“Bringing Home the Bacon: Handumanan National High School
(HNHS) Bagged Awards at Kandungganan Divison Praise Awards
Soar High, Handuman-
an High!
Handumanan National
High School (HNHS) once
again brought off a remarkable
success at the highly anticipat-
ed Kandungganan Division
Praise Awards 2023 that took
place last November 29, 2023,
at L‘ Fisher Bacolod.
HNHS takes home es-
teemed awards, further estab-
lishing its reputation as an out-
standing educational institu-
tion, with the highly coveted
Gold Seal Award highlighting
its unwavering commitment to
excellence.
Highlighting its unwa-
vering commitment to guiding
students on their academic
journey, HNHS has achieved
outstanding accomplishments
in Key 4 education, leading to
its recognition as the Division
Awardee in the Circle Awards.
In addition, the school
was also acknowledged as the
"Best Project-Based(PBL) Im-
HNHS ML team advances to Provincial Meet ‘23
By: Ashlee Yoshita and Abcde Dela Cruz
HNHS Dream High with their coaches during the
Division Athletic Meet ‘23
Likah Jane B. Cocjin
Likah Jane B. Cocjin
Mr. Allan M. Pomada with Doc. Michael G. Divinagracia, PSDS IV-A together
with the HNHS faculty beaming proudly during the Division Praise Award ‘23
plementer for Senior High School
(SHS)", recognizing its dedication
to making an engaging learning
environment.
Furthermore, "Best Su-
preme Student Government Pro-
grams Implementer" was also pre-
sented to the school, featuring its
dedication to fostering the leader-
ship skills of the students.
HNHS ―Dream High‖ anni-
hilated the team NOPSSCEA in the
Land of Dawn arena in the best of
5 championship round with a score
of 3-1 in the E-sports tournament
during the Division Athletic Meet
‗23 last February 9, 2024.
Armed with a presence of
mind and strategic attacks, HNHS
team slayed the first 2 rounds
against the Team
The Handumanians commit-
ment to creating a safe and drug-free
campus environment was also
acknowledged with the "Best Barka-
da Kontra Droga Implementer"
award, showing the success of their
efforts in promoting a drug-free life-
style and ensuring the student's well-
being.
Turn to page 7
NOPSSCEA represented by STI-
West Negros University.
Gaining the momentum,
the unfazed team NOPSSCEA
buffed their heroes making a
comeback in the third round 2-1.
―The game is a mix of
emotions, the whole team was
overwhelmed with nervousness
and excitement at the same.
Turn to page 8

Page 2
Clash of Minds: English Quiz Bee finale 2023 sparks excitement at HNHS
In a gleaming display
of linguistic prowess, Handu-
manan National High School's
(HNHS) most anticipated Eng-
lish Quiz Bee Finale 2023 takes
place at the school's Audio Vis-
ual Room (AVR) today, No-
vember 10, 2023, bringing to-
gether the brightest minds from
various grade levels for the lin-
guistic mastery battle.
The English quiz bee kicks
off with an opening prayer, fol-
lowed by the singing of the Na-
tional Anthem.
As the highlight of the
event, the English Quizbee
2023 finally started and envel-
oped the whole AVR with the
excitement of the participants as
they started to face the intricate
grammatical details of literary
masterpieces, challenging par-
ticipants to explore the intrica-
HNHS kicks-off Intramurals’23
By: Lei Malaca
Grade 9 BTS-K-pop in their final pose during the Intramurals ‘23 last Nov. 23, 2023
The Handumanan Na-
tional High School grounds were
painted with vibrant shade of
green, gold, red, and blue as the
Intramurals ‗23 commenced with
the theme ―Upholding Handu-
manian Values Through Recrea-
tion and Sportsmanship‖ last No-
vember 23, 2023. Intramu-
rals showcased students athleti-
cism in different sports events
and talents in playground
NEWS FEATURE
Likah Jane B. Cocjin
Top 5 winners of English Quiz Bee ‘23
cies of the English language.
Finally, Ariella Crystal
Viamonte, of Grade 10-Diamond,
got the title of the English Quiz
Bee 2023 champion, followed by
Jonaren Banate, a Grade 10-Jade
student, as the 2nd placer, and
Prince Charles Pelle from Grade 8-
Sampaguita, the 3rd placer of the
said quiz bee.
demonstration.
"May the spirit of Humili-
ty, Nature-Loving, Honesty, and
Self-disciplined shine through in
every game we play" Sir Allan M.
Pomada said in his welcoming
address.
The Grade 9 BTS k-pop
was hailed as the overall champi-
on and best in choreography, Sen-
ior High J-Lo, as first runner-up,
and Grade 10 Shakira, as the 2nd
The Gleam
. The English Quiz Bee
Finale 2023, beyond crowning
champions, kindled a delightful
curiosity to explore the enchant-
ing world of language, trans-
forming into a joyous celebration
that beautifully intertwined intel-
lect, a love for words, and an
enduring quest for knowledge.
runner-up during the play-
ground demonstration.
The Mr. and Ms. Intra-
murals ‗23 winners are Dax Jus-
tiniani Salvo, Grade 8 repre-
sentative and Aniesha Venef M.
Sevilla, Grade 9 representative.
They will represent the school
in the UNIT IV Athletic Meet.
―I was amazed and cap-
tivated by each performance
and admired the fun and unity
here in HNHS.‖ Maam Eden
Ariola, EPS-MAPEH com-
mended during her speech.
The two-day event
brought joy and fun to the Han-
dumanians as they waved the
banner of their respective grade
level and cheered to their repre-
sentatives in different events.
The winners in different
events will represent the school
in the upcoming Unit Meet on
December 1-3 at Handumanan
National High school.
 EDITORIAL
The Gleam Page 3
NOT NOW: An Urge to
Stop Catch-Up Fridays
Kleizelle A. Alvarado
This initiative also gave way to
―greedy‖ teaching staff. DepEd last
week flagged reports that some
school personnel have resorted to
selling books and workbooks and
requiring parents and students to
buy these. The department urged
parents not to patronize such
―transactions‖ as the weekly pro-
gram should not require out-of-
pocket expenses. However, again,
with the lack of materials and teach- the teaching industry, was that student‘s future. The imple-
ers needing to spend their own mon- they should have been involved mentation of Catch-Up Fri-
ey on this program, who can blame in the pre-implementation phase days may be for a good cause
them? ―This is the symptom and not of the program. ―For a fair and but now is not the time for it.
the illness. This happened perhaps effective learning recovery pro- Since everyone is cramming
out of the necessity and passion to gram, the participation of teach- all the lessons for a whole
carry on with a program that was not ers should be considered in craft- school year into just a short
given the proper provision of mate- ing any learning intervention. It period, a whole day‘s worth
rials,‖ Basas said. should not be limited to the issu- of activities would not cut out
Quetua added that interven- ance of directives by the DepEd right for the goal, especially if
tion programs should be ―tailored to Central Office,‖ Quetua said. its purpose has been utterly
individual learners needs‖ and that ―Education is our passport defeated right from the very
consultations should have come be- to the future, for tomorrow be- start. Catch-Up Fridays can
fore its implementation. Everyone longs only to the people who pre- show itself after a few years,
knows that the person who suggest- pare for it today,‖ Malcolm X however, two words remain
ed this initiative does not have quoted. Indeed, education needs firm in the mouths of all edu-
―actual educational experiences‖ preparation. The same goes for cating personnel of the Philip-
herself. What the people would have the interventions needed for the pines: NOT NOW.
wanted, especially those who are in

THE GLEAM Staff

School Year 2023-2024

Section Editors
Editor in Chief Editorial Writer
Kleizelle A. Alvarado Kleizelle A. Alvarado
News Writer
Managing Editor Likah Jane B. Cocjin
Ava Margarette A. Basa Column Writers
Prince Jules B. Galagar
Associate Editor Ericka Marie Pito-an
Likah Jane B. Cocjin Feature Writers
Julienne Fay D. Albia
Lay-Out Artist Lei Malaca
Jeraldine Mae Martinico
Ezra Sangho Science and Technology Writers
Ava Margarette A. Basa
Jelly E. Muyco
Copyreader and Headline Writer
Sports Writers
Ashlee Cedric Yoshita
Abcde Dela Cruz
School Paper Adviser
Editorial Cartoonists
Angelie G. Alayon
Greg M. Villanueva
School Paper Co-Adviser
Alnae Austria
Anna Rose A. Ediezca
Photojournalists
English Department Head
Ezra Sangho
Ricky L. Sinfuego
John Mark Jarme
School Principal III
Literary Writers
Allan M. Pomada
Iza Gabrielle F. Velez
Cshem F. Segovia

Page 4
EAK
THE STUDENTS SP
Catch-up Friday engaged
leaners in the process of
addressing their learning
needs
-ken
I think, Catch Up Friday
reduces stress levels for
studens who are struggling
to keep up with their work-
load.-K.R
Catch-Up Friday is a valuable
initiative provides support for
reviewing and addressing my
gaps in knowledge and it also
helps me especially in my read-
ing comprehension
-Blanza
Downsides of
Shifting Classes
Ericka Marie A. Pito-an
Due to overcrowding,
some public schools have imple-
mented double-shift schedules.
The lack of facilities such as class-
rooms, desks, and learning materi-
als has been a problem for school
administrators for a few years al-
ready.
Educational establish-
ments are under pressure to make
the most of their current resources
due to a lack of resources, includ-
ing classrooms, desks, and instruc-
tional materials. Because of this, it
is now normal to see every public
school have double shifts, with
lessons starting as early as six in
the morning to six o'clock at night.
COLUMN
This academic year was
tough, but it made us
stronger and more
adaptable.—Jesse D.
It was truly refreshing, to see
everyone come together and
share their ideas, collaborate or
support each other. It's reassur-
ing to know that I've got the time
to catch up and reinforce my
learning.—ZKP
Even though this phenom-
enon is not new, it has become
more common in the last few
years. The Department of Educa-
tion (DepEd) formally announced
the deployment of double shifts in
public schools struggling with
large enrollment levels in the
school year 2023–2024. Even if
it's practical, this also has down-
sides of its own.
Moreover, shifting classes
has its disadvantages since it may
affect students and the teaching
staff for the reason that the num-
ber of hours in class is only lim-
ited. There can also be a challenge
in double-shift sessions, for in-
stance, the brief contact time dur-
ing teaching and learning, the ne-
glect of other curriculum subjects,
and poor student performance.
The Gleam
Catch-Up Fridays has
been a game-changer in
reducing student stress
and anxiety. Knowing
there's a dedicated day
to catch up or get extra
help has made the
school environment
supportive and
encouraging. –
Catch-up Friday encour-
ages critical thinking,
empathy, and moral rea-
soning, fostering a well-
rounded education beyond
academics.– Angelie B.
CUF gave us a chance to
augment our under-
standing and also we
spent a couple of months
with our classmates that
deepened our bond. —
Observations have also
shown that some students have
developed a sluggish attitude dur-
ing their free time. Students have
ignored their studies in favor of
playing for most of the day. They
tend to forget things, for the rea-
son, that they prioritize leisure ac-
tivities in their responsibilities and
activities.
We can all agree that this
phenomenon had a significant ef-
fect on everyone. AAO stands for
Adjust, Adapt, and Overcome
which we can apply for ourselves.
By slowly trying to make Adjust-
ments, we can eventually condition
ourselves to Adopt this phenome-
non and conquer it by motivating
ourselves, and finally, we can
overcome this change.
 COLUMN
Page 5 The Gleam

When Classrooms Turn into Ovens: Adapting Class Schedules During Heat Waves
Bacolod City, also
known as the Philippines' sugar
capital and the city of smiles, is
currently experiencing an un-
precedented heat wave. The
temperature has risen to record
highs, and the humidity has be-
come suffocating. The swelter-
ing heat is making it challeng-
ing for residents and visitors to
carry out their daily activities,
and even the palm trees, which
typically sway with the breeze,
are hanging limp and lifeless.
From my point of view,
the heat wave has undoubtedly
affected many aspects of daily
life, including the education
system. With classrooms turn-
ing into scorching ovens, it has
Prince Jules Galagar
become increasingly difficult for dents' safety while maintaining an
students to concentrate and en- ideal learning environment for
gage in the learning process. everyone.
Consequently, their energy levels It is heartening to see the
are going to be affected, and they school administration's dedication
may experience irritability, fa- to ensuring the safety and well-
tigue, and difficulty focusing. In being of students amidst this heat
addition, prolonged exposure to wave. The decision to modify the
heat can also exacerbate existing schedule of classes demonstrates
health conditions like asthma. their commitment to providing
Based on what I know to the best possible education for
further address this issue, the their students while ensuring their
school administration has wisely safety. It is a wise decision that
decided to modify the schedule of will undoubtedly be appreciated
classes. Instead of a full day, they by parents and students alike.
have shifted to a half-day sched- In conclusion, the heat
ule to ensure the safety of all stu- wave has brought many challeng-
dents. Besides this adjustment es to Bacolod City, affecting vari-
may take some getting used to, it ous aspects of daily life. While
is necessary to prioritize the stu- the heat may not be in our con-

This academic year has been
stressful and exhausting, but it
How’s the has all been worth it because of
my amazing friends' unwaver-
school year ing support and presence.
treating you? -Jonalyn
This year has been very diffi-
cult, there are many days with-
out school due to the extremely
hot weather.
-Jewel P.
This school year has been a
deep journey of growth and re-
silience, shaping us to be
stronger individuals amid the
stress and strain.
-RJC
"This school year is full of
rollercoaster experiences.
-Sandra G."
Amidst the scorching heat of the
school year, we found the warmth
of knowledge and the cool breeze
of friendship.
-Bianca P.
A chaotic, distressing, yet produc-
tive and flexibly adjusting school
year.
--Rean Nielle Carbadilla 10-
Diamond
This year teaches me how to be an
independent and strong. This has
been very draining with lot of un-
expected happenings in my life
happens each day but my friends
made it all better.
-Kenneth N.
This school year 2023-2024 has
been great, I met new friends alt-
hough at first I'm also scared about
the trials and challenges like in-
creased academic pressures but I
made it. -Zapanta
 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Gleam
Don’t be Lazy: Think Wisely
What an addictive AI!
Many people have been using
this lately in their everyday
lives. Most of them are students.
But there are older ones too.
There are many reasons why
everyone is using this. But first,
let us talk about what AI is. Ar-
tificial Intelligence or we usual-
ly call it AI, "refers to a comput-
er system capable of performing
complex tasks that historically
only a human could do, such as
reasoning, making decisions, or
Man against Nature
Too little is dangerous,
but too much is just as perilous.
Summer is near and the appear-
ance of the climatological phe-
nomenon, El Nino, in the Philip-
pines has caused yet again anoth-
er uproar among the citizens.
These days, the impacts of the
phenomena have affected several
regions with droughts and other
issues, leading to the suspension
of classes at different levels and
disturbance to the agricultural
economy. Carrying severe im-
pacts that could affect the well-
being and livelihood of people,
the El Nino poses a grave threat
to the country.
The El Nino is a weather
event that appears irregularly be-
tween 2 to 7 years and lasts about
half a year. It is a naturally occur-
ring phenomenon that involves
warming the surface of the ocean
and eventually leads to extreme
weather events. The dry spells,
heavy rainfall, and heat waves
caused by the El Nino cause mul-
tiple problems globally, especial-
ly in tropical countries. In the
Philippines where droughts and
dry spells are expected, this could
affect climate-sensitive industries
Jelly E. Muyco
solving problems." This definition
comes from the writings of
Coursera Staff.
Due to its skills, a lot of stu-
dents just download this app and
let Artificial Intelligence answer
their homework. Whenever a per-
son wants to write a song, poem,
story, or even a breakup message,
AI can do this right away. It helps
each and everyone's life easier,
especially for the adults.
However not all the time
Ava Margarette A. Basa
such as agriculture and public
welfare. In addition, the heat
waves affect the well-being of the
citizens, leading to illnesses such
as heat stroke and high blood pres-
sure while droughts may eventual-
ly cause crop failure and affect
food production. Not only that, the
spread of diseases such as cholera
and Zika virus which typically
occur during the hot season in-
creases because of the effects of
El Nino.
These days, the Philip-
pines' heat index seems to domi-
nate the charts more than celebri-
ties as the forecasted average tem-
perature hit 42° Celsius. Accord-
ing to PAGASA, the El Nino re-
mains active and is expected to
persist until May 2024. This has
led several schools to change the
whole-day class schedule into half
-day classes. Furthermore, since
the beginning of March, the tem-
perature has reached the "extreme
caution" and "danger" levels,
which means the average tempera-
ture has reached 40-50° Celsius.
In the West Visayas region, the
suspension of classes was ordered
in several cities such as Iloilo and
Page 6
this is useful. Artificial Intelli-
gence can impact the loss of hu-
man decision-making. Someone
who is using this can be less pro-
ductive too. Which makes this
generation dependent and ad-
dicted to it.
There is no problem having a
difficult situation and asking AI,
but just do not put all of your
time into it. Thinking from your
idea is much better than depend-
ing. Always remember to think
before entering into new things.
Bacolod City, although private
schools with air-conditioned
rooms were given the discretion
to continue face-to-face classes.
The extreme heat alerted
even the Department of Educa-
tion which led to several adjust-
ments in the classes these
months, including shortened class
hours and allowance of comforta-
ble clothes in school. The issue
raised several ideas to mitigate
the negative effects of the heat
wave, especially to the students.
The suspension of classes is also
announced whenever the heat in-
dex passes the normal tempera-
ture range to secure the safety
and well-being of both teachers
and students.
The El Nino this year has
set the heat record as one of the
strongest in the list. The disrup-
tion and negative impacts it
caused are a call for the imple-
mentation of better disaster and
climate resilience. Either globally
or locally, uncontrollable events
such as this can only be mitigated
with cooperation and counter-
measures. That is because, unlike
physical adversities, what is man
against nature?

Page 7
Championing Literacy:
HNHS launches YES to READ
Julienne Fay D. Albia
Responding to the National
Reading Month theme ―Pagbasa:
Pag asa para sa Matatag na Kinabu-
kasan", Handumanan National High
School-English Department
launched a school initiated reading
program YES to Read last February
21, 2024.
T he Yearn, Engage, and
Strive (YES) to Read program aims
to foster the love for reading and
help struggling readers in Handu-
manan National High School.
―It is the desire of the Eng-
lish Department to provide an op-
portunity for every learner especial-
ly those who are frustrated readers
to develop their reading skills, and
comprehension. With this program,
we hope to achieve 100% independ-
ent readers in this institution.‖
Maam Ester Mae A. Estavas,
HNHS Reading Coordinator said
"Empowering Minds:
Celebrating National
Reading Month
Julienne Fay D. Albia
Ticking the bookworm
spirit of Handumanians, the
HNHS-English Department host-
ed an array of fun and educational
activities during the month-long
“Bringing Home the Bacon: Handumanan National High School...
From page 1
Lastly, HNHS was honored
with the esteemed CSC Dangal
Ng Bayan Award for its excep-
tional contributions to public ser-
vice, highlighting its dedication to
upholding integrity and profes-
sionalism.
The accomplishments of
HNHS would not have been pos-
sible without the unwavering sup-
port of the school‘s SPTA offic-
ers, parents, and stakeholders,
their ongoing support and belief in
NEWS FEATURE
during her speech.
The event was attended
by various stakeholders like the
Mt. Kanlandog Lions Club,
Brgy. Handumanan Council,
SPTA officers, and parents who
gave their generous donation of
reading materials for the learn-
ers.
―I am grateful for this
initiative by the English Depart-
ment and for the benevolent sup-
Mr. Allan M. Pomada together with SPTA President Mervin H. Cosio during the signing of
the commitment form along with other stakeholders
Reading Month celebration
The school seeks to pro-
mote the importance of literacy
and instill a passion for reading
through the wide variety of ac-
tivities such as the grammar bin-
go, quiz bee, poster-making con-
test, and the parade of book
characters.
The culminating activity
the school‘s vision have played a
vital role in its success.
HNHS expresses grati-
tude to the Department of Educa-
tion‘s Bacolod Division (SDO
Bacolod) for acknowledging and
honoring the school‘s achieve-
ments, as well as to Doctor Mi-
chael Gasapo Divinagracia, the
Public Schools District Supervi-
sor of the Division of Bacolod
City, for his unwavering belief in
HNHS‘s potential.
The Gleam
port from our stakeholders. Tru-
ly HNHS continues its commit-
ment in providing quality edu-
cation to the community.‖ Mr.
Allan M. Pomada, Principal III
expressed enthusiastically dur-
ing the event.
The reading program
welcomes volunteers from the
community or other sectors to
give reading tutorials to our
learners throughout the school.
transported the audience to the dif-
ferent realms of their favorite clas-
sics from World literature.
―I am happy with the sup-
port and active participation of our
learners. I hope this activity will
give them the motivation to love
reading.‖ Mr. Ricky L. Sinfuego
expressed his appreciation during
the event.
The remarkable accom-
plishments of the staff and stu-
dents of Handumanan National
High School at the Kadung-
ganan Division Praise Awards
2023 serve as an inspiration
and exemplary model for edu-
cational institutions throughout
the division, showcasing their
unwavering commitment to ex-
cellence, dedication, and coop-
eration.
Padayon Handumanians
Tubtob sa Kadalag an!
 SPORTS
The Gleam Page 8

HNHS ML team advances to Provincial Meet ‘23

From Page 1

We are glad to bring honor

to our school through this game.‖
Gian Kirby Latoza, one of the
players exclaimed proudly.
The HNHS Mobile Leg-
ends squad, also known as the
"Dream High with designated roles
are Rove Acot (Jungler), Jeremy
Porquez (Roamer), Mark Rivera
HNHS Dream High with their coaches ready to slay the Provincial Meet ‘23
(Mage), Gian Kerby Latoza
(Marksman), Kent Gabriel Tag on E-sports that it is easy, use- High‖ is now gearing for the
(Exp), and Anton Raphael Dela less, and a waste of time. E- upcoming Provincial Meet in
(Six-man Exp) with their coaches sports actually develop team- April.
Bea A. Buenconsejo, Rosa Mae E. work, strategic thinking, and HNHS team ―Dream
Caseres, and Rexsil Montepio. sportsmanship among the play- High‖ is now gearing for the
―With this success I hope to ers,‖ Latoza added. Upcoming Provincial Meet in
change the perspective of people HNHS team ―Dream April.

HNHS Drum and Lyre Band Hits their Winning Cord

Likah Jane B. Cocjin
Here comes the band with ceptional achievements, the
stadium. Band was allowed to lead the
a bang!
In line with this, during Division Athletic Meet, show-
Handumanan National
the festive season, the HNHS casing their talents and harmo-
High School Drum and Lyre Band
Drum and Lyre Band also made a ny.
has once again achieved a signifi-
remarkable history at the Bacolod "Being part of the
cant milestone as they pulled off
City Masskara Festiva, bringing HNHS Band and Lyre was a
the 2nd Runner-up position among
off another achievement to their good experience for us because
seven schools in the entire Divi-
list by securing the 1st runner-up we can showcase our talents
sion of Bacolod last February 15,
spot, thus bringing home another and unity within our band. Our
2024, at the STI-WNU Drum and
victory. band's accomplishments have
Lyre contest held at the STI-WNU
In addition to those ex- provided us a great exposure
and we're proud to represent our
school in those competitions
"asserted Jezsa Mae Cabalhin,
the Mother Majorette of the
band as she expressed her pride
and gratitude.
Daphne Joy Demegillo,
the trainer of the band ex-
pressed her appreciation to the
school and stakeholders for
their support.
The HNHS Drum and
Lyre Band's exceptional
achievements showcase their
dedication, teamwork, and tal-
ent bringing pride to the whole
HNHS community.
HNHS band showcasing their graceful routine during the STI-WNU drum and lyre competition
 Literary
The Gleam Page 9

Willow What if?

The Ones we once loved
Iza Gabrielle F. Velez By: Jeraldine Mae Martinico
By: Jeraldine Mae Martinico
Have your rest, dear poor soul
rest peacefully under this tree of willow What if I didn't grow up as an I don't know this feeling
close thy eyes and let tranquil crawl academic achiever?
But all I know is that something
hear the wind and birds harmonies, not Maybe by now, I won't be carry- or maybe---someone is missing.
loud but mellow. ing a lot of pressure. I know it was my fault for our
Have your rest, in this cold night What if, in the first place, I have- separation.
n't met all of your expectations? To be honest, for me, it wasn't
teeming night skies filled with stars,
Would you still stare at me with an easy decision.
both thy soul and eyes bedazzled in so much love and affection?
delight You understood my reason.
But now, I am missing your at-
by just staring, it heals your scars.
If I'll show you my vulnerable tention.
side,
Have your rest, thy weary spirit Would you still look at me with I kinda crave those late-night
let thy soul ventures far away so much pride? head pats
and meanders in peace for just a minute If I didn't ace all those tests And somehow, our all-day
cringe chats.
it's in the evening but as light as the Would you still think I'm the
dayz best? Your messages that made my
heart flutter,
— Velez, Iza Gabrielle Franco | Have And if I fail to aim for those high
grades, And your voice made it beat
your rest
faster.
Would your impressed smile to-
The way you'd assure me of eve-
wards me won't fade?
rything,
Tomorrow starts Today And to my friends, I'd do the
Cshem Segovia bragging.
Honk, honk, honk! Deafening sounds of different vehicles fill her
surrounding. Inhaling the air around her, she coughed hard as there is noth-
ing fresh nor good about it. It just feels suffocating. Looking around, she You told me that distance is not
saw what our world truly became. Not the fresh, green, and calm world it a hindrance,
used to be but a world full of stones as buildings and gray smoke for air But rather, a chance to prove that
with no trees in sight. A world polluted in every manner. They say, the if it's true love, we will surpass
world is evolving and upgrading. She knew better. No amount of air condi- any circumstance.
tioner can mask the heat we are facing. At a young age, she knew it won't
get better until everyone united, it will only get worse. Then, reality You were my solace and my safe
snapped her out of her delusions of making the world a better place. After place,
all, she was nothing but a child, the adults always know better. Too much Not until my priorities were re-
that they fill the air with smoke from their factories, too much that they cut placed.
trees to build more infrastructures, too much that they fight in wars disre-
garding the tragedy everyone is facing. If this keeps happening, no adult, no
child, no one living organism will be spared. Yet, does it always have to be And through this poem, I'd like
like that? A thought flowers in her mind, reminding her she is but a child to say "thank you"
and she can help make the difference. And she did at a very young age. Be- For in this world full of lies, you
ing a part of organizations with environmental causes, be it in school, in were true.
their city, in their country. She is determined not to stop until a big change
is made. A change that will ensure the safety of their future, a change that You were sunshine; pure and
will be made by unheard voices of children striving for their future and their constant
planet. Determined to not stop until her voice for change will be heard and While it was midnight rain; hard
touch the depths of people's hearts to unite for a better tomorrow. She start- to understand.
ed small, with tree plantings and clean-up drives, to conventions where a
child gets to speak in behalf of every child in all parts of the world. Slowly I guess we're meant to be a les-
but surely, people started listening, slowly but surely, a change is being son to each other
made. Slowly but surely, she changed the world. Not for herself but for a But not meant to be together.
better future for tomorrow starts today.
 Literary
Shame: He Who Destroys
Kleizelle A. Alvarado

crumbles.
Mountains, oh, what a great vista
to be seen. But then...
But what are they made of? I saw something- no, somebody- on He came rear.
top. And the process became appar-
Crud and minerals?
The culpability in those eyes is per- ent to me.
Or is it something else?
ceptible. It will never thwart.
Something else that smokes,
Yet, his hands are still toting just
reeks, burns, and flares-
like before. Every passing day that he came
Something that might not even be
Impairing and tumulting on what about,
a thing at all.
was before green- I endeavoured to shout.
Or is it?
But it was now the hue of black and Can't he see?
Just what is it? grey.
Oh, those poor, poor varmints.
And let me apprise you,
It seems so tight yet so novel. All they desired was to live.
It was hideous- really ugly.
Seems so callous yet so tantaliz- And yet, every time they do so,
ing. They break.
As I stood unmoving,
And what's that?
I hadn't noticed that several days
What's that sound I hear? But no words ever came out.
had passed.
I glimpsed what it was, Or probably there is.
And it forms to grow again.
And I stared in shock. It's just that he never heard it.
The land is pastel,
Weren't there trees just a moment The loudness bashes his ear
The air is cooler,
ago? locked.
And the plants are much, much lofti-
But now... Never to take advice from a trim
er.
All I notice are decrypted filth and being.

CAPTURED: 203 DAYS in HNHS

One Billion Dance FIRST DAY HIGHT

The resumption of face-to-face classes was filled with anxiety, anticipation, and excitement. As "HANDUMANAN"
means "memorial" treasured experiences, amazing opportunities, suprised friendships, and outstanding achievements
will surely leave a legacy as the curtain for SY 2023-2024 falls.