whats important that its not only the donor who
benefits during blood transfusion but also the one
who willingly shares his own droplets of life.

SPORTS

page

18

The

Meet the Red Spartans

LATHE

by RANVER CASTILLO

In ancient Greece, Spartans were known as the iron-hearted warriors who ruled the ancient lands. Defending their city with
all their might, they battled with the pride and honor and the belief of what they fought for. In the modern times, students of the
Integrated School have proven their selves worthy to be called a Spartan. Showcasing their strength in different fields of sports, these
athletes have shown the same qualities of a Spartan, fighting with all their might, pride, honor and beliefs. Meet the Spartans!

The Paddler
John Renzo Paglinawan, the Paddler,
represented the Red Spartans for the Batangas
City Association Sports Meet. With daily practice,
his two years of knowledge in table tennis has
developed to talent, passion and a drive to excel
more in the sport he plays. With his family and
teammate Ace Kiry as inspiration, time, sweats
and efforts arent wasted through every battle
fought, win or lose. Before competitions, he
usually jumps to relieve his stress and anxiety.

The Thrower

The Goalkeeper
Get the ball! Kamir Rajun Cantos is the
jolly Goalkeeper of the BatStateU Football
Club. Standing at 54, he has saved a goal in
the recent City Meet cause to the delight of the
crowd but were still baffled against the opposing
teams. With the training menu shuffle, duckwalk,
diving and always practicing hard, he always
played football with a smile in his face during his
freshmen year and now in his senior year. When
asked what or who his inspiration is, he answered
the English IV teacher Maam Claire.

The Setter
Proving that not only height is needed to
win games, John Hernandez the Setter, has
worked his way through to become the team
captain of BatStateU Volleyball Men. Standing at
50, he led his team and took home silver from
the recent USCAA and reached the semifinals in
the City Meet. Grade 3 was when he started to
play competitive volleyball. Through this sport,
he has learned to maintain a healthy body and
has gained friends not only with his co-varsities
in the university, but also the people who they
fought, won, and lost against.

The Kicker

Towering at 511, the Kicker Jericho Arellano,

has worked his way to attaining and being formally
called a black belter. He started his taekwondo career
at the age of 10, as a 5th grader. Blessed with a
rather sufficient height and length of arms and legs,
it was like a match made in heaven seeing him fight
with other representatives of other schools. With his
family as an inspiration, he has strived to always do
better. Through years of training that he had, he has
learned to manage time and stay optimistic. Even
three days before his tournament, he always thinks
positively that hed win and wipe the floor with all
competitors.

The Playmaker
PUSO! the scream and yell of our national
basketball team Gilas Pilipinas. Making mirage passes
and unstoppable shots is what he does. Thats Micoh
Cano, the Playmaker, captain of the Integrated
School basketball varsity team. Starting to play at the
age of eight, Cano has grown faster, bigger, better
through trainings and setting his family and NBA
Superstar Kyrie Irving as an idol and inspiration.
Praying, trusting in him and in his teammates is what
he does before games. He also said not to forget the
heart or puso during the game. Through losses that
hes suffered, he only keeps getting stronger, getting
ready to win the next bout.

The Woodpusher
Utilizing the power of logic, Edzell De
Castro, the Woodpusher, has become the ace
of the Spartans chess team, turning into quite
a force to reckon with. He ensnared gold in the
recent BCASM and also in different tournaments
like USCAA. During training, chess players of
the BatStateU compete with each other and also
have a little tournament. Inspiring him to win
more tournaments are his family and the girl he
loves.

The Naiad
The Naiad Yerell Sareno has been
the stronghold of the Spartans swimming
team. Starting at a young age of five,
through sheer will and perseverance, she
has reached the summit which any young
Filipino athlete would want to go to, the
Palarong Pambansa. She ensnared 8th place
in the 100m breast stroke and clinched 4th
in the 4x50 medley proving herself worthy of
reaching the top. Inspired by her parents and
swimmers Jaydee Dalay and Michael Phelps,
she has learned discipline, self confidence and
also proper diet to keep her fit and ready to
swim anytime. With breast strokes as her most
favored style of swimming, she competes
mostly with it while the style she dislikes the
most are backstrokes. Inhale, exhale has
been the words inside her head during competitions, guiding her with the proper
breathing to finish it with ease. Staying focused and inspired is a must to win any cup,
tourney, competition that she takes part in.

Gerald Domogma the Thrower represented

our school in different sports meet in the field of
discus. With the knowledge of discus at hand since
2nd grade, he has been through lots of different
challenges but overcame these trials. Setting not
only God and his family as inspiration but also the
girl she loves, he has become an unstoppable force.
His coach once taught him and his teammates a
ritual where you take a bath at night then stretch
for a while until you sweat. Then, drink a glass of
water and rest. For the aspiring discus throwers, he
said that theres nothing you can achieve in a short
amount of time. You need to have patience, and you
need to be willing to train.

The Smasher
The Smasher Marinilo Ebora dominated
the past tournaments for Badminton Single
Mens Division, making quite a name for himself.
With smashes on par with those of college
varsities, the 511 powerhoused monster
clinched gold in the recent BCASM and placed
silver in the USCAA. Training footworks and the
proper stance, he has already achieved lots.
Being the monster ace of badminton that he is,
he is sure to grow better as time passes.

The Sprinter

The Sprinter Daniel Mame, standing at 55, was a

recruit to run at the 4x400 in the STCAA and managed to
place 7th. Through training he has learned to be confident
and to put a lot of effort to what you do. Like any other
athlete, he said prayer is still the best weapon during
contests. He also said to remember, understand, and to
learn by heart what his coach says.

Willing to risk it all for the sake of winning.
Willing to take home the glory bestowed upon them
in different contests. Willing to fight for the school
that raised their talents. I present you, the modern day
Spartans!

SPORTS

LATHE

page

The

19

EDITORIAL
Forsaken Valor

Through the combined efforts of

the teachers, students, and parents
of the Integrated School, we have
successfully celebrated the prestigious
IS Week or Intramurals packed with
new sports events such as tracks and
swimming and cultural competitions like
interpretative dancing and show choir.
With the new theme IS in Full
Spectrum, seven teams represented
the colors of the rainbow, distributed
equally with one section of each level
resulting to seven times the competition,
seven times the rivalry, but seven
times the joy of every IS student?
Maybe not? But then again, maybe yes.
Since we have to fit all events into
one, short week, we had to use different
facilities such as the coliseum for tracks
and swimming and BatStateUAlangilan
Campus for badminton. In doing
so, the main campus seemed like
an isolated wasteland with students
free to go in and out the university
even without a teachers permission.

Athletes have inherent skills and abilities that make

them known as famed in the society. They bring great
contribution in honoring the country, their school, and to
every student. In order to achieve their goals, they need
support from their school and the government also.
Many athletes look further for the support like
financially and other essential things that they need.
Their school is the one who provides the needs of every
athlete. They need different materials for their practices
and trainings, which is a great factor in achieving their
specific goals when provided by their school. The school
should really take an action in providing all the necessary
materials needed by the athletes in the society because
they also play an important role in the progress and
development of the school especially in terms of the
sports.
Student athletes here in BatStateU are still striving
hard to accomplish their goals in different tournaments.
We, the BatStateU, should support and value their
hardships and sacrifices. We need to give them the
things that they need, the proper training they need and
the support that will inspire them. Even though they
are athletes still they need to have an education with
scholarship because they give honor not for the sake of
them but the honor to our school.

In Full Spectrum
GLADIATORS PUNCH
RANVER CASTILLO

Even if this years IS Week didnt go really well from

a students point of view, what it taught us was more
than what meets the eye: friendly competition and
unity in diversity.
One more thing, most students get too
preoccupied on practices and trainings
for their upcoming competitions that
we dont get to experience the booths
different clubs have specially prepared
for us. I, myself as a player for my own
team didnt get to experience getting
captured by the jailbooth, watch a
movie with friends, nor get married
at the marriage booth. Although some
enjoyed, some just simply criticized
this years IS Week, expressing their
boredom through different social
networking sites. But why wont
we look at it at another perspective?

With more teams come more players

and participants. Hence, more students
of the Integrated School can showcase
their hidden talents. Students would be
able to express themselves better and
at the same time still build a strong
friendship and camaraderie with our
brothers and sisters in the school. Even
if this years IS Week didnt go really
well from a students point of view,
what it taught us was more than what
meets the eye: friendly competition
and unity in diversity. Seven colors.
Seven dreams.Seven teams. This year
truly showed us IS in full spectrum.

On the other hand, armed forcesthemed choreography equipped the Red

hawks on hitching the championship
in the cheer dance competition.
Orange
Jaguars
and
Blue

Falcons, on the other hand, won

second and third places respectively.
Mr. Alvin Remo, Miss Pamela
Bautista and Mr. Rudy Fernandez
served as judges in the said competition.

Borbonians groove in bench cheer, CDC raps

by MARYROSE LIZETTE REYES

The
University
Gymnasium
was almost on fire as clash among
colors prevailed in the Integrated
School Weeks cheerdance and bench
cheering competitions, October 27.
After several days of staying
late in school for rehearsals, Violet
Vipers and Red Hawks ruled this
years Bench Cheering and Cheer
dance
competitions
respectively.
Seven competing teams branded
with different colors of the rainbow
executed their rehearsed gestures,
but the Vipers outshined them with
painted faces and superb movements
racking up a total of 40 points.
Meanwhile,
Blue
Falcons
and Red Hawks went second
and
third
places
respectivelty.

IN HIGH SPIRITS. Violet Vipers in their winning act during the bench cheering competition as
part of the opening activities of the Integrated School Week. October 27. Photo by: Godwin Panaligan

Eleda dominates Manalo in

badminton singles, 21-15

by RIED ARCILLAS

AGILE. Jennzey Eleda, in his winning stunt,

during the badminton singles finals, October 28
Photo by: Hannah Isabel Conti

Jennzey Gainn Eleda of the Violet

Vipers snatched the championship
title against Aaron Manalo of the
Green Pythons, 21-15, during the
championship game of badminton
singles (men )at the Alangilan Campus
Covered Court during the celebration of
the IS Week.
Fighting with full determination,
Eleda fired an early 6-0 blast smashing
towards Manalos backhand.
Showcasing the power of the seniors,
Eleda continued a barrage of drops and
smashes in crosscourt directions against

the helpless seventhgrader until they

changed court at the interval, 11-5.
Continuing his domination, the
Vipers smasher exploded a 5-2 run,
still having the lead at 16-7.
With indomitable guts, Manalo
managed a 4-0 run to try and catch up
with Eledas match point at 20-15, only
to get defeated by Eledas retaliation
through a service ace, 21-15.
Hindi mahalaga sa akin ang manalo,
ang mahalaga ay naging patas tayo at
sumaya ang isat isa, Eleda stated after
the game with a victorious smile.

MARES RACE. Female sprinters aiming to reach the finish line during the 200-m dash as part of the
Integrated Schools Intramurals held at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum, October 28. Photo by: Romarie
Ann Sagaoinit

In BCASM football

BSU Spartans overpowered

by Stony Knights, 2-1

by ROSS HENREE VILLENA

Infographics by Edrick Morales

Candoleta surmounts gold

in chess tilt

by TRISHIA JEAN BAGSIT

Less talk, more play.

This best described woodpusher
Mickel Candoleta of Violet Vi p e r s
as he overshadowed John
Rai Panopio of Yellow
Panthers, 2.5-0.5 in a
three-game series over a
chess board demolishing
Panopio in 43 moves
during the
IS Weeks
chess

tournament, October 27.

Candoleta calmly handling white
pieces easily toppled Panopio in the first
game. Both players attached furiously
on the second match, Candoleta sporting
53 moves to capitalize a one-piece
advantage.
A brain-cracking match fired up in
the third game as both players tightened
their defense. Candoleta captured the
power on his hand yielding Panopio
after 43 moves.
Focus lang at determinasyong
manalo and naging susi ko para
manalo,Candoleta said.
I had a great time of
playing. Candoleta was really
good,Panopio stressed.

In badminton mixed doubles finals

Panthers
outsmash Hawks, 2-1
by RIED ARCILLAS
Outsmashing the Red Hawks, 2-1,
Yellow Panthers Karl Montalbo and
Vianca Yvonne Silva dominated the
badminton mixed doubles tourney held
at Alangilan Campus Covered Court
during the celebration of IS Week,
October 29.
Utilizing an alternate combo of clear
and drop shots, the Hawks outsmarted
the proponent team to capture the first
set, 21-17.

Leading the second set with 20-16,

the championship was within the grasps
of the soaring Hawks. But through
unleashing monster smashes, the Yellow
Panthers blasted a 6-0 run to win the set.
With the use of tricky placing and
crosscourt drives, Panthers reigned over
the disorganized and confused Hawks
to finally put an end to the game, 21-16,
and became the champions for the said
event.

FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM. Vaughn Rainiel Andal of Violet Vipers Keith Apple
Lara of the Red Hawks were hailed as this years Mr. and Miss Intrams during the IS Week Opening
Ceremonies held at the University Gym, October 27. Photo by: Romarie Sagaoinit

Driven by the desire to be the champion for the last possible year, the Batangas State University Football Club (BSUFC) happily accepted their 2-1 defeat against Stonyhurst Southville International School Football Club (SHSIS FC)
during the Batangas City Athletic Sports Meet (BCASM) held at the Batangas City Sports Centers football field, taking
the third place of the competition, November 6.
At the second half, the tide changed.
Not bothered by the blistering
The teams defeat against the valiant
weather, the fans of both teams still More attempts were made by the knights could have been missed if
watched the intense third and last seven- forwards of BSU-FC, and the header forward Dale Eman Maacap was able
a-side game of the eliminations. The of Mickel Candoleta from the corner to play the game.
game started by the kick-off which the kick of Vince Jasa touched the back of
In an interview with The LATHE,
Stony Knights won.
the net keeping BSUs hopes alive, 2-1. BSU-FCs coach and trainer Manny
Series of attempts were made by the Later on, the foul on Vince Jasa brought Samaniego expressed his sentiments
opposing team nevertheless the BSU- him near the arc for a free kick, silencing after the game.
FCs goalkeeper, Kamir Cantos, saved the anxious BSU fans. Unfortnately,
Ang BSU kasi, they played with
several of them. But unfortunately one the free kick missed and the possession heart, with passion. Medyo kinulang
of those attempts penetrated through him went back to Stony. Because of the lang talaga sa skills. Pero overall, I was
breaking the deadlock on the scoreboard, desperation of winning, BSU shot happy because they really fought like
1-0. The first half was almost under the at every possible moment but didnt Spartans, and the best thing is they had
control of the valiant knights due to their penetrated the defenders of the opposing fun. Goodluck na rin sa mga makukuha
loads of attempts, and higher percentage team, 2-1 full time.
sa STCAA if meron, said Samaniego.
of possession, thus ending at 1-1.

Panthers, Vipers dominate pool events

by TRISHIA JEAN BAGSIT

SWIMMING PANTHER. Lenalie Anne Aguila of Yellow Panthers while spanning the waters of the
Batangas City Sports Centers swimming pool during the IS Week Intramurals, October 29. Photo by:
Godwin Benedict Panaligan

As the referees whistle was blown,

Yellow Panthers made the biggest splash
by seizing gold medals and shattering
records in the Intergrated School (IS)
Weeks swimming competition held
at the Batangas City Sports Complex,

October 28.
Jhelo Ceniza of Yellow Panthers
reigned supreme providing a recordbreaking 42 seconds in 100-m freestyle.
Rowlan Guia of Orange Jaguars yielding

a never-say-die attitude combined with

his pure determination swam like a turtle
as he ranked second following Ceniza
with just two seconds away.
On the other hand, John Carlos
Gimpisao of Red Hawks placed third
with 43 seconds on the clock followed
by John Pierre dela Pena on the fourth
rank.
Haina Marie Sastado of the Violet
Vipers, meanwhile, ruled the 100-m
swimming race in the female division.
Sherylene Medrano of the Indigo
Tarantulas, placed second in the race.
Spectators were almost in high spirits
during the competition. This was the first
time to hold pool events during the IS
Intramurals.

Hawks soar over Vipers, 55-41;

captures championship title

Showing brilliance on both ends of the court, the Red Hawks

reigned supreme over the Violet Vipers, 55-41, en route to clinching
the 2014 Basketball Championship title in the recent IS Intramurals
last October 28.
Seniors Stephen Abalos, who was
Utilizing sheer height
later hailed Most Valuable Player, and and power, Red Hawks
Levi Ebora dominated on the offense, soared high with their tall
draining consecutive lay-ups and jump line-up to further widen
shots to rack up points for the Tulip- the gap leaving the Vipers
Sapphire-Mars-Honesty team.
utterly hopeless.
Conquering the inside, the Hawks
Clashing with Abalos
soared high as they crushed the and teammate Palbacal in
Vipers towering defense led by Jasper mid-air, Vipers key player
Macatangay, Allan Glenn Palbacal and Generoso ended up injured
Gabriel Generoso.
and unable to help his team
With Abalos waxing hot with back- losing their last ray
to-back field goals, the Hawks blasted of hope to catch up in the
an early 26-8 run to overpower the dying minutes of
opponents right from the tip-off.
the last quarter.
Breaking the ice-cold silence,
With this, the Red
the Vipers with the cooperation of Hawks soared high once
Macatangay, Palbacal, Generoso and again racking up points for their
Atienza started to tally markers with a team in the prestigious
classic run and gun yet still trailed far IS Intramurals.
behind 35-20 as the first half ended.

by RANVER CASTILLO

PREDATORS EYE. Red Hawks scoring

machine Stephen Abalos during the basketball
finals held at the University Gym, October 28.
Photo by: Danna Darlene Catapang