Dubbed as the Strands Summit, the Senior High School (SHS) learners from both Main and Ledesco campuses participated in the SHS Days, showcasing their skills in various contests and highlighted their own interest last October 12-13 at Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, Ledesco Campus.
TERROR TO TRIUMPH. Nailing first place, AJ Joshua Lema (center), displays his outstanding impersonation skills as he does an impression of the horrifying antagonist, Pennywise, in the movie “It.” Photo courtesy of Cliff Jester Nobleza
Mrs. Janet J. Escubio, principal of the English Department, expressed her gratitude to the senior phoenixes for being able to find time in order to both prepare and stage the many activities in her opening remarks while the school’s academic director, Dr. Jose Barcelona, formally declared the program open.
“I was very excited about the Strands Summit, especially the Lip Synch competition since it was one of the categories I participated in. I had a lot of fun performing on stage and giving my all,” said Juliann Patrona, a Grade 11 Ledesco learner who represented his curriculum in multiple events.
Senior phoenixes were able to show in full display their talents, wits, and expertise in different fields and gave their best in their chosen competition,whether it was their knowledge in different subjects in the Battle of the Brains, their acting abilities in the Lip Synchronization and Character Impersonation, or their teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship in the Mobile Legends tournament.
“My experience during the Strands Summit indeed made me hopeful for future school activities and events. I’m really hoping that the school will have more activities that will encourage learners to exhibit their talents,” said Steah Anne Tolosa, a Grade 11 Main Campus learner.
Other events that learners were able to take part in and exhibit their skills included the Promotional Video-Making, also known as the “Stories of Excellence” and a Career Fair, which became a platform for learners to display their grasp and understanding of their academic strand and their artistic creativity, and the Dance Mob, where the energy, flexibility, and coordination of each learner was tested as they danced to the tune of their selected artist in their own choreographed steps.
Last September 26, 2023, the event titled, “Through the Lens: AstroCamp” was held in Hua Siong Ledesco Campus spearheaded by the teachers from Main and Ledesco campuses and attended by the Phoenix Graders. AstroCamp is an annual gathering of Science enthusiasts which allows learners to know more about the universe, space, and different scientific topics.
REACH FOR THE STARS. Phoenix Graders embark on a starry adventure and ignite their passion about outer space during the Astricamp held in HSCI Ledesco Campus. Photo courtesy of PDSS
Dr. Larry Buban, a faculty of West Visayas State University, shared his knowledge about the universe and its different elements. He also taught learners about the constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies.
One of the biggest features of the event was the time where learners used a telescope to see the moon and stars up close offering an exciting and unique experience for the learners.
The camp also featured various Math and Science-related activities, including games, and contests.
These games include the String Labyrinth and the well-known Melt-the-Ice competition facilitated by Dr. Buban’s team. The activities were designed to make learning fun and interactive, and the learners could apply the concepts during the sessions.
Overall, the AstroCamp was a great and successful learning experience for the learners as this allowed them to learn about Science, Technology, Mathematics, and the outer space in a fun and interactive way.
It was a great opportunity for young minds to tap into their curiosity and learn about the fascinating world around them. The organizers were successful in creating awareness among the students about the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.
The American Dream is becoming more realizable for Beatrice Maureen Sanagustin, a Grade 12 learner of Hua Siong College of Iloilo Main Campus as she attended the boot camp of the College Prep Program in Baguio last August 21–26, 2023, being one of only 15 qualifiers out of 350 aspiring participants in the Philippines.
Every year, only a limited number of qualified participants are chosen to be part of the Fulbright Program. During this year’s U.S. Embassy College Prep Program, organized by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and EducationUSA, only four qualified candidates came from Western Visayas, one of which was Sanagustin.
The boot camp took place at the exclusive U.S. Embassy residence in Camp John Hay in Baguio City, where they got to spend a week in a residence full of history, attend classes in one of the rooms where Fernando Amorsolo’s painting is hung, and eat at the dining hall tables where Yamashita is said to have signed his surrender.
The program consisted of engaging in intensive one-on-one mentorship sessions, delving into crucial aspects of refining one’s school list of achievements, and honing one’s writing and communication skills through workshops. Beyond the academic aspect, they also took part in an enriching cultural exchange, had karaoke nights, made smores, and even studied until midnight.
“Overall, the program equipped me with the tools to navigate the college admissions landscape effectively and fostered a sense of community and cultural appreciation,” she expressed
regarding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Sanagustin shared .
Moreover, for Sanagustin to be qualified for the Fulbright Program, she had to undergo the application process, which, according to her, was definitely challenging but also honed her ability to articulate her unique story. Subsequently, she was chosen as one of the applicants, and a week later, she received the news of being one of the mentees last April.
“This news filled me with excitement and elation. This unexpected recognition serves as a profound affirmation of my efforts, and I am overjoyed to be part of a prestigious mentoring program. This has equipped me with a lot of opportunities and resources as I journey towards reaching my American Dream,” she added
Through qualifying for the program, she received extensive advice and resources, including an in-person summer application boot camp, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) preparation, and guidance on applying for U.S. college programs and scholarships.
Indeed, Hua Siong cultivates its learners to go beyond and magnify excellence. This has also proven that through passion and grit, dreams are made possible.
The Junior and Senior High School Science and Math Departments spearheaded the MathScilympics 2023 held last September 8, 2023, held at the Ty Eng Liong Gymnasium, Hua Siong College of Iloilo Ledesco Campus.
YOUNG INNOVATORS TAKE THE STAGE. Sharing their Rainwater Harvesting System solution to boost green awareness in school, the Senior High School learners exhibit their advocacy to help protect Mother Earth during the Greenovation portion of the MathScilympics 2023.
With the theme “Innovations in Science and Math: Navigating a Path to Global Wellness,” the event fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and showcased the importance of these subjects in shaping a better world.
It was designed to empower learners, develop skills, strengthen collaboration, and inspire future leaders in critical fields.
The event featured contests like Greenovation, Battle of the Brains, STEMathlon, and Math Eco-Fashion Fusion.
The MathScilympics event gave highlight to the Greenovation Project, a platform for Senior High School learners to showcase their passion and commitment to the school community or to the environment.
Learners were able to apply the concepts they learned in school to develop proposals that could potentially solve issues within the school.
Mr. Jayson I. Gula, Head of the Senior High School Department Main Campus and one of the organizers of the event said, “The ideas presented by the learners in Greenovation are not only timely but also contextually relevant to the school environment. For instance, transforming a pile of papers into a new project reflects their innovative approach. Additionally, their proposal to gather rainwater for generating water within the school showcases a practical and sustainable solution to address specific needs.”
“The program went smoothly. This is a product of collaboration of administrators, teachers, parents and students,” he added.
These events inspired teamwork, analytical and critical thinking, and problem-solving among learners, preparing them for leadership roles in Science and Mathematics, sparking enthusiasm for real-world applications and future success.
To deepen their understanding of the maritime course and gather an experience by having a closer look at a cadets’ journey aboard, the Grade 12 learners of Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) participated in a ship tour organized by the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) at the Port of San Pedro, Iloilo City last October 23, 2023.
WAVES OF WISDOM. HSCI Grade 12 learners navigate the world of maritime studies through a MAAP-led ship tour, gaining invaluable insights from seasoned cadets. Photo courtesy of Jylan Sumagaysay
The learners first gathered inside the conference room wherein rules and safety measures were introduced. They were divided into groups and were assigned two cadets during the tour.
Each group embarked on different areas of the ship. The cadets presented their bridge simulation room where they practiced their skills and abilities for various controls and operations inside the ship, especially navigation.
The experiences of each cadet propelled the learners to acknowledge the importance of possessing the necessary skills to maneuver the ship efficiently.
Antolino Vinci Rey Catequista, a Grade 12 learner said, “The ship tour offered a great experience for me as a learner since I got to learn more about ships and the ways of how they wander into the oceans. Also, I learned that the procedures and techniques of navigation look simple yet complex.”
“The marine’s experiences helped me realize the significance of their obligations. They should always be prepared for mishaps and sudden adjustments to fulfill their roles. Entering this profession indeed requires willingness since the ship’s functions depend on its people. Originally, marine was not in any of my career options; however, this tour made me reconsider my choices,” he added.
The machinery of the engines below the deck was also explored as they served as an essential part of propelling the ship. Various tools and types of machines were introduced by the engine cadets and engineers, showcasing the intricacy of every component and how they play a vital role in making the ship function.
Another Grade 12 learner, Ryuske Sendo Fabros, also shared, “As someone who always considered maritime as a career option, this ship tour offered me a fun experience since I got to know the different functions of the technology inside the ship. Additionally, I have always thought of them as brave men because of how they adapt to the hard cold sea.”
The tour concluded when the cadets and the chief officer offered their gratitude to the learners and teachers who participated in the ship tour. This experience welcomed maritime enthusiasts aboard, expanding the horizons of the learners and opening an avenue for the maritime industry to be one of their career options as they will soon step outside the realm of the institution.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo representatives from the Junior High School Department earned positions in the 2023 Iloilo City Girls’ and Boys’ Week conducted by the Rotary Club of the Philippines, Iloilo Chapter.
FUTURE CHANGEMAKERS. Red Phoenixes ignited the Iloilo City Boys’ and Girls’ Week spirit as they took important roles as Boy and Girl officials. Photo courtesy of Lea Marie Examen
Therese Aby Gale Sullano earned the position as first City Councilor, Alfynn Zeller as fifth City Councilor, Gayle Frances Natividad as Senior Citizen Officer, and Frankie LLana Palacios as Local Economic Enterprise Officer
A total of seventy student officials currently in Grade 10 coming from different public and private schools were chosen after two stages of the screening process.
Last October 16, 2023, the representatives, headed by Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, together with other officials, attended the city’s regular Monday flag raising ceremony at Plaza Libertad in front of the City Hall and were introduced to city officials before reporting to their respective offices.
Moreover, the student officials were made to perform their specific duties and responsibilities, together with their counterparts, and began their hands-on training on city governance until October 20, 2023.
The representing first city councilor, Therese Aby Gale Sullano shared, “The experience was surreal. This memory is something that I wish to never forget, and never will,” when asked about her experience during her term.
Boys’ and Girls’ Week Celebration has been a tradition of the Rotary Club of Iloilo City and a legacy since 1975. This annual activity introduces the true essence of being a public servant and a government official while empowering young generation leaders.
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