The Marian Torch

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭

Leadership, at its core, is not about position. Clad in humility and guided by faith, Sr. Ma. Violeta S. Juanico, RVM, embodies a kind of leadership that transcends titles—one rooted in service, excellence, and unwavering devotion. More than an administrator, she carries a mission: to guide minds, nurture hearts, and inspire a community to grow not only in knowledge, but in purpose.

When she was appointed President of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. in 2019, she stepped into her role with both reverence and resolve. Carrying forward the vision of her predecessor, Sr. Ma. Ceferina E. Bodiongan, RVM, along with the legacy of those who came before her, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing transformative, quality Catholic education anchored in the core values of Mother Ignacia.

Building upon an already strong foundation, her presidency has been marked by both continuity and growth. Under her guidance, the institution has not only sustained its standards but has also reached new milestones that reflect its enduring pursuit of excellence.

“One of the most significant milestones has been the successful attainment of triple PAASCU accreditations for the IBED, Senior High School, and the Nursing Department, a grace-filled achievement for which we offer our deepest gratitude to God. Equally meaningful was the institution’s transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 21001:2018, a step that reflects our continued commitment to excellence, relevance, and mission-driven service,” she shared.

Yet behind these milestones lies a story of persistence and quiet labor. For her, progress is never defined by a single achievement, but by a continuous process of refinement—one that demands time, effort, and sacrifice.

“Pursuing quality education is costly. In PAASCU accreditation and ISO certification, significant resources are required. Beyond that, there is the rigorous documentation expected of our personnel, the continuous upkeep of our physical plant, and the many demands placed on our teachers and staff. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, preparing reports and ensuring that standards are not only met, but lived out each day,” she reflected.

Beyond institutional demands, another layer of responsibility emerges. As a Catholic institution entrusted with the formation of its students, the school is called to honor the expectations of parents while nurturing the holistic growth of those under its care. At the same time, it remains essential to listen to the voices of Ignacian Marian students—young individuals who entrust the institution with their aspirations and their future.

Still, amid these challenges, progress is sustained not by ease but by shared commitment. Through collaboration and a unified sense of purpose, the community continues to move forward.

“We are not a perfect organization. No matter how we strive for excellence, we recognize that we still fall short. Yet, through the steadfast support and collaboration of our department heads, our guards, canteen and maintenance personnel, teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as our parents, and alumni, we continue to move forward with hope and determination. We remain committed to giving our very best for our students.

In truth, it is through these struggles and challenges that we have grown—becoming better, so we do more and give more—for SMCB, the school we all love, and for the students entrusted to our care.” This spirit of perseverance is deeply rooted in her philosophy as a leader and educator.
For her, education extends beyond the pursuit of intellectual excellence; it is a holistic formation of the person.

“Quality education is the formation of the mind, the heart, and the hands of the students. That’s why we uphold faith, excellence, and service at the core of all we do. More than academic achievement, we value the holistic formation of every learner.

Nowadays, IQ alone is not the only thing that matters—EQ is equally essential. There must be a balance. As an educator and a leader, I try hard to strike a balance between competence and character. We cannot settle for mediocrity. I also strive to lead with love, and to pursue excellence with a heart. This is a commitment I carry with deep conviction and take genuine pride in.”

Ultimately, her vision reaches far beyond the walls of the institution. It is reflected in the kind of individuals the school seeks to form—students who carry the core values of Venerable Ignacia del Espíritu Santo into the world.

“Always strive to be a person who not only knows how to think, but also how to love and how to serve. Love must always be present, but it must also be guided by wisdom and balance. Sometimes, when we simply say ‘love, love, love,’ without discernment, people may take advantage of us.

There must always be balance in everything. Yet one truth remains: you can never go wrong with being kind and loving. When our students leave St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, I hope they carry with them the values the school has imparted to them, that no matter what life brings, they hold on to their faith and continue to give back generously to the community.”

Through years of dedicated service, Sister Violy has left more than a mark on the institution—she has helped shape its direction, strengthen its foundations, and influence lives in lasting ways.

Her leadership, grounded in faith and expressed through quiet consistency and genuine compassion, is reflected not only in the school’s achievements but in the values lived out by the community she continues to guide.

In this, her legacy is not confined to her years of service. It lives on in every student formed, every educator inspired, and every life transformed.

✍️: Denise Margaret Magcalas
🎨: Chrizendric Ortega

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦: 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞

Long before graduation, Mr. Glenn Eugene Caluag and Mr. Rancis Lopez had already begun building lives beyond the classroom. Known across campus as an inseparable duo, their friendship extended beyond shared lectures, often finding them working side by side behind the lens. As working students, they navigated responsibility, ambition, and exhaustion—each with their own goals, yet united by a shared passion for their craft.

For Lopez, being a videographer was not just a passion—it was a commitment and a full-time responsibility. From Monday to Friday, he was a diligent nursing student, often seen walking through the halls with a video camera in hand and a warm smile on his face. But when the weekend came, his role shifted. Saturdays and Sundays were spent covering events, traveling to different locations, and capturing moments through multiple frames.

“After nung COVID—nagkasakit ako doon, Delta variant. At that time, inisip ko na parang second life ko na ito. Gusto kong ma-fulfill yung dreams ko. Yung naipon ko noong Grade 11, iyon yung pinambili ko ng first camera ko—DJI Osmo. Financially, kulang din talaga, kaya naging working student ako. Humanap ako ng paraan not just for myself, but also to help my parents. And we all know that nursing is expensive, so we really have to prepare financially. Malaking tulong din talaga na nagkaroon kami ng scholarship sa school.”

For Caluag, on the other hand, photography began as a creative outlet—a freelancing pursuit driven by passion. For him, it was not just an added responsibility, but a space where he could express himself, step outside routine, and find enjoyment amid the pressures of student life.

“Wala akong idea about freelancing noong nag-enter ako sa college. Mahilig lang talaga akong mag-picture gamit ang phone. Then I met Ranz—shinare niya sa akin yung knowledge niya about photography. Sumasama ako sa events niya until sumubok na rin akong mag-freelance on my own. Passion lang talaga—ayoko na maging normal lang yung life ko during college. Gusto ko ma-enjoy yung buhay ko.”

Despite their different motivations, both shared the same reality—juggling the demands of nursing school while pursuing their personal goals. Days often blurred together, with lectures, clinical duties, and work commitments overlapping. In moments like these, rest was no longer expected, but something they learned to value whenever it came.

“When doing freelancing while attending school, sometimes nakaka-overwhelm, especially kapag sunod-sunod yung events. But I always make sure na priority ko pa rin ang nursing school.”

“Usually, Saturday or Sunday may event. Kapag swinerte, meron pareho. Noong hinandle namin si Chelsea Manalo for Miss Universe Philippines, umabot kami ng 22 hours roaming around Bulacan. Galing akong duty sa Makati ng 1 AM, tapos gumising ako ng 3 AM para mag-prepare. Talagang kasama ang pagod kapag working student ka—double effort. Kaya kapag alam kong may event ako, ginagawa ko na lahat ng academic tasks ko in advance. Pagkatapos ng shoot, kakain, magpa-pack up, then uuwi. Madalas, hindi na ako nakakatulog—kung may quiz kinabukasan, nagre-review pa ako habang biyahe.”

Despite their demanding schedules, they carried the same sense of purpose in both worlds—moving seamlessly between being students and professionals. Over time, they learned to manage not only their responsibilities, but also themselves. They understood that balance meant recognizing their limits, prioritizing their well-being, and staying grounded.

“Kailangan mo pa ring magpahinga. Bawi ng tulog. Sarili mo muna—bilang nurse, kailangan ma-save mo muna ang sarili mo bago ang iba. Take time to breathe.”
Beyond time management, Lopez also emphasized the importance of having a strong support system.

“Kailangan talaga ng support system—yung maiintindihan ka, tulad ng parents ko. Minsan hindi nakikita ng iba yung effort. Siguro ang hinahanap ko noon ay yung simpleng tanong na ‘Okay ka lang ba?’ Malaking bagay iyon. Buti na lang, may mga kaibigan ako na nakakakita kahit sa simpleng tingin pa lang.”

These experiences allowed Lopez and Caluag to strengthen their ability to connect with people—an essential skill in nursing, where empathy and rapport are just as important as clinical knowledge.
“I built so many connections with people. Sa work ko, kailangan marunong kang mag-build ng rapport, and nagagamit ko rin iyon sa nursing. Sa panahon ngayon, character and values ang tinitingnan ng tao. Malaki ang edge ko dahil sa foundation na binigay ng school sa akin.”

“Wala akong regrets na nagtrabaho ako during college. Napakalaking tulong nito sa akin. Now that I’m a Registered Nurse, dala ko pa rin siya—and I still freelance when I can.”
Looking back, their journey is no longer just about balancing work and academics, but about who they became in the process.

“I am very proud. Without failures and experience, walang improvement. Mas mabuti nang sumubok kaysa magsisi. Kailangan mong masagot yung tanong na ‘Para kanino ka bumabangon?’ Pero huwag mo ring hayaang iyon ang sumira sa’yo. Be proud of what you have.”

“If you’re going to work while studying, make sure it comes from passion. Kasi kung mahal mo yung ginagawa mo, hindi mo mararamdaman yung pagod.”

Even after graduation, Lopez continues to pursue his craft, eventually establishing RL Studios, while Caluag now serves in a full-time role at the school clinic, occasionally collaborating with him on projects. Their story is one of perseverance, growth, and purpose—one they hope will inspire others facing similar challenges.

“Shinashare ko lang yung story ko para makapag-inspire din. Para sa mga nao-overwhelm ngayon—balang araw, babalikan mo ito at ipagmamalaki mo kung ano ang kinaya mong pagdaanan. Magkakaroon ka ng matibay na foundation na hindi basta masisira—dahil iyon ang naghubog sa kung sino ka ngayon.”

✍️: Denise Margaret Magcalas

Support Mr. Rancis Lopez here: https://www.facebook.com/share/18MnNFJRZe/

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐮𝐚𝐠

What once felt like a child’s wonder—believing the stars were following them—has come full circle for the Batch of 2026, who have taken a step closer to the dreams they once whispered to the night sky. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the graduates of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. marked a significant milestone as they completed their bachelor’s degrees in a ceremony filled with pride, gratitude, and quiet reflection.

Hosted by Ms. Annabel Gonzales, the clinical graduation commenced with the processional march of graduates and awardees, setting a tone of solemn celebration. The atmosphere deepened as the College Salindayog Dance Troupe performed a doxology, blending artistry with reverence, followed by the symbolic hooding ceremony that formally welcomed students into their respective professions.

The presentation of candidates was led by S. Ma. Anita S. Tomas, RVM, Dean of the College, followed by the conferment of degrees by S. M. Violeta S. Juanico, RVM. Each moment carried the weight of years of perseverance, made visible in every step taken across the stage.

Adding inspiration to the ceremony, alumnus Mr. Lanzen Gio R. Cruz, PHRN, USRN, delivered a heartfelt message, reminding graduates that when challenges arise—and he knows they will—they must hold on to their dreams, reflect on how far they have come, and cherish the people who have been part of their journey.
The program continued with a speech by Ms. Aby Nisha M. Morales of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, followed by the much-anticipated distribution of diplomas and awards.

Recognition was also given to PNLE and LET passers, highlighting the standard of excellence that the institution consistently upholds.
A poignant moment unfolded as a plaque of appreciation was awarded to Ms. Raquel M. Bautista, a retiree who dedicated 22 years of service to the institution, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped generations of students. This was followed by the pledge of loyalty led by Ms. Lorenz Therese M. Abelanes and the formal induction of graduates into the SMCB Alumni Association by Mr. Caesar T. Chico.

Representing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mr. Vincent C. Alcantara delivered the words of gratitude, capturing the collective voice of the batch—one that echoed resilience, unity, and hope. The ceremony concluded with an audio-visual presentation that left the audience in awe, before the recessional marked the end of the formal rites.

As the afternoon finished, the graduates stood not at an ending, but at the threshold of new beginnings. Years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and unwavering determination have finally blossomed into achievement. More than individual efforts, it was the shared journey—with family, friends, mentors, and one another—that carried them through.

And just like the stars they once believed were following them, their dreams remain within reach—now, they are ready to chase them.

✍️: Janna Marie Bertiz
📸: Zhac Gabrielle Santos

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐁𝐒𝐍 𝟑 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬

After months of brainstorming, data gathering, and analysis, the third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag successfully completed their research presentations and oral defenses, marking the culmination of their collective efforts in their respective research projects.

The BSN 3 students, divided into eight groups, conducted their oral defenses on March 24–25, 2026, at the BSN PAASCU Room. The sessions were presided over by their research adviser, Ms. Rosalie Villanueva, and evaluated by a distinguished panel of researchers composed of Dr. Mark Lajom, Ms. Gloryfiel Entendez, Ms. Annabel Gonzales, and Ms. Ailes Dela Fuente.

More than just an academic requirement, the research defense served as a significant milestone for the students. It provided them with the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop their skills in conducting evidence-based studies, addressing real-world problems, and contributing new knowledge to their field.

Congratulations, BSN 3 Students!

✍️: Cyrus Kobe Cruz

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐒𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Bulacan Private School Association (BulPriSa) successfully held its Provincial Cultural Meet last February 5–6, 2026 at Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., bringing together talented students from different private schools across the province to celebrate creativity, culture, and self-expression.

The two-day event showcased various literary, artistic, and speech competitions that highlighted the skills, confidence, and passion of delegates from various schools. Participants exhibit their artistry in poster making, essay writing, oration, poetry, declamation, and other cultural events.

Day 1 of the competition marked several notable achievements. Below are the winners and participants:
● James Nicholo Estanislao – Poster Making Contest (4th Place w/ Medal)
● Christine Joy Ramos – Sanaysay (Certificate of Participation)
● Karen Santiago – Oration (Certificate of Participation)
● Micha Nicdao – Extemporaneous Speech (Certificate of Participation)
● Janna Marie Bertiz – Essay Writing (Certificate of Participation)
● Reuben Cano – Spoken Poetry (Certificate of Participation)

The celebration of talent continued on Day 2, with the following winners and participants who gave all their best:
● Mariel Joson – Tula (4th Place w/ Medal)
● Reiane Dela Rosa – Declamation (4th Place w/ Medal)
● Christelle Jane Cruz – Talumpating Handa (Certificate of Participation)

The BulPriSa Provincial Cultural Meet 2026 served not only as a competition but also as a platform for students to express their ideas, creativity, and cultural identity. A big congratulations to all the winners and participants for representing SMCB with excellence and pride!

✍️: Jaemie Nicole De Guzman
🎨: Chrizendric Ortega
📸: Zhac Gabrielle Santos, Darius Ancheta

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬!

With great pride and joy, we warmly congratulate one of our club alumni on her remarkable achievement in passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)! This incredible milestone brings immense honor and pride to our entire organization.

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝐒𝐚 𝐆𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐚

Ang mainit na kalsada ay nababalot ng pula—
mga talulot, mga liham, mga pangakong
binurda sa pagitan ng dalawang pangalan.

Ngunit sa pagitan ng mga bulaklak at liham,
may isang pusong walang imik na naghihintay.
ang pusong matagal nang nagkandili sa akin
kahit ako’y nagkulang sa pagkilala rito.

Ilang ulit ko itong ipinagpaliban,
isinantabi ang sariling pagod at pangamba;
inuna ang iba bago ang sarili,
na para bang kasalanang mahalin ang sarili muna.

Kaya ngayong araw ng mga puso,
pinipili kong ako ang unang yayapos sa aking dibdib.
Sapagkat bago ko ihandog ang tibok na ito sa iba,
dapat marunong muna itong tumibok para sa sarili.

✍️: Kenneth Dela Cruz
🎨: Rebekah Jewel Folden

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | 𝐂𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐝’𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞

Alas, the day of hearts and roses is here
Where lovers tenderly hold each other near
Flowers bloom, affections laid bare
But by the corner, I sit and stare

This game of love I paid no mind
For pain is something I wished not to find
As I walk these hallways all alone
I quietly accept having no one of my own

But then I hear it, the beat of my heart
The fluttering of butterflies within me starts
With coffee skin and hazel eyes
You brought down my guard, caught me by surprise

Whenever you're near, I feel a type of rush
When our eyes meet, I try to hide a blush
The way you smile, I can't seem to forget
I think that Cupid’s found his next target

Should I run? Should I take the shot?
Or should I wait until these feelings rot
But as our fingers intertwine
I know your heart mirrors mine

✍️: Denise Margaret Magcalas
🎨: Rebekah Jewel Folden

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐍𝐋𝐄

Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—one filled with uncertainty, perseverance, and hope. For nursing graduates, the journey does not end when they walk across the stage; in many ways, it is only just beginning. This was the case for Mr. Jose Gabriel Castro, one of our proud alumni, as he prepared to face one of the biggest hurdles in a nurse’s journey—the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE).

After graduation, Mr. Castro experienced a range of emotions—sadness, happiness, fear, and hope—but above all, he felt grateful, knowing that years of hard work had finally paid off and that he could take a well-deserved break. Beneath the celebration, however, was the realization that the journey was far from over.

Almost immediately, he returned to his notes and review materials, recognizing that the board examination required the same commitment and focus that had carried him through nursing school. He enrolled in an online review center while working part-time at a nearby clinic during the early phase of his comprehensive review.

“Those were the defining moments when I tried to double my efforts as the PNLE drew nearer. I worked part-time, usually in the afternoons, then went home to read, watch recorded lectures, and answer thousands of practice questions. I did this for four months, studying every night from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., sometimes extending until 1:00 a.m. when I could.”

Beyond the physical exhaustion and demanding routine, Mr. Castro also faced a different kind of pressure—one rooted in expectations. As a Cum Laude graduate, he was aware of the institution’s hopes, including the unspoken expectation that he might emerge not only as a passer, but possibly as a topnotcher. Instead of letting this overwhelm him, he used it as motivation to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to giving his best throughout his preparation.

“I felt pressured, to be honest. And that only made me more eager to strive, not afraid to answer the test. I turned it into something positive, knowing that I carried not only my own name, but also the name of my school in taking the PNLE.”

When the long-awaited examination day finally arrived, the pressure of preparation gave way to a new set of challenges—those that went beyond review notes and test questions. With only three hours of rest, he settled into the exam room, pencil in hand and a heart filled with determination.

“There were moments I felt confident,” he recalls, “especially during Nursing Practice 1 and 4—I knew the concepts and trusted my answers. But other subjects, like Nursing Practice 2, 3, and 5, made me doubt myself a little, perhaps because fatigue was setting in after the first day. Nursing Practice 3, being highly objective, was particularly challenging.”

Despite the fatigue and pressure, a simple piece of advice from his proctor stayed with him: “Once you walk out the door and feel that you will pass, you shall pass.” With that mindset, he waited in confidence—not out of sheer luck, but as the result of hard work and dedication.

And claim it he did. On November 27, 2025, at around 3:00 a.m., he was awakened by his proud family with the exciting news that he had officially become a licensed registered nurse. As he now sees the two letters beside his name, he remembers the late nights, endless review sessions, and how every hour of preparation, every challenge, and every small victory contributed to this defining moment.

“I would like to advise everyone, even freshman student nurses, to listen to your beloved instructors. The lessons they share might become points on the board exam. Start preparing from the moment you enter nursing, because your goal should be to become a first-take passer. Prepare and listen. You can take it slowly, and sooner or later, you will be the ones congratulated as the new RNs of our nation. God bless, and may your abilities bring you closer to your aspirations in life.”

✍️: Denise Margaret Magcalas
🎨: Rebekah Jewel Folden

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐅𝐮𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐌𝐂𝐁 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬

On January 15, 2026, the College Department of SMCB conducted a field trip to Batangas that provided students with meaningful opportunities for learning, recreation, and personal development.

The first destination was the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lipa. There, students gained insights into the cathedral’s historical and cultural importance while appreciating its architectural beauty. Time was also allotted for prayer and self-reflection.

The second part of the trip took place at Shercon Resort and Ecology Park, where students participated in various team-building activities designed to strengthen cooperation and unity. Activities such as the maze, hula hoop, and ring toss challenges encouraged collaboration in an engaging and creative environment.

Students also took part in adventurous activities including ziplining, rappelling, and wall climbing, which helped develop their confidence and resilience. In addition, water safety and basic first aid training were conducted to enhance students’ preparedness for emergency situations.

Afterward, students were given free time to enjoy the resort’s facilities, including swimming pools, ATV rides, and go-karts, while bonding with their peers.

Overall, the field trip was a successful endeavor that balanced recreation and education, providing students with valuable learning experiences and lasting memories beyond the classroom.

✍️: Cyrus Kobe Cruz

𝐓𝐌𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡: 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐲

BSN 4 students, together with fellow graduating cohorts from BSIT and BSEd, took a meaningful pause from their academic responsibilities as they participated in a three-day retreat at the Betania Retreat House in Tagaytay from January 12 to 14. The activity was accompanied by Ms. Annaliza San Mateo, RN, and Sis. Ma. Falentina Kemba, RVM.

Presided over by Rev. Fr. Micha Competente, SSP, the retreat provided students with an opportunity to step back from the pressures of classes and RLE duties and focus on personal and spiritual renewal. Through guided prayers, reflections, and sharing sessions, participants were encouraged to reconnect with themselves and deepen their relationship with the Lord while fostering unity and friendship among peers.

More than a break from routine, the retreat highlighted SMCB’s commitment to holistic formation by nurturing not only students’ academic competence but also their spiritual growth and personal maturity.

✍️: Earl Igaya