VOL. 11 No. 3 NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2018

Christmas Spirit in Sta. Ana By Gabino Joaquin G. Barcelona, Grade 10-Ruby

mood of festivity and solidarity right on the spot. These delicious series of devotional dawn Masses A takes over Sta. Ana during rice desserts are often paired with that lasts for nine days. It begins Christmas time. The community lives coffee, tsokolate or salabat. Seasonal on December 16 and culminates the spirit of the holidays amid the delicacies have become an iconic part on December 24 with the midnight pressing demands of scheduling and of the holidays, attracting lines of Eucharistic Mass. Children shopping. people around the food stalls. and adults flock to the parish in As early as September, seasonal Despite the constant hustle and anticipation of the Birth of Jesus. lights and decorations spruce up the bustle, the heart of the celebration “The tradition never gets old. It’s surroundings of the town, a show of still lies in the Sta. Ana Church, also been a part of the Church ever since color set against the night sky. Local known as the Parish of Our Lady of it was established four hundred years groceries and malls are packed with the Abandoned, which hosts many ago,” said the lector. people planning the perfect meal Advent and Christmas activities and These Masses are an intrinsic or the perfect gift. Just outside of events. facet of the celebration, providing these centers, a variety of tiangge or Church lector Benjamin Tejada a chance for the people to blend in bazaars, crowd the Felipe Calderon has lived in the town for fifty years, harmony. Together, individuals from Plaza. taking part in half a century’s worth all walks of life can celebrate and A unifying factor for the town is, of Christmases in the community. practice the values that Christmas without a doubt, the local food fare “It’s always a special time,” advocates. sold on the streets and around the Tejada said, “because Sta. Ana really “That’s the beauty of Christmas, church. Almost every day, vendors comes together during the holidays.” it’s universal,” Tejada said, “no sell puto bumbong, bibingka, and Central to every Christmas matter what kind of person you are, suman, impressively cooking them celebration is the Simbang Gabi, a it’s a time of peace, love, and giving.” 2 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 3 NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 3 n NEWS n FEATURE An English Tea Party for All Our Lady of the Abandoned Church By Ikea Raine Pahate Grade 8-Emerald

kills in baking, pastry English tea, sandwiches, pastry, and Meanwhile, academic Sproduction, service, hosting, table dessert to the student-guests on the coordinators, guidance counselors, manners and proper etiquette taught first day then it was vice-versa on the and our campus manager, Mrs. in the Technology and Livelihood next day. Katherine Chua, were also in Education Program (TLE) class In-charge of the first day’s table attendance to observe the students in were once again put to the test as set-up and service were Janielle the said activity. The Grandeur Beyond Grade 8-Emerald students hosted a Cruz, the manager, assisted by Aaron traditional English afternoon tea party Lanuza. When asked about her By Shanley Jose Retablo on October 10 to11 at Bistro Terraza. experience as a manager, Cruz said, Grade 12-Jose Dressed in colorful day dresses, “At first, I was surprised that they ne cannot talk about Sta. Ana, statues found in the exhibit is the frocks, hats and English suits, Grade assigned me as the manager. It was as a site of exploration replica of the original Nuestra 8-Emerald students took part in a challenge [for me], but I learned EDITOR-IN-CHIEF O without mentioning its age-old stone Senora de las Desamparados planning and organizing the two-day the importance of order and open- Lia Mei Sing 12-Jose church. Since the first construction of or Our Lady of the Abandoned, event while being assisted by TLE mindedness.” ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the original edifice in 1720, it has been the patron saint of the Sta. Ana teacher Ms. Geneva Aguinaldo. The Heading the service team on Alessandra Gepte 11-Amorsolo one of the most suggested places to Church. It displays Our Lady of class was divided into two groups. the second day, Assistant Manager visit for people wanting to explore the the Abandoned carrying the Holy The first group Gabriel Villanueva said, “I was able MANAGING EDITOR old district. Its notable features such Child, both of them wearing an was assigned to to learn managerial skills … and how Gabino Barcelona 10-Ruby as the Spanish Baroque style retablo imperial crown atop their heads. serve the to carry teapots [with the help of JD NEWS EDITOR behind the altar and the magnificent The image of Our Lady’s sunburst Salazar, the manager].” Gabriel De Castro 12-Jose dome interior that extends all the halo is quite a sight to see, as Moreover, four selected students Adrienne Malabanan 10-Ruby way up to the ceiling have often it uses a rare sala-salamin or donned their formal wear and Kayryll Guinto 7-Emerald been described, but not many know mirror-like technique. Even the showcased their hosting skills as the Ianne Ramirez 7-Emerald about the Marian exhibit found in the cross the Holy Child carries is event’s emcees. Camarin Dela Virgen FEATURES EDITOR convent’s cloisters, which people can adorned with all sorts of jewels. “It was a great experience. It Shanley Jose 12-Jose visit by climbing a flight of stairs from On January 20, 1720, the baston boosted my confidence,” emcee Mehar Jhea Buela 11-Amorsolo the church itself. de mando (baton of command) Ganshani said, “I learned more about Reenon Cabilzo 11-Amorsolo Just before the second landing of held by Our Lady was perceived the history and culture of tea parties. this staircase there can be found a to be of such fine quality that the We watched our classmates work LITERARY/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Charles Perez 10-Ruby statue of San Miguel with one hand Governor General and Archbishop hard … Also we got to bond with our Mehar Ganshani 8-Emerald holding an up-raised sword and one of Manila personally donated the teachers over a cup of tea.” Ikea Pahate 8-Emerald foot on a slain beast. image. Upon this new addition, Leela Rodriguez 8-Emerald Further up the stairs, the visitors the image was then named “La LAYOUT ARTIST are finally greeted by the Marian Gobernadora de Manila.” Maria Roceo Sy 9-Emerald exhibit where various statues of the Behind its noise, dirt, pollution, Virgin Mary are lined up along the and traffic, Sta. Ana holds GRAPHICS EDITOR cloisters of the convent, some of treasures of the past that are Kirsten Dava 9-Emerald which were selected from the private worth more than any gold. Behind PHOTOJOURNALIST collections of cultural leaders such the most beautiful architecture, Verho Menghrajani 12-Jose as Jaime Laya, one of the people Sta. Ana cradles cultural treasures involved in the restoration of the Sta. that define our glorious past. The References: CONTRIBUTING WRITERS jolotamayo. (2016, May 20). Sta. Ana Church, Ana Church. grandeur this district possesses Historical Gem of Manila. Retrieved from Kristen Ona artesacraph: https://artesacraph.wordpress. Jonathan Gutierrez Jr. Polished narra floors and is bountiful, all we need is to look com/2016/05/20/sta-ana-church-historical-gem- Keanne Dizon exquisite beamed ceilings further beyond the obvious. As a members of of-manila/ Miguel Abellon accentuate the Spanish-style convent, the Sta Ana Community, I know that Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2010, September 8). Louise Aguilar Marian exhibit opens today at Santa Ana Church. adding to the colonial feel of the we are excited to see the grandeur Retrieved from PressReader: https://www. exhibit. One of the most-viewed behind the next wall. pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inq uirer/20100908/282346856131258 4 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 3 NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 5 n STUDENT PROFILE n TEACHER PROFILE Christian Fernandez: Our Casa Gem, A Pokemon Card Diamond Altasin Ramos By Adrienne Michell Malabanan Trader’s Journey Grade 10-Ruby By Ianne Ramirez Grade 7-Emerald certain teacher in the Casa department opportunity. This encounter with Dr. Soliven Ahas touched the hearts of generations would eventually pave the way to a fulfilling nown for his unpredictable in Hong Kong last of OBMC Sta. Ana students. Brimming with fifteen-year teaching career in OB. “It was Kstrategies that are guaranteed to June 11. His crafty passion, Mrs. Diamond Altasin Ramos has difficult at first because Casa has over 300 take his opponents by surprise, loyal techniques helped him been one of the school’s many treasures Montessori materials and exercises. I had Montessorian Christian Fernandez of clench the 36th spot and the years she has spent with OBMC to learn and remember all of them, and Grade 7-Emerald, competed nine times out of 1088 international contestants. can testify to her dedication to the teaching then teach them to my students.” Difficult in seven different countries. He even Moreover, Fernandez also profession. as it was, she worked hard and did her joined the World Championship for shared one of his memorable “There’s something about the innocence best for her students. She claims that her Pokemon Trading Cards, representing competitions in the Pokémon of children,” she said, “It’s great to see them greatest joy as a Casa teacher is to watch the in 2017. Trading Card Game (TCG) World achieve milestones such as learning to read as her students grow and develop their “Joining the World Championship Championships in Anaheim, and write.” personalities was like the scariest roller-coaster California last August 18–20, 2017. He Coming from a family of teachers, and “More than anything, you need patience ride [because of the highs and lows I admits that he could have prepared This November, he was supposed with a heart for children herself, it was no and sincerity,” Mrs. Ramos said. “To teach experienced in each game],” Fernandez better strategies if only he had more to compete in Brazil, but he was surprise that Mrs. Diamond ended up taking children of such a young age, you need to said. His impressive performance in the time. not able to go. Despite the many a course in elementary education at Centro consider their innocence and fragility.” As said sport led him to compete regionally “I only had one week to prepare,” challenges he has had to face, like Escolar University. It was also there that she she says so herself, not every teacher can be in Indonesia, Malaysia, Hongkong, he said, “On top of that, it was exam having to balance his competitions met Dr. Preciosa Soliven, who at the time a Casa teacher. Fifteen years in, Mrs. Ramos Thailand, and in Anaheim, USA. week.” From around 1000 TCG players with school, he is still a happy and was taking up her doctorate at the university. continues to prove her skill and dedication, His most recent competition was who competed, he earned the 54th spot. positive person. Dr. Soliven invited her to teach at OB passing on treasures to the children she Montessori, and Mrs. Ramos gladly took the guides. n NEWS

OBMC Sta. Ana wins 1st Place in the n NEWS By The Campus Editorial Board first GREENVIRO Quiz Bee Back on track! risten Carl Ona and Ma. By Leela Rodriguez KAlexandra Mansibang of Grade Grade 8-Emerald 10 Emerald with their coach Ms. Ma. Severina Llanto emerged victorious B Montessori - Sta. Ana volunteers flocked to Manila Bay to in the first GREENVIRO Quiz Bee Orespond once again to another round of coastal clean-up on held on November 16, 2018 at the Air October 20, Saturday. They joined youth volunteers from the other Quality Management Training Center OBMC campuses and from schools around of the Department of Environment The International Coastal Clean Up (ICC) is said to be the and Natural Resources (DENR). They world's largest annual volunteer program, which generally aims to competed against various schools make students and adults aware of the worsening condition of our from ten Metro Manila cities. environment. The youth, our future changemakers, and some In celebration of the National professionals were invited to help in cleaning the garbage from Environmental Awareness Month, There were two categories in the Champion the coastline of Manila Bay. National Clean Air Month, and competition, College and High School, OB Montessori Center-Sta. Ana With the common goal of properly disposing junk, the National Climate Change wherein the participants hurdled through (Manila City) which have been carelessly thrown into the waters Consciousness Week this November, preliminary and final rounds. OBMC First runner-up and coastline of Manila and of fully eliminating the Environmental Management - Sta. Ana students bested around 30 University of the Philippines Integrated ocean wastes, student-volunteers from OBMC Bureau (EMB) headed by Assistant schools in Metro Manila in the High School () Grades 8, 10, 11, and 12 participated in the activity. Director Vizminda Osorio facilitated the School Category. All the winning teams Second runner-up While expecting for the experience to be GREENVIRO Quiz Bee activity. This were awarded certificates and cash San Francisco High School (Quezon City) gross and stinky, the thought of helping clean competition commemorates the 10th prizes. Third runner-up the coastline of Manila Bay pushed the Anniversary of Republic Act 9512 or the Congratulations to Kristen Carl Ona Caybiga High School ( City) student-volunteers to join the said program. OB Montessori student-volunteers swarmed a strip of the Manila Environmental Awareness Act through and Ma. Alexandra Mansibang! OB and North Fairview High School Bay coastline for its clean-up campaign on October 20. Environmental Education. Montessori is proud of you! (Quezon City) Continue to page 6 6 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 3 NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2018 COSMIC JOURNAL 7

Continued from page 5 n FEATURE

“It was fun, and trash collected by the it felt good that I campus volunteers. Who is Your Santa Claus? helped to clean our Although sad By Louise Mae Aguilar, Grade 6-Venus environment,” Alyssa about the remaining Miguel Joaquin Abellon, Grade 6-Saturn Desiongco of Grade trash on the coastline, ome people may think that Santa 8-Emerald said when Aaron Malabanan and Claus never existed or that he asked of her first- Lamees Almutairi of S never really lived in the North Pole time experience as a Grade 8-Emerald still with Mrs. Claus and a bunch of elves volunteer. felt accomplished after and reindeer. He may be the man Moreover, Aniel knowing that their efforts who goes down your chimney every Ventura felt anxious helped in collecting the Christmas to give you presents in before going to Manila garbage that destroys our food. He may be your mom or your and even to strangers in need), we are exchange for milk and cookies. Or Bay. “I felt like anytime, marine life. dad who spends quality time with sharing the love and joy that Santa maybe he is the man who watches you an accident may happen, From the tally kept by you. Anyone can be a Santa Claus, Claus embodies. 24/7 to check if you are naughty or nice. but I’m still thankful that With the collective effort to clean the Manila Bay coastline, OB Mr. Dela Peña, most of all you have to do is open your eyes, Christmas is in starting small and Although it may seem weird, many of I had the opportunity Montessori students across all campuses gathered at Roxas the trash collected were look around you and share the spirit creating a ripple effect that touches us think all of it as real. to help clean. I have Boulevard to once again promote a “Trash-Free Manila Bay.” plastics. Students who of giving. the lives of those around us. Christmas We all have our own “Santa But you know, as we grow older, is all about giving love not just on realized the discipline (CAT/LT) teacher and joined by joined the movement have Claus”—one who gives joy, love, and we will realize that Santa Claus is the day Jesus was born. Having fun and humanity that we have in ourselves Ms. Beverly Jane Banga, Disaster realized how indiscriminate plastic hope to the people around him. Santa not just a single person. Young, old, and showing love are a great way of to make our country better.” Risk Reducation and Management consumption affects the environment, Claus can be you, or maybe Santa short, or tall ... anyone can be a Santa celebrating Christmas. It is not with Spearheaded by Mr. Jose (DRRM) teacher, and other student- mostly the water ecosystem, and even Claus is the friend who helped you Claus! When we do acts of giving, acts our wealth that we can measure our Mari Dela Peña, Citizens Army officers, the activity concluded vowed to join the ICC program next with school work or your neighbor of kindness (when we share a piece act of giving, but it is in how we can Training/Leadership Training successfully, with 28 plastic bags of school year. across the street who gave you some of ourselves to our families, friends sincerely give to others.

n FEATURE n FEATURE My 2018 By Charles Edmon Perez Star Wars visits What Christmas Truly Means Grade 10-Ruby Christmas he cool December breeze is The significance of Christmas may People may have different takes on There! Food stores are selling differ from one person to another. Christmas, but many Montessorians OBMC! Bucket List delicious special treats and almost “It is a time to reflect on our current believe that the true meaning and everyone have decorated their relationship with God,” Gabriel reason for Christmas is family— By Alessandra Gepte Grade 11-Amorsolo homes with red and green, the Alabanza of 8-Emerald said, taking a members creating fond memories vibrant colors of Christmas. more religious look at it. together while embracing the spirit of egardless of the many Often when we become Still, others consider Christmas as Christmas in each other’s presence. Rnuances of how we see engrossed in outwardly a yearly tribute to the passage of time. Beyond the lights and the glitter of it, I think the essence of preparing for the “It is a reflection of the past, the season, and no matter how people Christmas is about humanity: festivities, we forget the reason we a celebration of the present, and celebrate it, Christmas is and always will a time of being with those we celebrate it; we miss out on what it a beacon for the future,” Gabino be a reflection of God’s love, peace, and love, and showing kindness truly means to us. Barcelona of 10-Ruby shared. unity in every home, in every family. and compassion to other people. So what better way to join in and 2 Reconnect and make songs, who wouldn’t get into the 5 Do a random act of kindness. The celebrate the Christmas amends with someone you Christmas spirit? Oh, and don’t humanity that Christmas embodies spirit than with family haven’t talked with in a while or forget the hot chocolate, best is best shown through the and friends, festivities, had an argument with. It may not served on Christmas morning! compassion and kindness we share people, and good food. Here’s the be easy, but it will always have its 4 Go Christmas caroling! Christmas with each other … and with others. 2018 Christmas Bucket List for you! merits. And what better time to do isn’t Christmas without the lively Not all families get to celebrate 1 Spend time and bond with it than on Christmas, the season sound of happy children tapping Christmas wholly, and it is our duty your family. One of the most for connecting and reaching out? on their tambol, shaking their to share the warmth of love not important things we celebrate 3 Enjoy the food and music. It recycled tambourines made of only this Christmas season, but on Christmas, after all, is our is always great to celebrate tansan, and singing Christmas every single day of the year as well. family. Regardless of your Christmas with the ones you songs. If you really want to Make a homemade gift, volunteer A Star Wars relationship with your mother, love while eating good food and experience the joy of Christmas or donate. Make someone smile stormtrooper is amused father, brother, sister, or dog, take listening to good music at the through a child’s eyes, then I this season. with the OB Montessori children this time to reconnect and show same time. With the Filipino suggest you grab your tambol and May this Christmas season bring working on the Pink Tower during a Casa each member how special and tradition of Noche Buena and Jose tambourine, be ready to walk door- out the human in you, and in every Mari Chan’s iconic Christmas exhibit at Circuit last October 20, 2018. important they are in your life. to-door, and sing your heart out! single one of us. Merry Christmas! 8 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 3

n SPORTS

Janah Kristine Zaplan delivers a smash towards the opponent. OBMC Sta. Ana bags silver By Reenon Darren Cabilzo Grade 11-Amorsolo in ISSA Volleyball League

fter an exhilarating game for the whole team as well,” Team as they stood in the middle of it all. It Awith Immaculate Conception Captain Janah Zaplan recounted, had been a good fight. Academy (ICA) last October 13, “We shouldn’t let any weakness peek “I was on the edge of my seat OB Montessori Center - Sta. Ana through, but to tell you the truth, we every second of the game, and Women’s Volleyball Varsity took home were nervous.” although OB Montessori -Sta. Ana the 1st Runner-Up trophy for the Amid the tension and the didn’t win the championship title, I Inter-Scholastic Sports Association deafening screams, ICA scored their felt proud as a Montessorian, seeing (ISSA) Volleyball League. The winning shot. Shocked, the OB team how they gave it their all and fought championship game, held at Colegio saw their peers standing up, cheering valiantly until the end,” Symour de San Agustin, went on for three them on. In the end, it was almost as Goyal, a Grade 11 student said. sets: 9-25, 28-30, and 23-25. The if they did not lose. The court erupted In the end, the entire community OBMC team had been overpowered in cheers and whistles, with family felt like one big team, who is nowhere in the first set, but put up and friends embracing each player near giving up. a good fight for the remainder of the game. During the game, the OB volleyball players knew they had one ultimate goal: to bring home the gold. The game was highly anticipated by many, as this was the first time OBMC came close to winning 1st Place. To top it off, the team hadn’t lost a single game since the start of the season. The pressure was high. OB Montessori Center - Sta. Ana Women’s Volleyball Varsity, together with coaches “I had to be strong, Mr. Leoncio Mariano IV and Ms. Abigail Fernancol, are ecstatic with their win. not just for myself but