by: Poimen Agnila & Zenas Agnila || Photo Credit: Nathalia Canlas

On a Wednesday, in a Zoom Meeting, we watched it begin again.

Behind the glare of monitors, students of Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC) welcomed the new school year with nervous anticipation and high hopes, ready to take on the perils and joys Pisay life has in store. 

After three days of rigorous orientations and enlistments, the Virtual Opening Program of PSHS – EVC, held through Zoom from August 23-25, 2023, has officially drawn to a close.

Here is everything you need to know and more about what happened in the past three days.

Day 1 (August 23, 2023)

Starting the morning off with a bang, Pasidungog 2023 recognized the efforts of last school year’s Director’s Listers and called on students to give this year their very best. 

Afterward, it was the school personnel’s time to shine as their names and designations were introduced one-by-one to the student body, offering scholars a chance to meet the staff who would guide them through their arduous journey at Pisay. 

In the afternoon, the orientation program was set in motion with talks from the different school divisions: the Student Services Division (SSD), the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID), and the Finance and Administration Division (FAD).

The day’s Zoom meeting concluded with orientations for the different school services: the Guidance and Counseling Unit (GCU), the School Laboratory, and the Discipline Office (DO), among others, which aimed to enlighten students as to which offices to approach should they have a specific need to address. 

Day 2 (August 24, 2023)

Scholars kickstarted the first half of the second day with the long-awaited Alternative Learning Activity (ALA) Orientation. FAYP students were offered to join the existing school ALAs, which consisted of Maker’s Movement, Musikanta, Pisayaw, Rondalla, Sikatala, and SUGA. However, new additions were made, much to the delight of the ecstatic students. The latest set of ALAs making their debut were Alquemie, Amateur Astronomy, Basketball, Malay, Mulat, Mamamahayag, Mapa Pisay, Planet Lemniscae, and Reel Talk. The Echo ALA also made its electrifying comeback this school year. 

The rest of the day was dedicated to online ALA registration and Club and Organization Orientation. The students were introduced to PSHS-EVC’s Red Cross Youth (RCY), Booklover’s Club, and our campus’s very own Model United Nations (MUN) Club.

The multiformity of these ALAs and clubs alike is one striking manifestation of the diversity and inclusivity that PSHS-EVC upholds. For a system that prides itself on creating globally competitive Filipino scientists, Pisay is a safe space to practice both science and the humanities. Whether you’re a scholar with an affinity for writing, a dancer, an athlete, an astronomy enthusiast, a language buff, or a coding prodigy, Pisay has a place for everyone on campus.

Day 3 (August 25, 2023)

On the opening program’s third day, homeroom orientations for Foundation and Advancement Years (FAYP) and Specialization Years (SYP) were held.

Juniors were sorted into designated breakout rooms per section, with some electing classroom officers while others opting for face-to-face nominations the following week. Homeroom advisers also briefed the thrilled scholars on what to expect this school year and the general ethics in the classroom. Students were introduced (and reintroduced) to the classmates they would be calling home for the next ten months. 

For SYP students, both SCALE and Homeroom orientations were moved to next week whenin-person classes officially begin. 

Wrapping the final day up, the last set of Organizational Meetings commenced. Scholars were acquainted with PSHS-EVC Organizations such as the Society for the Advancement of Research in Science (SARS), CAFÉ Pisay, Innovators Club, and the Pisay Math Circle. 

New Beginnings

Although the festivities were slightly less vibrant owing to it being held online, the estranged setup did not dampen the students’ resolve to remain hopeful for this school year. 

When asked what they anticipate the most, scholars emphasized the unique student culture at Pisay, highlighting both the hardships and pleasures of high school life in EVC. 

“As a freshman within the esteemed halls of Pisay, the anticipation centers around an immersive experience. The prospect of engaging with new and diverse subjects, forging connections, and plunging head-on into the rich tapestry of curricular and extracurricular pursuits paints an exciting canvas for the school year. It’s an eagerly awaited chapter promising personal growth not just as a writer but as a person aspiring to change the world”, shared incoming freshman Zoe Quibranza. 

“I look forward to our batch hosting this year’s Sports Fest because it’s going to be our first time organizing a school-wide event. Not to mention the fact that our first face-to-face SF experience was just last year“, stated Batch 2026’s Samantha Macabit.

“With last school year not setting a good entry for the beginning of face-to-face classes, I’m looking forward to this school year’s improvement. I’m excited about the lessons and hardships that are to come. In terms of finally reaching the Specialization Years Program, I’m looking forward to the different activities that SCALE and the new electives can offer, and of course, the free time that comes with our new schedules. I’m also looking forward to what the Grade 10 students can offer this school year, especially with Sports Fest, after having been the batch to host the event last year”, remarked 11th grader Kyle Nase. 

Indeed, the first few days have been a mix of frustration and excitement. Over the week, there have been concerns raised and expectations not met. However, it is the unwavering tenacity the scholars have shown despite the setbacks within that makes this year something truly remarkable to look forward to. 

by: Poimen Agnila || Photo Credit: Leila Sabando

The Academic Year 2022-2023 has been filled with firsts for students who never really had the chance to live their high school life on campus. But for Batch 2023, it was a school year of lasts: a last Sportsfest, a last prom (which was, sadly, also their first and only), a last SMT Week, a last Pisay Night, and one last chance to savor the bittersweet moments Pisay is only so capable of creating. Indeed, the road to where they are now has not been an easy one. It was a trek riddled with hardships, isolation, and the ever-present pitfalls of being a scholar in one of the country’s most rigorous academic institutions. However, it was also one filled with hard-earned lessons and fond memories, which the batch will surely look back on in time. Now, as the yearly profile picture blast blesses our newsfeeds with glimpses of the batch’s colorful Pisay life, let us take a look back at the experiences and insights they’ve gained in the past six years.

Challenges During the Pandemic

Having had their 9th-grade year cut short due to the onslaught of COVID-19 in the Philippines, Batch 2023 had to spend the following two grade levels isolated inside their homes and away from the company of the classmates and batchmates they have bonded with over the past three years. Zoom meetings replaced the familiarity of the classroom setting, and post-class hangouts with friends took the form of Messenger group chats. Of course, this setup came with a new set of challenges, with the consensus being that the disconnection the pandemic caused strained a few relationships within the batch. 

“For me, I think the pandemic brought the batch further apart from each other because, during the two-year online classes, a lot of relationships drifted apart due to not being able to see each other. I also think that personal problems arose during the pandemic and made it harder for many people to communicate with their friends,” Paola Comonal shared.

Favorite Things About Pisay

While there’s a lot to love about the school, few things truly make Pisay, Pisay. For Kyle Balasanos, some things he’ll miss when he goes to college are the school events (especially the rave nights) and the chika sessions with friends, which is everyone’s favorite pastime. 

“I will definitely miss the rave nights because it has always been iconic. It’s fun to party inside the school, especially when it’s a once-a-year event. I will also miss the ranting/chismisan sessions as it’s a way to vent out with others who share the same experiences, and at the same, it’s also a way to socialize,” he shared.

Advice for Younger Batches

Of course, a batch article would not be complete without a few words of wisdom from the seniors. When asked for a piece of particular advice they wish to pass on to the younger batches, Denice Carles shared, “If you are having a hard time or you just don’t enjoy math at all, please do yourself a favor by not choosing Math Level 2 for your senior years.”

Another tip from Denice for the upcoming college applicants is, “If you have plans to take medicine, but you’re still unsure, pick at least one college where med isn’t your first choice course. Sometimes, what you want for college will change, and you’ll only realize it when the results are already out.”

Friendships and Relationships in Pisay

     It is no secret that one of the deciding factors in a student’s success as a scholar is the people they choose to surround themselves with. For Gian Tongzon, it was the support system he gained that made his Pisay stay worth it. 

“Without the friendships and relationships built through the six years, my high school life wouldn’t be complete. Friendships supported me during my ups and downs. Having friends that understand my struggles and experiences gave me a sense of comfort that helped me go through the six years. My relationship with teachers also helped me as they have imparted knowledge and provided guidance, encouragement, and valuable life lessons. These connections have greatly enriched my high school journey and will continue to impact my life beyond graduation,” he shared.

Regrets and Hopes

However, like everything, regret is also inevitable. For Phem Nardo, they regret not having enough time to create more friendships within the batch. 

“Towards the end of our last year, I felt like I got a lot closer with the batch, and I can’t help but wish I had befriended many of these people earlier, so I think that’s my biggest regret. Back then, I missed so many chances to make friends and talk to people I found interesting. Pisay has some really fun people, many of whom I only got to know and be friends with recently, which is a bummer because we’re leaving in just a few days. Regardless, I wanna make the best of these last few days, but I still do regret not being open and friendly,” they shared.

A Legacy to Leave Behind

Every batch has its ups and downs; some things they would rather forget, and others they will want to immortalize in their memories. But in the grand scheme of high school, it is ultimately the legacy they will leave behind that will be forever engraved in the halls and classrooms for the batches that will come after them. When asked what she wants her batch to be remembered for, Norielle Eco shared, “I think for me, what I want them to remember about us is, no matter how chaotic and disorganized we were, we were still able to make it through.”

For Batch 2023, what distinguishes Arímo from the rest is their exceptional growth as a batch in overcoming differences, despite the numerous hurdles they faced during their stay in Pisay.

“In terms of legacy, we could not establish it fully due to the pandemic’s onset during our ninth grade. During that period, we were supposed to begin showcasing our batch’s potential and involvement in various activities. Unfortunately, the transition to online classes presented challenges, impeding us from making any substantial impact. By the time we resumed in-person schooling, we had already reached Grade 12, nearing graduation,” they shared. 

“Moreover, when it comes to distinguishing ourselves from other batches, we collectively concluded that pinpointing a specific aspect is challenging. However, if we were to describe our batch, the word that comes to mind is “chaotic.” We experienced a multitude of differing opinions and ideas, which often presented obstacles for us. Nevertheless, in retrospect, we managed to adapt and complement each other’s weaknesses—a feat we were unable to accomplish in the previous years. The growth we witnessed within our batch is something we take pride in; it is truly an achievement. Additionally, while unity may elude us most of the time, we find that we get along quite well when it comes to games, fun activities, and embracing our wild side,” they added.

Arímo, the batch’s chosen moniker, comes from a Hiligaynon word meaning to rely upon, shelter oneself behind, ask for help or recommendation, or to be backed up—reflective of their pursuit of service as scholars. Indeed, now more than ever, we need people who we can trust, who will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and who will choose to do what is right despite what is easy. Truly, Arímo’s chosen emoji of a sword is reminiscent of Pisay’s call to action to help those who are helpless and to use the knowledge and values its scholars have been armed with to be a weapon of good change in the greater battle that is serving the people.

     While their final school year comes to a sentimental close, moving forward is just as important as looking back. Although goodbyes are undoubtedly difficult, one can rest assured in the fact that with every ending comes an opportunity for a new beginning. Now, as the batch prepares to exit the hallways of the high school that molded them, they bring with them a new kind of hope—that the different paths and college campuses that await them might be able to benefit from the lessons they’ve discussed inside the classroom, the new perspectives they’ve gained from the friendships and relationships they’ve formed, and the experiences they’ve lived through from the unique, exhausting, beautiful, and crazy six-year adventure of being a student at PSHS – EVC. 

by: Reese Camposano || Photo Credit: Kendra Osias

The sun shines through the plane’s window on the Ritsumeikan delegates’ faces as the aircraft gently descends and its wheels bounce on the tarmac. Simultaneously, the bus outside the airport vibrates in anticipation of their arrival as it glows beneath the daylight. After two years, the Philippine-Japan Partnership Summit (PJPS) has finally been brought back as the world now adjusts to the new normal.

Keiichiro Izumi, Miyu Ishikawa, Ryosuke Chiaki, Riko Témma, Kótaro Mizue, Shingo Morikawa, Hiroki Takada, Asahi Kinoshita, Aoi Sano, Hinata Yoshimoto, and Koki Havase were the 11 students from grades 9 to 12 who represented Ritsumeikan High School in the PJPS last February 1-4, 2023. They were accompanied by their teachers Karin Suehiro and Yoshiki Matsuyama. 

Upon arrival, they were taken to the Divine World Hospital for a health check before settling at the hotel to rest before the first day of PJPS. 

Before the event’s opening program, each delegate was assigned a buddy from grades 10-12 of PSHS-EVC to accompany them during their stay. The assigned buddies accompanied the delegates in roaming around the campus and in exploring the school facilities. They also demonstrated and explained all there is to learn about our country, the Philippines. 

Aine Latoja, the buddy of Kotaro Mizue, shared, “It [buddy system] helps in giving them a more local approach. Since there is a language barrier, it’s very important that we guide them and introduce to them what student life is like in the Philippines.”

The buddy system significantly encouraged engagement with other students on campus, with some of the buddies’ friends introduced to the delegates, creating more interactions with the foreign visitors.

“I think it’s nice since their main goal in visiting Pisay is to immerse themselves in the Pisay culture, which includes connections among the students,” said Frances Canicon, a grade 12 student at PSHS-EVC and buddy of Ryosuke Chiaki.

FLOW OF ACTIVITIES

The boom of the speakers could be heard throughout the gymnasium as the opening program began with all of the Sportsfest houses seated on the bleachers. Ms. Yvonne Esperas, the campus director, gave a warm welcoming speech to the Japanese exchange students for this year’s PJPS. As another way to welcome the exchange students, this year’s Sportsfest cheer dance champion, House Euthymia, performed an intermission number that once again earned loud cheers and applause. Afterward, each delegate was then enjoined to introduce themselves on stage.

Following the program, the Japanese delegates were introduced to Laro ng Lahi, where they played traditional Filipino games such as Limbo Rock, Piko, Sipa, Pukpok Palayok, and Pabitin. Every game brought out the child in everyone, including Pisay students who were simply watching and cheering for the delegates. With smiles on their faces and the prizes from Pabitin, the exchange students were eager to experience more of the day’s scheduled activities.

After their break from playing games under the sun’s heat, they toured around the campus and surveyed the various facilities, such as the Learning Resource Center (LRC), Center for Research in Science, and Technology (CReST), gymnasium, and other laboratory and research facilities. After familiarizing the different features of the campus, the delegates and their companions explored the Fabrication Laboratory to learn the use of each facility. 

Once done with their lunch, the delegates, along with their buddies and the teachers, boarded the bus that would take them around Tacloban City. However, due to limited time, they were unable to visit all of the destinations on the itinerary, but still, they were able to appreciate the several must-see attractions in the city. 

They stopped by the Astrodome Yolanda Monument, where they bought a lot of souvenirs in one of the shops. This was then followed by a visit to the Sto. Niño Church and the UPVTC Leyte-Samar Heritage Center, where they toured the locations with the help of their buddies to learn more about Philippine culture. They also visited the New Leyte Capitol Building and one of the most renowned bridges in the country, the San Juanico Bridge. They shot countless photos at each destination as each was so different from traditional Japanese places.

On the final day of PJPS, February 3, 2023, the Japanese students spent most of their time immersed in the Sportsfest 2022: The Charistesia. Delegates mingled with the Pisay students by taking selfies with them, chatting, and joining them in playing different sports. Some delegates watched the championship matches, such as the Aglaea vs. Thalia Basketball Championship, while being surrounded by voice-rasping cheers and intensifying moments. Of course, their Sportsfest experience wouldn’t be complete without the booths from the love-stricken marriage booth to the alluring body painting at Itsura Pintura.

By noon, they learned more about Filipino culture. The delegates were taught how to write Baybayin, an abugida used to write Tagalog and other related languages in the Philippines until the 17th century. The characters of the ancient script could even be considered art in and of themselves, representing the entire nation and its people with the stroke of a pen. Traditional folk dances, or Kuratsa, were also taught to the delegates, who danced with their buddies as partners.

Later that day, they had their fellowship night where the delegates, their buddies, and PSHS-EVC personnel were dressed in traditional Filipino attire like the Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya. As performers of the night, Pisayaw demonstrated their firm and precise movements of Filipino culture, followed by Musikanta’s soulful and sweet singing to Kwerdas’ graceful strumming and rhythmic melodies. The distribution of the certificates and souvenirs to the delegates followed suit to mark as a memento of their time in the Philippines. Finally, all sang and danced as the night progressed, enjoying the last day of the 7th PJPS.

Being exposed to the sun’s searing heat while playing folk games, surrounded by the deafening cheers of basketball games, and pulled in by the Filipinos’ festivity, we cannot help but wonder how the Japanese students think after getting a grasp of the Pisay culture. 

Most of the delegates, if not all, expressed their gratitude to everyone for their kindness and welcoming enthusiasm, as they have made many memories and friends at Pisay.

When asked about their favorite activity in Pisay, Shingo Morikawa, a grade 12 student from Ritsumeikan High School, shared that watching the basketball championships was his favorite.

“I congratulate Thalia for their achievement. The basketball championships were certainly very nerve-racking to watch; some say it was more of a wrestling match than basketball,” he stated.                                                                                                                                                   

Meanwhile, Miyu Ishikawa, a 10th-grader, said she favored the traditional games they played, specifically Sipa, more than the other activities.

Despite the limited amount of time available, this year’s PJPS brought everyone together to immerse themselves in each other’s cultures and become more connected with one another in a variety of ways.