The Princess Who Was Jealous

by Patricica Jane Gan, Grade 7

Once upon a time, there was a King and a Queen who lived in a palace. They had two beautiful princesses with different attitudes. One was evil, and the other was kind. One day, they were going to the shop. They met a king named Charles. The two sisters were staring at each other. Then Ursula ran to him acting as if she was kind. She was asking for his name, but then he walked away. The two sisters reached home, wondering when they will get married.

After many days the King and Queen looked for a suitor for Ursula because King Luke was old. Then, Queen Valery was thinking about Isabel. The king and queen visited many houses to look for a husband for their Princess Ursula. Princess Ursula and Princess Isabel went with their parents. They saw Prince Charles again. The evil princess went to him again, but then something happened. Instead of looking at Ursula, he saw Isabel. It was love at first sight. He went to her and asked what her name was. She said, "Isabel, what about you?" The Prince said "Charles" while looking into Isabel’s eyes. The King and Queen saw them.

The whole family went back to the palace. The King and Queen talked again and said, "We don’t need to find a suitor for Isabel. We just have to find one for Ursula." So Isabel and Charles often met in the palace. Ursula got jealous because Charles liked Isabel instead of her. One day when Charles visited Isabel, he saw Ursula and Isabel fighting. Ursula wanted to kill Isabel with a knife.

King Luke saw them fighting, so he had a heart attack and died.  Queen Valery said they needed a new king since King Luke died. Charles and Isabel wanted to get married soon. Queen Valery agreed, but then Ursula came and tried to kill Isabel. Again she almost stabbed her in the neck. Charles was smart and fast; he kicked Ursula in the knee and took the knife--Isabel was free. Ursula was then imprisoned. They talked to Ursula, and she realized that she was wrong in trying to harm her own sister.

King Charles and Queen Isabel got married and had one princess. They lived happily ever after

Grade 10 joins Enderun Colleges Next Bright Idea 2013

Grade 10 students Kim Taeyung (Jayden), Justine Daphne Rebollos, Andre Barbarona, and Meyte Chan attended the Enderun Colleges Next Bright Idea 2013 last November 30.

The conference discussed different business idea development courses and urged the participants to submit a 1000-word business idea proposal by December 30. The finals will be held on January 14, 2014.

On their business proposal, Mr. Kenny Benosa, their Economics teacher, said, “They need to learn how to think of a necessary business idea and how to present it in an informative yet innovative way.” Participant Rebollos shared, “It was informative and we thought that it was really a great help to take the first step forward to a brighter future.”

by Monica L. Felizardo

Buhayconomics represents MITIS in Economics Leaders Congress

 Choi Seungjae (Joel), Park Juwon (Tony), Lee Wonjae (Jackson), Lee Claude Hoan of Grade 11 and Kim Taeyung (Jayden) of Grade 10, members of Buhayconomics, represented MITIS in the Economics Leaders Congress at the De La Salle University – Manila last November 22.

The group submitted their report entitled “Why Underemployment and Brain Drain Exists in the Philippines." It discussed the reasons and effects of job mismatch and brain drain in the Philippines.

During the congress, Economics majors discussed issues such as the quality of education and availability of jobs in the Philippines. They also shared tips to aspiring economists and businessmen.

The representatives were chosen based on their performance in their Economics class. Through this competition, MITIS hoped to inspire students to be excellent leaders who will serve the country.

by Celeen Grace Gan

MITIS observes Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week

 In accordance with the Department of Education, MITIS celebrated the annual Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week last November 11 through 15.

This week-long event aimed to deter students from using drugs and to raise awareness on the dangers and health risks associated with its usage. As part of their tasks for the week, students from the upper grades (9-12) created posters depicting the consequences of drug and substance abuse. Students from Grades 4 to 8 pledged to abstain from drugs.

Aside from the week’s activities, specially designed lessons on abuse were prepared by the Academic Council composed of the English, Math, Science and Social Science Department heads. These lessons and activities were incorporated into class discussions on Tuesday, the 12th.

Because of these various exercises, students realized the dangers of drugs and the benefits of abstaining from them. Their determination to do so was evident as they added awareness posters and signatures to the Collective Commitment section of the school’s notice board under the school’s resolution, “MITIS Says No to Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking.”

by Lissah Yabra

Haiyan Relief Efforts – MITIS exemplifies Solidarity and Social Responsibility

Because of the devastation left by super typhoon Haiyan, MITIS initiated a series of activities to aid in the relief efforts for Haiyan victims.

The upper grades sorted clothes and repacked relief goods as volunteers in Red Cross Muntinlupa from November 11 to 15.

The Student Coordinating Board (SCB) also organized a school-wide donation and collected 243 canned goods, 127 packs of noodles, 57 bottled water, and 20 pieces of instant coffee. Students also donated 2 boxes and 12 bags of clothes, a box full of toys, and toiletries such as towels, soaps, toothbrushes, and shampoo. The students also raised P3,370 cash donation for the Haiyan victims. One notable contribution was given by Ramona Gabrielle Oca, who donated her savings and an additional pack of relief items for the victims. Additionally, Dr. Santos commended Joel Andrei Ramirez of Grade 7 and his family for donating P500 and P5000, respectively. A separate monetary donation was contributed by the faculty and staff.

The AP Literature class also launched a project called “Run for a Cause,” where anyone could pledge any amount while the AP Literature class “runs as much as they can.” The pledger then pays the amount multiplied to the total number of laps each student ran. The class collected P20,000, a far cry from the class's original aim of P12,000.

Finally, the school also organized an institutional Creative Social Outreach (CSO) this December to help the rehabilitation of a school, orphanage, or asylum. To meet that goal, the school sent letters requesting the MITIS community to offer sacrifice money of about P200 for the benefit of Haiyan victims.

Ms. Lei Pangilinan, CSO Coordinator, said, “[the] school is also doing its best to help students realize social responsibility.” She also said that the activities would help “show the importance of caring and sharing for others” and that it would emphasize “unity in diversity.” 

by Monica L. Felizardo

Albert Matthew Alejo bags first place in United Nations Quiz Bee

Albert Matthew Alejo of Grade 6 overtook the other 5 participants during the UN Quiz Bee held last October 18, 2013.

Alejo, who scored 41 points, outwitted second placer Prince Roilan Benico, who scored 30 points, and third placer Maria Sophia T. Alipit, who scored 28 points. They earned themselves a medal and certificate each.

The quiz bee had six participants from Grades 4 to 6 with: Benico and Pia Jamei Camacho from Grade 4; Ezekiel Kyle M. Blanco and Isaiah Delos Reyes from Grade 5; and Alejo and Alipit from Grade 6. The competition had three rounds: the easy, average, and difficult round where each correct answer could earn 1, 2, and 3 points, respectively.

The competition, part of the United Nations Month celebration, was created to test their basic knowledge in Social Studies, the United Nations, and current events.

by Celeen Grace P. Gan

K-3 dress up on Career Day

Students from Kinder to Grade 3 dressed up as doctors, scientists, and fashion gurus for Career Day last October 2, 2013.

Guidance Counselor Nicole de Asis, alongside K-3 Coordinator Pamela Rose Llacuna, hosted the event to provide the lower graders the opportunity to share their dreams with others.

Ms. de Asis also invited author and actress Nerlisa Francisco-Rivera as guest speaker. Ms. Rivera encouraged students and reminded them that to achieve their dreams, they have to work hard and persevere.

After strutting on the fashion runway at the Multipurpose Hall, the students also paraded and visited classrooms.

MITIS celebrates Filipino Month

For the school's first ever Filipino Month celebration, MITIS students performed while teachers dressed for the occasion last September 13, 2013.

The teachers wore Philippine national costumes to celebrate “Araw ng Kasuotang Filipino.” The males wore Barong Tagalog, and the females wore either Baro't Saya or Terno.

Students from different grade levels recited poetry and sang Original Filipino Music (OPM).

The Grade 3 students sang “Ako ay Pilipino.” David Young, Grade 4, recited Jose Rizal's poem “Sa Aking mga Kabata” alongside Robert Jeremiah Rivera, Grade 2, who then translated the poem into English.

Kim Junseo (Mark) and Park Juwon (Tony), Grade 11B, performed the kundiman “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” with Ms. Sara San Juan as the vocalist. Joshua Cabas, Grade 10, and Kim Jeongwoo (Freddie), Grade 11A, performed “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

To close the activity, a speech choir composed of all the Filipino students from Grades 4 to 10 performed “Kayumanggi” by Ruben Vega.

by Joel Choi and Mika Shieffelbein

Oh Joon, Myra Joanna Arce lead Student Coordinating Board

Oh Joon of Grade 12 and Myra Joanna Arce of Grade 7 were elected as this year's Senior and Junior Student Coordinating Board presidents last September 2 and 3.

For the Senior SCB, Bona Mae Simba of Grade 12 was appointed as the vice president; Park Juwon (Tony) of Grade 11B as secretary; Mun Jeonghun (Gino) and Lee Wonjae (Jackson) of Grade 11A as the treasurer and auditor respectively, and Park Jimin (Angela) of Grade 12 as the public relations officer.

For Junior SCB, Lee Hanmin (Kevin) of Grade 6 was elected vice president; Ma. Sophia Alipit of the same grade as the secretary; Joel Andrei Ramirez, Charles Denver Opague, and Nikki Florane Castolo of Grade 7 as the treasurer, auditor, and public relations officer respectively.

The Junior SCB was formed in response to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges' (WASC) recommendation. The junior board could focus on programs for the middle grades while the senior board addressed the concerns in the upper grades.

The officers were elected using a ballot system. According to Ms. Lei Pangilinan, SCB adviser, ballots were used because they allowed students to vote freely and without peer pressure.

The oath-taking for the Senior SCB was held last September 9; Junior SCB members took their oath last September 10.

by Justine Daphne Rebollos

Seniors attend University Fair

To find the university of their dreams, selected students from Grades 10-12, accompanied by Guidance Counselor Ms. Nicole De Asis and Student Activity Coordinator Ms. Lei Pangilinan, attended the University Fair in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

On September 4, 2013, local and foreign universities were invited to the university fair to introduce their schools, explain their curriculum, and invite students to study in their schools.

The said event was sponsored by Inter-Ed. Inter-Ed is a student placement center that aids students in reaching their goals of studying abroad. They hold annual Career Counseling and Guidance Fairs to help high school students make the best, informed choice for their future careers.

by Ramona Oca and Celeen Grace Gan

English Department launches year-long campaign

The English Department motivated students to “make meaningful memories through English” last September 2 for the upper grades and September 3 for the lower grades.

To develop their communication skills, students would be given various writing and speaking activities throughout the year. Different activities were assigned each month of the school year. In October there would be an impromptu speaking contest followed by a parade of literary characters in November during which time students would dress up as their selected characters. The month of December called for a Christmas play, while in January, a debate would be held among the students. Other activities were 'Poetry Out Loud' in February, 'Chamber Theatre' in March, and the annual Play Fest in April. These avenues provided by the department would help the students express themselves creatively and make good memories.

As the theme–Making Meaningful Memories through English–suggested, the campaign hoped to encourage students to create their own lasting memories by using English. This could make the process of learning and speaking the language more enjoyable and develop efficient communication network inside and outside the school. By communicating outside the school, students can be global messengers of peace. The program also promoted an appreciation for the English language and encouraged students to become competent communicators.

In light of making memories and expressing creativity, a photo booth was set up in school for class or individual shots. Students were asked about their memorable English class moments and the advantages and importance of learning English. They wrote their answers on the boards provided and posed with their boards to have their pictures taken. The student / group with the best answer would get a prize.

by Lissah Yabra

Year-end recognition highlights perseverance and solidarity

The Year-end Recognition program for school year 2012-2013 emphasized perseverance and solidarity last August 29, 2013 at the Multipurpose Hall. Deserving students were awarded with medals and certificates for their diligence and excellence.

Dr. Bienvenido V. Santos, school principal, congratulated the students for their hard work and encouraged them to share their accomplishments and give back to society. He also relayed the “Stone Soup Story," which showed how every person in a community contributed little by little and transformed a stone soup to a real and appetizing one.

Echoing Dr. Santos‘ speech about solidarity, Grade 11 Gold Merit Awardee Jackson Lee expressed his appreciation for the support of parents, teachers, and friends for the students' achievements. He also stressed the importance of perseverance in achieving excellence. “We didn’t achieve all these by ourselves… Being an achiever requires not only perseverance, but also the support of people around us,” he said. “Therefore, in this event, students are not the only achievers. Everyone in this hall is an achiever, and everyone has something to share in this community.”

MITIS holds the annual Year-end Recognition on the first month of the school year to motivate and inspire students to strive for excellence even from the beginning.

by Monica L. Felizardo 

MITIS enacts Operation S^2

Due to the typhoon Maring, MITIS initiated Operation S²: (Solidarity & Service), a relief operation for typhoon and flood victims.

The donations gathered from the MITIS community were then forwarded to the Muntinlupa City Hall by Ms. Mae Malanum, Vice Principal; Ms. Lei Pangilinan, Student Activity Coordinator, and Ms. Josephine Camacho, Finance Officer, last August 27, 2013. They were accompanied by Grade 11 students Park Juwon (Tony) and Lee Wonjae (Jackson), and Grade 12 students Bona Mae Simba, Monica Felizardo, and Otto Kwon.

The Muntinlupa City officials, overjoyed, thanked the school’s initiative to help others and graciously praised the students’ social awareness.

The relief goods consisted of several boxes of assorted packs of noodles, bags of rice, canned goods, and other items donated by students and teachers alike.

by Monica L. Felizardo

MITIS holds parents’ general orientation for S.Y. 2013-2014

MITIS welcomed S.Y. 2013-2014 with a general orientation for parents and guardians at the school’s Multipurpose Hall last August 7, 2013.

The meeting covered the general overview of the school’s departments and programs.

Ms. Mae Kathryn Malanum, Vice Principal, described the school’s academic program and curriculum.

Ms. Anke Morsheim, School Prefect, explained student discipline, sanctions, and school regulations.

Afterwards, Ms. Lei Pangilinan, Student Activity Coordinator, discussed new CSO programs for the upper levels and various school activities planned for the students.

Then Ms. Nicole de Asis, Guidance Officer, talked about student support and counseling services, followed by Mr. Andre Kwon, Assistant Director, who presented about college aid and admission guidelines.

Ms. Evangeline Austria, School Librarian, also elaborated on the school’s Learning Resource Center and available academic materials.

Finally, Mr. David Blanco, last schoolyear’s president of the Parents' Association gave a brief Parents' Association report about the previous year’s projects and achievements.

The high parent/guardian attendance made the meeting a success. The meeting aimed to forge a better relationship and good communication between the school and the students’ parents and guardians. The election for the new Parents’ Association officers was postponed to a later date.

by Monica L. Felizardo

STRIPES 2013 - 2014

New Year, New Administration

SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

MITIS Celebrates Valentine's Week

The Student Coordinating Board (SCB) serenaded, delivered letters and roses, and raffled off a basket of chocolates to the students and teachers in celebration of Valentine's week.

Three trios of SCB members sang Valentine's songs, each costing P20. Some of the songs included were Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder, I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, and A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Letters and roses were also delivered on Valentine's Day. The SCB charged P10 for each letter and P50 for each rose.

In addition, as a MITIS tradition that started in 2010, a basket of chocolates was raffled off during the morning assembly last February 18. Raffle tickets cost P20 each. The SCB also promoted a "Buy 5 Get 1 Free!" campaign in which students get a free ticket for every five that they buy.

Mr. Melvin Nifas of the Social Studies Department won the grand prize. He raffled off two treats from the basket. Seven small chocolate bags and two pillows, which served as consolation prizes, were also given to selected students and teachers who took part in the raffle.

These activities served as a fund raising for the Creative Social Outreach(CSO) of the school.

by Justine Daphne Rebollos and Paul Seo

I'm Here Again

I'm here again
Inside our dirty classroom
The classroom that is filled with laughter
The laughter of nerds and crazy students.

As time goes by,
The moment of being a student will pass
As tears fall from our rosy cheeks
While hearing the claps of our proud parents.

After that time
We will walk to our own roads
Our own roads in life as a doctor, as a lawyer, as a teacher or an artist
To build new dreams in life.

As I walk through our corridor,
I'm still thinking of what will happen
What if we don't meet?
What if we don't see each other again?

But I realized that there is a reason why will we meet in the future
Why some will not be part of my future
While some will have deeper and endless relationship with me
And some will just be part of my past.

After everything that had happened
After graduating in elementary, high school and college
I'm here again
Inside our dirty classroom but not as a student but as a teacher.

by Myra Joanna Arce

Selected 10B Students Make a Cost-effective Paper Elevator

Claude Lee, Jackson Lee, Gino Mun, and Tony Park won first place in the paper-elevator making contest hosted by Fluor Global Engineering Construction Company at the MITIS lobby last February 13.

 Grade 10B’s cheap yet effective elevator beat Grade 9’s, which failed to move the paper clips, and 10A’s, which was made of the least expensive items yet could not hold itself up.

The three groups of four students were asked to build an elevator that could transport a paper clip to a particular container. Papers, rubber bands, paper clips, tape, and two unsharpened pencils were provided for the task. Each material had a corresponding price, and the group who built the most cost-effective elevator within 45 minutes won.

“It took 30 minutes of gathering ideas and 15 minutes to put them into one shape. It’s more difficult than it sounds,” confessed Jackson Lee. Winners received Fluor lanyards, “a perfect item for me to show off” according to Claude Lee.

Fluor, a 123-year-old company famous for its constructions all around the world, hosted the contest in search of fresh ideas from creative and innovative students.

by Claude Lee

Adieu

A crowded place is where you are
A lot of people but you still shine
From far away a glowing star
Enough to take me to the skyline.

You wandered alone like a cloud
That floats on high buildings and hills
When all at once you saw me and bowed,
Which caused my tears to spill.

But then I woke up
And I realized it was a dream
A sudden thought came up
That made my heart melt into cream.

I didn't have the chance to know you
But at least I saw you, Adieu.

by Justine Daphne Rebollos

Love, Love, Love

For the cold-hearted businessman around
Have you ever thought that your workers are sad?
Every simple thing that your workers have made
You are getting mad because they are a failure.

For the rich lady who is up all night in the club
Hanging out with her friends, shopping and laughing
Have you ever thought that your family is waiting for you?
Have you ever thought that they are worried about you?

For the selfish daughter who is still thinking of her pride
Ignoring the street sweeper who is her mother
Have you ever thought that she is doing that for you?
For you to have clothes to wear and food to eat.

Why will you be cold-hearted?
Why aren't you staying with your family instead of the club?
Why are you so selfish and elitist?
The world doesn't revolve around you; you should rotate with her.

Some people are like that
But who are we to hate them?
Who are we to accuse them?
We are all people, with secrets, failures and weakness.

Do not pick the one that you will love
Because God loves us with His heart
Knowing that we have sins
Knowing that we hate others.

He loves everyone
The robber, snatcher and even the kidnapper
He loves me, you, and everyone
So instead of hating just love them.

by Myra Joanna Arce