IIHC Newsletter Organization

December 31, 2023 (11:08 P.M. UTC +08 Philippine Standard Time)

Nobyembre 03, 2023, ganap na oras ng 3:38 ng Hapon


☆Espesiyal na Akda para sa Panahon ng Undas☆


“Namayapang Paruparo”

Naging saksi ang araw at buwan
Sa pagsindi ko ng kandila
Ngayong araw ng mga kaluluwa
Ngunit tila’y puno ng dalita

Nakakaramdam ako ng lagim
Ngayong gabing nababalot ng dilim
Sumama pala sa paraiso ang mahal nating naglilihim
Binawi ang buhay na hiniram na nagdulot ng pagkulimlim

Balik nakaraan sa mga tanawin
Mapapasabi nalang ng “bakit hindi nasulit ang samahan natin?”
Huling sandaling hindi nabigyan ng muling pagkakataon na makapiling
Labis ang pagsisisi at tanong sa sarili “bakit ganito ang nangyari?”

Sana'y panaginip lang ang lahat
Sumasabay nalang ako sa agos ng dagat
Paulit-ulit kong sasabihin sa'yo ang salitang salamat
Ang sulat na ito ay para sa iyo at tapat

Kahit namayapa na ang paruparo
Ang pagdapo mo sa palad ko
Ay pinapahalagahan ko
Sana masaya ka sa kabilang mundo

Sa pagpatay ko ng kandila
Tumingin ako sa kalangitan at inalala ang bawat ala-ala
Naiwan mo man kaming iyong kaibigan at pamilya
Hindi ka namin makakalimutan dahil ikaw ang liwanag ng pag-asa

Papalayain ko na ang hawak kong ibon
Tatanggapin ang kinahitnan at katotohanan
Mananalangin kami para sa kapayapaan
Palagi ka naming aalalahanin hindi man araw ng kaluluwa— mahal naming namayapang paruparo


Panulat at Litrato kuha ni:
Reialene N. Valladarez (Grade 12 - HUMSS, Novaliches)

November 02, 2023 12:00mn (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

An All Saints' Day/ All Souls' Day Special

"The Elysium Field of Dreams: An Article in Commemoration of Our Dreams that were Buried Against Our Will"

The common denominator of Dreams, and Death is the thought that everyone has to experience it. Everyone has dreams; these dreams may be about someone or something we have always longed to achieve, or it may be related to a passion we have always wanted to pursue. Everybody has dreams from their early childhood years, but as we grow older, we gradually realize that even if we have the most wonderful desires for ourselves, they are only meant to be the dreams that will eventually be outgrown, buried, and forgotten forever.


Back then, we used to dream of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, an astronaut wandering in the infinite universe, and/or a flight attendant wearing her 4-inch stilettos while roaming the world. When we were young, we had the biggest dreams we could create. But, unfortunately, dreams aren't always a reflection of our reality. As we look back, we reflect that tons of our dreams are barely accomplished—and that's okay. There were external factors that affected our dreams along the way; these let us set aside the desires that we used to prioritize. At some point, we have to accept the fact that we became lost in our own journey—we became lost in our own elysium field of dreams—and that we need to change paths in order to find ourselves again. And just like death, it is inescapable—it is normal, and unfortunately, everyone has to experience it.



In this year's Undas, aside from paying tribute to the deaths of our loved ones, we should also commemorate the deaths of our dreams that have been buried in their deepest graves, just to be forgotten forever. Unfulfilled dreams serve as coffins that create major burdens that we need to let go of and be buried to death in order to move forward again. Sooner or later, you will have your own candles to light the routes back to the dreams that were meant for you; they will soon light up the sparks that will add fire to your burning desire. You will eventually find yourself running freely in your own elysium field of dreams, feeling its razor-sharp grass under your bare feet, only to realize that you are free enough to dream once more. At the end of the day, a major reminder: you will eventually come to live with the dreams destined for you.

Written by: Pauline Gail Quijano (HUMSS, Grade 12 - Novaliches)

Image: "The Cemetery" by Carl Fredrik Hill (1877)

Link: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/464433780295167283/

November 01, 2023 11:45pm (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

An All Saints' Day/ All Souls' Day Special

""From Samhain to Halloween: The Curious Tale of the Annual Event's Origins"

Spiderwebs hanging around ceilings, witches riding brooms, and children in costumes knocking on everyone's house to ask for sweet delicacies. When we hear of the month October and November, Halloween is the first occasion that comes to the mind of everyone, an annual celebration around the world, commencing every 31st of October, followed by All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day of the Catholic nations. But where did Halloween originate, and what is its story?

Halloween's roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of "Samhain" (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived in what is now the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France 2,000 years ago, celebrated their new year on November 1st. This date marked the end of the summer and the beginning of winter, often associated with death. On this event they called Samhain, the Celts thought that the spirits of the departed returned back to Earth. To mark the occasion, Druids, Celtic priests, lit massive sacred bonfires. People gathered to burn crops and animals as offerings to the Celtic deities while wearing costumes, often animal heads and skins. After the festivities, they lit their hearth fires to protect them through the approaching winter.

Going back to 43 A.D., the Roman Empire took control of the Celtic territory. Over four centuries, two Roman festivals were merged with Samhain: Feralia, a day to remember the dead, and the other honored Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees, symbolized by apples. This event likely led to the tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween. On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to Christian martyrs, establishing All Martyrs Day. Pope Gregory III then expanded the festival to include all saints and moved it to November 1. In 1000 A.D., the Catholic Church established November 2 as All Souls’ Day, a time to honor the dead. It was celebrated in ways similar to Samhain, including bonfires, parades, and dressing as saints, angels, and devils.

The All-Saints’ Day celebration was also known as "All-Hallows" or "All-hallowmas", from Middle English Alholowmesse, which was the literal translation of the event. The night before became All-Hallows Eve and, over time, Halloween. In the present, Halloween has evolved into a day of activities and celebrations, with traditions like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, dressing costumes, and indulging in treats. It is a fun-filled occasion that connects ancient traditions with modern festivities.

Written by: Irah Markeisha Jose (ABM, Grade 12 - Zabarte)

References:

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

November 01, 2023 11:39pm (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

An All Saints' Day/ All Souls' Day Special

"Replayed Through the Time"

On some occasions, people come to visit their late loved ones, but every first and second day of November. It is part of the Filipino Tradition to spend time, and give offerings to their late loved ones. Offerings can be made in the form of a candle lit with prayers, food, flowers, or even stories to be told for our beloved departed loved ones. It is done to pay respect to the dead, to keep their names, and memories being refreshed years after years, hoping to be never forgotten by those who are carrying their memory in the living world.


Every year in this month of November, a day for family is allotted to reminisce the life with their late loved ones, and to try to summarize all the stories they had to tell since their last visit. That’s how November starts, through the memories to be told. It cannot be considered necessary, but it is nice to know that all of the people who are still connected to a person, even if they have departed long ago.


Even after death, the name, and memories of our loved ones shall be remembered by the way they deserve.

Written by: Tiffany Deroma (STEM, Grade 12 - Novaliches)

WEATHER UPDATE:
Today September 22, 2023, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology) issued volcanic ash fallout in several areas of Luzon including Metro Manila following the unpredictable volcanic activity of Taal Volcano.

As of writing of this article, there are more than 40 students have been brought to various hospitals in Tuy, Batangas due to the effects of the volcanic smog caused by the activity of the Taal Volcano. Dr. Amor Calayan, head of the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the smog has been affecting towns in the province for two weeks. The affected students have complained of chest tightness or pain, dizziness, itchy throat, and itchy skin. Phivolcs has kept Taal Volcano at Alert Level 1, indicating ongoing unrest without an imminent eruption. Classes for Friday, September 22, 2023, have been suspended in some areas in Batangas province due to the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.

Below are the class suspensions:

Batangas province

Alitagtag —all levels, public and private

Balayan —all levels, public and private

Calatagan —all levels, public and private

Lian — all levels, public and private

Lemery — all levels, public and private

Nasugbu —all levels, public and private

Mataasnakahoy —all levels, public and private

San Luis —all levels, public and private

Sta. Teresita —all levels, public and private

Taal —all levels, public and private

Tanauan —all levels, public and private

Tuy — elementary, junior and senior high school, public and private

Cavite province

Alfonso —all levels, public and private

Amadeo —all levels, public and private

Bacoor City —all levels, public and private

Cavite City —all levels, public and private

City of Carmona —all levels, public and private

Dasmariñas City —all levels, public and private

GEA (Bailen) —all levels, public and private

GMA —all levels, public and private

Gen. Trias City —all levels, public and private

Imus City —all levels, public and private

Indang —all levels, public and private

Kawit —all levels, public and private

Magallanes —all levels, public and private

Maragondon —all levels, public and private

Mendez —all levels, public and private

Naic —all levels, public and private
Noveleta —all levels, public and private

Rosario —all levels, public and private

Silang —all levels, public and private

Tagaytay City —all levels, public and private

Tanza —all levels, public and private

Ternate —all levels, public and private

Trece Martires City —all levels, public and private

Laguna

Biñan —all levels, public and private

Cabuyao —all levels, public and private

Los Baños —all levels, public and private

San Pedro —all levels, public and private

Metro Manila

Las Piñas —all levels, public and private

Muntinlupa City —all levels, public and private

Parañaque —all levels, public and private

Pasay City —all levels, public and private

San Juan City —all levels, public and private

Caloocan City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Marikina City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Mandaluyong City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Pasig City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Malabon City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Navotas City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Valenzuela City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Manila — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Quezon City — all levels, public (afternoon classes)

Taguig City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Pateros City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Makati City — all levels, public and private (afternoon classes)

Work suspensions
The Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) announced that work is suspended in the following courts in view of the hazardous volcanic smog from Taal Volcano:

Regional Trial Court Branch 86 Taal, Batangas
7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court Taal-San Nicolas, Batangas
3rd MCTC Alitagtag - Sta. Teresita, Batangas
Work in the city government of Manila, including its satellite offices, is also suspended starting 1:00 p.m., according to its PIO.

Phivolcs advised people with conditions like asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children to follow the precautions:

Reduce outdoor time and keep doors and windows closed to keep vog out.

Wear an N95 facemask to cover the nose and mouth and drink water to soothe throat irritation. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.

State volcanologists also warned about the potential for acid rain when gas emissions combine with rain, which can harm crops and corrode metal roofs.

ASHFALL PREPARATION GUIDE: The Things to Do

▪️Listen to regular updates from the volcanic monitoring center.
▪️Follow the advice of local authorities. They will provide information about the eruption of the volcano and what to do in case you have to evacuate from your area. Prepare a survival kit with an adequate supply of water, food, clothing, first-aid supplies, and medicine. Also, bring a battery-powered radio and flashlight.

Sources:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/882927/phivolcs-taal-volcano-smog-duration-can-t-be-predicted/story/

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/882883/taal-volcano-smog-makes-over-40-students-sick-in-tuy-batangas/story/?amp

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/22/2298190/walang-pasok-class-suspensions-september-22-due-smog-taal

Written by:

Karyll Glaze Bantoto (Grade 12 - HUMSS Novaliches)

September 10, 2023 2:05PM (UTC+08, Philippine Standard Time)

EDITORIAL:

The Fatal Timeless Disregard of History by the Filipinos

As of the moment of writing this article, I am currently watching religiously the news about People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel’s (Chinese Navy) harassment on one of the supply ships of the Philippine Navy sailing towards the derelict Navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre that is currently standing its ground to carry out its sole mission, to represent, and impose the sovereignty of the Philippines.

To quote the first article of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines it is stated in here that, “The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.”

As it is stated clearly above that the Filipino sovereignty is indeed inviolable, and irrevocable. But what makes me disturbed above anything else not as a teacher but speaking as a History major is the Filipinos’ disregard of history itself. Filipinos’ disregard for history, and defeatist attitude itself is the root of this problem in which our Asian neighbors such as South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore had always integrated religiously in their school system. Filipinos’ sense of nationalism is superficial, we are only proud when someone makes a name in the international stage, we are only proud when a foreigner recognizes our food, and we are only proud when we receive any form of gratification from outside the country.

And I do understand why, as a teacher of History, that the government has little to no support for social sciences, and mostly History itself. The government of this rotten nation (socio-politically and socio-culturally) does not want to have a generation full of socially, and politically aware citizens for it shall be the catalyst for the downfall of the same names occupying the seats of power for several decades. Due to lack of Filipinos’ understanding of History, Filipinos never moved on with their defeatist attitude, “medicant attitude” towards Americans, and the forgive-and-forget attitude of the Filipinos which is a sure formula to reap the benefits as a belligerent state being the best example, the People’s Republic of China. Filipinos would often utter these words “we would be entangled in a war if we let the Americans get involved”, “we will be nuked by China if we fight back”, and “There is no point to fight since their military is highly advanced compared to us”. Indeed, there are some degree of truth to these words yet it shows that the Philippines is long ago defeated by People’s Republic of China due to this “pandemic of thought” even before the guns had ablaze. It is a shame that our forefathers fought for nothing if only they can hear the opinions of most Filipinos today. They themselves fought with almost nothing starting from the local revolts of the masses in several towns throughout the country during the waning years of the Spanish colonization, the Filipino-American War of the advent of 20th century, the Second World War of the Pacific Theatre. Our forefathers even fought for the liberty of other nations despite being outgunned, outnumbered, and outmaneuvered. The best example the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea where they fought in Miudong, Yuldong Pass, and Hill Eerie in which the late President Fidel V. Ramos fought as a soldier before he became a high-ranking official in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. To end my article, I am still hoping that one day some of you who are reading this realize the importance of history, and what really is to be nationalistic, and as a Filipino who is truly proud of his/her own identity.



Written by: Jolo P. Ricaplaza, L.P.T. (English Department - Adviser)

Graphics by: Irah Markeisha Jose (ABM, Grade 12 - Zabarte Campus)


Image Sources:

- https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraines-plan-volodymyr-zelenskyy-dies-russia-war/

- https://www.businessinsider.com/china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuclear-ready-missile-threaten-us-2019-10

- https://news.usc.edu/70805/europes-past-offers-insights-into-present-diplomacy/

August 31, 2023 (8:49pm, UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Due to the unpredictable inclement weather affecting Northern, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region. The Office of the President declared suspension of classes and government offices for tomorrow, September 01, 2023. However, the private sectors are given their own discretion to suspend work.

Image source: GMA News FB Page

August 25, 2023 2:32PM (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

Pop-Culture & Entertainment:

Swift Sweep: Taylor Swift's Music as the Best Soft Power the USA is in Possession Today

"Who is Taylor Swift? Is she a singer?"
"She is much more than a singer, Chris!. She is a Queen!"
- Family Guy Season 15, episode 5

Taylor Swift is popular with her empathetic and provocative lyrics, with the touch of her words, everyone becomes a poet. It is undeniable that Taylor Swift is in the music industry, for years, and decades her music was uncontrollably widened. To date, Taylor re-released three of her recorded versions of her album. "Fearless" which was originally released back in 2008, secondly "Red" which was originally debuted back in 2012, And lastly "Speak Now" which initially began back in 2010.

However there are still remaining albums that were waiting to be re-recorded. These albums include her self-titled debut album "Taylor Swift" (2006), the critically acclaimed "1989" (2014), and "Reputation" (2017).

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift's subsequent albums—"Lover" (2019), "Folklore" (2020), "Evermore" (2020), and "Midnights" (2022)—were recorded under her new deal with Republic Records and do not require reworking. Moreover, Taylor used her platform to speak out with body positivity, feminism, and mental health. Furthermore, Swift showed that artists can change music genres. From country music, to electro pop/hip-hop music, and to indie folk/rock music. The result of her changes in music is a discography that seems to hold space for nearly every kind of listener.

Written by: Allen Poris (Grade 12-HUMSS Zabarte campus)

Sources:
https://www.billboard.com/lists/how-taylor-swift-changed-music-business/taylor-swift-ticketing-reforms-strategies/

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/taylor-swift-continues-re-recording-journey-heres-the-list-of-albums-left-to-be-re-recorded/articleshow/101598970.cms

Image Source:
https://ew.com/music/taylor-swift-eras-concert-tour-opening-night-photos-glendale-arizona/

August 04, 2023 - 9:09pm (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

During the month of August, we celebrate "Buwan ng Wika" (Language Month) to honor the Filipino language and its various dialects. Let's take a look at the history of this celebration:

Layout & Written by: Irah Markeisha Jose (ABM, Grade 12 - Zabarte)

Sources:
The Bohol Chronicle - https://www.boholchronicle.com.ph/2015/08/23/month-of-august-is-buwan-ng-wika-and-history-month/?fbclid=IwAR2ZCRUNizenHuHqwNpVQDzELdpMa8am7KdC7cJs9rhXyh8GiwPZLT4pXcI

Rappler - https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/explainer-history-national-language-month-philippines/?fbclid=IwAR3UnmhAflQgpqbiLzyMOmZHmxEgUVBguTlxLBPixY7s2HOqH1uYL1J4iuM

Penguin Classics - https://penguin.sg/book_author/lope-k-santos/?fbclid=IwAR2poVso4fURgaLHjCXgt-v6vN2H-kMhQvCRa6cQddy-E3UJFgksHNKq2kc

August 04, 2023 8:00PM (UTC +08, Philippine Standard Time)

SPORTS EDITORIAL:
Philippine Women's Team's first ever entrance to the FIFA World Cup


The Philippines Women's National Football Team represented the Republic of the Philippines in International Women's Football. It is managed by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the governing body of football in the country. The women's national football team of the Philippines was formalized in the 1980s. The Philippines has participated regularly in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, first participating in 1981 when the tournament was still known as the AFC Women's Championship. The Philippines hosted the tournament in 1999 in Iloilo and Bacolod. They had a hiatus from the continental tournament after taking part in 2003 with a qualification process being introduced in the 2006 edition. They returned to the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2018 after qualifying in 2017. In that iteration of the tournament, they progressed beyond the group stage for the first time in their Asian Cup participation history. The Philippines progressed further in the 2022 edition, advancing to the semifinals and qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. It was the national team's first participation at a FIFA Women's World Cup tournament in their 42-year history. In Southeast Asian football, the Philippine women's team won their first AFF Women's Championship title in 2022. The team had limited successes in prior editions of the championship and at the Southeast Asian Games, with their only honor being bronze medal finishes in 1985, which saw only three teams participating in the women's football event, and in 2021. The team is currently 46th in the women's FIFA ranking as of June 2023, their highest-ever rank to date.

As I was watching sports movies, "hard work" was one word that stuck in my mind. Even if you haven't experienced the hardships that players go through in the field of sports, we already know that what they have gone through is a really tough journey. Before we became good at playing, there were times when we couldn't avoid getting tired or losing hope, but we didn't listen to our "what ifs" in our minds. If you love what you do, even if it's hard, you won't complain. You will do everything for your desired dream.

Ever since the dawn of civilization, even what is written in several scriptures of different religions. Women are often seen as " supplementary" beings to their male counterparts. Women are often regarded as weak, soft, and docile, which is now being challenged by the fast-changing world that we live in today. Back then, women were only made to serve their husbands, and children. But in our generation, they are not just "women". They can do what men can do, and even surpass them. The ability of women should not be underestimated since we (women) can do almost everything what men can do. Women are good not only at housework, but also in the field of sports. In every sport we know, we have chances to learn it. Being inspired by other players motivates us to learn in the field of sports. All players have their own inspiration in life to improve their game. Which is why, with the Philippine Women's Team winning the FIFA World Cup, it will surely inspire young girls, and women who want to excel in the field of sports.

Through sports, we can develop and express moral virtues and vices and demonstrate the importance of values such as honesty, dedication, integrity, and courage. Sport serves the social-psychological function of providing a sense of excitement, joy, and recreation for many people. Sports can help improve your concentration and keep your mind sharp at your age, and exercise is also important when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle and preventing certain health problems. This is the key to achieving growth both physically and mentally.


Written by: Karyll Glaze Bantoto (HUMSS, Grade 12 - Nova)
Image Source: Rappler, "PH bunched with former champion, top 25 teams in FIFA Women’s World Cup" (https://www.rappler.com/sports/football/draw-results-fifa-women-world-cup-october-22-2022/)

BUWAN NG AGOSTO: PAGGUNITA SA WIKANG PAMBANSA

~ IIHC Newsletter - Filipino Department ~

Agosto 2, 2023 ganap na oras ng 6:08 ng gabi

Ulat mula sa HUSAi ni: Angeline B. Acollador ng BSIS (22A1)