Republic of the Philippines

Pasay City National Science High School

Schools Division Office - Pasay City

Caption: Stefhanie Khaye BarcaLayout: Carl Carasco Sometimes, the hardest step is saying, “I’m not okay.”’ But that moment of vulnerability lies the beginning of healing. It’s not easy to open up, especially when it gets too much—with feelings being hard to express through words. Yet, telling others what you really feel allows others to truly see you, to understand what you’re going through, and to offer the support you deserve. Whether it’s a parent, a friend, or someone you trust, know that there’s always someone willing to listen and help. Healing starts with a simple conversation—one where you remind yourself that you do not have to face your struggles alone

Caption: Camille AtienzaLayout: Carl Carasco and Yasmine Rosel According to Simon Sinek, dedicating eight minutes for such moments serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing connection. It’s not about solving every problem but being there in the moment, fully attentive, and offering a sense of comfort and care. 8 minutes is a short period of time, yet it has the ability to evoke every feeling and emotion that fortifies a relationship’s ties. People often convince themselves that more time will become available eventually. Responsibilities and responsibilities frequently take precedence, leaving little time for genuine talks. However, when a loved one or friend is going through a difficult moment, the importance of simply being there cannot be overstated Spare 8 minutes out of your day to be there for someone. It’s a small effort with a big impact!

Caption: Loren MangahasLayout: Carl Carasco Crying releases the emotions we can’t express in words. Each tears are the emotions we carry in our heart, each tears make our heart lighter and stronger. It is in these moments of vulnerability that we find clarity and strength to move forward. Always remember that crying doesn’t make you any less of a person. It symbolizes how strong you are and makes us connect and understand our self-being. In these moments we cry, let us embrace the tears and always be reminded that we can always comeback stronger and face the world again

By: Maria Ghianella TuqueroPublication: Angelique Inlong To every student, parent, and citizen of Metro Manila buzzing in the anticipation of holidays, we might want to reconsider new gift items to wrap and give our loved ones: an umbrella, a blanket, and perhaps a jacket. We are facing a crucial moment where gifts must not be the only one we’re excited to foresee—but the weather too. As the year 2024 paces and reaches its final weeks, Metro Manila must expect rainy and cooler days as La Niña  continues to persist. La Niña is the cooler-than-usual temperature in the Equatorial Pacific, and has a 74% chance to persist throughout this season, which may lead to intensified precipitation and wet conditions in the region. According to a specialized forecast released by The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the regional climate outlook for the National Capital Region projects the northeast monsoon or the amihan may accentuate the effects of La Niña. It is predicted that precipitation will be 211.9 mm, which is above-normal of conventional rainfall levels. Consequently, the above normal-rainfall may bring localized flooding and interruptions to holiday plans. Weather disturbances such as low-pressure area (LPA), and localized thunderstorms are also expected to contribute to unpredictable rainfall, which PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to be prepared for. Additionally, several key weather stations such as the northeast monsoon/amihan, localized thunderstorm, low-pressure areas, and tropical cyclones may impact the region. In order to prepare for weather occurrences during these last weeks, PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories, prepare for possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and adjust holiday travel plans to accommodate potential rainy conditions. The weather agency prompts Metro Manila residents to embrace the cool season while remaining conscious during instances of heavy rainfall. Bracing for the forecasted conditions, preparation also serves as our most valuable gift. While the cooler temperatures offer respite from the whirlwind weather conditions experienced for this year, preparedness remains a vital key to manage and prevent disruptions caused by the rainy weather.

Caption: Yasmine Resse RoselLayout: Carl Carasco It’s okay to take a moment and mourn the person you once were—the version of yourself that carried you through so much, even when things felt impossible. It’s okay to grieve the person you hoped to become—the dreams and plans you had for the future that didn’t go the way you expected. Growth isn’t always a straight line, and it doesn’t mean letting go of every part of who you were. Instead, it’s about learning to embrace change, honor your past, and find peace with the path you’re on now You are allowed to feel sadness for the version of yourself you’ve outgrown and the goals you’ve had to let go of, but remember that your journey is still unfolding. Even in the midst of loss, there is so much room for new opportunities, new dreams, and new strength to emerge. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is shaping you into someone even more resilient, compassionate, and capable. Be gentle with yourself—healing and growth take time, and you are exactly where you need to be in this moment

Caption: Rachel Angel DavidLayout: Carl Carasco Through the turbulence, the lonely nights, and the darkest moments, we sometimes lose our way. Yet, there are always those silent supporters who stand by us—catching us when we fall and cheering us on as we rise. Their proud eyes remind us of our strength and resilience. To the Pascians who’ve overcome every hardship: your journey inspires, and your perseverance shines. Some may not support you simply because it’s YOU, but others will always stand by you BECAUSE it’s you. Let’s continue to rise together!

Caption: Stefhanie Khaye BarcaLayout: Carl Carasco Exams are over, and many of you might feel unsure about how you did. Maybe you’ll be reminded of moments where you hold your test papers and feel disappointment in yourself — the ‘nag-review naman ako…. bakit parang kulang pa rin?’ kind of frustration. But, here’s the thing: just the effort you put in reviewing, staying up late, or doing your best to manage your time learning despite having other schoolworks to accomplish is already something to be proud of “Exams doesn’t always define your worth or capabilities”— we already heard this saying a lot of times, and it has always been true. Sometimes, our performance might not be the same with our expectations, and that’s okay What matters is that you tried, and that effort is speaks volume about your determination. So, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and use this experience as a motivation to keep going. Always reassure yourself— you’ve got this!

Caption: Rachel Angel DavidLayout: Carl Carasco Hey, Pascians! How have you been lately? Hope you’re hanging in there! Kalakbay is here with a gentle reminder for you “Do I deserve to take a break? I still have so many pending tasks…” We hear you—it’s tough. The whirlwind of tasks, deadlines, and changes can leave you feeling drained. But let’s take a moment to reflect on this: you’ve cried oceans, but you didn’t drown. Instead, you stayed afloat, and that’s something to celebrate. Rest isn’t about giving up; it’s about taking a pause It’s knowing you have the option to reset—no matter how many times it takes—to get back on track. It’s a chance to change the course, shift the direction, or try a new method, but it’s never a reason to quit. Your ultimate goal is still waiting for you, so keep going Give yourself permission to rest. Do something creative, something that recharges you emotionally, physically, and mentally Unplug, stay grounded, and just breathe. Sometimes, rest is the most productive thing you can do for yourself. You’ve made it through the hardest times before, so there’s no doubt you can conquer this one too. Let’s move forward, Pascians, with hope, courage, and an unstoppable spirit. The journey may not be perfect, but it’s yours—and that makes it priceless. Let’s keep rolling! Cheers, Your fellow Pascian

By: Aljhur Danganan Graphics: Noelle Cabrera Publication: Caitlin Mutas As the period of the filing of certificates of candidacy ended last October, Filipinos are left faced with a lineup of aspirants filled with underqualified clowns and opportunists seeking the favor of the public. It is truly concerning to see the hundreds of contenders eligible for next year’s election. Celebrities, social media personalities, dynasties, and those with no background or experience in law constituted a majority of the circus shaping up the midterm election runners. With only a few competent candidates, it seems like politics has become a playground for the antics of the ever-so-frivolous clowns who treat it as a side hustle or a chance for political clout. Among the candidates is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, currently detained and facing charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking, who filed for candidacy in the Senate through an authorized representative. In Negros Oriental, Pryde Henry Teves, brother of former mayor Arnolfo Teves who was tagged as the mastermind behind former governor Roel Degamo’s assassination. Henry successfully filed his certificate of candidacy as governor despite being designated as a terrorist by the government and facing terrorism financing cases. Allowing such candidates with pending cases to serve the very people they were accused of inflicting crimes on puts the electoral process into mockery. It insults ‌citizens in need of genuine leaders to be faced with injustice. Social media personality Deo “Diwata” Balbuena, known for his pares eatery “Diwata Pares”, formalized his bid as the fourth nominee of the Vendors Party-list. Despite his seemingly legitimate platform, there was no mention of any specific law or plan that would effectively protect the welfare of vendors and how other people would benefit from it. Suchis the circumstance for a lot of the candidates. They do not need to be in power to make a change. The entire point of cooperatives and NGOs is to fulfill the needs and aspirations of certain associations of people without the control of the government. When seats are limited, they must go to legitimate leaders who have actual experience in lawmaking and politics for the betterment of the entire country. Situations like these raise a question pondered by ‌Filipinos. Why is the standard so low in allowing aspirants to run for public office? One would think that a role in serving the country and its people would require a much higher caliber of a leader. Instead, it is overrun by corrupt individuals, people with no political background, and those who take advantage of being in power. Unfortunately, the country’s democratic system allows just that. The 1987 Constitution simply states that anyone can run, given that they are a natural-born citizen, able to read and write, and a registered voter and resident. Yes, anyone can run, but it does not mean that they are rightfully due for the position. It is evident in many bonafide leaders that they resort to running for local administrative bodies, seeing that they have no chance of winning at higher roles such as the Senate. Alas, the lack of education and close-mindedness of many voters have deliberately aggravated the electoral process. It has made them vulnerable to disinformation and merely vote by reason of name recognition. Now that the Commission on Elections has begun the cleansing of candidates, let us hope that the true nuisance candidates are withdrawn. One can hope that the growing circus transforms into a platform where truthfully voicing your intentions is perceived as more than garnering attention and deceiving the public. Ultimately, no matter how flawed or unjust political qualifications are, the decision lies in the hands of Filipino voters. It is their responsibility to choose the right leaders who value the welfare of the country and are endowed with a clear vision for addressing pressing matters at hand. It is their obligation to assess the caliber of every candidate and make educated choices. The true power is in the hands of the voting populace. Let us remember that they are seeking our vote. To vote wisely is to be informed and ‌not be easily deceived. The future of our nation depends on our ability to rise above the circus and fight for our aspirations for the country. Only then can we uphold our leaders to the highest standard and maintain the true spirit of democracy for posterity’s sake. After all, the ballot is stronger than the bullet. Editor’s Note: This comes on the heels of the recently concluded Presidential Elections in the United States a week ago, which marked a historic moment as America’s first convicted criminal, Donald Trump, ascended to the presidency.

By: Nikita Xyzelle B. PariñaGraphics: Cyrelle RañesesPublication: Caitlin Mutas To lift weights properly, you must balance the load evenly across both shoulders. This principle is often taught to weightlifters raising a barbell—each shoulder must bear equal force, creating harmony to prevent injury. This concept of balance extends to real-life situations: neglecting one aspect of life to focus solely on another can lead to a breakdown in performance. If we fixate on one responsibility, ignoring others, the weight we’re trying to lift can become unbearably heavy, preventing true success. For example, in a science high school setting, students are known for their academic strengths. However, when it comes to sports, these schools often struggle in competitions with other institutions. This imbalance suggests a need for greater focus on physical education to ensure students develop both physically and mentally. Balancing physical and academic education is indeed challenging in a science high school, where most resources and energy are devoted to Science, English, and Math. Unfortunately, this often leaves physical education—and the sports opportunities it brings—underemphasized. One factor contributing to this imbalance is the insufficient resources available for sports equipment in the campus. For instance, athletes were unprepared during the Division Palaro 2023-2024 due to difficulties with resources and time. “During the last school year’s Division Palaro, we only had a month to practice on campus. While in the situation, we really struggled,” said Jedrick Palonpon, a senior high school student. “We only had one trainer, our equipment was lacking, and if it wasn’t lacking, it was broken. Then when we entered the competition, we were really surprised since the standard game setting we had wasn’t applicable for the contest.” This lack of equipment available also affects the number of student-athletes who can represent the school competitively. “For me, if physical education continues to be neglected, athletes may struggle with motivation, experience burnout, and see declines in their academic performance. They may also face challenges transitioning into sports careers,” shared Kaeley Dio, a student-athlete. “No matter how academically focused a school is, physical education is essential. It helps balance the mind and body, enabling students to reach their full potential.” This situation is concerning. The academic emphasis without an equal focus on physical education limits students’ abilities, reduces the pool of athletes competing, and impacts the institution’s performance in sports competitions. To balance the weight properly, schools must prioritize both mental and physical education. Teachers can support this by encouraging active participation, organizing diverse sports activities, and promoting physical education as a core part of the curriculum. In addition, balancing academic and physical education within the schedule would enable students to grow both mentally and physically. The balanced force. Through this, students are capable of showcasing their skills physically and mentally. In fact, we know that to achieve true growth, we must strive for equilibrium in both skills. In assessing this situation, a problem with regards to us personally, academically, and in general conditions could have various advantages when taken into consideration. Lastly, students are not only here to learn mentally, but to improve physically. Physical education must be prioritized, balancing capabilities should be analyzed.