By: Danella De VeraPublication by Jamelle Ronquilo We were told of the entities roaming around the campus numerous times. As someone with no experience with paranormal phenomena, I believed it would stay as pure rumors and unproven tales. Not until I had to encounter them myself. Busily practicing for a performance, I didn’t catch a glimpse of the time. My group mates and I finished at around 7 in the evening. Heading out to throw the trash, I stopped in my tracks as I felt a cold breeze surge through the corridor lit with a dim light. All the classrooms were locked, and only my echoing footsteps were heard. Feeling uneasy, I hurried back to grab my belongings and exit the school. Despite feeling disturbed, I remained curious. By the time I arrived by the gate, I couldn’t help but take one last look at the corridor. I gulped in terror as I saw an apparition of a child looking down on us from the window.It was a little boy. I couldn’t see his face clearly, but I could feel him staring down at us. It was exactly how my friends and teachers would describe it— a dark shadow-like silhouette of a frail yet appalling little boy. I immediately took my eyes off of it. Wearily shivering in fear, I opted to go home. The apparition was blurry, but after 2 years, I still remember the memory vaguely.
Lingering Echoes
By: Michelle Carranza, Chloe CristobalPublication: Sofia Divinagracia Have you ever heard of the word “doppelganger”? When I first heard about the term and its definition, I almost chuckled at its absurdity. I mean, was it really all that possible to have a paranormal being pretend to be you and fool the ones who can distinguish your silhouette a mile away? I didn’t think so either. Not until… Well, let’s just say a lot of things have happened since I first stepped foot inside this school. In my early years of teaching, I had already heard tall tales of clones and doubles roaming around the campus. But that was what they all were to me — campfire stories. Stories you would exaggeratedly tell when the shadows seemed to linger and the night just won’t keep quiet. However, inch-by-inch, the stories I once thought of to be false transformed into a chilling actuality. The first instance I encountered…whatever it is, was right after cheerdance practice. As the moon shone its light through the big windows of the gymnasium, two 4th year students informed me that they were going to change their clothes. Naturally, I agreed and they headed off to the fourth floor girls’ bathroom. It was a serene end to a very exhausting day, so it was my surprise when the two girls came running back into the classroom sweat dripping off their foreheads with terrified expressions painted onto their faces. “Ma’am! We headed into the bathroom because we saw our friend changing. We followed right behind her, but… but we checked all the bathroom stalls and she’s nowhere to be found!”, one of the girls said. Admittedly, my initial instinct was to laugh and tell the girls that the exhaustion from their practice has rubbed off on them. I didn’t believe what they said, but as the moon lessened its light as I was walking home, I couldn’t help but ponder upon their experience. I didn’t consider the possibility that exhaustion was not the cause. After all, I wasn’t naive. I could tell when kids make up stories to scare themselves or others. But boy, was I wrong. Weeks had already passed by since I last thought of that experience. It hid itself in the corners of my mind; replaced with a great amount of lesson plans and outputs to check. But then, all of the sudden, it came rushing to the forefront of my thoughts once again. PaSci back then didn’t have any air conditioning units yet, so doors were often open. I would catch glimpses of students walking past the door while I was teaching lessons, but when I came to check who it was, no trace of life was left for evidence. At that point, the hushed tales of the doppelgangers got to me. I didn’t think about it constantly, but I was now wary of its possible presence. The last straw that really pushed me to believe this notion was when I was hosting a viewing in the e-learning center. I excused myself from the students as I headed to the comfort room. As I was walking back to the center, I noticed a male figure through the small window of the door. I recognized the person as one of my superiors. He was guiding the students in one of the cubicles, as if he was explaining something to them. I glanced back for a second to check if there were any other visitors to come. I immediately entered the classroom and asked the students if my superior had entered the room to teach them while I was gone. It was to my utter horror when they said that no teacher ever passed the room, let alone went inside.I felt a chill run straight through my spine as the words left that student’s mouth. I will never forget the terror I felt as I left that room. Even after these experiences, I guess there really isn’t a certainty that any of these truly happened. Maybe I was just feeling particularly tired those days, maybe the stress got to me and caused me to hallucinate. But one thing is for sure, there is something out there. Its intentions, I cannot discern. All I know is the echoes of people I knew loomed in the hallways, even if their actual presences were never proven to be there in the first place, and that thought is something that I cannot shake.
Pink ribbons here! Pink ribbons everywhere!
Information & Caption: Emmanuel Nepomuceno and Ayesha Ehris SalazarLayout: Ashley Ballesteros This month, we acknowledge the vibrant wave of pink that reminds the strength and hope within individuals—who maintains unity to fight against breast cancer. With this powerful movement, survivors, fighters, and advocates would like to tell the world: WE CANCER-VIVE. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as “Pink October,” emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and support for breast cancer patients. Around the world, people wear pink and display the pink ribbon to raise awareness. With nearly 2.3 million new cases each year, breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally. Breast cancer chooses anyone at any time, it is the most common type of cancer making up about 22.9% of all cancer cases. It claims nearly half a million lives globally annually, impacting around 1.4 million women. In the Philippines, it’s the top cancer affecting both men and women combined. But through knowledge and early action, we can make a difference. Cancer cannot be prevented, but early detection of symptoms is our primary stand against this disease. Breast cancer risk rises with age, especially after 40. Medical screening, such as mammography and breast examination, is vital for detection at an early stage. Family history and genetics play a role for some, and hormonal factors like early menstruation or late menopause can increase risk. Lifestyle also matters: smoking, alcohol, and obesity are known contributors. However, for nearly 80% of cases, simply being a woman over 40 is the main identifiable risk. However, being a woman is not a sentence to breast cancer. It’s a call to be proactive, informed, and empowered. You are not alone in this fight. Together, we stand, because every life touched by breast cancer matters, and every action—big or small—brings us closer to a world where no woman is afraid to live and where we strive for a future free from cancer! Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder of the power of community and kindness. By spreading awareness, encouraging people to take care of their health, and supporting those affected by breast cancer, it also helps drive efforts to find a cure. As the month comes to an end, we hope that this sense of togetherness and strength will inspire people to keep working to fight breast cancer all year long. Let’s unite in our commitment to lessen breast cancer’s impact, break down stigmas, and support those at every stage of their journey. Together, we can build a future where awareness, action, and support drive real change. Pascians, let’s wear pink for a cause and show that we cancer-vive as one! In Pink October: Together, we rise against cancer They came, they saw, so, they cancer-vive!
PASCIAN EDUCATORS and STAFF: TOGETHER AS ONE
by: Maria Leonora Luisa B. Angeles, SHS Grade Level Coordinator “STRENGTH IN UNISON”, what the teaching and non-teaching staff of Pasay City National Science High School wants to enhance and achieve in the conduct of the Gender and Development Seminar 2024, Capacity Development of the Teaching and Non- Teaching Personnel of PCNSciHS last October 30, 2024 at Selah Pods Hotel, Pasay City with the theme: WE for Gender Equality, Inclusivity and Resilient Society. The affair highlighted the activities that focused on strengthening the camaraderie and teamwork among the attendees as they strived to excel in the different challenges faced, discover strengths and overcome shortcomings leading to become better educators, made possible with the expertise of the invited resource speaker, Dr. Ariesteo A. Antiola. More to the overwhelming experiences were the self-discovery and values formation that the participants were led to uphold in the meaningful sessions of fun filled and relevant collaboration. Nothing would really replace the valuable opportunity of learning from each other and moreover ponder with the takeaway “ I am a gift to my fellow workers and so I shall be”. Want to know PCNSciHS GAD in details? Read and learn from the attached Narrative.
PaSci tops SEAMEO-ESD 2024
by: The QUANTUM After securing a historic gold in the 2024 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) competition with the theme, “Promoting Lifelong STEM Learning through Community Engagement,” Pascians Elyzza Marie Esteban, Neil Josh Icaro, Zyriel Josh Coronel, and Xyrel James Canonoy, are expected to go to the Land of Rising Sun in 2025. Inspired by the anatomical term “vinculum,” which symbolizes the vital connective tissue for finger and toe function, the winning entry, Project Vinculum, featured five key components: Buklod, Abante, Sibol, Binhi, and Likha. Project Buklod enhances collaboration and supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals); Project Abante focuses on gender equality and social inclusion, addressing SDGs 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities); Project Sibol promotes quality education through Science Fair and Math Festival, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education); Project Binhi ensures on environmental sustainability through events like coastal cleanups and planting activities, addressing SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land); and Project Likha supports sustainable cities through Brigada and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The students were trained by Rexielle Joy Villareal and Maria Theresa Estilong, Senior High School teachers. A cash tip of 1500 US Dollars (87,454.50 Philippine Pesos), and a study tour to Japan await the winning team. Congratulations, PaScians! Watch the entry here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/QbbjEmN29vQxA5Mt/
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown”: Who are you as the eldest daughter?
By: Resmiel Irish MatreCopyedited by Stacie CatalloPublication: Ysabel Tagon and Yelena Fabricante Whenever we meet new people, one question that they would ask as a way to get to know you is “In what birth order do you fall in?” I am the eldest daughter. So whenever I say that to people I’ve just met, they would often say “Ah, so you’re stubborn.”, “Ah so you don’t take others’ opinions?”, “Ahh perfectionist ‘to.”. People often profile you depending on your birth order. Alfred Adler actually introduced the Birth Order Theory. It states that your birth order dictates a part of your personality. I was 8 years old when I became an older sister. I was supposed to still be playing with dolls, games, princess tea parties. However, while fantasizing about being a princess wearing a plastic tiara in my castle in the hills, I received a crown. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” a quote rephrased from Shakespeare’s Henry IV. The crown we hold is not one of royalties but of service, duty, and sacrifice. Being the eldest daughter meant you had to prioritize everybody else before yourself. You’re the second parent. You’re expected to teach your younger sibling everything you know. Once your sibling cannot handle something, you’re expected to do it for them. Once they get in trouble, you also get in trouble as if their mistakes are a reflection of our guidance. You have to solve problems that should be handled by an adult. You already know how government processes work. Overwhelming, isn’t it? It’s a heavy load to carry and the expectations are endless. As the eldest, mediocre is not good enough, you have to set the standard. You also have to step into the role of being a mediator. Sibling arguments, parental conflicts, you’re expected to be calmer than everybody else in the room. And complaining is NOT an option. The pressure to be perfect, to care for everyone around you, to meet standards set by the people around you. It can have an emotional toll on yourself. You know to yourself that there’s no use of expressing yourself, because there’s always someone who seems to need you more. As the eldest, you must wear a mask of capability. Moments of exhaustion and being utterly overwhelmed are locked away because you’re too busy holding everything together that you don’t have the time to let yourself fall apart. But though the crown is heavy, it is also forged in fire. Despite the trials and hardships, I have developed strength and character. The unique pressures can make you fall apart however it can also build an incredible amount of resilience and strength. As time goes by, you learn how to navigate situations, be independent and handle multiple roles at once. Yet, even with these strengths, it is important to remember that no crown should ever weigh so heavily that it consumes you. It’s not about giving up your responsibilities but rather creating balance, setting boundaries and making sure that your needs are tended to. For years, I thought that wearing the crown meant that I had to be perfect, that my worth had to be tied to how well I would tend to others’ needs. But as time passed, I realized that it didn’t have to be that way. Everyday I learn how to wear my crown without letting it wear me down. But now I understand that I deserve to reign my life as well. I am more than just an eldest daughter. So, to all of us who bear the weight of the crown, remember that while we lead others, we must also lead ourselves to a life that would fulfill us, too. Editor’s Note: This piece is part of a performance task for the Oral Communication class of Mr. Mark Reniel Balolo, where students were tasked with creating their own TED Talk.
Stet? Transpose? Ever wondered what these symbols tell you?
By: Stacie Marie Catallo and Mekylla Marie VillapañaPublication: Ana Marie Celso and Yelena Kazmier Fabricante Unlock the secret language of editors with The Quantum’s Copy Reading Primer! From cryptic symbols to meaningful marks, discover how we shape every article with precision and style. Level up your editing skills today!
National Mathletics Challenge (NMC), Idinaos
Isinulat ni Gabrielle Ayesha Nicolas Iwinasto ni Grizylle Lucinario Sinuri nina Gng. Myra Jaime at Matthew Vitug Patnugot nina Shan Galura at Jamelle Ronquillo Lumahok ang mga mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa, kabilang ang mga estudyante ng Pasay City National Science High School, sa National Mathletics Challenge (NMC) na isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng online ngayong Oktubre 20, 2024. Limang kategorya ang nilalaman ng National Mathletics Competition (NMC) na isang online na kompetisyon sa Matematika para sa mga mag-aaral mula Baitang 3 hanggang Baitang 12 sa Pilipinas: Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, Logical Analysis, at Number Theory, na nahati sa iskedyul: Novice Numerators (Baitang 3-4, 8:00-9:00 NU), Intermediate Math Maestros (Baitang 5-6, 9:30-10:30 UM), Advanced Arithmetic Aces (Baitang 7-8, 11:00 UM-12:00 NT), Proficient Problem Solvers (Baitang 9-10, 1:00-2:00 NH), at Masterful Mathematicians (Baitang 11-12, 2:30-3:30 NH). Ayon sa opisyal na talaan ng mga kalahok, umabot sa 47 na estudyante mula sa Pasay City National Science High School ang lumahok. Narito ang listahan ng mga estudyante, kanilang baitang, at guro: Baitang 7Guro: G. John Bryan PacrisShawn Kenneth O. DeodorQuendra D. UlepJustin Matthew Tangarorang MoralJayden Curt M. TulodFrancesca Maria Valeza VidalBryce Macabante BonusSamantha Jhay R. BagoEthan Franc Bustamante PanilagBaitang 8Guro: Gng. Chiradee-Ong JaviniarBryan Trevor C. NarcisoTristan Johann M. BautistaDrew Denver Esposo DulayCesar Cabael EvangelistaJulian Raphael P. CarlosMclorenz Aldrei Abanador GutierrezAzalea Ferryn R. TolinJuan Ian Antonio D. CabingueJeryl V. PadillaJaniree Aurelio SanchezCharles Matthew Francisco AndresMark Lorenzo R. SalesAkishamay P. DavidAdriana Mikhailia C. DiazBaitang 9Guro: Gng. Mariecar Sarmiento-MedinaAndrei Euan C. FegideroJen Michelle T. DiazVhan Daniel A. EspañaRhian Jennica J. FrancoEunice Yngrid B. LuciloKhryzteen Vhela C. MateoAlexandra Del VillarRolando D. TevesJohn Roy G. BenzonBaitang 10Guro: Bb. Anne Rose Falcatan at G. Napoleon Anteja Jr.Arkin Zeus C. EspesoFrancheska Jehan M. MondoyJoebbie Krizel V. GauganoXhian Miguel P. AlsolaDanella Jorin P. De VeraNikita Xyzelle B. PariñaBaitang 11Guro: Bb. Anne Patricia HabladoFilha Ray Penelope J. BautistaNeil Josh D. IcaroSamim M. PangcatanBaitang 12Guro: Bb. Rexielle Joy V. VillarealLadislao Moises Bentulan PascoRonan Kaiser Julian A. CastroMcklain Adrielle A. GutierrezMarcus Iñigo AgoyShaun Mustang G. JacintoJohn Lois V. PicañaMarc Bernard Joseph A. Damasco Nagsimula ang kompetisyon na may mga alituntunin kung saan kinakailangan ng bawat kalahok na gumamit ng laptop o desktop na may kamera at mabilis na koneksyon sa internet, hindi pinapayagan ang paggamit ng calculator, bawal kumuha ng screenshot, at kailangang mag-isa sa silid. Kapag nasunod na ang mga alituntuning ito, maaaring magsimula ang kalahok ng isang oras na pagsusulit sa pamamagitan ng ibinigay na link. Kagawaran ang mga kalahok batay sa kanilang ranggo: ang top 30% ay makakatanggap ng sertipiko at medalya (ginto para sa top 10%, pilak para sa 11%- 20%, at tanso para sa 21%- 30%), habang ang natitirang 70% ay makakakuha ng sertipiko ng achiever, merit, o partisipasyon, ang coach ng nagwagi ay tatanggap din ng sertipiko. Naglalayon ang kompetisyong ito na paunlarin ang kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa Matematika, Lohika, at pag-compute, na may malaking kontribusyon sa pagpapalawak ng kanilang kaalaman at kakayahan, na magsisilbing pundasyon para sa mas mataas na antas ng edukasyon at sa kanilang hinaharap na buhay propesyonal.
Mga Grado sa Unang Markahan, Ipinamahagi sa PaScie
Isinulat ni Ghea NaderaSinuri nina Gng. Myra Jaime at Matthew VitugMga larawan ni Mervyn Mason Valdez Ipinamahagi na ang mga kard nitong ika-18 ng Oktubre, ala-una ng hapon, na naglalaman ng mga nakuhang grado sa unang markahan ng bawat mag-aaral sa kanilang mga silid-aralan sa Pasay City National Science High School. Sinimulan ni Dr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, punongguro ng paaralan ang pagpupulong sa pambungad na pananalita na kung saan masayang ibinahagi niya ang karanasan sa resulta ng katatapos lang na Division Science and Technology Fair (DSTF), matapos ang panalangin, makabayang- awit at himno ng Pasay. Ibinahagi naman ni Gng. Arlene I. Arcellana, puno ng Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya ang resulta ng katatapos lang na DSTF na halos lahat ng kalahok ay nagwagi sa nasabing patimpalak. Naghandog ng pampasiglang bilang si Remmy Parcia ng Baitang 11 Pangkat Gomez. Nakilahok ang mga guro at mga magulang sa pagsagot sa mga katanungan sa napapanahong paksang “ Mental Health Awareness Campaign na tinalakay ni G. Gil C. Ganelo, guidance coordinator ng nasabing paaralan. Nagtapos ang unang bahagi ng pagpupulong sa pangwakas na pananalita ni Gng. Rebecca O. Esguerra, administrative officer II ng paaralan, sa ngalan ni Gng. Jackyline T. Lagaña, puno ng kagawaran ng Ingles. Matapos, ipinaalam sa mga magulang na magtungo na sa kanya-kanyang silid-aralan upang pormal na idaos ang pamamahagi ng mga grado at paggawad ng parangal sa mga mag-aaral na nakakuha ng karangalan.
Chiradee Ong-Javiniar: A Steady Demeanor in Leadership
By: Rexielle Joy V. Villareal, TIII After sixteen years of dedicated service, Mrs. Chiradee Ong-Javiniar, fondly known as Ma’am Chi, has successfully passed the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH), cementing her legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment to the students and teachers she serves. Throughout the years, she has shaped the lives of countless students, guiding them on their educational journey at Pasay City National Science High School. Beyond the classroom, Ma’am Chi’s low-key yet impactful leadership has shone through as she mentored teachers, sharing her wealth of experience and expertise. Her colleagues have witnessed her composed and resilient approach during her seven years as the Mathematics Coordinator and six years as the Faculty President. Her leadership has not only empowered teachers to realize their full potential but also provided numerous opportunities for their professional growth. On behalf of the Pasay City National Science High School community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Chiradee Ong-Javiniar! We are incredibly proud of your success!