Southern Carolinian

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THE WORLD ON deadly than it already is because there are no ex- act ways to know if someone is infected with the PAUSE virus or not for some individuals may be asymp- tomatic. To know whether or not an individual By: Louie Jhaceevee Caballero, Rublica, Atasha Mae is infected with the virus, they must undergo a and Eldri Kyla Mae Z. Toliao test. What appeared to be a week of isolation has taken Have you noticed how quiet it is? How much has a massive turn in everyone's lives resulting in the world changed in a span of one year? The changes in different aspects; everyday, people are COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the losing their source of income without knowing world in ways that no one could’ve ever imag- when things will be back to normal. The Interna- ined. It has been defining the global health crisis tional Labor Organization estimates that 400 mil- of our time as we have now reached the tragic lion jobs are at risk because of Covid-19. Thus, milestone of more than two million death cases. people have viewed the pandemic as not only a health crisis, but it is also an unprecedented socio- The coronavirus is making a worldwide history as economic crisis. Because this pandemic has the this pandemic has been the greatest challenge we potential to create overwhelming social, econom- have ever faced since the Second World War. ic, and political fallouts that will leave deep and We're being told to stay out of crowds and gener- longstanding scars amongst the affected individu- ally avoid each other. When initial efforts by gov- als. ernments and states to curb the spread of this The world feels as if it is paralyzed in a state of deadly virus yielded nothing, they opted for a total anticipation of the future. Everything seems like a lockdown. All movement was stalled, and the nightmare that no one is able to wake up from. world hit the pause button. Some of the affected What made it even worse was, the spread of fake include schools, restaurants, bars, malls, movie news and misinformation has escalated ever so theatres, and other public gathering places that vast on a larger scale due to the aforementioned were closed. Even rituals that give our live struc- factors. As of today, we are still fighting for our ture and meaning- wedding, birthday, parties, fu- lives against the coronavirus and this has been nerals- were off-limits. continuously affecting many people all around the world. However, we are hopeful that one day eve- This disease caused by the novel coronavirus that rything will go back to normal. And in order to emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019 had survive and live a long life we have to adapt to been in the Philippines since late January 2020, these changes. which at first seemed to be nothing as severe as what individuals are currently experiencing. The 4 virus is dangerous for everyone because it could affect anyone and it is also contagious. Moreover, individuals who are infected with the virus could either be symptomatic or asymptomat- ic. Symptomatic means that the individual who was infected with the virus will show symptoms. It’s also important to understand that the symp- toms may vary for each individual. However, some of the most common symptoms are loss of taste, loss of sense of smell, cough, and fever. On the other hand, the asymptomatic will not show symptoms even if they are already infected with the virus. This makes the situation more

By: Aguilar, Mariella Faith G., Almonte, Frethel Kyce L., Amamence, Jonalyn L., Espantaleon, Charie Jheanne Q., Jelianggao, Iniega Thereze R., Sumalinog, Johanna Cassandra J., Tinga, Samantha Valerie M. COVID - 19 drastically changed our lives. Quarantine, so- hilarious and unique usernames, which was a lot of fun be- cial distancing, work from home, face shields, face masks, and for us students, online learning. According to the Uni- cause everyone was very competitive in winning the reward, versity of Victoria, online learning is when we take courses online instead of in a physical classroom. As the months go which was money via g-cash. Not only that, but the facilita- by, we realized that online learning is very different from the traditional face-to-face classes. We don’t get to wake up tor was also very humorous and engaging. The activity also very early in the morning in order for us to prepare to go to school, sometimes we take a bath on the afternoon, our as- made everyone anxious because the questions flashed too signments are already in Canvas we don’t need to print it, instead of writing, we just type it, we got to eat during syn- quickly, and typing the questions into Google takes a long chronous classes, but what really hits different is the time that we spent with our blockmates in the physical classroom. time because most of us don't know the answers. To con- It really gets lonely in online learning. No blockmates to talk to, to help with assignments, to share knowledge with. With clude, people are sometimes too independent that we forget all that is happening, Miss Aguilar organized a talk last April 23 entitled “There is FUN in Online Learning - An to share or help others when it comes to challenges. It’s al- Experiential Approach in Coping Well at this Challenging Time” with Sir Bre as the speaker. During the session, we most even embedded in us because we just do it so natural- played games that are fun and meaningful. The last game in particular, was very memorable because it was about finding ly. It seems like everything becomes a competition. The talk each letter of the alphabet in a cottage or cabin. It was a very interesting and an unforgettable experience because we were made us realize that not every challenge should be solved just instructed to find the letters but our first thought was that it was every man for himself. We were looking for the alone. If it’s not a competition, and we see others that are letters and the problem was all of us did not find every letter until we decided to team up with everyone in the session. struggling, then we should lend them a helping hand. During Teamwork was essential in allowing everyone to find the secret letters from A to Z, which were extremely difficult to the talk, we were asked to look for the alphabets one by one locate. This means that not only is teamwork needed for everyone to thrive, but also makes online learning fun. Also, in a room and in the exact order as well. Some were good we all took part in a fact-checking game in which we were directed to a different website where we had to type our and quick at it and some were not, and even if the others addressed their difficulty, no one helped and gave clues on where the location for that letter was located. It was only until the speaker told us and made us realize why we were- n’t helping each other when he did not mention the game as being a competition. He only told us to look for the letters; he didn’t tell us to race for it. Being competitive comes so naturally in us that even without being told, we strive to be on the top, which isn’t necessarily bad, but if one is strug- gling and there’s no competition or whatsoever, we should always help because not everything has to be learned alone. Helping someone can also help us learn. Since we are all taking online classes, while being in a pandemic, things can get lonely and that is why we should all help each other be- cause learning comes in all shapes and forms. Learning is more fun and effective for us if we do it together with oth- ers, especially at time like this. 5

By: Israeli Bonghanoy Louie Jhaceevee B. Caballero, Fenni- er of the said webinar, took the responses of ah Damolo, Yssabel Emilie De los Reyes, KC B. Gonzaga, the students misbehaviour as expressing Laurice Gen V. Sayson, Caryl Villaner their enthusiasm towards the talk. Mr. Niel chose to have a positive perspective rather As teens who are welcomed to the world of than to elaborate how he was taken aback at reality through education, it is important to the students behavior. As a recommenda- know what weaknesses and strengths we need tion, following seminars should have more to be aware of to be able to survive. Strengths interactive and real time assessments that are that which we find interesting and enjoy, accords to the webinars. This webinar was and weaknesses are that which we don't. With clearly well prepared similar to most of the knowing these strengths and weaknesses, it is webinars and talks held by other speakers. easier to work on what's hard for us to do in There aren't that many recommendations to order to become stronger. Along with working cite since they all have surely seemed to on what to improve, it gives us a certain assur- serve and achieve the purpose and goals ance that this can be handled accordingly with they have envisioned for each specific talk. appropriately designed methods. This webinar Overall, the webinars definitely shared and discussed the importance of having a good un- clarified certain inquiries of the students derstanding of our character strengths; what and even gained additional knowledge to they are, why they're important, how they re- matters that we will all encounter in the fu- late to coping with stressors in our lives, and how being aware of them can lead us on a path 6 towards flourishing. A factor that made this webinar memorable was the fact that a member of our group was hosting this talk. Even though the most evident reason for this webinar to have an impact on each of us is obviously how it can assist us is our future hurdles within our- selves, it cannot be set aside that one of our blockmate, let alone, a group member, was a part of the said talk. This webinar offered a space for students to actually interact and re- spond virtually. The speaker gave off the aura of being professional while also being open. It came to a point that the participants were not on the best behavior which caused a lot of complications for the speaker as well as the facilitators. Things got out of hand at the speed of light as the majority of the students went wild with the opportunity to express their an- swers through the annotation in the Zoom meeting. The speaker really handled the situa- tion the best way possible. Mr. Niel, the speak-

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USC dominates National ABM DHEXENN S. AVES, 6th place, and JANELLE CUP THERESE T. GO, 16th place. Meanwhile, RODHEL JOHN E. AVILES ranked 9th in the by Joemel Dakay, CPA Regional eliminations. This competition aims at fostering unity among ABM students all over the In the recently concluded Kingfisher ABM CUP country and showcas-ing the accounting skills and 2021, two of our Carolinian representatives, overall expertise of ABM stu-dents in the Philip- MARJORIE MAE T. DY and JAYMEE CHRIS- pines. The skills covered Basic Accounting, Fi- TINE G. LIM, garnered the 1st and 2nd places nancial Statement Analysis, Bank Reconciliation respectively. Both were among the 760 Grade 12 and Depre-ciation. These highly-competitive Car- ABM participants from 181 schools in the Re- olinians were guided and mentored by our equal- gional eliminations and then 101 Grade 12 ABM -competitive professors, Joemel Da-kay, CPA, Qualifiers from 58 schools in the National and Rodel James Diana, MAEcon, Marydith Boltiador Final round. -Orio, CPA, and Kaye Earvin Villaester, CPA. Other Carolinian representatives who also showed It is indeed an advantage to be a Carolinian. their ac-counting abilities in the Final round were Vamos! USC picks up that they struggled on the easy and accounting, Dr. Joanne Marisse Tan average rounds as both of them were for spelling, Ms. Genica Alexis Bay- wins at JPIA- not on the leaderboards. But Aviles lon, Mr. Daven Egan Labitad, Mr. made a huge comeback in the diffi- Kenneth Repunte and Mr. Rodel LPU Manila’s cult round as he answered 11 of the James Diana in the history and cur- 16 ques-tions, making him the highest rent events cat-egory, and Dr. Yvette quiz bowl scorer of the round. This solidified Villarta and Ms. Sharee Ann Tra-pa the quiz bowler’s top 2 spot on the for science. Preparations commenced USC’s Rodhel John Aviles and Mar- final rank-ings. The duo found the at the beginning of the month. Aviles jorie Mae Dy were named 1st runner accounting part the easiest out of all shared that they had a momentum up and 10th placer respectively in the categories since they already mas- going on as this is the third time the first ever JPIAcads: The Quizzard of tered basic ac-counting which was the two have been cho-sen to represent Oz presented by the Junior Philippine category’s coverage. Spelling the the USC’s ABM strand. Previously, Institute of Accountants (JPIA) - Ly- words feuilleton, Ursprache, antedilu- Dy championed in the ABM King- ceum of the Philippines University - vian and milquetoast was what helped fisher Cup in both the re-gional and Manila (LPUM) as the event gathered Aviles’ in the difficult round, thank- national level while Aviles ranked 9th 34 of the brightest ABM students ing himself for reviewing those words in the regionals. The quiz bowlers nationwide, who battled it out with right before the contest. USC’s repre- also teamed up together to clinch sec- their knowledge in accounting, sci- sentatives were trained by Mr. Joemel ond place in the Inter- strand quiz ence, spelling and in history and cur- Dakay, Mr. Kaye Earvin Villaester bowl held last year during USC rent events. Aviles and Dy admitted and Ms. Marydith Boltiador - Orio in days 9



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A MESSAGE FROM THE by the fear of Covid 19 for more than a year now. Many have lost their lives; many have lost a loved- PRINCIPAL: one; and many have found themselves struggling to survive. This is why I am appreciative of an event To the Film Festival Committee; the Actors and such as this one. For not only does it hone the skills actresses of the various films; the directors, produc- of our students and develop them individually we ers, writers and staffs; to our dear parents; our ever also provide a refuge, a form of console and enter- eager and dynamic students whose participation in tainment in the midst of these trying times. It pro- this event echoes the very definition of what it vides us something to reflect upon and allows us to means to be a Carolinian; my dear friends; ladies be critical of the things that are happening around and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to us, all the while reminding us that ,yes, we are in- this year's ABM Short Film Festival awarding cere- deed human... If these Films are any indication, I mony. Carolinians: Witnesses to the Word Amidst know that these young people, our dear students, the Pandemic. A true to life theme that embodies are going to make an even bigger impact for their some of the current realities that not only our stu- communities and the country in the years ahead, it dents, but people across the country are experienc- is my hope that you will remember your humanity ing. This pandemic has given the people one of, by and the essence of what it means to be a Carolinian far, the worst experiences that anyone could go as you go along with your lives. As principal I'm through and has robbed them of the sense of enjoy- proud of you. Keep up the great work. With that ment, freedom and fulfilment leading most to en- said, let us all sit back, relax and enjoy our featured counter themselves in a negative light constricted presentations. ABM -FILM FESTIVAL 12

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“Creativity and ego cannot go together.” I remember tor’s list came up by the end of every semester. It hearing this quote from Jeong Kwan, a chef monk surprised me that I was able to top the whole who was praised for her food and wisdom. Her quote HUMSS strand. I was surprised more by myself, struck me so much it immediately became my man- however, and how I managed to balance everything tra. The past several months of my last senior high despite feeling blank most of the time Going back to school year have inevitably been harder than I Jeong Kwan’s quote, I found my creativity and ego thought. Living in a pandemic is no joke. At first, working hand in hand in the course of this pandemic. every task seemed like the same routine on repeat. Creativity was in the works in my academics and ego After several months, every responsibility started to was responsible for my passive mindset. According feel like a job. A job would be obligatory and would to the Social Weather Stations (SWS), 42% of Filipi- sometimes go against one's will and this was exactly no students do not have the right resources for online how I felt about my duties both academic and at classes. These students have inevitably been left be- home. In the past weeks, however, I began to realize hind. The statistics of online classes made me realize that my last few months of senior high school do not that I was never alone. Other students too are strug- have to be the same way I spent the majority of my gling in this pandemic. However, I refuse to end my school year. I spend the majority of my week on aca- school year being chained by the struggle. I needed demic responsibilities and business duties. After to let go of the ego which convinced me that nothing school, I go downstairs to mend our sari-sari store would change. I am ending my school year with the while my mom prepares barbecue sticks and differ- people who have been struggling with me and I think ent kinds of meat for our barbecue stand across the that is something to be celebrated. house. I close the store at 9 pm and head upstairs to finish school work. Everything started feeling like a job when every passing day had the same routine on repeat. Imagine this but on replay for the past several months: I wake up, open my laptop, do academic work, head downstairs, mend the store, close at 9 pm, do academic work, and sleep. Doing business duties was never exhausting though, I had the oppor- tunity to help the family, so I did. The academic work, however, was only worth it when the direc- 14

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