Retreat @ 8 Waves

By Graciella Ramona G. Guevara, IV-Perseveranza

The MDPS Faculty and Staff had their summer outing last May 25, 2007 at 8 Waves Resort in Bulacan.
It was a chance for the MDPS Family to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
“I had fun because I tried all the pools in the resort. The outing was wonderful and sweet,” said Ms. Nerissa Quesada, HS Teacher, when asked about her experience during the outing.
“The outing was okay because we all had the chance to bond with each other,” said Mr.Rodel Manayan, HS Teacher.
Indeed, the outing personnel was a success!

PAASCU accreditation status

Seminar-Workshop at Villa Ronar

By Franchesca Lenina L. Demdam, IV- Misericordia and Trisha Thadhani, I- Semplicita’


The MDPS community is now busy preparing for the Philippine Accrediting Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) visit.
According to Mrs. Fe Perez, PAASCU Project Director, the school community is done with the Self-Survey, the results of which were presented in a plenary session composed of Faculty and Student & Parent Representatives last September 14 at the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall.
The Self-Survey is an internal assessment to determine how good MDPS is as a Catholic school. A review of the school’s Instruction, Faculty, Administration, Student Services, Laboratory, Library & Audio-Visual Center, Physical Plant, and School & Community was accomplished, headed by an administrator or student teacher with three to four teachers coming from the Faculty.
The Chairpersons make up the PAASCU Executive Committee together with Mrs. Perez, Directress Sr. Ruby Diva, ASP, Principal Sr. Alma Tirol, ASP, and Project Consultant Dr. Jesus Palma, a former Ateneo Grade School Administrator.
“I am very positive that this move to have MDPS accredited by PAASCU will lead to the further improvement of the kind of service that the school envisions to render to its clientele,” remarked Mrs. Perez.

CHINA SUMMIT

By Nikka R. Fernandez, III-Temperanza

Selected High School along with Mr. Alfred Lozanta (Makabayan Team Leader), Mrs. Cecilia Mapa (Student Welfare and Activities Administrator) and Mrs. Teresita Manuud (Registrar) attended the China Summit held last July 28, 2007 at the Escaler Hall in Ateneo De Manila University.
The said event was all about China, its history, culture and economy. The visitors were also taught about Chinese values written in Chinese characters.

“Buwan ng Wika” celebrations held

By Julianne Love F. De Jesus, III-Temperanza
and Trisha Angelie F. Thadhani, I-Semplicita’


The “Buwan ng Wika” culminating activity was held last September 1, 2007 with the theme “Maraming Wika, Matatag na Bansa.”
HS and GS students performed their respective acts and showcased their talents in dancing, singing and monologue.
Po Teresa Santiago, I-Semplicita’, won First Place in the Monologue contest, followed by Princess Bondoc, II-Giustizia.
The Juniors won in the “Katutubong Sayaw” contest with their version of the “Singkil.”
In “Katutubong Awit”, Clarissa Felix, IV-Perseveranza, won the First Place with “Salidumay” while Mikko Yap, III-Fortezza’ took home the Second Place with “Manang Biday.”
Emcees for the program were Katrina Cassandra Seitz & Catherine Lyka Lim (first half) and Dhanice Mengote & Amelia Villamiel (Second Half).
After the program, the “Salu-Salong Pinoy” was held in the Covered Court. The prize for the best table setting was won by I-Semplicita’.
In the “Palarong Pinoy,” the Blue team won the “Hilahang Lubid” while the Orange Team won in the “Calamansi Relay.”
Ellaine Malelang, Student Body Organization (SBO) President led the closing prayer.
The Filipino Department spearheaded the said event. Ms. Nerissa Quesada, Ms. Carol Cabigting and other teachers, class moderators and students have made this celebration of “Buwan ng Wika” a successful and memorable one.

GC holds Career Orientation

By Julianne Love F. De Jesus, III-Temperanza


A Career Orientation for Juniors and Seniors took place at the newly renovated Mother Alessandra Sala Hall last July 13, 2007 organized by the Guidance Center.
There were speakers from different fields. They are Mrs. Nora Abellar, a Human Resource Department Manager of Bayer Cropscience Philippines Inc., Mrs. Joanne Felix, a special advertising consultant from Reader’s Digest Philippines and Engr. Ramir Tiamzon, a Civil Engineer connected with the Quezon City Engineering Department.
Mrs. Abellar discussed ways on choosing a career while Marketing and Advertising was thoroughly explained by Mrs. Felix. Engr. Tiamzon talked on how he got interested in engineering and what the said profession is all about.
According to Mrs. Teresita Retamar, Guidance Center Coordinator, the purpose of this activity is “to help the students in choosing the right career that meets their interest and financial capability.” The career symposium dealt mainly on details and different schools that offer the students’ chosen career.
Students’ questions were entertained by the speakers during the open forum. They reacted that they now know more about the different college courses they can choose from.

Earthquake Drill held at MDPS

By Gladys C. Barcelona, II-Giustizia and Jerel Nikko E. Goto, I-Lealta’


The Earthquake Drill was done successfully last July 27, 2007, Friday at 9:30 AM. The activity was participated by both GS and HS students and was witnessed by two Marikina City officials.
Senior Fire Officer 2 (SFO2) Danilo Santos, Officer-in-Charge of the Emergency Medical Service of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Matt Helmjohn Millan, Videographer from the Public Information Office, visited MDPS to assess and document the event.
The bell rang to signal the start of the drill. The students first hid under their tables in the “Duck, Cover and Hold” position. They then went outside to their designated evacuation areas in a safe and orderly manner.
In an interview, Mr. Millan rated the GS as 8 out 10 and the HS as 10 out of 10 while SFO2 Santos evaluated the whole community as “Very Good.”

Health Staff Host First Aid Symposium

Clockwise: Mr. Dula explains the CPR;
CPR Demonstration; Dr. Dela Cruz,
Mrs. Bautista and Mrs. Mapa


By Franchesca Lenina L. Demdam, IV- Misericordia


The possibility of accidents and emergencies occurring in the community is always present.
With this in mind, a symposium on First Aid and Basic Life Support was held last August 26, 2007 at the Mother Alessandra Sala Hall. In attendance were members of the MDPS Community and Student Body Organization (SBO) officers.
Ednie Dula, RN, Liaison Officer and Lead Trainor of the Marikina City Health Office - Rescue 161, was the event’s guest speaker. He was assisted by Arnel Condicion, Emergency Medical Technician and First Aid Responder from the same unit.
A Powerpoint® presentation showing different kinds of injuries and the proper treatment was shown. The speakers also demonstrated the correct administration of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) using a dummy.
The activity was organized by Health Services Officer/School Nurse Mrs. Helen Bautista and School Physician Dr. Lorma Jeanne Dela Cruz.

Leaders attend training

By Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, II-Nobilta’


HS Class Officers attended the Leadership Training last June 29, 2007 at 4:00 PM in the newly-renovated Mother Alessandra Sala Hall.
Ms. Denisse Enriquez, Guidance Counselor for Years III and IV, was one of the speakers. She explained that a good leader has a grasp of four things: self-concept, self-knowledge, self-worth and social-self, underscoring that an exceptional leader is understanding and open-minded.
Ms. Anna Casio, an MDPS alumna, discussed her experiences as a student leader. Mrs. Joanne Felix talked about Teamwork, emphasizing that teams have to work together to achieve a common goal.
Mr. Feliciano Degolacion discussed about effective leadership while Ms. Kriska Santos, another MDPS alumna, explained that trust is important.
“I felt happy on what Ate Anna said that you can be a good leader even if you’re not famous,” said Marcelle. Tanyag, II-Guistizia President. Juan Miguel Estrada, II-Nobilta Public Relations Officer-Internal, said that he can now motivate his classmates because he is already a true leader.
The participants said that they felt the importance of the training and they are now ready to become good leaders and followers.

EDITORIAL: Global Warming

Global warming is one complex phenomenon.
This refers to the increase in the earth’s temperature. Air pollution, particularly carbon dioxide emission, contributes a lot to this problem. United States is the largest contributor to global warming, emitting more carbon dioxide than other countries like China, India and Japan.
As the climate changes, there are many consequences that the world would have to face: drought and wildfire, intense rainstorms, deadly heat waves, spread of disease, hurricanes and rise of sea level due to melting glaciers.
We need to preserve life. We can stop global warming by reducing the pollution from vehicles and power plants. Appliances should also be wisely used to conserve energy. Simple action plans like segregating our waste, recycling materials to form new products and joining advocacy organizations that show concern for our environment can help us to build a better world.
All of us have a part in preserving the resources our Almighty Father has given to us. We are obliged to do our best in taking good care of our Mother Earth for our own sake.
“Do your part in order to live harmoniously in this world; be a good example in preserving life.”MFR

Parents Advisory Council 2007 to 2008

President: Mrs. Joanne Felix
Vice President: Mr.Victor Ursabia
Secretary: Mrs.Michelle Carlos
Treasurer: Mrs. Gayzel Santos
Auditor: Mr.Dino Aquino
Level Representatives:
I-Semplicita: Mrs.Gayzel Santos
I-Lealta: Mrs. Bessie Yturzaeta
II-Giustizia: Mrs.Arlyn Milla
II-Nobilta: Mr.Victor Ursabia
III-Fortezza: Mrs. Gina T. Patricio
III-Temperanza: Mrs. Gemma Bandojo
IV-Perseveranza: Mrs. Joanne Felix
IV-Misericordia: Mrs.Esmeralda Halal

SBO Corner

By Ellaine Joyce V. Malelang, SBO President

Greetings!
For this school year 2007-2008, the Student Body Organization aims to be visible to the whole community. Now, it does not only govern the HS department but as well as the GS. Our goal for this school year is to satisfy the wants and needs of each students in our little way.
In line with this goal, we have the following objectives:
To establish a way of living that would make us closer to God;
Projects/Activities: Outreach Program, Bible Sharing
To educate the youth to think critically and focus on issues that would matter to the youth;
Projects/Activities: Symposia
To encourage the students to be well-disciplined and aware of their behavior;
Projects/Activities: Cleanest Classroom Award,
Most Disciplined Class, Penalties
To establish camaraderie among the students; and
Projects/Activities: Mr. and Ms. MDPS 2007, Variety Show, Personnel's Day
To be able to raise funds for SBO projects and buy things that will benefit the students
Projects/Activities: Raffle, Foundation Day Booths
Of course, none of these objectives will be obtained if our fellow students would not help us. We are not closing the box yet. If you have any suggestions of projects in mind, you may tell this to your class presidents and they will be the ones to relay the message to the Council.
We hope for your full support and cooperation to the Student Body Organization and may God bless us all a fruitful year!
In behalf of the student body, we thank Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP, Ms. Louise Michelle Lozano and Mr. Donnerique Enriquez for being part of the MDPS Family! Godspeed!

New Members of the MDPS Family: Mr.Richel Lorca

Mr. Richel Gimeno Lorca is our 25-year old Science I, Biology and Health II Teacher. He graduated from West Visayas State University in La Paz, Iloilo City with the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biology.
According to him, Science is the only subject which he enjoys the most even when he was still a child. He also finds the subject very exciting to teach.
Mr. Lorca spent his first year after college as a volunteer teacher in Capiz. After this, he had a regular teaching job at Our Lord’s Angel School in Caloocan City.
He said that even though he is new here, he already has friends because he can mingle with anyone. His favorite sport is Volleyball.
“I am only fulfilling my dream to become a Teacher,” said Mr.Lorca, when asked why he chose teaching as his profession. He thinks MDPS has a good program and that the teachers are very accommodating. He finds MDPSians as well-disciplined and loving students.
Mr. lorca said he is happy with his chosen career and claims that he continues to remain focus on his work. By Graciella Ramona G. Guevara and Geof Andrei Yturzaeta, IV-Perseveranza and I-Semplicita

New Members of the MDPS Family: Fr. Joselito Santos, CRSP

In spite of being an altar boy and participating in different pastoral activities for many years, Fr. Joselito Abraham Santos, CRSP, Christian Living Education III and IV Teacher, shared the thought of becoming a priest never crossed his mind back then.
He decided to enter the seminary on his fourth year in High School when Barnabite seminarians came and talked about their religious vocation, “Something happened that very moment that I decided to apply for the search-in,” he said. Troubled by the sudden decision, he prayed for a sign, “The Lord was so fast that the next day, our parish priest confronted me about becoming a priest,” he added. Afterwards, he entered the seminary and started his long journey.
He finished AB Philosophy at St. Camillus College Seminary in 1998 and graduated as Magna Cum Laude in Bachelor in Sacred Theology at the Pontificial University of Urbania in Rome, Italy on 2002. He is currently taking up his licentiate for MA in Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School.
He find MDPSians as academically and culturally well-formed students, “I’m not saying this because I am part of the MDPS family but it was also my impression the first time I encountered them three years ago,” he added.
In order to instill Christian Values to his students, Fr. Joselito wants to become a witness to Christ through the examples of St. Paul and St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria.
In his spare time, he dedicates himself into reading, preparing his homilies, writing his masteral thesis and even finds time for cooking.
Claiming that he had never described himself, Fr. Joselito used what his co-priest Fr. Jimmy Anastacio, CRSP wrote in their College Yearbook; “Anyone who meets this person for the first time would usually remark of such a paradox between a comic character and a commanding presence.” By Patricia Bianca M. Andres, III-Temperanza

New Members of the MDPS Family: Mr. Donnerique Enriquez

Mr. Anthony Jude Donnerique Enriquez is our new Guidance Counselor for Grade 6 and Years I-II students. He graduated from University of Santo Tomas (UST) this year with the course of BS Psychology.
Mr. Enriquez chose to work here at MDPS because he used to study here and graduated HS in 1999. He said that he missed his teachers who are still here like Mrs. Mapa, Mrs. Lustado, Mrs. Fernando, Mrs. Ursua and others.
His first impression of the students is that they are very energetic and most speak English fluently. He expects them to be well rounded, to have good breeding and character just like in the MDPS Hymn.
He wants to become a doctor because he wants to have the chance to tell people how to stay healthy and to help people with illnesses to recover. "There are different sets of fulfillment in helping people to recover," he explained. He also wants to promote a healthy lifestyle, believing that prevention is better than cure.
He likes people who are responsible, dependable, trustworthy and hardworking. His hobbies are playing basketball and other sports and reading about social psychology.
Mr. Enriquez will be taking the National Medical Admission Test in preparation for his application to Medical School. Good luck Sir! By Ma. Francesca C. Herrera, II-Nobilta' and Marichelle Anne M. Eliseo, I-Lealta'

New Members of the MDPS Family: Ms. Joselyn Delos Reyes

Ms. Joselyn Delos Reyes is the new Grade 3 to year IV Physical Education (PE) Teacher. She graduated with the degree of BS Education Major in Physical Education, Health and Music from Roosevelt College in Cainta in 2005.
She taught grade school students for 2 months at Eucharistiana Center in Marikina City, a special education school. “This is my first year in teaching high school students,” she added.
She chose to be a teacher because she wants to mold the minds of the youth. “I am inspired by my mom because she is also a teacher,” she explained.
She got to know about MDPS through her friend. She describes MDPSians as “kind and friendly.” “I never thought that I will be a teacher, but I am happy for what I am now. It’s God’s plan for me.” Ms. Delos Reyes explained.During her spare time, she likes going out with her friends, eating and playing guitar. ByMoniqa F. Raval, IV- Perseveranza and Kamille C

New Members of the MDPS Family: Mrs. Racheal Gonzales

Mrs. Racheal Gonzales, Technology and Livelihood Education I-IV Teacher, was born on June 26, 1978 in Ligao, Albay. She is a graduate of BS Home Economics in Marikina Institute of Science and Technology.
She originally wanted to take up Computer Science but due to some financial problems, she decided to study Education instead.
Mrs. Gonzales started teaching in HAGGAI Christian Academy in Antipolo City in 2001.
During her spare time, she likes reading and cross stitching. She loves to cook and Lumpiang Sariwa is her favorite food. She says she is not musically-inclined but is very much into arts and crafts.
As a mother, she is loving, responsible, and sees herself as a disciplinarian. She likes everything spic and span.
She values punctuality and claims to love her work, “Value your work as you value yourself,” she said. Erika K. Bueno, III-Temperanza

New Members of the MDPS Family: Mrs. Cristeta Tuazon

Mrs. Cristeta Reposar-Tuazon is our new English I-II teacher. She was born on October 23, 1971 and holds the degree of AB Mass Communication from Trinity College of Quezon City, class of 1993. She worked in Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC) in Markina City and San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila (SLRDM) in Cainta for five years.
Having married last May, Mrs. Tuazon has a passion for cooking, writing poems, and reading for leisure and research. This former Girl Scouts of the Philippines program staff is also a computer junkie. She is very fond of playing Flyff, Gran Turismo and MU. She also likes to surf the Internet and checking her Friendster account.
“Destiny wants me to be here,” she said. She transferred to our school because SLRDM is quite far from where she lives.
She finds MDPSians as very active and participative students. She said that even if they can befriend their second parents, they still manage to respect the teachers.
Mrs. Tuazon expects her students to be cooperative, disciplined and good communicators. “English is a communication subject,” she added. She claims that working with her colleagues is smooth sailing and that they get along very well even though she is just new in our institution.
“Success is not merely counted by what we see but with what the heart alone could see,” are some of her very remarkable words. She explains that success is not based on material things that we achieve. For her, happiness and family are the priceless treasures she value in life.
With a positive outlook in life, Mrs. Tuazon continues to inspire her students. Sara Jamel S. Bangayan, II-Nobilta’

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : A Review

By Patricia Bianca M. Andres, III-Temperanza

The Ministry of Magic has fallen, Death Eaters are ascending to power, on a mission to find the-boy-who-lived and lead him to the Dark Lord. Harry Potter had left home and together with Ron and Hermione, they are on the run. On a quest to find and destroy the horcruxes, a task Dumbledore had left behind, it is the only way for them to defeat He-who-must-not-be-named and to survive the final battle.
Meanwhile, the Dark Lord is looking for the elder wand, one of the three hallows, that is sure to give him great power, yet he must defeat its previous owner so that it would work for him. But who is the real master of the elder wand, that the greatest wizards of all time have sought for?
The novel that encouraged children to read again and the story of the adventure of the boy whom we have grown up with and loved had come to its conclusion. Surely, the long wait and anticipation for the last book in a series of seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was worth it.
Long standing doubts and questions about the characters have been answered and different theories and speculations have been clarified. Until the very end, events will still continue to surprise the readers especially the revelations about the characters.
No, Professor Snape is not a villain, his promise of fidelity is to Dumbledore, whose secrets had been revealed, and yes, indeed, Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived, will continue to live on. He had defeated Lord Voldemort and saved wizards, half-bloods, and muggles alike.
The Harry Potter series have sold millions of copies all around the world, casting enchanting spells upon avid readers. The truly extraordinary life of a boy; orphaned as a child, treated unfairly by the only family he had, sleeping under a cupboard, barely knowing anything about his parents and the world of wizards and witches to which he belongs, and uncertain of the cause of the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, a symbol of his past and predetermines the struggle and battle he has to face, had attracted people of all ages to read the wonderful story that is truly unforgettable and will definitely be loved by future generations.

INFINITY ON HIGH

By Sara Jamel S. Bangayan, II-Nobilta’

Formed by friends Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman in the suburbs of Chicago in 2001, Fall Out Boy (FOB) is indeed one of this year’s famous rock bands. They will make their mark here in the Philippines on September 21, 2007 in Araneta Coliseum as a part of their Friends or Enemies World Tour.
The band is composed of: Patrick Stump on vocals and guitars, Pete Wentz on bass and backup vocals, Andy Hurley on drums and Joe Trohman on guitars.
The band was nameless at their first two shows. At the end of their second show, they asked the audience for a name and someone shouted out “Fall Out Boy.”
They released their mini-LP under Uprising Records titled “Fall Out Boy’s Evening Out With Your Girlfriend” in 2003. Their first full-length album entitled “Take This To Your Grave” was released in May 6, 2003. On May 3, 2005, this punk-pop-rock band released their major debut album, “From Under The Cork Tree” which achieved double platinum status and has sold 2.5 million albums in US alone.
Their latest album, “Infinity On High”, was released last February 6, 2007. This sold 260,000 copies and reached #1 in the Billboard 200 with the lead single, “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race.”.
Indeed, Fall Out Boy’s peak of popularity is infinity on high, gaining achievements and awards in all of these years.

Sources:
www.wikipedia.com , www.trl.mtv.com, www.falloutboy.com ,
/www.gigwise.com/artists/00017346_fall_out_boy200.jpg
http://www.punkwave.it/public/i/covers/f/fall_out_boy-infinity_on_high.jpg

TRIVIAS

Compiled by Nikka R. Fernandez, III-Temperanza
Art by Gladys C. Barcelona, II-Giustizia

Did You know that…

« Urine was once used to wash hair-to get rid of hair lice!
« The world’s most expensive coffee comes from monkey poop!
« The symbol of love used to be the liver, not the heart!
« In Ancient times, Egyptians worshipped onions!
« A Woodpecker can peck 20 times in one second!

Reference:
K-Zone Special Did You Know?
September 2007

In My Solitude

By Jason L. Bandojo, III-Temperanza

My hearts longs for you
The one I truly love
Your smile so true
No one else could ever have

The most wonderful eyes I’ve seen
Only you can own
This state of joy I’m always in
Whenever we’re on the phone

Why do you have to go
Now that I’ve learned to love you?
Why do you have to leave me so
If you have known to love me too?

I’ve been out of my mind
I don’t know what to do
Real happiness, I can’t find
All my hopes flew

Since you have left me
Here without help
My life seems so emptyOur story’s just on the shelf

MariPriSAA preparations

The MDPS Volleyball Varsity Team graced the inaugural games at Roosevelt College Marikina.

By Erika K. Bueno and Julianne Love F. De Jesus, III-Temperanza

As the MDPS’ varsity teams gear up for another competitive year of Marikina Private Schools Association (MariPriSAA) sports event, coaches and varsity members from different sports are preparing for the opening of the upcoming activity on September 15, 2007 at Roosevelt College Lamuan.
According to Badminton Coach Alfred Lozanta, the purpose of our school in joining MariPriSAA is “to continue the pride and honor earned by the respective members of the varsity team.” He also explained that its advantages are the cultivation of discipline and the players’ determination for excellence.
In preparation for the games, Volleyball Team Coach Joselyn Delos Reyes said “Volleyball varsity members have started their training last Wednesday, September 5, 2007.”
Basketball Team Coach Jaime Dumaquita said that the group still lives up to their goal which is to win the game. “Even though there were only few of us who are playing for MariPriSAA, we will try and do our best,” Allen Mendoza, III-Temperanza, said.

MDPSians compete in dance tilt

By Nikka R. Fernandez and Jason L. Bandojo, III-Temperanza

Selected Freshmen competed in an inter-school dance showdown last July 22, 2007 at the Riverbanks Mall in Marikina.
Maureen Santos, Ana Marie Policarpio, Elisse Bagtas, Princess Brusola, Aiko Nakamura, Joanna Irish De Guzman, Carla Alejo and Jenallin Domagas represented the school. They were joined by Ms. Joselyn Delos Reyes, Physical Education Teacher.
The theme of the dance contest is “Healthy Lifestyle ng Kabataan, Landas sa Kinabukasan.” Other schools which participated in the said event are Kostka, Marist, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College (OLOPSC) and Roosevelt College.
Marist emerged as the champion, followed by OLOPSC and Roosevelt bagging the 1st and 2nd Runner-Up prizes, respectively.Ms. Delos Reyes said that the MDPS team was a good sport about the result. “The dancers accepted it. It’s just that one of the winners did a modern dance even if what was required was really a dance exercise.”