Category / Categories

by The Science Net

What the Russo-Ukrainian War Could Mean for the International Space Station

by: Clarence Jude Tabinas || Photo Credit: Space.com

The whole world was taken aback last February 24, 2022, when Russia deployed its army into Ukraine. This action was not taken lightly by the United States, prompting them to impose sanctions against Russia, which now has the world seeing drastic effects on the global economy. However, the impact of the conflict extends beyond the limits of the planet, as it has also affected space research and explorations. 

The ISS is a multinational project home to astronauts and cosmonauts alike. It allows them to conduct research that is not feasible anywhere else.

Because of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, numerous space-related plans have already been canceled, as such projects require Russia’s full cooperation, which may end as a result of the sanctions imposed by various western countries, including the US.  Although NASA has said that US-Russian collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS), a space station that orbits around the Earth, remains steady, there is no telling what changes it could suffer due to the war. 

Russia plays a vital role in the ISS. It controls critical aspects of the station’s propulsion control system, which helps adjust its position in space. If Russia were to withdraw its cooperation, the absence of these propulsions would cause the ISS to slowly fall towards the Earth. Though the astronauts inside should be able to leave the station safely, the same cannot be guaranteed for the people and buildings on Earth that could get hit by the debris. 

Currently, no one can predict whether or not Russia will cease cooperation with the ISS. While it is certain that NASA and Roscosmos are slowly drifting apart, both still depend on each other for their space explorations. If left to fester, however, years of collaboration between Russia and the US could end and many space-related projects could be severely affected.

by The Science Net

Philippine Imports Breaching the Nets in Thailand 

by: Kyle Abello || Photo Credit: SMM Voleyball

Raising the Philippine flag internationally, Mylene Paat and Aleona Denise “Dindin” Manabat secured a podium finish for Nakhon Ratchasima in the recently concluded 2021-22 Volleyball Thailand League (VTL), playing as imports for the team. The two talents — top scorers for their respective clubs in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship (AWVC)  — had been recognized by the prestigious team after their victory for Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the Premier Volleyball League, in hopes of making up for the absence of Chatchu-on Moksri, Nakhon Ratchashima’s top scorer in the league. 

Both alumni of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Paat and Manabat started their volleyball careers in college, with both being converted into spikers for their teams. Entering the professional league, Paat had been a known mainstay for Cignal HD Spikers before playing for Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Crossovers, while Manabat had stints both locally and internationally in the past years. Both have also been recognized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), regularly representing the country in international games.

Since the start of VTL, Paat had been the go-to spiker of Nakhon Ratchasima, tallying a total of 174 points in the first two rounds of the league. She had a total of five games with over 20 points, along with a 28-point total in Nakhon Ratchasima’s first win against Nakornnont. Although firing on all cylinders for most, Paat also had more subtle performances — with 4-point and 2-point matches against Proflex RSU and Supreme Chonburi, respectively.

Meanwhile, Manabat came to Thailand in the league’s second round, joining Paat as imports for Nakhon. The 6’2 athlete introduced herself to the tournament with an 11-point contribution to the club’s first win in the second round. As Paat was fronting trouble in points, Manabat led the scoreboard with 19 points against Proflex RSU, resulting in a 6-5 win-loss record. Then, despite losing to Supreme Chonburi in their second match in the final four, Manabat managed to be the lone double-digit scorer with an 11-point total – with nine points coming off of the third set.  

Despite having their fair share of poor matches, the tandem always tried to bounce back stronger and fiercer, steering Nakhon onto a satisfactory track. The efficiency and expertise of their merged forces showed in every match, just as they had in the PVL. Despite falling to Diamond Food for a championship spot, Paat and Manabat concluded with 14 and 12 points, respectively. 

Paat and Manabat shone in the bronze medal match, leading Nakhon Ratchasima to their eighth bronze medal in the league. Along with their podium finish, Paat was also hailed as the best scorer for VTL.  

After their successful stint in Thailand, Paat and Manabat are now shifting their focus as they return to the PVL to defend their championship title, as well as eyeing a podium finish for the Philippines in the 2022 SEA games. 

“I want to thank the management, coaches, and my teammates for giving me the chance to play with your team. We may not have been able to get the championship, but you guys made me feel that our team got it. I am overwhelmed with the love and joy you gave me. This team feels like home. I’ll miss you all.” Manabat wrote in an Instagram post with pictures of Nakhon Ratchasima. 

Paat also wrote in her Instagram post “Napakabuti mo, PANGINOON! You are so good, Lord!” with a photo of her winning the Best Scorer Award. 

Paat and Manabat have indeed brought pride to the country in Thailand. Their experience as imports is beneficial not only to them but also in showcasing the Philippines’ volleyball caliber, as the country’s athletes continue to ascend to international stages in 2022.

by The Science Net

Women in STEM: Uplift, Empower, Encourage

by: Aine Latoja || Photo credit: The Sociable

When President Corazon Aquino signed the mandate in 1988 allowing March 8th to be declared as a special working holiday known as National Women’s Day, it allows Filipinos to acknowledge the women who have fought for better working hours and equal pay in their workplaces and have become triumphant in doing so. The holiday allowed everyone to recognize women and the long battle they waged against society’s crushing standards.

This month, we strive to inform and engage everyone to promote change in society, particularly actions toward gender equality in our communities. Additionally, we continue to create and facilitate platforms to give women space to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development. Lastly, we aim to inspire everyone, not just women, to be agents of change to promote gender equality and women empowerment. 

As we celebrate Women’s Day, we must also recognize women in STEM, especially as Pisay scholars. It is important to encourage and uplift women who want to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), such as the freshmen who, upon entering the school, are bombarded by these subjects while they are still finding their own passion. As Grade 7 student Christine Mutthan says, 

“… Though they’re mainly male-dominated courses, I feel empowered to reach my goals where a minority of women stand. I’d love to be one of many inspirations as to why women do what they love despite the society we’ve grown to live in.” 

However, gender alone should not be the leading drive for committing to a passion in this field. When asked, “Does being a woman working toward STEM drive your passion in some way? If so, how?” Helena Enero, a Grade 10 student, says: 

“It doesn’t. Some will say it’s empowering but it’s not. It’s only empowering if you’re in a male-dominated workplace when STEM isn’t…” 

Nevertheless, being a woman in STEM is still a challenge. Research teacher Ma’am Jan Morata stated that the inequality in number and opportunities is because of how traditional Filipino families see their female relatives entering such careers. Moreso, as women have always been expected to assume the position of the caretaker of the household, they are left with little to no time dedicated to building their own careers. 

However, her position as a mentor to Pisay scholars allows her to encourage girls and boys, regardless of gender, to become researchers. She further expressed:

“It matters a lot that we have a strong research program which aims to integrate all learnings into a project which tests their understanding of science and technology and uses skills learned from other subjects…” 

With all that said, it doesn’t mean that these women are in STEM; these are real people who actually have a passion for this field. These are women who advocate for equality in opportunities and resources. And because of those who have succeeded in trodding the hard path before them, it becomes easier for women and girls to succeed in their careers. 

In this male-dominated field, the women are here to stay: to uplift, to empower, and to encourage. 

by The Science Net

18 Hours a Day: The Reality of Others

by: Christian Lawrence Tan || Cartoon by: Nathalia Canlas

“Anyone who claims to work 18 hours a day is either lying or stupid.” This statement can be found in the recent VinCentiments film starring Senator Imee Marcos and other public figures. The video named a certain “Len-Len” who fainted after working more than 18 hours a day, with Senator Imee Marcos simply commenting that time management was key, likely as a response to Vice President Leni Robredo’s proclamation regarding her working hours during the Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews. 

However, this video, which was initially meant to be an attack towards the Vice President, was ignorant of the working Filipinos. It sparked rage in the working class, many of whom used the hashtag “#AkoSiLenLen” to come forth with their own realities, emphasizing how out of touch and insulting the film was. 

An 18-hour workday sounds like a stretch to most, but once you start counting how much time you need to put into your job to earn a living, those hours may very well reach that supposedly ridiculous number. From students who burn the midnight oil just to finish a comprehensive essay, street vendors who stay open in hopes of catching passersby late into the night, all the way to our medical workers and frontliners who work tirelessly to preserve and protect the lives of the Filipino people— placing all of these into perspective suddenly changes the whole story. 

A vendor who sells vegetables, for example, does not have a definite amount of paperwork to do, but they have to sell their produce to a number of people. Even on an idle day, most would have to extend their time to be able to provide for their families. On the other hand, there are those who have a fixed salary that simply isn’t enough — the underpaid who have to put more work in to make up for the gap in their wages. Many Filipinos don’t have the luxury to get off of work so early and still earn sufficiently. Some have to widen the net of their service time just to get a chance to earn more. That is the unfortunate reality of many people in the country.

The words spoken in the film were distant, far from the hearts and level of living that most working-class people experience. They felt that their lives and efforts were being insulted because they couldn’t finish the work that they themselves accepted. The reality of the working class is that most people don’t get to decide how much work they get, do they? It’s up to their superiors—the rich and powerful—to decide for them. 

by The Science Net

Never Forget, Never Again: The EDSA Revolution

by: Jazie Mein Rangga || Photo Credit: Filipino News

Screams of protest, masses of large crowds, and absolute chaos. 

The dates of February 22-25, 1986 marked a moment of history. Millions of Filipinos marched the streets of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), protesting against the former president, Ferdinand Marcos, to reclaim their freedom.

For nearly two decades, Filipinos lived under the authoritarian rule of the Marcos regime, going throughout the day in fear of what could happen to them, their families, and even their property. All while the Marcos’ family and allies lavish in the wealth and luxury, from not only the expense of the Filipino people, but also the national and international banks that plunged the country to grave-deep debt.  

Marcos was known for large plans — projects, infrastructures, programs. These, however, were not enough to cover the grand spending and hole of debt he was digging the country deeper into. His establishment of Martial Law, the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., a long time political enemy, the snap election that he himself claimed to have won, and all the years of the oppressive and autocratic rule pushed the Filipino people to come together to form one of the biggest and most historic rallies of the Philippines. It was one of the most patriotic and bravest moments in Filipino history, giving a sense of pride to the countrymen.

Yet, some still say otherwise. If the EDSA revolution was so great, how are people still nostalgic for the late dictator’s rule, dubbing his time of ruling as the ‘Golden Era’ of the Philippines? They blame the rioters and the liberals, saying they never should’ve ousted the former president. Some even dream about the idea of letting the man rule longer than the 20 years he has painted over. 

It was never the Aquinos, the Roman Catholic Church, the powerful family dynasties, or the liberals — the so-called “yellow oligarchs” — who wanted to overthrow the late dictator, no, it was about the people. The same Filipino people who shed their blood, sweat, and tears to fight for their freedom. The very same people who wanted to be treated fairly in the country they call home.

Lastly, the EDSA revolution was not a failure. In a sense, it did achieve its goals: to stop the years of abuse, to start a new era for the presidency, and to oust Marcos. But most importantly, it lent the country the helping hand, lifting it out of the hole of abuse and suffering.

February 25 marks 36 years since the People Power Revolution. Let it be a reminder that we should never forget the effort, bravery, and act of patriotism that the Filipino people have done for this country.

Hopefully, we, as the youth can also shed light on the importance of this occasion, so that our country and its people never again experience the years of trauma and torment. 

by The Science Net

Grade 12 Students Win Award in International Science Fair

by: Gabriel Segura || Photo Credit: Center for Research in Science and Technology Facebook Page

Three Grade 12 students from PSHS-EVC were awarded the Rising Star Award in Computer Science at the 5th KVIS Invitational Science Fair, held on January 24-28, 2022. The study, titled Electronic Registration, Logbook, and Scheduling System (ERLSS): Localizing Technology for Improving a School Registrar Office’s Functions, was presented by Neil Dustin Agner, Ryv Biensent Gabor, and Hans Danielle Nicolas. STR Teacher Rolex Padilla served as the team’s adviser, with assistance from other members of the EVC faculty.  

The KVIS International Science Fair, held by the Kamnoetvidya Science Academy in Thailand in conjunction with VISTEC in the spirit of global partnership and recognition. While the fair would normally occur on-campus, it was held remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with this year’s theme being “Advancing Global Sustainability.” Participants hailing from over 15 countries gathered to present their studies within various scientific fields, with 4 awards in contention.

According to the presenters, the study was driven by a need to adapt remote processes conducted by the PSHS-EVC’s Office of the Registrar, who have continued to operate despite the online setup. Using XAMPP (a cross-platform web server stack) and PHP (a language used for web development), they developed a bespoke database with separate interfaces for both students and the registrar. Students would request through a web application, and once the registrar receives the requests, it would take them only a few clicks to supply the required documents. Accessibility and security, as well as streamlining data sorting and retrieval, were prioritized as chief design values. 

“We were inspired by the professionalism and aptitude of the other presenters,” said Agner. He added that “EVC’s history of participation in this and other science fairs proves that our research is on par with other countries – globally competitive, as it were.” Agner hoped that the award would, in turn, inspire other student researchers. The presenters thanked the CReST and EVC faculty, saying, “This study would not have flourished without their dedicated support.”

by The Science Net

PSHS-EVC emerge victorious in Pakaritay 2022

by: Samantha Macabit || Photo Credit: Pakaritay FB Page

Photo Credit: PSHS-EVC Facebook Page

The Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) finished as overall champion in this year’s University of the Philippines (UP) Sidlangan Pakaritay Competition held via Zoom last February 9-11.

Celebrating its 40th year with the theme “Public Leaders as Movers for National Recovery,” Pakaritay aims to promote responsible voting with the visualization of a Filipino society where all citizens are more empowered to use their votes in a positive manner for the country.

The annual event is composed of various contests, such as the Quiz Show and Poster Making, along with Essay Writing and Extemporaneous Speaking in both English and Filipino categories. 

Out of all the participants, 10th graders Charles Joshua Uy, Sebastian Andre Mercado, and Teddy Niño Mari, bagged 1st place in the Quiz Show. Nathalia Canlas and Quiara Niña Vera Macasa were awarded 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speaking and Patimpalak sa Di Handang Talumpati, respectively.

9th grader Poimen Deb Agnila won 1st place in Essay Writing, while Vince Lyra Boonyarat finished third and Juliana Regina Trocino grabbed first place  in the junior and senior categories for the Patimpalak sa Pagsusulat ng Sanaysay, respectively.

In an interview, Agnila stated that they were tasked to write their opinion on whether the political situation of the country benefits from micro-influencers.  

She mentioned that the topic is relevant in society as misinformation is tenacious, especially on social media. 

“If you add the fact that posts and/or videos on Facebook or YouTube spread like wildfire, micro-influencers hold much more power over the political situation in our country than we like to think,” she emphasized. 

She also expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the organizers in conducting a well-organized competition, describing her experience as enjoyable.

by The Science Net

Under Fire Beneath the Cold of Beijing

by: Kyrus Pampanga || Photo Credits: The New Yorker

An Olympics like no other: highlighting both the sports and reality of what China is today.

The 2022 Winter Olympics officially commenced last February 4, 2022, at the Chinese capital of Beijing, marking it as the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games. But in contrast to the locality’s jubilant response from 2008, the event pales with pandemic restrictions and months of build-up on international controversy.

The host country has had issues concerning its human rights record, from impounding Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, becoming more aggressive with Taiwan, to crushing pro-democracy activism over Hong Kong. Hence, the event has been dubbed the “genocide games,” and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been met with criticism from human rights groups and NGOs for allowing Beijing to push through as host.

In protest, countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others, issued a diplomatic boycott of the Games, evading shows of support from their respective authorities but still sending in athletes.

“The international community must speak out, clearly and with one voice, against Beijing’s crackdown against human rights,” US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared after announcing their country’s snub of the Winter Olympics.

Similar to what transpired in Tokyo, the effects of COVID-19 linger at the Olympics in Beijing. Following a bubble set-up, organizers ensured the games had a “zero-Covid” approach; however, defiant to the plan, the virus prevailed, causing disqualification, cancellations, and isolations.

Athletes also raised concerns about their situation at the quarantine hotels — stating problems including low-quality food, no internet, insufficient facilities, and lack of training equipment — despite being warned by the Beijing Organizing Committee against voicing out any behavior or speech that opposes the Olympic spirit.

“I don’t believe in anything anymore. In no tests. No games. It’s a big joke for me,” Polish speedskater Natalia Maliszewska expressed online. “I cry until I have no more tears and make not only the people around me worry but myself too.”

Further controversies involve the general use of artificial snow where environmentalists define unfavorable, the display of Hanbok during the opening that angered South Korean politicians and citizens, and censorship of the Games on criticism and debate about its potential aftereffects to China.

At present, sporting disputes also arose at events for the Men’s snowboard slopestyle, snowboard halfpipe, speed skating 500 meters, and 5000 meters relay short-track speed skating, among other categories.

Despite claims from both the IOC and China about not involving politics in the Winter Games, the global audience could not simply divert their attention, especially now in a time when news is widely accessible, and tensions from nations have emerged.

“It’s not about whether you support China or don’t support China. It’s about whether you support the growing global norm that freedom of speech and internal movement, all these things are things that we respect as an international community. And if we respect those values, we must say the sportswashing of these issues is a red line.” Pema Doma, a member of the Students for a Free Tibet, said in an interview with DW News.

by The Science Net

Love and Its Varying Types

by: Aine Latoja || Photo Credit: Oprah Daily

As the month of love rolls in, many anticipate the holiday that falls on a lovely-looking number, 14. 

Valentines’ Day is a celebration of everything related to romance and love. From romantic comedies to cheesy pick-up lines, this special day is associated with dreamy hues of pink and red, boxes of chocolates, bouquets, you name it. But, this doesn’t mean that you are required to have a romantic date to celebrate V-day. As much as the media romanticizes finding your soulmate in high school, that isn’t the case most of the time. We, as a society, put so much pressure on teenagers to mature quickly and get into steadfast relationships without even knowing what exactly these relationships are.

There are other people whose love is just as important to celebrate the month of love, and what better way to show them than good old-fashioned romantic gestures? Romantic relationships aren’t the only ones with a special pass. Who needs a date just to feel loved, anyway?

Though if you’re one of the few people that have a date, then good for you. Romantic love—or eros, as the Greeks call it—is the type of love people most associate with when thinking about Valentines’ Day. The romantic feelings for a person distinguish this sort of love. It’s similar to platonic love, but there’s some physical intimacy as well. Romantic love is passionate but can be hard to find. Cherish this love while you have it, except when they are a walking red flag, then run! 

However, there are plenty more relationships to focus on. 

Philia, or the love of friendship, is often formed when mutual interests and understanding are present. Everyone in the world has probably created these special connections. According to Plato, this type of love is the best and lasts the longest. Acknowledging the love you have for your friends can help bring you closer and deepen your bond even more. Go on Discord calls, play games together, or meet up in person. Who better to celebrate Valentines’ with other than the people who have always had your back, good or bad?

Meanwhile, this holiday also calls for treating those who have loved you the longest: your family. We can all agree that, blood-related or not, the people we call family are those we think the whole world of. Even in the worst times, familial love always comes through. Order a bouquet for your parents, treat your siblings with a box of chocolates, or write your dog a love letter. There are many ways to express the love you feel for the people you consider as home.

And most importantly, self-love. Many people tend to forget this, but love always starts with oneself. How we treat the people we love is and always will be reflective of ourselves. Despite Cupid not hitting you with an arrow this year, take yourself out on a date. It can be a bit challenging focusing on yourself more, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Once you finally learn not to measure your self-worth over other people’s validation and realize you are worthy of love regardless of who you are, maybe love will find itself back to you.

by The Science Net

Filipino Imports in Japan: Voyagers of Excellence

by: Maragarette Nuñez || Photo Credit: Tiebreaker Times

With the start of the annual sports leagues in Japan, Filipino sports sensations go the distance as imports in separate athletic clubs. This year marks a breakthrough for Philippine sports as local athletes in the east enter three sports: Volleyball, Basketball, and Football — contrary to 2018, when the only imports were for volleyball. 

For volleyball, former National University captains Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas have once again joined the Japan V.League. Shortly after Chery Tiggo bagged gold in the PVL, Santiago renewed her contract with Saitama Ageo Medics, earning another championship title for the club as a middle blocker. Bagunas — in his third year in Japan — sticks with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler despite offers from two other Japanese teams. 

Hailed as the Philippines’ King Eagle, Marck Espejo also returns to Japan, meeting new colleagues in FC Tokyo after exiting Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in 2019. He recently clashed with Bagunas — now Oita Miyoshi — in order to seize another triumph for FC Tokyo from a four-set match, 26-24, 22-25, 31-29, 25-20, last February 6. 

In basketball, the Ravena Brothers separate the potent duo by playing for different teams. Kiefer Ravena greatly contributes to the Shiga Lakestars as part of the top 10 in assists and top 5 in steals in the entirety of the B.League. Thirdy Ravena — the duo’s other half — stays loyal to the San-en NeoPhoenix after holding the record as the first import in the Japan B.League in 2020. 

Similarly, sensational brothers Javier and Juan Gomez de Liaños, have joined different squads. Javier marks his debut overseas as a professional player in the Ibaraki Robots while his brother, upon mutual agreement, has terminated his contract with former team Earthfriends Tokyo Z for undisclosed reasons. 

Filipino-Americans Kobe Paras and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who have chosen to raise the Philippine flag, continue to be the country’s pride in Japan. Parks opens the door for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins to enter the league’s top 10, and Paras continues to wow basketball enthusiasts with his maintained prowess. Other Filipino sensations such as Kemark Cariño of the Aomori Wat’s, Dwight Ramos of the Toyama Grouses, and Matthew Aquino of the Shinshu Brave Warriors keep the ball rolling as they all average in double figures immediately after their debut. 

In football, women’s division imports Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada make history as pioneer imports of the sport in Japan, with both nominated by the Philippine Football Federation to represent the nation in the first-ever Women Empowerment League. Bolden and Quezada are of the teams Elfen Saitama and JEF United Chiba, respectively.

In the men’s division, Jefferson Tabinas continues to be an asset to Mito HollyHock. The 23-year-old kicked his first goal in the league in a 2-2 draw against Renofa Yamaguchi on October 17, 2021.

The opportunity to showcase their prowess and gain expertise overseas is a primary goal for local professional athletes from all fields of sports. It is of no doubt that the number of Filipino athletes abroad will increase in double measures as the country unhurriedly establishes its name in the global sports field.  

“If you go to a high-level league, you can only grow, develop, and be more competitive. And I expect more players to follow that path,” stated Charlie Dy, co-owner of basketball team Alab Pilipinas and sports agency Virtual Playground.