The Quantum has always been a pivotal organization for the PaScian community, becoming a watchdog to disseminate information to the student body with accountability. This publication has an indisputable impact on the campus, becoming a pillar for many by imparting truth beyond just the headlines.

With its various categories, including multimedia outputs ranging from literary, feature, news, column, sci-tech, and sports sections, to graphics, layouts, photojournalism, and broadcasting. The Quantum features a wide array of coverage on different topics, which allows an outlet of expression for campus journalists. It has become more than just a publication; it is a harbor for the many writers in the school who push beyond the status quo as well. For many years, TQ provided and continues to provide for the needs of those with a thirst for the truth. But, how did it all start?

In the year 2002, Pasay City National Science High School was founded, marking a significant milestone, and initiating the school’s English-language newspaper publication. Ms. Rose Talladen, a retired DepEd teacher who once became a teacher in Pasay City National Science High School, was entrusted with the task of becoming the first adviser of the organization. However, after 3 years, Ms. Talladen was transferred to a different school, which called for the time to give the position to another teacher.

Ms. Jackyline Lagana, who was assigned to teach the former students and graduates of PCNatSciHS 2005, found herself picking up the legacy that was left behind by Ms. Talladen, earning herself the title of The Quantum’s adviser, and one of the founding pillars for the organization. For more than 15 years, she became a steadfast mentor for the various Editors-in-Chief, officers, and writers, and became the hand that pushed her students to leave their unique markings and legacy within the walls of the organization.

“To mention a few, the times when we competed in the NSPC for 3 straight years, though we didn’t clinch a spot, those experiences contributed a lot to my journey as a trainer in journalism and as a school paper adviser,” Ms. Lagana said when being asked about her time as the school paper’s adviser.

For three consecutive years, from 2007 to 2010, Iza Darlene Cay, a notable alumni now working with GMA News, became the Editor-in-Chief of The Quantum during her second year to fourth year in high school.

In 2019, Ms. Lagana decided to give up being a school paper adviser, saying she would be focusing on the Korean Language and other matters. She recommended another faculty member to take her place after leaving the organization.

Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo became the newest adviser for The Quantum. He is a graduate of Philippine Normal University – Manila, with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Speech and Theater Arts. He also studied at De La Salle University – Manila having a Master of Arts in Communication major in Media Studies. Up to this day, he continues to serve as The Quantum’s adviser.

Around this time, Iris Ivy Samson, a sports writer in the organization, was the Editor-in-Chief of TQ. Along with Dave Matthew Gerobin, they brought the school multiple accomplishments throughout their time in the publication by continuously receiving awards at school press conferences and competitions and competing in the National Schools Press Conference.

During their leadership, several members of The Quantum were elected to positions in the Pasay

City, National Capital Region, and National Secondary Editors Guild.

Dave Matthew Gerobin inherited the position of becoming the next Editor-in-Chief. His journey to becoming a known EIC wasn’t blunt, Dave started as a Filipino Radio Broadcaster, soon becoming an Associate Editor for Ang Liwanag, the Filipino school newspaper publication. He proves his capabilities, which in turn leads to him being appointed to the position. He also served as the President for both Pasay City and NCR Secondary Editors’ Guild.

“The path of a journalist, especially as a campus journalist, is often challenging but incredibly rewarding. Continue doing your work with passion and conviction, always remembering the reason why you chose this path and for whom you’re doing it… There will always be challenges but we need to learn to embrace these challenges for they are opportunities for growth,” Mr. Gerobin stated.

The Quantum’s Social Media era kicked off through the insistence of Mr. Gerobin. They discovered that there hadn’t been a proper handover process of the already existing page. With the help of Mr. Balolo, they were able to kick off a fresh page of Quantum’s Facebook site, which allowed them to align their vision with their publication. With the pandemic confining the campus to their homes, the online presence on the Facebook page became the priority for output and disseminating information.

However, even learners have to meet the end of their journey. Gerobin’s days at Pasay City National Science High School finally came to a close. However, his legacy didn’t end there — his history as a journalist didn’t die down. His tasks were shouldered to Gillian Gamboa, his Associate Editor and a Sports Writer for The Quantum.

During the same year, the Quantum and the Liwanag scribes were awarded the Overall Best Performing School during the 40th Pasay City Secondary School’s Press Conference (PCSSPC) held last September 7, 2019, at Jose Rizal Elementary School. Among those winners were Ms. Gamboa, who placed 1st in Sports Writing, and Mr. Gerobin, who ranked as Best Sportscaster in Radio Broadcasting-Filipino.

On October 19, 2019, the selected campus scribes of Pasay City National Science High School represented the school with honor and pride in the following Regional Schools Press Conference and Contest.

However, the legacy of the Quantum did not end in 2019. Nay, it continued to flourish as the members continued to bring back home accomplishments, etching their names in the hall of fame; just like Ms. Gamboa, who, even as her antecedent leaves the school to pursue his future, continues writing her destiny as the Associate Editor and Sports Editor at that time, by participating along with Clarence Borlaza, a News Writer, in the Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup (DSJC) on October 17 and 18, 2020. On October 25, 2020, The Quantum congratulated Ms. Gamboa for earning the 11th spot in the News Writing Category and Mr. Borlaza for participating as a news writer in the concluded Ditto Sarmiento Journalism Cup.

The organization celebrated another milestone the same year, as Mr. Balolo and Audrey Zazel Espeso were granted the Special Citation for Highly Commendable Environmental Story from The Green Beat Initiative last November 21, 2020.

Time continues to move forward to 2021, and students and trainers represented the school and the organization in the E-Sulat Mo! 2021 Pasay City Press Conference and Contest on July 6, where they placed in the Top 3 Performing Secondary Schools in the said competition.

Additionally, writers and their trainers had brought home the bacon, whose names are Rafael C. Pascual, who placed 1st in Editorial Writing with the training of Mr. Balolo, Lei Carol D. Pacheco, 1st in Pagsulat ng Editoryal with the training of Mrs. Myra R. Jaime, and Audrey Zazel Espeso who placed 3rd in Feature writing and received Mr. Balolo’s training.

In the year 2022, the eSULAT MO: 2022 Division Schools Press Conference and Contests was held, wherein Pasay City National Science High School placed 1st at the Best Performing School. It was also this event where multiple students triumphed with their individual honors including 2nd Place in Editorial Writing, 1st Place in Feature Writing, 2nd Place in Pagsulat ng Lathalain, 3rd Place in Paglalarawang Tudling, 1st Place in Sports Writing, 2nd Place in Pagsulat ng Isports, 2nd Place in Photojournalism, and 1st Place in Pagkuha ng Larawan.

With the return of face-to-face classes came more opportunities. Student journalists were given the privilege to hone their talents in writing, and their trainers were able to give them the proper teachings that they weren’t able to tackle during online classes. This also gave them new experiences as a scribe of Quantum, especially as they participate once more in face-to-face competitions. As the school year came to a close, the organization was awarded the Best Organizations for 2022 – 2023, further adding to the list of their accomplishments within the campus.

In 2023, The Quantum presented the Cascades of Chroma: Editorial Board, with Ms. Rica Angela Calubaquib inheriting the Editor-in-Chief position, who soon plays a critical leadership role in shaping the vision of the organization.

This year’s Quantum presents multiple achievements, gaining the overall win for the Top Performing Secondary School in the 42nd Pasay City Schools Press Conference and Contests held at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School. One of the scribes who won in their respective individual category is Ms. Calubaquib who snatched the 2nd place in Editorial Writing. She also received the Philippine Senate Gold Medal Award for Academic Excellence, which was awarded by Dr. Mark Anthony Familaran, the current Principal of Pasay City National Science High School.

In the same year, Ms. Angelleanne Marfa embarked on a historical milestone for the school. She bags the first National Schools Press Conference win, becoming the 5th best editorial writer in the country.

The organization’s latest issue also placed 7th in best Sports Page, and 10th in Feature Page.

Mr. Xyrel James Canonoy soon continues the legacy left by Ms. Calubaquib after graduating.

One of the distinguished members of The Quantum from the school year 2023-2024, was Yvril Anne L. Balbas, who was not just a feature writer or a journalist, but a bright student blessed with an artistic hand. She has competed for the school and has won awards, but before she could achieve such a feat, she was a student who, like us, started at the bottom. During her first years as a writer, she wasn’t what you could call a genius. However, even when her skills as a feature journalist weren’t adept, it didn’t stop her from pursuing to enhance her writing.

As soon as she saw opportunities that would come her way, she eagerly grabbed them with open palms, using these experiences to learn from her mistakes, and consequently develop her writing style, which she used to pave her way to her succession and leave her mark—one that the future members could look up to with eyes full with pride and admiration.

”Until now, I’m still learning how to write effectively. On the whole, the Quantum gave me a chance to enhance my skills as a feature writer, helping me to realize and acknowledge the sprouts of growth in me that I could flourish,” Ms. Balbas said when being asked about her experience in The Quantum.

But as the present stalks our shadow and knocks on our doors, the predecessors continue to pass on the torch: rekindling the flame and keeping it growing bright, maintaining the organization as it is now. It enhances and becomes the catalyst for the students to undergo metamorphosis, to turn them over to a new leaf, to start a new chapter of their lives, and to become better versions of themselves.

To follow the flow of evolution, that is what makes us unique from others—for us to start at our weakest, and to come out victorious with strength. The members of The Quantum emerge from their shells with a pen in their hand, and the other on the paper, their minds open, and their mouths unafraid to utter the words of truth—one that never spews biases, and puts justice and their readers as their priority.

The future of the school, that is who we are. We are the pride, and soon we will pass on our duties to the following generations. Soon, we will be predecessors, harboring students who can become the better us; after all, we are never forever young, and soon we will have to leave to start our journey—our new chapter in our life; and the future who will live on and speak of our story.