One Pisay Prom Night

By Jonni Fay C. Teves

Most outsiders would probably think that we Pisay scholars only have our academics to live for. In a way, they’re correct as most, if not all of us Pisay scholars believe that the academics are our foundation for a bright, secure future.

In the same passion, however, we make sure that we somehow enjoy what we do no matter how hard it is. After all, there is so much to celebrate about life. One of the most awaited and celebrated Pisay moments is the Prom.

We held our 2009 Juniors-Seniors (JS) Prom at the Apo View Hotel Grand Ballroom on February 6, 2009 with the Victorian era theme. Being a senior, that February 6 prom was my second and last prom experience. My day started late as I made sure I would have enough beauty rest to last me till midnight.

At thirty minutes past five in the afternoon, the grand ballroom of the hotel was blooming and brimming with Victorian knights and beauties. What a sight to behold! As I stepped out of the car and caught sight of the scene and scenery before me, I was transported to the magic, beauty and grandeur of the Victorian era of the great British empire. The Pisay ladies seemed to be so at ease in their Victorian-inspired gowns. Many gowns looked as if fireflies made their home there - - what with the glittering gems and beads embedded there.

When we had our class dance, I felt I swayed and moved to the royal dance of the era celebrating every victory snatched during the expansion of the British empire.

In that prom, we also witnessed the metamorphosis of Pisay boys into dashing, debonair, honorably- dressed grand knights. It was their moment, indeed! Many guys came with a new hair and face make-over. That occasion brought out the vain side, or rather, the light side of all of us.

But that was not only the moment for us students. For teachers and administrators also came in beautifully dresses and garbed, too. In a way, everybody came dressed-to-kill. We had a good time in a tete-a-tete with our mentors. It was magical to see the great professional divide between teachers and administrators on the one hand, and the students, on the other hand, being patched when they danced.

Well, even amidst the economic meltdown, life goes on and the reasons to celebrate come out in abundance. For example, we seniors found the prom to be the most fitting time to celebrate our forthcoming graduation. After all, we have weathered four years of academic storms, so to speak. That’s no mean feat!

By the way, the prom was the perfect time for the dance showdown among the six sections of the juniors and seniors at Pisay. The showdown showcased the dancing prowess of the students in the following areas:

3 –Sodium: Chachacha

3 –Lithium: Swing

3 –Calcium: Samba

4 –Proton: Boogie

4 –Electron: Mambo

4 –Neutron: Tango

And the winning teams were:

First place - 4-Proton: Boogie

Second place – 4-Electron: Mambo

Third place – 4-Neutron: Tango

Prom Queen: Mary Joyce Chiong; Prom King: Bart David Quibod

……………………………………………………………………………..

Most of us felt good to have danced to our wildest abandon during that night. The dance sort of unleashed the pressures and hardships of Pisay academic life and we were grateful that our mentors understood and were patient with us.

I can’t help but acknowledge the fact that while we danced and were transported in another time and space, many parents wait with mixed emotions - -until we were done and transported back in the present. We saw many of them looked at us with approving, admiring though sometimes disbelieving eyes. They seemed to exude that smile that says: My child has finally grown up.

To our parents, our gratitude for spending hard-earned bucks for our beautiful and impressive gowns and garbs. Above all, our profuse thanks for continually showing us the love and support in all steps of the way.

Happy Valentines!

News: PSHS-SMC honors Parents, Students

by Elson Ian Nyl Galang


"Great hands...great minds...great parents..."

Sponsored by the Math and PEHM units, the PSHS-SMC paid tribute to both parents of the country's scholars and the scholars themselves in a joint celebration of Parents' Day and the 3rd Card Giving Day last January 23, 2009.

The event started with an opening program where Director's Listers were recognized and were given certificates of merit. The OASIOAS performed a cultural dance number. Later in the program, parents were surprised when their children approached them to give them tokens, gifts, and letters.

Sci-Tech Fair on the Go

(Winner of the best display board, tarpaulin category. Photo courtesy of Charmaine V. Pecson)










by Elson Ian Nyl Galang

The Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanap Campus celebrated the Sci-Tech Festival last January 22-23, 2009 at the school's gymnasium. This year's theme is: "searching4solutions@pisay.com".

It was participated in by the different groups of students who showcased to the community their invented gadgets, investigatory projects, and math and science researches.

The 1st year students presented their investigatory projects and gadgets while for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students were involved in math and science researches. Teachers, staff, and invited guests also took part in the event.

After each group faced the prelimiary judging, the top five for the 2st and 2nd year levels underwent a science congress. On the other hand, the 3rd year level went through a "face-off".

each qualified groups defended their reseaches and answered all the questions thrown to them by the judges and even audience members.

The awarding ceremony followed, where the top three researches were awarded with medal-button pins and certificates. Awards were also iven to those groups with the best display boards in both the tarpaulin and non-tarpaulin category.

On the morning of January 23, 2009, invited guest Dr. Jerry Layton gave a talk on creation science. He pointed out differences between creationism and evolution.

News: Third Q VEP

by Andrea Domingo

Pisay students had their 3rd quarter Values Enrichment Program (VEP) last November 14, 2008 at different venues located in the Philippine Science High School – Southern Mindanao Campus grounds.

The theme of the said VEP varied from first year to fourth year. The first year students’ theme was “Building My Circle of Friends”, “Real Love or Infatuation” for the second year students, “Dealing with the Opposite Sex” for the juniors, and “Too Close, Too Soon” for the seniors.

Different organizations were also responsible for handling the different batches. The first year was handled by the Church of the Risen Savior, the second year was handled by the All Nations Christian Fellowship, the juniors were with the Youth for Christ, and the seniors were under the Christ Fellowship Church.

According to Mr. William A. Lotero, the event organizer, the next Values Enrichment Program will be on January 30, 2009, a Friday.

News: SG Organizes Outreach Program '08

by Jonni Fay C. Teves

The Pisay community welcomed participants from 15 elementary schools in its Outreach Program ’08 with the theme “PSHS SMC CARES (Creates Avenues to Reach Out and Equip Students)” organized by the Student Government last December 5, 2008 at the PSHSSMC Gym.

While waiting for the participants, film entitled “The Little Rascals, Road to Tabitha” was viewed. After which, the invocation was led by Cherrise July Ross Adlawan and National Anthem by Maxine Nicole Bacareza. For the opening salvo, the group of Mr. Cromwell Castillo and selected students performed a dance number.

The introduction of Clubs namely: Student Government, Math-Sci, ICONS, JEM, Sports, Oasioas, CAC, CAMP, COL, Bidlisiw, Bagwis-Agham and Sci-Wings through a flash presentation was preceded by the inspirational message by the Director, Mrs. Delia C. Legaspino.

The Presentation of Certificates and Tokens followed led by Mrs. Delia C. Legaspino and the SG president, Alexandria Therese Tuason. The rundown of activities for the morning was announced then by the SG PIO, Julie Zarene de Guzman and finally a special number from selected students was presented. The masters of the ceremony were Ms. Pamela Gevera and Pocholo Espina.

After the morning program, the participants were divided into groups assigned to the different PSHS club organizations that prepared activities for them.

News: Intrams '08 Strikes with Pinch-Hit

by Elson Ian Nyl Galang

Green Frogs. Yellow Griffins. Red Phoenix. Blue Pitbulls.

November 20 2008 – Philippine Science High School – Southern Mindanao Campus’ students put on their colored sporting attire as they participated in the school’s Intramurals held at the school Gymnasium.

The event formally started with the opening program where members of each year level cheered as they waved their flags and banners. Everyone was excited as the much-awaited cheer dance competition began. Every dancer moved, flexed and danced with the music.
Each year level showed amazing choreography, synchronization and energy.
The parlor games, “laro ng lahi”, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and the board games followed. Each cheered for their bets and participants. The crowd was even happier during the game “Maria went to Town,” where the boys dressed and walked like girls.
The participants were tired when the first day ended but their fighting spirit still ran alive until the second day.

Everyone woke up early in the 21st of November as early as 6:30 am. Some participants are already practicing for the next event, the step dance competition.

The gym was quiet as the different year levels presented their step dance presentations. Each participant vigorously stomped, clapped, and cheered. They were full of power as the rhythm of their body actions continue.

Another highlight for the second day was the basketball championship. The Pitbulls and the Phoenix for both divisions (girls’ and boys’) struggled and suffered from a full-court press to get the title as champions.

It was already the moment of truth after two days - the awarding of prizes. Every time the different teams were called as winners, their batch mates yelled and cheered until the major awards were given.

The Pitbulls were declared champion in the men's basketball while the Phoenix reigned supreme in the girls’ division. The Pitbulls bagged the awards for the cheer dance, step dance, and double dutch contests. Special awards were also given to the Frogs for being the most punctual; the Griffins for being the most disciplined; the Pitbulls for being the most enthusiastic; and best governor award for Angelica Santos for the Phoenix. Mrs. Maria Teresa Tenchavez of the same team was declared as best adviser.

It was a very close fight between the Pitbulls and the Phoenix; but in the end, the Pitbulls emerged as champion by a lead of 16 points. Following them were the blazing Phoenix, the energetic Griffins, and followed by the cute Frogs.