JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 COSMIC JOURNAL 1

VOL. 11 NO. 4 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 n COVER STORY

1986 EDSA Revolution: Not Just Another Party OBMC GH involvement in EDSA u By Bianca Daphne Baleros, Grade 11-Luna

he 1986 People Power felt there was something going on Everyone played a part. TRevolution is a historical but couldn’t determine what it was. OB Montessori Center also moment for every Filipino. It is We left the house at around 6:30 pm played a part in the 1986 People a moment of freedom, solidarity, to go to Lea’s party at Club Filipino. Power Revolution. OBMC students passion, and hope. On Feb. 22, 1986, While we were dancing, my father were encouraged to be socially the first call for the People Power comes in and speaks to Fil Salonga, aware of the current situation of the Revolution happened, with plans of Lea’s father. He tells Mr. Salonga . This was achieved by toppling the Marcos regime spread to wrap up the party because there the reading and discussion of the through the radio. is a revolution happening outside. newspaper in the morning routine Mrs. Sara Soliven-De Guzman, No one understood him or, I think, of the students. Classes were our Chief Operating Officer, found believed him right away. But he also cancelled on the days of the out about the revolution quite pulled me out of the party in haste revolution to allow the students to differently. She had two major and took me home.” participate on their own accord. events to attend that day: her Contrary to popular belief, the Not to mention that the heart of cousin, Luisito Soliven David’s revolution was described to be all this, which was at Epifanio de los ordination as a Jesuit priest at beautiful by the people who were Santos Avenue or EDSA, was only a Ateneo, and Lea Salonga’s birthday there to experience it firsthand. mile or less away from OBMC, and at Club Filipino. She recalls, Different scenes were happening was inaugurated “During the ordination of my cousin in different parts of the city. Some as President of the Philippines in at around 3 pm, I already saw my kids were playing, some adults Club Filipino, which is a few steps father talking to different people on were protesting, some were just away from the school. Because of the the phone. He was getting several sitting calmly and praying, but messages. He had to leave early. I in everything unity stood out. Continue to page 2 2 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 4 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 COSMIC JOURNAL 3

Continued from page 1 n NEWS FEATURES proximity of these significant places to The revolution continued on for Leaves Its OBMC, some soldiers and protesters three days, ending on February 25, Art Mark would often drop by the school to 1986. The change was felt by every Editor-in-chief Samantha Onglatco 12-Tinio u By Ysabelle Dominguez, Grade 10-Ruby ask for refreshments such as bread, Filipino. Change wasn’t only evident coffee, and water. Of course, they were in the official government papers, News Editor given these refreshments by security but in the Filipino people as well. Joel Altea VI 12-Tinio personnel, with permission from school There were no barriers between the Assoc. News Editor authorities. These acts may have been citizens. Everyone was united and Lyza Balita 11-Hidalgo small, but they were indeed able to worked together toward a better Feature Editor contribute to something far bigger. future for the country. Yvette Bergantiños 11-Amorsolo Assoc. Feature Editor Antonio Maceda IV 11-Hidalgo Graphics Head Miguel Ycasiano 12-Lumbera Graphics Assistant Beanca Torrefranca 12-Jose Layout Artists Jeanne Macachor 12-Tinio Ras Rosete 12-Lumbera veryone wants to make a mark beautiful Staff on their school before they leave, work of art Ryan Dionisio 12-Tinio E Joaquin Lacuna 12-Jose and typically they mean this in an depicts the influential or sentimental manner. Philippines’ fauna, flora, and culture. Writers Guild But this school year six high school Native tribes are painted to the left includes students Mikaela Grade 8–11 students were given the opportunity and a serene nature collage to the Velasquez of 9-Emerald, Ella Reyes to leave a physical reminder of right, ranging from our high northern of 9-Topaz, 10-Sapphire’s Audrey Sin, Xsandrie ‘Sandy Gamboa’ n EDITORIAL: ON PERSPECTIVES OF LOVE their time here in OB Montessori mountains to our low sandy beaches. Center by painting a mural. This The team responsible for this Guimba of 10-Emerald, and me, mural stands tall on the exterior mural was put together and headed Ysabelle Dominguez of 10-Ruby. Mr. Love is all around us. hallway of the fourth floor adjacent by Dean Africa, an artist of the Africa employed a vertical design to the intermediate classrooms. This OBMC Publication Department, and dividing each mini collage, leading u By The Student Editorial Board to a clean look that encapsulates the culture and natural beauty of hen the month of love is upon up every morning to an already- the Philippines. Prior to working Wus, we may find ourselves being prepared breakfast. There is love with OBMC in the Creative Section one of two kinds of people during this in hearing your friend’s laughter “Every child is an artist. he had managed his own mural season: the ones excited to celebrate after a long grueling week. There company, which made him just the with their loved one, or the ones who is love in giving your grandmother The problem is how to man for the job. are laughing bitterly at the occasion. a tight hug after school. There remain an artist once he We were all brought together It has been embedded in our minds is love in spending hours on the grows up.” - Pablo Picasso in this project by our love of art that St. Valentine’s Day is for the phone with a friend, distance all and our desire to leave something exchanging of cards and flowers and but trumped by technology. There is behind. Our time together was filled chocolates, and all the usual gestures love in choosing to forgive. with laughter, jokes, and even a we see in the movies, believing that is Love, in its truest form, is particular song by a retro band. It the only form of love there is. an exhilarating experience, no all amounted to a mural that will F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, matter what kind and no matter stand proudly on the walls of this “There are all kinds of love in this what form. Sometimes love can be institution for decades to come. u By Bianca Carlos, Grade 12-Jose world, but never the same love twice,” loud and sometimes love can be silent. This experience taught us which we believe holds true in all Sometimes it is in words, sometimes something: Every student can situations. Sadly, we have come to it is in actions. It may not always be stories that we found love among the make a mark, the only thing believe that St. Valentine’s Day is with a ‘special someone,’ but love is many types of love there are amidst holding only for couples, while we—lonely shared with each person we hold dear us. Of the many things to celebrate us back exceptions—are convinced that this in our lives. No matter from whom, this month, we would like to thank is our day is not ours to celebrate. What we no matter what the form, it does not you for allowing us to do what we love, initiative to forget is that there is much more to change the fact that it is still love. and we wish you love, may it be in the try. What this than just romantic love. On that note, the many different most unexpected way. mark will There is love in just being with kinds of love, we found love in the form Here’s to celebrating love every you leave? yourself and working to pursue your of a pen and paper and words. It is in day, no matter what its form. Happy dreams. There is love in waking our passion to help create and share St. Valentine’s Day, everyone! 4 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 4 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 COSMIC JOURNAL 5 n STUDENT PROFILES n NEWS FEATURES In the end, it’s Every Day a Blessing not the years Speak to me in melodies u By Gino Cordero, Grade 11-Hidalgo ” in your life that u By Joseph Antes, Grade 10-Emerald welve years ago, count. It’s the life aria Sophia Cinco-Baysa has . To get where she is now, her, the violin is the seasons, strong at Ttragedy struck. A Malways been a musically inclined Sophia has had her fair share of times and soft at others. disease called spinal in your years. person. She met her instrument at the hardships that she had to defeat using Here are some tips from Sophia muscular atrophy age of eight, a violin originally used by practice. for those who aspire to be violinists: (SMA) claimed the - Abraham Lincoln her mother. “One thing that bothers me 1. For beginners, try practicing life of seven-month- It was not love at first sight, is when people say that musicians the G Scale because the finger old Enzo Lopez, ” Sophia said, but right after her first put in less effort than athletes and positions are the easiest on the aim of the foundation to devastating his bring these things into the lesson she couldn’t stop playing and when people say athletes spend more that scale. parents Noel and life of every brave warrior so began her violin journey. money and practice harder 2. Wipe your violin every day and Abby. Nine years kid whom they serve. Sophia is now a part of than musicians, because change the strings every three later tragedy struck If you would like to “Paraluman,” the musicians practice just as months. again, and their become involved in Brave only violin group hard and spend just as 3. An easy song to start with is second child Rivo Warrior Kids, Adrian of the Greenhills much money as athletes “Moon River,” from the movie passed away from Ocampo invites you to Music Studio and do, and yet Breakfast at Tiffany’s. the same malady, visit their Facebook page the Philippine we are 4. When playing the song try to spearhead at six months old. It was then that at www.facebook.com/ Suzuki considered find its emotion. the OB Alumni Homecoming (which Noel Lopez swore to help others with bravewarriorkids and share it with Association less than “For all the time I can’t put has become an annual event), they similar ailments; and thus, the seed of your friends and relatives to help others Orchestra, athletes,” Sophia said. things into words, there’s music. also united as members of the Brave an organization was sown. become more aware of their foundation. an all-string Sophia appreciates It has become my first language. Warrior Kids Foundation. Brave Warrior Kids is a orchestra more effort, little details, That’s why I will never stop With such support, the foundation focused on supporting SPECIAL NOTE: February 15 is based in and technicalities thanks speaking it.” organization is occasionally able children with cancer, SMA, and other International Childhood Cancer Day Metro to the sound of the violin. To - Maria Sophia Cinco-Baysa severe ailments—to bring life to their to take the extra step and hold years, however few they might be. It celebrations in the children’s honor. provides them and their families with In one such effort they arranged n STUDENT PROFILES financial and medical support, funded a party for the children of Bahay by donations from various groups Aruga, a halfway house for pediatric pangangarera. Para sa kanya, ang kumpetisyon ng pangangarera ay daanan. and individuals. In addition to Mr. cancer patients. They gave out toys pangangarera at pag-aalaga sa noong taong 2018 lamang. Panimula Marami Lopez, the board of directors consists and food as a magician provided “Go Fast or sasakyan ay maihahalintulad niya sa man kung ituring, marami na siyang ang likuan, at of Drew Navarro, Ernest Tagle, RJ entertainment. To date, Brave isang tao, “dapat laging chinecheck sinalihang malalaking patimpalak pag mali ka ng Jacinto, Ace Barretto, Reyman Sy, Warrior Kids has helped around 450 up para malaman mo kung okay lang sa pangangarera kagaya ng Slalom, liko ay tiyak na Pocholo Razon, and Adrian Ocampo, children and their families. Go Last” ba siya.” Circuit: Sparco Cup, at Circuit: Fors, hindi maganda ang In the OB Montessori spirit, Noong bata pa lamang siya, hilig at sa kanyang mga sinalihan ay hindi mangyayari. Kagaya the organization’s president. u By Paul Cruz One thing they have in this group seeks to turn darkness Grade 12-Tinio na niya ang mga sasakyan na laruan, siya nawawala sa mga nananalo. nga ng motto ni Darrel common, besides Brave into light, fear into courage, and to manood ng mga pelikulang tungkol sa Ang pangangarera ay parang sa Ceña, “go hard or go Warrior Kids and a love of bring forth hope to others when it asungkit ni Darrel Ceña ang pangangarera ang kwento katulad ng pag-ibig, hindi ka maaaring sumabak last,” pagbutihan mo at service: they are all proud is hard for them to see it. It hasn’t Nkampeonato sa isang karera Fast and the Furious, nanonood na rin sa isang karera lalo na’t wala kang bilisan, bago ka mahuli, alumni of OB Montessori been easy, but the lessons learned sa Circuit: Sparco Cup noong siya ng mga aktwal na kompetisyon ensayo at hindi mo kabisado ang bago pa mahuli ang lahat. Greenhills. from Casa to High School taong 2018 sa kabila ng kanyang ng pangangarera ng sasakyan dahil Although these taught them to go ad hirap na pinagdaanan bago ito dati pa lamang ay nangangarera na men are advanced dolore, ad gloriam; from magawa dahil sa parehong taon, ang kanyang ama. Dahil sa mga ito, professionals with pains to gains. bago magkampeon ay inakala si Darrel Ceña ay sumunod sa yapak jobs and business of These Brave niyang huling karera na. ng kanyang ama at naging isang their own, the urgent Warrior Kids remind Nasira ang kanyang preno mangangarera ng sasakyan. need and grief of us that that every day habang pinapatakbo niya ang Unang siyang nagmaneho ng others, as well as is a blessing, and we kanyang sasakyan. Ngunit, isang truck na pang off-road. Noong each other’s support should thank God for hindi ito naging hadlang upang nasa ikalimang baitang pa lamang and an unyielding each one, and enjoy it mapahinto siya sa pangangarera, sa elementarya ay lumahok na sa faith in God’s ultimate to its fullest. Appreciate the bagkus ay ginawa niya pa itong isang ganap na kumpetisyon ng power, drive them to little things; the random karanasan na ito bilang isang off-road. Simula noon, sunod-sunod help children in need of moments of happiness motibasyon at aral para mas na ang kanyang sinasalihang mga assistance. Thus, when and laughter that make ayusin, paghandaan at pagbutihan iba pang kumpetisyon ng off- they came together to life truly worth living. It is niya pa sa kanyang karera sa road. Ang pagsali naman niya sa 6 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 4 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2019 COSMIC JOURNAL 7

n VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL n LITERARY Love through a child’s eyes Love, a Man, and Himself u By Larraine Castillo, Grade 11-Luna u By Philler Siy, Grade 5-Jupiter She was the teardrops that caressed my face Never in my life have I tried so hard ids like us my mind when I hear “St. Valentine’s She was the clouds that I wanted to chase To fix what had just been broken and scarred Kknow what it’s Day” is romantic love. This is the time She was the ice that burned me every time Thoughts of her haunt the corners of my mind like to be kissed by when couples dress up and go to fancy She was both the justice and the worst crime Nails on a chalkboard, but it left me blind our parents, to share candlelit dinners to celebrate their a sandwich with a love. I also see lots of boys buying The signs were there in all their glory It always gets better, or so they say friend, or to be hugged cards and flowers for their girlfriends. Could have put an end to this futile story Anything to make the pain go away by a furry pet. The feeling of being For me though, St. Valentine’s Day The words that she whispered for just me to know It’s like it has dug in, a conniving screw able to give and to be given to is also should be enjoyed by everyone Rooted me here, and where else could I go? How do you remove something that’s part of you? very nice. It makes us feel that we’ve because it is all about love. Why not Life was filled with the bliss that she brought Why couldn’t I have been entirely enough? done what we are supposed to do to show our affection and appreciation Father, mother, daughter others. For some, giving and receiving to our parents by saying “I love you” by BEANCA TORRE The demons inside me, how hard I fought Was I just a burden that she found too tough? gifts is a sign that they care for each to them? We can also be creative FRANCA, Grade 12-Jose By her side, I had refused to leave I wish she would tell me the true reasons why other. And since St. Valentine’s Day by making handcrafted gifts which It was all a lie that I still believe Something that’s easier than a last goodbye is upon us, the air is sure to be filled we can give to our best friends, really, on any day of the year. Time with love. What are your plans this teachers, and relatives. is important because most of us are In the moment the world ceased to spin I looked out at the world, and then I knew coming February? Time might be the best gift we either so busy with school or work I lost myself before I could win What I needed to do to get over you The first thing that comes to can give on St. Valentine’s Day or that we take spending time This heart got itself into a war I fixed my sails and went on my way with each other for granted. Lost at sea and left to wash ashore Looked in the mirror, and it was a new day Bonding is special because it n STUDENT ARTWORK strengthens our relationships with our loved ones. How Lucky Color: Baby pink experience these new things. the peace more than you think. about scheduling quality time Listen to this song on repeat: Lucky Color: Yellow Ponder upon yourself and make with our family to play fun "Made in Hollywood" by Lany Listen to this song on repeat: peace with a certain someone. activities like Monopoly or "I Would Do Anything For You" February will be a month of recovery bowling? How about making Gemini by foster the people for you. Beware of your temper and that call to your grandparents (21 May–Jun 21) patience. and having a long chat to let What you think always Virgo Lucky Color: Lavender them know you are thinking matter, Gemini. (23 Aug–23 Sep) Listen to this song on repeat: of them, and that you love Remember to speak up for The month may not "Anino" by Up Dharma Down them? But anyway, on this what you believe in this month (and start going your way, but St. Valentine’s Day, why always). Beware of a difficult choice continue to push forward Sagittarus don’t you just put a smile on this month. and you just might turn things around. (22 Nov–21 Dec) someone’s face? Lucky Color: Lime Yellow This is a good month for money, so look The only thing stopping and Ashkin Bautista, Grade 6-Earth u By Alecxander Singwatt Listen to this song on repeat: into that too. Beware of traitors this you from improving this "Supercut" by Lorde month. month is yourself. Choose n ENTERTAINMENT Lucky Color: Mint Green who to keep, who to pursue, and who Cancer Listen to this song on repeat: to leave. Beware of temptations all u By Jeanne Macachor and Ras Rosete, Grade 12-Tinio and Lumbrera (21 Jun–22 Jul) "Boulevard" by Moon Mask around you. Horoscopes You may be in danger of Lucky Color: Grey miscommunicating with Libra Listen to this song on repeat: someone close to you this (23 Sep–3 Oct) "Makeup" by The Script to do your old hobbies, or maybe even the school year coming up. Remember Aquarius month. Remember to choose your You will be forced begin a new one! Everything may to manage your time well. Skip that (20 Jan–18 Feb) words wisely. Beware of how you talk to try new things in seem confusing at the moment, but it’s Instagram story! Capricon This month will be a to others this month. order to keep up with (21 Dec–20 Jan) only because you have to reconnect Lucky Color: Orange smooth-sailing breeze for Lucky Color: silver the month. February will end up Your good intentions may with yourself. Listen to this song on repeat: you, your family and friends! Listen to this song on repeat: rewarding you handsomely. Beware end up harming another, Lucky Color: Cyan blue "Hanap" by Autotelic Sunsets will be an essential part of "Portuguese" by Reese & Vica of the consequences of your smallest more than you think. Listen to this song on repeat: your growth this month. actions. Beware of the effects of not speaking "Itutulog Na Lang" by The Juans Lucky Color: Purple Ta u r u s Lucky Color: White. the truth. (20 Apr–21 May) Leo Listen to this song on repeat: (22 Jul–23 Aug) Listen to this song on repeat: Lucky Color: Sunset Orange You may have to make it up "Tila" by Clara Benin Aries Brand new things are "Love It If We Made It" by The 1975 Listen to this song on repeat: (20 Mar–20 Apr) to some of your friends this to come your way this "Eighteen" by Beabadoobee Hold on, Aries! February month, Taurus. Say hi to an old friend Pisces February, and greet them with may be a hectic month for and eat lunch together. Beware of your Scorpio (18 Feb–10 Mar) an open mind! Be direct, straightforward (23 Oct–22 Nov) you with the final quarter of own pride getting in the way of that. February is a good time and kind to those close to you as you You might be disrupting 8 COSMIC JOURNAL VOL. 11 NO. 4

n NEWS FEATURES cleaned, built fires, and washed dishes. The missions and chores from Life Camp morning until night trained u By Alyssa Sahagun, Grade 6-Venus them to be well-functioning fter months of preparation, the Siege. These selfless citizens. Aday of the Grade 6 and 10 bivouac soldiers were the Armed After their satisfying finally happened on January 10 to 12 Forces of the Philippines’ Scout dinner, the Scout Rangers in at Preziosa Botanic Park and Farm Rangers, who kept us all safe, day and instilled further in the students Resort. This activity aims to build night. the essence of being a makabayan camaraderie among the members of At their assigned activity areas, and may malasakit when they showed each squad, while learning various life the squads had to overcome equally actual clips and pictures of what took skills. challenging tasks, which included place on the Marawi battlefield. The Before the rappelling, zip line, wall climbing, campers also visited the Geronimo actual execution obstacle course, bamboo bike, mine Berenguer de los Reyes, Jr. Museum in of the activities, field, aerodynamics, General Trias, Cavite, the next day. The the 6th graders pipe relay, and entire museum experience was a walk were oriented rope course. through the country’s past. It surely and assigned to Everybody did refresh everyone’s knowledge their respective had to perform about Philippine history, especially squads with their outside their the time when we were invaded by the ates and kuyas comfort zones Spaniards and the Americans. from the 10th grade. to finish This overnight bivouac not only The students were the grueling equipped the 6th and 10th graders also given the rare missions for the ever-challenging world chance to get to together. outside school, but also ignited the know the brave When the sun nationalistic soldiers who had set, each squad spirit of these fought against had to prepare their soon-to-be the ISIS-inspired dinner themselves. adults. terrorist group Some cooked, while during the Marawi others Love in service: Rainbow Catering u By Cheska Rufo, Grade 10-Ruby

hank you, Rainbow Catering a club of the Technology-Livelihood these things, I still find being part of the “TClub!” Education subject in the Junior High Rainbow Catering Club enjoyable. For a These are the words I hear every School. It began in 1983. The students few hours I get to pause from the stress time I finish another party for Casa members of the club offer party of academics and have fun with young or Primary students. It’s a wonderful packages (complete with invitation, children. I am also able to put a smile on feeling, especially after cooking, food, games, and music) to Casa and their faces and get an excited greeting packing, and preparing for hours to Primary student. every time one of them recognizes me make sure the party goes well. The job It can be a challenge to relate to in the school hallway. doesn’t stop there. I also put on a big younger children. We I have grown to love this job— smile, play, and dance with the kids entertain them, help the small joys it brings me and the to make them have a great time. This them eat, play happiness it brings to kids. It takes tiring routine comes games with a lot of hard work and dedication to with a small but them, and throw a party for students in Casa heartfelt reward: organize and Primary, but most of all it takes seeing the grateful them to love to put a smile on their faces. I smiles on each sing to the love the kids I get to meet at every of the young celebrants. party. It brightens my day in ways children’s Sometimes that only love can. This is what faces. they can being part of the Rainbow Catering The get into small Club is all about. Aside from the Rainbow fits when they technical skills of organizing a Catering lose a game. “kiddie” party, I have learned to love Club is Amidst all the role that I serve.