SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 1

VOL. 11 No. 2 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2018

n COVER STORY Rondalla: A Tug at the Heartstrings By Jonathan Gutierrez Jr. Grade 6-Mercury

AM a true believer in the saying, and make sure that it sustains the musical groups, such as the Filipino I“Music is the food of the soul.” It harmony of the music. There is also rondalla string ensemble, together with nourishes our spirit in many ways: the octavina or Philippine octavina, the guitar and the banduria. The double it brings happiness, makes us cry, a guitar-shaped Filipino instrument bass, or simply the bass (and numerous reminds us of fond memories, and with a tuning similar to the laud. The other names), is the largest and lowest- inspires us to love. Just as I have a laud from Spain is used by folk string Continued to page 2 favorite food for the body, I have a favorite food for the soul. The word Rondalla is derived from Change Isn’t Coming, It’s Here! the Spanish word ronda, meaning By Yma Bergantinos “serenade.” This ensemble of stringed Grade 11-Amorsolo, GH instruments played with the plectrum or pick originated in the traditional EHOLD, THE new Cosmic Journal! It is new in various ways. To begin playing bands of Spain. The major Bwith, more people are now involved in the making of the Cosmic Journal. Philippine rondalla instruments are In addition to the system-wide Main Editorial Board, each campus now has a the banduria, guitar, octavina, laud, and Campus Editorial Board and – wait for it – a Student Editorial Board! This bajo de uñas or double bass. enables each campus to issue its own Cosmic Journal four times a year, a The banduria is the fundamental considerable increase over the previous output. instrument of the ensemble. It is a Also, the Writer’s Guild of each campus is now tasked with training plucked chordophone from Spain, and supplying the bulk of the writers for each issue. Photojournalists and and is primarily used as the melody illustrators are also being tapped from the student body. in the group. The guitar’s purpose These changes ensure a more student-centered publication in is to maintain the blending of tones conception, contribution and content for this and each succeeding issue. So sit back and enjoy YOUR Cosmic Journal! 2 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 2

Continued from page 1 pitched bowed string instrument in the strum I made rendered me wanting University. It was a declaration of young rondalla ensemble. It is charged with to thrum and jam more. As the people ’ talent for Philippine music the flow of the music. started to sing along, it made me feel literature, where the audience had a Being familiar with the different like the rondalla group and the audience better opportunity to appreciate and rondalla instruments, I am fortunate to were one. fall in love with it. Every performance be part of the school’s rondalla ensemble. I was also given the privilege, was soothing to the ears, delivering the During one event we performed a together with other rondalla members, message of preserving and developing folk song entitled “Sitsiritsit” and a to watch the NAMCYA competition or Philippine traditions through the thrum contemporary song called “Ang huling El the National Music Competitions for of every instrument. Music has always Bimbo.” The sound of the instruments Young Artists (Children’s Category) united us. Each string played was a tug was mesmerizing and thrilling. Each last September 22 at the Far Eastern at our heartstrings. n NEWS Santa Ana: A trip down memory lane By Shanley Jose Grade 12-Jose

The Lichauco House Dita Tree

www.inquirer.net www.wikipedia.org Panaderos Street. The name is A firm advocate of keeping the ONNECTING connected with the story of the cultural heritage of the area is Sylvia Cand Bay, the River then parish priest, Fr. Vicente Ingles. Lichauco, the president of Lola Grande we know today was once a famous While he was in Valencia, Spain, he saw Foundation for Women and Children. trading route during the Spanish an image of the Blessed Virgin called She currently lives with her 106-year- colonial occupation. It was the ‘center of “Our Lady of the Abandoned,” and old mother Jessie in the Lichauco economic activity’ where the exchange decided to have a replica carved for the House, the only heritage house that of goods became a source of wealth for church, which had began construction still stands in Santa Ana. Right in front different cities located along its banks. on September 12, 1720. It was later of the house is a 200-year-old balete One of these cities was Santa dedicated to Mary’s mother, St. Anne. tree, the first recognized heritage tree Ana, Manila, originally a polity called Upon entering the gates of the church, inside a residential compound. The during the pre-colonial period. you’ll be greeted with a statue of her Lichauco House was originally under Felix Huerta, a Spanish Franciscan friar, with the child Mary in a niche. the ownership of the O’Briens, a British wrote that along with other places we A few steps away from the church family that fled back to Europe during the now know as , Paco, Malate, is the Savemore Supermarket. Its Japanese occupation. The late Philippine , , and , it Spanish-inspired design of iconic arches Ambassador Marciel Lichauco bought was ruled by Lacantagcan ( and wall lanterns sets it apart from the row of houses in the area (where Tagkan) and his wife, Bouan (Buwan). other Savemore branches. This design OBMC Sta. Ana, the former Jesuit home, Things changed upon the arrival of the is commonly seen in the residential and the Lichauco house stand today). Spaniards, as they started establishing houses that have been in Santa Ana for These homes were intentionally built settlements within the area and quite some time. There was negative to face the , a major mode of offering them as rewards to Franciscan feedback from the Santa Ana residents transport for visitors to Manila. missionaries. Santa Ana was also the prior to the construction of the building, The city of Santa Ana contains only city spared from the destruction which meant the destruction of the twin many narratives, past and present. of World War II, a possible reason why houses along with the heritage tree The appearance of the city and the several heritage sites in the city still that stood on the site. As a compromise, preservation of its buildings serve as a stand to this day. Savemore kept the tree and built reminder of the community’s experience One example is the Sta. Ana Church, around it. They named it the “Dita” as the years go by. A place rich in also known as the Parish of Our Lady tree, an icon of history standing in the culture, Santa Ana takes us on a trip of the Abandoned, located in New middle of Savemore. down memory lane. SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 3 n NEWS FEATURE Ang Larawan receives good response from OBMC SA community By Reenon Cabilzo Grade 11-Amorsolo

HE SEPTEMBER 18 screening two sisters, the titular Larawan. Tof the critically-acclaimed movie Already the painting had piqued Ang Larawan at OB Sta. Ana campus the interests of whomever has was a success, as proven by the movie heard of its existence. producer’s Facebook post: “The A question regarding the latest Ang Larawan screening at an filmmakers’ decision not to show OB Montessori school, this time at the painting in the film was OB Montessori Sta. Ana, produced raised by Kristen Ona, a Grade intelligent feedback, good questions, 10 student, to which the film’s and—wonderful ‘thank producer Girlie you’ gifts from the Rodis answered, students: sketches “There was inspired by the actually a 7 student Chelsea Trinos requested movie!” The post also painting rendered for to elaborate this further, and Rodis mentioned that Celeste the film. But no matter explained that Paulo Avelino had Legaspi, co-producer how beautiful the actually asked the producers not to pay and one of the movie’s rendition would be, it him in cash, but to just give him the actors, “was so moved would not give justice painting instead. by the response” of the to ’s Meanwhile, Legaspi stressed the Grades 7–10 students wonderful description. importance of bringing back culture who watched the People would always to its initial form as a response to musical film at the Foro be disappointed by one question prompted by Gabino Romano Hall. whatever we would Barcelona of Grade 10-Ruby. “The drawings are have shown.” Continuing Nick Joaquin’s legacy has by students 12–16 years Celeste Legaspi not been an easy feat. Despite this old of OB Montessori added, “What each huge responsibility, Legaspi and Rodis Sta. Ana … These are person perceives it worked untiringly for five years to the fruits of our collective work. Young as, is what Nick Joaquin had always finish the film so the youth could have Filipino minds and hearts are deeply intended [it to be].” a glimpse of Nick Joaquin’s genius. inspired!” Ms. Legaspi enthused. Currently, the painting produced To see the youth like the students of Based on Nick Joaquin’s three- for the film is now inside the garage OBMC Sta. Ana understand the true act play “A Portrait of the Artist of Paulo Avelino, who portrayed the message of the film continues to inspire as Filipino,” Ang Larawan gained role of Tony Javier. Grade Legaspi and Rodis. popularity when it received the Best Picture Award at the 2017 Film Festival. Directed by Loy Arcenas, the film revolves around the lives of two Marasigan sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paula (OBMC alumna Rachel Alejandro), daughters of a famous reclusive painter named Don Lorenzo. Since Don Lorenzo has not produced a painting in so long, the family had fallen into financial trouble. This created a dilemma among Don Lorenzo’s children on what to do with their father’s last painting, which he dedicated to the 4 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 2 n NEWS SHS students team up for Pagsasarili Feeding Program By Gabriel Angelo De Castro Grade 12-Jose ELECTED SENIOR high school also assisted the Foundation staff in Sstudents from OB Montessori Center, training the attendees to wash their Sta. Ana, participated in the monthly hands before eating. Pagsasarili Feeding Program of the The Pagsasarili Feeding Program Every 20th day of the month, OBMC OB Montessori Child and Community is a joint endeavor of OBMCCFI with the Sta. Ana sponsors the feeding program, Foundation, Inc., (OBMCCFI) at the Kalinga ng Ina Soup Kitchen. It focuses offering food and clothes, and also Parish of our Lady of the Abandoned on on helping the less privileged through teaching the children lessons with some September 19. a feeding program, conversations and Montessori materials. In helping out with the feeding giving donations. Sta. Ana Campus Manager Katherine program, students of Grade 12-Jose OB Sta. Ana has been involved with Chua shares that the program is a catered to more than 20 homeless the church’s feeding program since good opportunity to contribute to the children and adults, who were fed and October 2015 through the initiative of community, while “[exposing] the given clothes and toys that had been Brother Calixto Silverio, SJ. He is the students to the reality of poverty.” Mrs. donated. brother of Dr. Preciosa Soliven, who was Chua hopes to inspire the students by As part of their Media Information assigned to manage the former Xavier showing them that “we can all help in our and Literacy class, the students posted Jesuit House right next to the school. own little way.” the Pagsasarili Feeding Program as an advocacy, asking friends and family to donate to the event. Divided into five teams, the class helped in preparing and serving the food, counting the number of attendees, and cleaning all the plates and utensils that were used during the event. The students n STUDENT PROFILE The making of a millennial Pop Princess By Alessandra Gepte Grade 11-Amorsolo

HE IS known as the Millennial Pop a lot of challenges that I have had to SPrincess, a budding artist who can face in order to reach where I am now,” wow a crowd, slay a performance, and she added, referring to the countless conquer the stage, time after time. number of auditions and competitions Not only does she have an affinity for she has been joining, both in and out of performing or dancing, but she also school, since she was a child. She had has a talent for singing, with her sweet initially stopped and decided to focus and enthralling voice guaranteed to on school and academics, but a new make you swoon. She has released two opportunity arose so she grabbed it, music singles —“Di ko na kaya” and performing once again with other new “Mahal na kita”—and has appeared talents and joining competitions, mall on Eat Bulaga’s Music Hero and Wish shows, and workshops to improve and 107.5’s Wish Bus. She has had a concert develop her own abilities. of her own entitled Kaya Ko ‘To! But Some of the challenges she ongoing efforts are dedicated to her beyond this, Janah Zaplan, a bona fide continues to face are bashing in social family, friends, and supporters, who OB Montessori student since 5th grade, media and balancing of school with motivate her to keep going even when is a 16-year old Grade 11 - Amorsolo her career. There were many tiring times get rough. student of Sta. Ana Campus, who loves and sleepless nights while she caught If she has to use one word that her family, friends, and volleyball, and up with school requirements and would describe who and where she dreams of becoming a pilot. extracurricular activities such as being is right now, it would be “blessed.” “Going down this career path hasn’t part of the volleyball varsity team, in Congratulations, Janah! OBSA is proud been easy,” Zaplan said. “There are addition to her busy career. All her of you! SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 5

n YOUR ACADEMIC SURVIVAL GUIDE Effective Test-taking Beauty trends go out of date, but intelligence always slays. Tips By Lia Sing Grade 12-Jose It’s CETs season! Here are five proven tips to help you study smarter.

KNOW THE BASICS.

It’s important you know the foundation of every lesson. Never go to a harder lesson without understanding the easier ones. If you need extra help, don't be afraid to ask your teacher and your peers. It might also be a good idea to get a tutor! There's absolutely no shame in going over a topic repeatedly when you're in the process of mastering it.

ANSWER PRACTICE TESTS. Two basic skills you’ll need to successfully ace your test are studying skills and test-taking skills. You’ll have a better chance of finding test easier to answer if you’ve answered practice tests. If you were to compare practice tests to phone apps, your practice tests would be the Lite version of your exams.

NEVER OVERSTUDY FOR EXAMS

The problem with overstudying is that it wears you out, while also making you more prone to overthinking during test. If you feel tired and your head starting to hurt, maybe it's time to put your notes down and just rest. Your mind won't be able to absorb anything if you're tired. So recharge. Have a nap or eat good food, and then study when you're ready. Study in a way that works for you! Also, it would be best not to study right before an exam, and just skim through important notes instead.

ANSWER LOGICALLY.

When you really don’t know the answer, make intelligent and logical guesses. The same principle goes for grammar. When choosing the best word to express your thought, choose the most logically appropriate world.

TAKE IT EASY.

Breathe. The more stressed out you are, the more likely you’ll overthink and overcomplicate the questions at hand. It’s good to remember that you’ve done all you can to study and review, so be confident in taking the test you studied for! It’s no lie that confidence is key, but always back your confidence up with knowledge. Then, take it easy, you’ll pass and graduate! 6 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 2 n TEACHER PROFILE “Getting to know our young philosopher, Mr. By Gabino Barcelona Wulmar Cerio” Grade 10-Ruby ANY HIGH school students can’t really encouraged me to ask lots of intention for my students to remember Mstop talking about the Philosophy questions.” In his youth an inquisitive everything I teach. It’s my intention to teacher, Mr. Wulmar Cerio. Known for nature already took hold of Mr. Cerio, equip my students with the necessary his quiet and laid-back influencing him to take up philosophy in skills of the mind.” he shares. manner, the teacher the future. Mr. Cerio educates his students has rooted himself Through his studies, Mr. Cerio in the tenants of philosophy, having a within the minds of his trained his mind to think clearly and particular leaning towards teaching students. courageously. “Philosophy helped me ethics. “The beauty in these theories is Wulmar Cerezo cope with the stresses of life. Graduating that students are already being taught Cerio graduated magna was a validation of everything that I’ve ethical dilemmas where they have to cum laude from the been through,” he explains. exercise their capacity to reason,” Mr. University of Now, Mr. Cerio is a beloved Cerio says, “they will have to learn to the teacher in OBMC, Sta. Ana. “I was take responsibilities for their actions. Diliman with drawn to the progressive methods And I think that’s wonderful.” a degree in found here,” he says, stating that the Mr. Cerio embodies what it means to Philosophy. school encourages its students to be a teacher. His knowledge, patience, “I feel like I think critically and to develop their and resolve are an inspiration to us was made for intellect. Mr. Cerio hopes to hone this all. He has, without doubt, established the course,” he ability to think critically and to equip himself with his students, influencing laughs. “My his students with the same tools he them not to be afraid of the big questions grandfather learned from his studies. “It’s not my life often asks.

n LITERARY She traveled to Bergamo to seek a higher form of training, And the importance of this system does not seem to be waning. Man makes himself The house of wisdom was looking for a permanent settlement, By Charles Perez, Grade 10-Ruby Still in search, this institution had yet to gain its entitlement. It started with an idea that erupted into action, At long last it found its settlement A construction of theory that led to an interaction. inside the Lichauco Compound, Years of labor-intensive development has all led to this, And inside this very establishment, A quality education on independence that will never desist. Preciosa’s visions were housed. The foundations of the system were built It all started with a dreamer with a vision for the world, within these very walls To make the Montessori system’s ideals take hold. The reason why, until now, we manage to stand tall. With every legacy there is a risk-taker willing to roll the dice, Filled with knowledge and wisdom let us call her The Wise. Look around you! Everything in this place was once a vision, To bring Maria’s system to our country without revision. The Wise made her way to share knowledge in Saigon, This is where it all began, the origin of true quality education, But she longed for home and after a year she was gone. No disparate institution can lead to the indigenous’ cessation. Home sweet home, she shared her knowledge once more, And in the depths of San Lorenzo, her wisdom was stored. It all started with a vision to give education marked by excellence, The Wise met the brotherhood’s leader with a wish, To craft the future change makers with grace and eloquence, To branch out to the community that wisdom had missed, To pass on the ideals as a Montessorian In the walled city of this project commenced, ready to take on the world, And the Montessori system was finally dispensed. And to be the spark that would start a flame, ignorance to furl. The Wise was granted the privilege to study this system, Fifty-three years and counting, still standing strong as ever, And in Perugia, Italy the improvements were finally listed. Never yielding, still persevering, its quality The Wise went home once more to establish her legacy, education faded never, And inside the Syquia Apartments Proud Montessorians, singing our hymn knowledge found its prosperity. expressing pride in oneself, All shout in unison the truth: “Man makes himself.” SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 7 n LITERARY PhilippineMythological By Keane Zachary S. Dizon Grade 6-Mercury Creatures HE MYTHS that circulate through Filipino culture contain a variety of creatures. Here are some of the more famous Tcreatures that will give you the chills.

Aswang are shape- shifters. They are humans Tiktik are winged by day, but at night, they humans that usually prey on turn into different forms to pregnant women. terrify humans.

Dwende are goblin elves Multo is the Tagalog for or dwarves. They can cast ghost. People who believed good or bad fortune for that there are multo are people. regularly visited by them.

Manananggal is an that can separate its Mambabarang is a witch body and fly at night. Sunlight who uses dark magic to can destroy it, as well as summon insects to hurt any putting salt, ash, or garlic, on person they hate. the severed part, preventing it from combining again.

These creatures, believed to be around us, have their own stories to tell. With Halloween approaching, this is the time these stories can be told to bring fun, and sometimes fear, among friends and family.

Upcoming Activities:

Schedule Bar December 7, 2018 Food Fair & Minimart October 20, 2018 December 11, 2018 Scouting Investiture Elocution (Gr. 12)

October 30, 2018 December 14, 2018 Halloween Trick or Treat Day Indoor Camping

November 9, 2018 December 17-18, 2018 Holy Confirmation Ceremony Intermediate Intramurals

November 28, 2018 December 20, 2018 Poetry Contest (Gr. 7-9) Students’ Christmas Party

December 4, 2018 December 21, 2018 Public Speaking Festival (Gr. 6 & 10) Personnel Christmas Party

November 19-23, 2018 2nd QTR Exams

November 27, 2018 Holy Confirmation

November 29, 2018 HS Public Speaking Festival

November 30, 2018 Bonifacio Day 8 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 2 n ENTERTAINMENT What kind of learner are you By Mehar Ganshani ? Grade 8-Emerald

Take the quiz to find out. If you got mostly A’s: A visual learner receives information YOU ARE A better by looking at graphs, charts, 1. What do you do when you are not sure if you have VISUAL and drawings. They can easily visualize spelled a word correctly? LEARNER! objects and remember what they read and a. Write it down to see if it looks right. write. Visual learners usually love drawing, b. Spell it out loud to see if it sounds right. scribbling, and organizing ideas using different c. Trace the letters in the air. colors. Use mind maps and write down information to strengthen your learning skills. 2. What do you think is the best way to study for a quiz? a. Read your notes and review pictures and charts. If you got mostly B’s: An auditory learner receives b. Have someone ask you questions that you can information better by listening to someone answer out loud. YOU ARE A explaining the lesson. They can easily c. Use index cards to review. AUDITORY remember voices and oral instructions. LEARNER! Auditory learners enjoy group discussions 3. What do you think is the best way to learn about how and hearing out everyone’s thoughts. Recite something works? out loud the important ideas that you want to a. Watch an instructional video on the internet. remember, record audio tapes of yourself explaining the topic b. Read a user’s manual. and try to review with a friend to strengthen your study habits. c. Figure it out on your own. If you got mostly C’s: A kinesthetic learner receives 4. When you’re lost in a new place, what do you do to find information better by conducting physical your way? YOU ARE A activities and also by experience. They a. Follow a map or directory. KINESTHETIC are very coordinated and have good LEARNER! b. Ask someone for directions. physical memory. Kinesthetic learners are c. Just walk around until you find your way. usually excellent at art projects, performing and expressing themselves. They are also good 5. What is the best way for you to remember an at looking for solutions and answers to complex situations. important date or number? Walk around while reciting, decorate your work area, fidget a. Picture the numbers. with a stress ball or squishy, or try lying in different positions to b. Say it out loud over and over again. strengthen your learning skills. c. Write it down.

Quote Puzzles Sudoku

By Leela Francesca Rodriguez By Ikea Raine Pahate Grade 8-Emerald Grade 8-Emerald 2 17 9 7 8 13 2 9 17 3 2 13 15 1 9 5 4 2 7 3 7 8 13 2 16 7 2 13 17 6 2 7 4 2 2 5 9

10 6 15 12 2 7 17 1 CLUES: 1 5 3 = R 8 4 6 1 = N 2 3 17 3 5 17 6 11 2 7 = I 7 5

ANSWER: doubt.” or question

“To fight for the right without without right the for fight “To 5 2 3 6 1 8