Showing posts with label joanna pagulayan. Show all posts

UPIS joins Econvergence 2013

UPIS participated in the UPLB Economics Society's annual inter school competition, Econvergence, last February 9 at the College of Economics and Management, UP Los Banos.

Two UPIS teams composed of seniors Christine Prieto, Arielle Gabriel, and Rendelle Rafin, and CJ Hernandez, Ian Villanueva, and Joanna Pagulayan competed in the Ekonomika Quiz Bee while Mikee Neri and Red Bartolome were the representatives in the Intellectual Debate Ecounter. Louanne De Sales-Papa and Paul Enriquez represented UPIS in the Poster-Making contest.

Juniors Eldrich Marquez and Lino Licuanan joined the Essay Writing contest while Karmela Gabriel was the contestant for the Photo Essay competition. Diego Manansala and Jibreel Fernandez joined the Impromptu Speaking contest.

Though the UPIS teams failed to bring home awards, it was a good learning experience for the representatives and this kind of exposure would be valuable in similar competitions they will join in the future. ● Joanna Pagulayan

The Music of the Night

The world’s most successful and popular musical, and the longest-running show on Broadway – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera- continues to grace the Philippines with its musical glory. The show premiered last August 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater in Manila and is extended until October 14, 2012. To date, the show has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has won over 50 major theatre awards, and has banked more than $ 5.6 billion.

Set in a Paris opera house, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius and composer known as 'The Phantom' who haunts the opera house. The Phantom (played by Jonathan Roxmouth) is mesmerized by the beautiful and beguiling Christine Daaé (played by Claire Lyon), a young soprano.

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most popular theatre classics. It is combination of love, passion, jealousy, sorrow, and a bit of violence. Though it dwells on the dark side of the theatre life, it is still a story very much relatable- especially considering the romantic nature of Filipinos.

When it comes to musical score, The Phantom of the Opera is nothing but brilliant. The cast was also amazing. Their voices added life and depth into the already beautiful songs. Rouxmouth was especially outstanding. His voice projection was great while his singing was very clear and full of emotion. Other actors like Lyon, and Anthony Downing also gave amazing performances. In addition, the casting of Filipino tenor Dondi Ong as Piangi gives a sense of Pinoy pride.

The grand designs of both costumes and stage contributed a lot to the impact of the show. Special effects also heightened the emotions for each scene.

From its stellar performances, to the breathtaking costumes, flamboyant stage design and heartfelt music the Phantom of the Opera promises to deliver nothing but world class experience. It is a masterpiece and a definite must see for not only Broadway fans but everyone as well. ● by Joanna Pagulayan

Stars and Juniors hold annual investiture

The UPIS Star Scouts and Junior Girl Scouts held their annual investiture ceremonies last Sept. 24 at the Multi-Purpose Hall.

The Stars from Grades 1-3 had a joint investiture led by troop leaders Ms. Angela Macaraeg and Ms. Sharon Aguila. Later in the afternoon, the Juniors led by Ms. Glaiza Cruz invested 11 new scouts and rededicated more than 50 former junior girl scouts.


Both programs were opened by Dr. Ronaldo San Jose, UPIS principal. In her message, the guest speaker, Mrs. Estela Gonzales from the GSP Council, commended the UPIS scouts for their dedication and encouraged them to be continue being active in scouting activities.


All in all, six new parent and troop leaders were invested in both Star and Junior Scouts namely Bernadette Angeles, Christie Manantab, Suzanne Licuanan, Mary Justine Amonoy, Helanay Ariola and Patricia Santos. ● by Rya Ducusin and Joanna Pagulayan

UPIS PFC holds annual Peer workshop

Members of the Peer Facilitators Club performing during their
annual training workshop. (c) Ms. Catherine Espero
The UPIS Peer Facilitators Club (PFC) had their annual training workshop last September 17 at the school library’s Audio-Visual Room.

This workshop aims to enhance club members’ leadership and counselling skill through activities such as team building, committee planning, and evaluation.

The training tackled the definition of peer helping, function, roles, principles, and code of ethics. Also, the discussion touched the essentials of being and working as a team.

The said training was initiated by Ms. Joanna Pojas, PFC President, and Ms. Catherine Espero, the club’s adviser. ● by Camille Custodio, Patricia Lim, and Joanna Pagulayan

UP Open Debate held

Members of the UPIS Forum attend the 25th Annual Open Debate
Tournament last September 11. (c) Ms. Jean Sales
The UPIS English Club - Forum was invited to watch the championship round of the 25th annual UP Pi Sigma Fraternity Open Debate tournament last September 11, 2012 at the Malcolm Theater, Malcom Hall UP Diliman.

The affirmative side from the UP Manila Debate Circle and the negative side from UP Diliman’s Indie A debated on the proposition “RH bill should be implemented for the better of women.”

Each side had two speakers and a scribe. The speakers were given 7 minutes each to give their speeches and were then asked questions for 3 minutes. After all speeches and questions, each speaker gave rebuttals. The jury consisting of 7 professors decided that the negative side won.

The debate was opened by guest speaker, Mrs. Maria Corazon Tan, a lecturer from the UP College of Mass Communications and was moderated by Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon. ● by Joanna Pagulayan, Camille Custodio, and Hannah Garay

Gelera bags bronze in Taiwan math tilt

Christian Gelera from 6-Garnet won a bronze medal in the individual category of the Annual Taiwan Elementary International Math Contest 2012 held at the Affiliated Seniors High School in Taipei, Taiwan last July 25.

The Philippines sent twelve representatives in the contest. To qualify, Gelera had to join a competition against different schools in the Philippines. He and the other chosen participants attended a summer camp and continued to train until June.

Gelera and the Philippine team, which ranked first runner-up in the group category, competed against 31 other teams from different countries all over Asia.

“Review,” says Gelera to all aspiring kids who want to excel in Math. ● by Joanna Pagulayan, Camille Custodio, and Eric Madriaga

Movie Review: Brave (2012)

Disney and Pixar’s new computer-animated fantasy adventure film Brave hit Philippine theaters last August 1, 2012. While it grossed $223,324,000 and had positive reviews in the United States starting its premier last July 22, Brave has yet to capture the hearts of the Filipino audience and make its mark on the Philippine box office list.

Set in the highlands of 10th-century Scotland, Brave narrates the story of a spirited young princess, Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) who defies an old custom which in turn caused chaos all over the land. After consulting a witch for help, her family becomes cursed and Merida is forced to break the spell before it’s too late.

When Merida’s mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson) decided that it was time for her to marry, a competition for the princess’ hand was held. Not wanting to marry, Merida enters the competition on her own behalf. For she was a skilled archer (thanks to her father, King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly), Merida wins the competition but in doing so, she angered her mother and embarrassed the lords of the land. This incident resulted to Merida and her mother having a terrible fight. The princess runs off into the woods where she encounters the magical will-o'-the-wisps, who lead her to a witch’s cottage. The witch (voiced by Julie Walters) grants Merida one wish-to change her mother, but the wish comes with horrible consequences. Merida tries to find the witch to redo the spell only to find out that she is gone. Unless Merida faces her problems, her family’s-especially her mother’s and her life would tragically change forever.

First of all, the computer-generated animations were spectacular. From the medieval castle to the eerie woods to the wonderful waterfalls and to the evermore famous fiery locks of Merida, Brave is an animation masterpiece on its own. The setting and the special effects contributed to the overall feel of the movie and made it both culturally and aesthetically rich. The characters were adorable and were voiced quite well. The Scottish accent really made a fresh twist to the story and the character each had their unique personalities.

Second, although visually appealing, Brave can be a bit misleading. At first glance, the movie seems to be about a rebellious princess who will change her destiny by fighting for her kingdom-or something close to that. But, in truth, the movie focuses more on mother-and-daughter relationships. It shows Merida and her mother’s rocky relationship and how they both grow and learn how to listen and understand each other. But not to worry, Brave still has action (though not the kind of violence that some teens might like) and loads of humor.

All in all, Brave is a very kid-friendly and heartfelt movie--the kind which you and your little brother/sister and your mom could watch. It is full of emotion, humor, and both comical and slapstick violence. ● by Joanna Pagulayan

UPIS Pep welcomes new coach

Teacher Ara goes back to her cheerdancing roots
as the new coach of the UPIS Pep Squad. (c) J.Pagulayan
Former UP Pep Squad team captain Ms. Ara Abarquez, who now teaches Grade 1 UPIS students, was named the new coach of the UPIS Pep Squad for AY 2012-2013.

The squad warmly welcomed their new coach who aims to teach and improve basic cheering skills and polish gymnastic techniques. She also plans to involve the Pep Squad in more interschool activities.

“Siyempre magaling siya kasi team captain siya ng UP Pep Squad dati. Okay siya magturo. Inamin niya rin na more on stunts and gymnastics ang kaya niyang ituro kaysa dance talaga,” pep squad member Christel Manalo said of their new coach.

“Medyo strict pero all in all, okay naman po,” adds head drummer Gaea Pelaez.

Ms. Abarquez trains the UPIS Pep Squad everyday from 5:30-7:00 pm. ● by Joanna Pagulayan, Camille Custodio, and Eric Madriaga

UP ABM holds UPCAT tutorials

The University of the Philippines Association of Biology Majors (UP ABM) recently concluded its annual UPCAT tutorials at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman Campus.

Twenty-five senior high school students from UPIS were invited to take part in the review sessions held on the first 3 Saturdays of July (7, 14, and 21) on a first come, first served basis.

Jaime Antonio Yu, chairperson of academic affairs of UP ABM, said that this project aims to help students achieve academic excellence. It is also their organization’s way of helping and contributing to the welfare of today’s youth.

UP Biology majors conducted the tutorials which covered topics from Language and Reading Comprehension (English and Filipino), Mathematics, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. ● by Joanna Pagulayan and Camille Custodio

Execom takes action against dengue

The UPIS Executive Committee (Execom) outlined some preventive measures to be taken against dengue in a memo signed by the principal, Dr. Ronaldo San Jose, and released to students last July 11.

Female students may opt to wear pants in lieu of their maroon skirts during the rainy season. From July to November, kinder to Grade 6 girls are allowed to wear their PE jogging pants while Grade 7-10 girls may wear black slacks with their white blouse.

The committee also recommends that the female faculty, staff, and REPS take the same preventive measure.

Grass-cutting and several rounds of fumigation are also scheduled to further protect the school. ● by Joanna Pagulayan and Camille Custodio

Feature: New Kids on the Block

4 of the 15 new UPIS students (bottom row, L-R: Hannah Manalo,
RJ, Gallebo, RD Novilla, and Jose Lorenzo Bautista) with MC writer
Camille Custodio and homegrowns Rita Colina and Julia Reyes
Racing hearts. Nervous sighs. Awkward stares.

Nothing is more gruesome than being the new kid in school. It’s definitely hard being far away from your comfort zone with no familiar face to talk to. Last June 5, 15 new UPIS high school students went through all these.

UPIS stopped accepting lateral students in 2001 and resumed in 2009. For this academic year, the school accepted 15 new high school students both varsity and lateral entrants.

At first, a lot of students weren’t so pleased with this abrupt change. Some felt that accepting transferees will somehow change the equilibrium within batches and some felt that the new students were invading their “exclusivity.” But they eventually welcomed and accepted the new additions to the UPIS family.

For the new students, the ride wasn’t as smooth either.

According to most of them, being new was never easy. It has always been a stereotype that the new kid is always the “odd ball.”At first they felt isolated them but with the help of a few warm smiles and welcoming hellos, they were able to adjust nicely in a short period of time.

“Nakakakaba. Noong una, mahirap ang lessons tapos wala akong kilalala. Pero, after a while, madami naming nagwewelcome sa’min,” said Hannah Manalo, one of the lateral students in 7-Mars.

Different teams also welcomed their new members with open arms.

“Masasaya naman po sila. Makukulit din,” said swimmer Drew Magbag and basketball player John Alan Gregorio from 7- Saturn.

Their impression of their new “second home” is that the school promotes freedom in terms self-expression. Most of them recalled how during the first day of classes, they would always be made to write expectations of different subjects and introduce themselves in class.

They are surely adjusting well and without a doubt, they would soon be well-adapted and would be fully enjoying the life as UPIS Iskos and Iskas. ● by Joanna Pagulayan & Camille Custodio
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