Campus Eyes and Ears

Hello! Howdy?

According to their official website, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) -- the association of the broadcast media in the Philippines -- celebrates their 40th anniversary this month. Happy anniversary to them! J

In light of this, having been reminded of my being a former member of (no, not the KBP. HAHA) our school publication staff, the TNHS Courier, I figured that I should also share and publish in this blog some of the big stories that made headlines in our campus paper during high school, while they still lay ‘uninjured’ in my computer folder.

Here goes…

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Docena wins bronze in reg’l writing tilt

Alison Mary Docena of IV-Ivory captured the third place in Feature Writing (English Category) during the recently concluded Regional Secondary Schools Press Conference 2010 held at Leyte National High School, Tacloban City on December 1-4.

Docena was accompanied by her coach, the School Paper Adviser of The TNHS Courier, Mrs. Marcosa Lavado. They will go to Butuan City on April 11-15 to compete in the National Schools Press Conference. #

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Ceblano ranks 4^th in reg’l speech tilt

Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano of IV-Ivory garnered the fourth place in the recently concluded Panrehiyong Bigkasang Iluminado Lucente at the University of the Philippines Tacloban College (UPVTC), Tacloban City on August 25.

Accompanied by his coach, Mrs. Elena C. Racquel, retired Filipino Head Teacher, Ceblano competed his piece “May Kaugnayan ang Wikang Filipino sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan” against eight other contestants from different schools regionwide.

Students from Liceo del Verbo Divino (formerly DWU), Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School and Baybay National High School got the first three places respectively. #

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Alegre grabs PopEd quiz gold

Michelle Alegre of IV-Ivory landed first place in the Division Population Education (PopEd) Quiz held at the Division Office Library, Borongan, Eastern Samar on August 7.

She outranked 9 other contestants from different schools all over the division. Students from Dolores National High School and Lalawigan National High School got the 2^nd and 3^rd slots respectively.

The Division PopEd Quiz, spearheaded by Mrs. Ester Gura, Division Education Supervisor for Araling Panlipunan, was conducted in time with the celebration of the Population and Development (POPDev) Week with the theme “Everyone Counts”. #

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Blazing Warriors still on top

Forty-six Senior Scouts of Taft National received the Over-All Champion Trophy after topping all the contests during the recently concluded 16^th Provincial Scout Jamborette held at the YOCENCA, Salcedo, Eastern Samar on September 23-26.

The said scouts captured a total of 11 trophies and plaques after grabbing the first places in: Battle of the Bands; Choral Competition; Song, Yells, and Stunts; Orienteering; Community Service; Emergency Preparedness; Extreme Challenge; Team Building; Arts and Crafts; Tree-Planting; and the Biggest Delegation.

This is already the third year in a row that TNHS had been defending the top post; it also reigned supreme during the 15^th Provincial Scout Jamborette last September 2008 and in the 3^rd Provincial Scout Venture Camp held last year at Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School.

They were escorted by the two outstanding Scout Masters in the school, Mr Bonifacio Adao and Mr. Iohannes Paoli Baldomar. #

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Math Challengers hit jackpot

With a total of three golds and one silver, Taft National High School remained on top as its Mathematics wizards emerged over-all champion again during the recently concluded 2011 Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge Division Eliminations held at Sulat National High School, Sulat, Eastern Samar on January 14.

The said winners are: Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano, Mark Kevin Cidro, and Mark Angelo Pontica who got 1^st Place in the Fourth Year level; Jacob Cioco, Kathleen Rose Taniñas, and Jannika Aizelle Goden who also grabbed the top post in the Third Year level; Roxannie Ranido, Jasper Ian Olpoc, and Leander Louis Oguin who also took the cake in the First Year level; and Carmela Johanna Quilla, Mae Jane Pontica, and Nikki Lou Raguindin who landed on the 2^nd place in the Second Year level.

Meanwhile, the top two challengers per year level also competed and reap awards during the Division Finals held last February 11 at Llorente National High School, Llorente, Eastern Samar. Ceblano and Cidro landed in 2^nd Place, Ranido and Olpoc likewise garnered silver medals, Cioco and Taniñas received the 3^rd Place Certificates while Quilla and Pontica got the 5^th Place respectively.

They were coached and trained by four Mathematics teachers of the school: Mrs. Elena Raguindin, Mrs. Jacinta Balmes, Mrs. Bonifacia Abenis, and Mrs. Ermilanda Ranido together with their Head Teacher, Mrs. Crisanta Cosipag. #

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TNHS tops ‘Tagisan ng Talino’

Garnering two golds, one silver, and one 5^th place, Taft National High School was proclaimed over-all champion during the 2010 Pandibisyong Tagisan ng Talino held at the Eastern Samar Educational and Cultural Center (ESECC), Borongan, Eastern Samar on August 27.

The said awards were first place in Isahang Tinig by Orly Mae Vinculado and first place in Interpretative Dance courtesy of Melicil Lopeña, Ian Alde, Claudine Mae Gulferic, Jehu Leo Mabansag, & Rochelle Acong. Alison Mary Docena also garnered the 2^nd place in Masining na Pagkukwento while Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano landed 5^th place in Dagliang Talumpati.

They were accompanied by three Filipino teachers in the persons of Mrs. Aida Amidar, Mrs. Aurora Achay, and Mrs. Jocelyn Adao who also competed in Masining na Pagkukwento (Teachers’ Category).

Bearing the theme “Sa Pangangalaga ng Wika at Kalikasan, Wagas na Pagmamahal Talagang Kailangan,” this year’s Tagisan ng Talino was spearheaded by the Education Supervisor I in Filipino for Secondary, Mrs. Lydia Amoyo and was graced by 19 schools divisionwide. #

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Courier staffers soar high in DSSPC ‘10

A total of 20 awards were bagged by 13 journalists of The TNHS Courier during the 2010 Division Secondary Schools Press Conference held at Sabang Central Elementary School and Eastern Samar Educational and Cultural Center (ESECC), Borongan, Eastern Samar on October 29-31.

These winners include Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano who got the 1^st Place in News Writing (English), 2^nd Place in Photo Lay-outing (English), 4^th Place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English) and 5^th Place in Editorial Writing (English); Kathleen Rose Taniñas, 2^nd Place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English); Ma. Jezza Balmes, 2^nd Place in Editorial Cartooning (English); Alison Mary Docena who grabbed the Ms. DSSPC 1^st Runner-Up crown as well as the 4^th slots in Editorial Writing (Filipino) and Photo Lay-outing (English); Mark Angelo Pontica, 4^th Place in Sports Writing (English); Christine Joy Lucido, 4^th Place in Feature Writing (Filipino); Jessah Simplicia Clarito, 5^th Place in Editorial Cartooning (Filipino); Jeraldine Cui, 5^th Place in Sports Writing (Filipino); Rona Quiletorio, 5^th Place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English); Michelle Alegre, 6^th Place in Sports Writing (Filipino); Ma. Melanie Pomarejos, 6^th Place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English), Mark Kevin Cidro, 6^th Place in Editorial Cartooning (Filipino); and Neil Naputo who landed on the 7^th Place in Sports Writing (English).

Meanwhile, the TNHS Broadcast Team also won Best in Technical and Sound Effects and 3^rd Place in Radio Broadcasting and Script Writing (English category).

Bannering the theme “Promoting shared responsibilities and accountabilities in disaster preparedness through campus journalism,” this year’s DSSPC was attended by 331 school paper advisers and campus writers from 22 different schools divisionwide. It was spearheaded by Mrs. Dominica Norombaba, Education Supervisor I in English who is, at the same time, the Division Journalism Coordinator, together with our very own School Paper Adviser, Mrs. Marcosa Lavado, DSSPAA President. #

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6 SSG officers attend 8^th NLTSGO

Together with over 6,000 student leaders from all over the country, six Supreme Student Government (SSG) Officers of Taft National High School attended the 8^th National Leadership Training for Student Government Officers (NLTSGO) at Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City on September 3-8.

The said officers were Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano (SSG President), Kathleen Rose Taniñas (SSG Vice President), Michelle Alegre (SSG Secretary), Alison Mary Docena (SSG Treasurer), Ma. Melanie Pomarejos (SSG Auditor), and Donna Abigail Bula (SSG Peace Officer). They were accompanied by Mrs. Arlyn Ceblano, Head Teacher VI of the Araling Panlipunan and Values Education Departments who is at the same time the SSG Adviser.

Centered on the theme “Team SSG: Making the Dream Work,” this six-day training was conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Sec. Armin Luistro and the Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (DepEd-CSCA) headed by Dir. Joey Pelaez in cooperation with the Ateneo Student Trainers (STRAINS) and the Master’s Lighthouse Foundation Inc.

It was composed of lectures, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, games, and the election of the National Federation of Supreme Student Governments (NFSSG) officers and was graced by big names in politics and showbiz like Vice President Jejomar Binay and Dingdong Dantes, to name a few. #

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Math wizards shine anew

With a total of three golds, two silvers, and one 4^th place, Taft National High School was declared over-all champion in the recently concluded 1^st Division Math Quiz Bee and Damath Competition held at the Eastern Samar Educational and Cultural Center (ESECC), Borongan, Eastern Samar on November 12-13.

These awards were received by Kathleen Rose Taniñas, 1^st Place in Quiz Bee (3^rd Year Level); Dave Athan James Acain, 1^st Place in Damath (2^nd Year Level); Paul Aradillos, 1^st Place in Damath (1^st Year Level); Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano, 2^nd Place in Quiz Bee (4^th Year Level); Roxanie Ranido, 2^nd Place in Quiz Bee (1^st Year Level); and Carmela Johanna Quilla, 4^th Place in Quiz Bee (2^nd Year Level).

They were accompanied by their coaches: Mrs. Crisanta Cosipag, Head Teacher VI of the Mathematics Department and three other outstanding Math teachers of the school in the persons of Mrs. Jacinta Balmes, Mrs. Ermilanda Ranido and Mr. Leo Aradillos.

Taniñas (Quiz Bee), Acain (Damath), Aradillos (Damath), and Ceblano (Math-O) will represent the division in the Regional Science and Math Camp which will be held in Baybay National High School, Baybay, Leyte on November 19-21. #

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Mr. & Ms. TNHS 2010

Baldomar, Docena grab title

Carl Vinn Cosipag Baldomar and Alison Mary Albesa Docena, both from IV-Ivory, captured the title as Mr. and Ms. Taft National High School 2010 at Taft Town Plaza on July 21.

Annually, Taft National High School conducts the search for Mr. & Ms. TNHS as highlight of the Taft Town Fiesta 6^th Entertainment Night which the school sponsors.

The search started at around eight o’clock in the evening. Five pairs of gorgeous ladies and comely gentlemen vied for the crown. They were: JF Alcon James Mocorro of III-Eagle & April Jane Duray of IV-Ivory; Jerry Cabonce III of IV-Jade & Christine May Escala of III-Eagle; Carl Vinn Baldomar & Je-Ann Jardio, both from IV-Ivory; Ian Alde & Alison Mary Docena, also from IV-Ivory; and Mark Angelo Pontica & Melicil Lopeña who are Ivorians as well.

They showcased their splendor, talents, and intelligence in various exposures such as the Production Number, Festival Costume, Casual Wear, Sports Attire, Formal Wear, Talent Portion, and of course, the most awaited Question and Answer Portion.

And after series of intermission numbers, the winners were announced by Mr. Ernesto Catubao, Chairman of the Board of Judges: Pontica and Duray ended up as 4^th Runners-Up, Alde and Escala were 3^rd Runners-Up, Cabonce and Jardio were awarded as 2^nd Runners-Up, Mocorro and Lopeña got the 1^st Runnesr-Up Trophies, while Carl Vinn Baldomar and Alison Mary Docena got the nod of the judges as they were crowned Mr. & Ms. TNHS 2010. They were put on the ritz during the Taft Town Fiesta Grand Parade on July 24.

This year’s quest was hosted by Mr. Iohannes Paoli Baldomar and Mrs. Pearl Macalalad. #

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TNHSians bag awards in Div. Science Fair

Alison Mary Docena of IV-Ivory was crowned Bb. Kalikasan First Runner-Up and Best in Formal Attire during the Search for G. at Bb. Kalikasan 2010 as one of the features of the Division Science Fair held at the Eastern Samar Educational and Cultural Center (ESECC), Borongan, Eastern Samar on September 25.

Other contestants who won were Ingrid Naomi Annika Vista, 3^rd place in Science Quiz (third year level) and Jessah Simplicia Clarito, 3^rd place in Collage-Making.

They were coached by two Science teachers, Mrs. Maru Gubala and Mrs. Charito Balequia. #

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Jazz Chanters rank 4th

Thirty students from IV-Ivory and III-Eagle grabbed the 4^th spot in the 1^st Division Jazz Chant Competition held last February 11 at the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS), Borongan.

They competed with the piece “The Daniel Jazz” against seven other schools across the division. ESNCHS, Dolores National High School, and Maypangdan National High School got the top three slots respectively.

Accompanying them were the Head Teacher of the English and Filipino Departments, Mrs. Alicia Maga together with two other English teachers in the school: Mrs. Pearl Macalalad and the School Paper Adviser, Mrs. Marcosa Lavado. #

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Major-Major Warriors bag prov’l camp bronze

Seventy-nine Junior and Senior Scouts of Taft National High School were proclaimed over-all third place in the recently concluded Provincial Junior and Senior Scouts Encampment held at Lalawigan Central Elementary School, Lalawigan Eastern Samar on October 8-11.

Accompanied by their titas, Ms. Ma. Lyra B. Caspe and Mrs. Rosemarie Dotingco, the said scouts grabbed a total of two awards: 3^rd place in the Choral Contest and 3^rd Place in Cheer Dance Competition. #

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4 seniors hurdle UPCAT

Out of 11 senior students of Taft National High School under IV-Ivory who took the University of the Philippines College Entrance Examination (UPCAT) last August 7-8, four qualified to enroll in two different campuses of the premier  university.

They were Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano who made the grade to enroll at UP Manila with the course BA Political Science and three others who got the chance to pursue their college education at University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College: Mark Angelo Pontica with the course BS Biology, Alison Mary Docena under BS Management, and April Jane Duray who said she will be going to UPVTC next year under its BA Social Sciences (Political Science) program. #

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8 senior scouts grace nat’l jamborette

Along with other scouts and scouters of the Eastern Samar Boy Scout Council, eight Blazing Warriors of the Taft National High School Boy Scout Council attended the 1^st One-Visayas Jamborette held from October 26-29 at Maasin City Forest Park, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

They were Jerry Cabonce III (Eastern Samar Council’s Senior Patrol Leader), Rommel Rodrigo Ceblano (Senior Patrol Leader of the Taft National High School Boy Scout Council), Mark Angelo Pontica, Bren Adao, JF Alcon James Mocorro, Elpidio Axl Bula, Raul Erickson Acquiatan, and Eric Laurence Gulferic.

They were escorted by the TNHS Boy Scout Coordinator, Mr. Bonifacio Adao and went with the Eastern Samar delegation headed by its Chief Executive, Mr. Joventino Jocosol. #

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*These are but some of the news stories that made way to our campus paper. There were lots more. But please don't get my intention wrong, I just wanted to preserve these articles for purposes of future reminiscence, before they get lost somewhere at the back of the mind's eye. HEHEHE.

Kamusta batch mates? :)

Isang Samahan

Isang mapagpalang oras sa iyo! :D

Two years ago, as we took a hike from the second step of our educational staircase, we officially became part of the Taft National High School Alumni Foundation. This gave us both the privilege and the responsibility to attend the annual alumni homecoming -- an honor many of us so earnestly waited for even before becoming official TNHSians.

As fresh graduates, one of the first problems we faced was where to get funds to finance our batch 'uniform' for the homecoming grand parade and our refreshments for the grand ball and beach party, considering that the homecoming is one heck of a celebration.

Luckily for us though, we had supportive parents and guardians who helped us raise the amount we needed for us to, at least, not starve during the said events. The 'uniform' part, on the other hand, was resolved when majority decided to just wear something black, with the consolatory plan of wearing the best 'parade costumes' when we have jobs already. :D

A few days before the alumni proper, however, we realized that we still had to make a banner so as to have ourselves 'introduced' to the public especially during the parade. And as luck would have it, some generous batchmates pledged to shoulder the expenses for making a banner that would be usable not only for the time being but also for the next alumni homecomings, being the 'economical' batch that we are.

That was when the idea of including a poem about our batch on the banner surfaced. And when the batch poet finished her less-than-fifteen-minutes masterpiece, the banner was finally completed. (Don't expect too much though, these are works of amateurs. XD)

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Samahang DosMilOnse

Wala ka mang ballpen o paper,

Kung sa exam wala ka ring pang-answer,

Isa ka mang ganap na patronizer,

O sadyang sintonadong singer,

‘Di ka pa rin kawawa, dude!

Kung may pinagdadaanan ka’y patatawanin ka gud.

Sabihan ka man ng “uli, pagkagod,”

Siguradong problema mo’y maso-solve for good.

Dito sa ami’y wagas kung magtawanan.

Wala ring hinihintay na kapalit kung ika’y tulungan.

Nasa likod mo’t laging maaasahan,

‘Yan ang DOSMILONSEng samahan!

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On the commencement

Hey there! This is my first post in my first blog so I do not really know what to write. But since this blog was supposedly created in tribute to the TNHS Class of 2011, let me start with the song that played the last  time we were complete--our graduation. Here goes:

As We Meet Again*

We have shared moments together
As time went by (As time went by)
With the love that is forever
As passing moments
Go day by day.

And now as we almost part
It is our hope
That our dreams would start.
A new world in you
For them not to be in vain
As we meet again.

 We will meet again
In some other time and place
The vision is there for true happiness.

Farewell my friends;
It was fun indeed.
Sharing happy times together,
Wishing it were forever.

And now as we almost part
It is our hope
That our dreams would start.
A new world in you
For them not to be in vain
As we meet again.

And now as we almost part
It is our hope
That our dreams would start.
A new world in you
For them not to be vain
As we meet again.

For them not to be in vain
As we meet again.

I guess this is it for now. I hope the lyrics somehow made you reminisce of our four-year journey together. 

(Up L-R: Jessa, Ian A., Alison, Melicil, Michelle,
and Giovanni; Bottom L-R: Abigail and Jerry)

By the way, the pictures on the left and below feature some of DosMilOnse's pride in fields of broadcasting, music, literature, and sports. It's for you to guess who on which. :P

And if there is something that you want me to write about or things you'd like to see here, do not hesitate to e-mail me or comment here and we'll see what I can do.

(L-R: Sarah, Jessah, Nikka, and Ian C.)

Finally, as the song says, "We will meet again." And I can't wait for that to happen. :)

Cheers,

Drigo

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*This song was composed by Melvin Corpin and arranged by Uldarico V. Gacutno.