VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

11 out of 17 student writers garnered awards in the recently concluded Area Level Schools Press Conference held at Sibonga National High School, Sibonga, Cebu last Oct. 10-11, 2011. The said press conference was participated by hundreds of student writers from differ-ent schools within the Municipalities of Miglanilla to Santander. Each student writer was vying for the 15 slots in different categories such as News writing, Feature Writing, Editorial writing, Sports Writing, Copyreading and Headline Writing and Editorial cartooning both in English and Filipino to qualify them to join in the Division Schools Press Conference (DSSPC) to be held in Consolacion National High School, Consolacion, Cebu. The following ANHS student writers are qualifiers for DSSPC and their corresponding categories:

Athena Faye Ruelan - News writing – English Honey Rhea Anoba - News writing – English Joyce Marie Damole - News writing – Filipino Jhyssylove M. Paceño – Feature writing – English Abegail Obinguar - Sports writing - English Leslie Lidot - Feature writing – English Vea Angelika S. Rosialda - Sports writing – Filipino and

Editorial writing – Filipino

ANHS CAMPUS JOURNALISTS GRAB ASPC AWARDS Dorothy A. Gabato - Sports writing – English Leah Queen A. Rumaguera - Sports writing – English Isidoro Roblon Jr. - Editorial Cartooning Harold John Retanal - Editorial Cartooning

ANHS student-writers with the English teachers during the Area Level Schools Press Conference.

A pose from Mr. Lakan ’11 Candidates during the ANHS Nite Presentation.

ANHS HOSTS NITE PRESENTATION

Alcoy National High School hosted its Nite Presentation last August 19, 2011 as part of the fiesta Celebration of the town of Alcoy in honor of its Patron Saint, Saint Rose of Lima.

It was considered as a different presentation since for the first time the school had chosen its ANHS Lakan 2011. Acclaimed as this year’s Lakan 2011 was Jayson Carl Diaz of I-Oriole, while Winjohn Mendez, II-Molave and Yuri Carlo Pangilinan, II-Molave were the first and second runners-up re-spectively.

The affair also featured songs and dances by selected stu-dents both from ANHS main and Nug-as NHS.

ANHS JOINS PASIGARBO SA SUGBO

The well-known Siloy Festival of Alcoy, Cebu, represented by the selected stu-dents of Alcoy NHS, joined in the yearly Pasigarbo sa Sugbo last August 13, 2011 at Ce-bu International Convention Center, Madaue City, Cebu. The Siloy contingent was sup-ported by the Local Government Unit of Alcoy. The said activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Government through the efforts of Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia enjoining all Municipalities with their colorful festivals. The said Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was started with the street dancing which would convene at the Cebu International Convention Center. Siloy Festival garnered the 12th place among the 48 contingents. Kabkaban festival garnered the first place which was followed by the Isda Festival of Madredijos and La Torta Festival of Argao. “With the of the number of contingents with colorful props and costumes, it’s already

an achievement for Alcoy to land in the 12th place,” said Ms. Rosa Glenda M. Antig, a

teacher of Alcoy NHS who went with the Alcoy delegates.

ANHS CULMINATES SCIENCE MONTH ‘11

Alcoy National High School culminated the Science Month Celebration last October 3 , 2011 at Alcoy NHS ground. The said event featured the essay writing contest, quiz bowl, quiz bee, poster making contest, sci-dama, and slogan writing contest and Science Fair. Highlighting the Culmination Program was the coronation of the chosen Mr. and Ms. Science 2011 and their entourage. This year’s Mr. Science is Genesis Oling-IV-Pearl and Ms. Science is Chloe Marie Balongcas, III-Orchid. Balongcas wore a gown made of empty tetra packs while Oling wore an attire made of de-fective cd’s. The entourage wore varied costumes according to their represent-ed divisions of the earth such as Mr. and Ms. Lithosphere, Mr. and Ms. Atmos-phere, and Mr. and Ms. Hydrosphere. Winners of the different categories represented the school during the Munici-pal Level which was held last October 4, 2011. The winners of the Municipal Level also joined in the Division Level for Science which was held last October 14, 2011 at Badian NHS, Badian, Cebu.

Chloe Marie Balongcas, Ms. Science ’11 poses with her entourage during the Science-Math Culmination Activity.

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

RH BILL: For a Boom or Doom? “The Reproductive Health bills, popularly known as the RH Bill , are Philippine bills aiming to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. The bills have become the center of a contentious national de-bate. There are presently two bills with the same goals: House Bill No. 4244 or An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes introduced by Albay 1st district Representative Edcel Lagman, and Senate Bill No. 2378 or An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, “ according to one of the articles published in the Waikepedia. Many have become suspicious on the real score of the said bill. Is it really pro-Filipino people whose aim is to better the economic status of every Filipino? Initially, the bill admits that overpopulation has been the primary reason of our economic bankruptcy. Being in the 12th most populated nation in the whole world today, and consider-ing the size of our National Territory, it is not a simple truth to be rejected. Though many women have already been respon-sive to the lesser size of family through any method of family planning in their own choice, but still according to the support-ers of RH Bill, our nation needs a coherent and widely-accepted population policy. According to the bill, the government mandates to promote, without bias, all effective modern and natural methods of fami-ly planning that are medically safe and legal. Although abor-tion is illegal, the government does not consider it morally ac-

ceptable but rather, “the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.” The bill therefore calls for a joint effort of everyone in the society to support the government multi-dimensional approach of integrating the family planning and responsible parenthood into all government anti-poverty programs.

The Bill also mandates the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure that all female employees must have the access to their health care benefits by establishing into a partnership with any health care provider in its locality. The Catholic Church, therefore , in its strong resistance to RH bill, has been firm in its stand that our country is not overpopulated and that overpopulation is not the main reason for economic bankruptcy. To it, RH Bill is anti-life and will indirectly promote evil acts related to sexuality which may lead to abortion and other immoral acts. Contra-ception, says the church, also makes spouses lie about their total self-gift to their spouse, by not surrendering their personal fertility. “ By making artificial contraceptives with-in the arm-reached of even to the minors will just promote pre-marital sex and sex outside marriage,” says the Church. If President Aquino stressed that, "I’m a Catholic, I’m not promoting it. My position is more aptly called responsible parenthood rather than reproductive health. But I believe that the government should be able to provide it to Filipinos who ask for it," what then should be the stand of an ordinary Filipino? RH BILL, is it for the boom or doom to the Filipino people?

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

In This Fantasy of Love By: Joyce Marie D. Damole

The first time I saw you

I already love you Your enchanting smile

Makes me feel like I’m floating in the sky

My heart beats so fast Every time my eyes catch your glance

It seems like You own my whole world

Day and night, I’ve been thinking of you

Wishing you’re thinking of me too And You and I together

Amidst the trembling of this life forever

Oh! You capture my sight As well as my heart

You conquer my whole life And the world I like

But here I am, alone in the night

Thinking if loving you would be right If only I could learn to hide

This feeling that I have for you inside

And then, one day I saw you with unfamiliar lady I shed tears in the dark alone

With sleepless night and mourning dawn.

And then I realized the sad reality You’re just an evening star for me Never will I own you for eternity

But only for my eyes to see

Pledge Of Love BY: Lorie Mae P. Romarate

I’ll make a vow to no one but you

I’ll pledge my love to forever be true I’ll take care of you and treat you right I’ll lay beside you all through the night.

I’ll feed you and clothe you and keep you warm

I’ll hug you and give you shelter in the storm I’ll help you and guide you and clear your path

I’ll protect you and shield you from an angry man’s wrath.

I’ll listen to your problems, help you solve them too I’ll make you a rainbow and let the sunshine through

I’ll take your side even if you’re wrong I’ll prove my love for you is strong

I’ll plant you flowers and make them grow

I’ll have them as symbols of love that only time knows I’ll whisper you name in the thunder and lightning

I’ll cool your heart in the dewdrops of rain

I’ll be loving you till my heartbeat stops I’ll be forever yours even when time keeps us apart

I’ll be always there to hold your hands I’ll be there even if everyone else is gone.

Greetings! Education has always been the most important tool in the preparation of one’s future. I am very happy that after leaving my hometown and being assigned in Boljoon for more than five years, finally, I’m back. Serving Alcoy National High School has always been a part of my life not only because I am also an Alcoyanon but it is because almost all my working years have been devoted to the service of Alcoy NHS. It is with this fact that I am determined to bring to the young students of Alcoy the best and quality education they de-serve. At this point, I would like to welcome you all to another year of serious endeavors. Though we have been in institutions like this, we still have to recharge ourselves with new energies and inspiration to continue our struggle to reach our goals. We have proven ever since that self- discipline has played a vital role in every success. Our world is a world of gadg-ets and era of technology. Let us not be a slave to them. Rather, let’s use them to our advantage as the main purpose why they are created. There is always time for everything. Devote most of your time to your study as you are still on the state of filling your minds with great ideas to better your-self. Listen to the stories of great experiences from your parents and teachers. Those experiences can be our greatest teachers. Believe in yourself and the many good things that you can do to the world. Make every moment of your stay here an experience of good memories and a chance of establishing lasting friendship. Prepare yourself more for a more challenging life ahead of you. Above all, place all your dreams and aspirations in the Hand of our Almighty Father. With our great faith in Him, nothing to be afraid of. He will always be there for us. Let us move in unison, hand in hand, we can make a difference! God bless!

Maam Alice

Life is too short By: Vina Grace Apolle P. Alipin

This is for everyone out there

Whose problems are somewhat tripled Whose world is upon his shoulder

And seem to lose hope midst despair

Life’s too short you will know Don’t waste time and strive anew

Be your best and become somebody Act like a man and move to be

Be an architect, or be an engineer

And start to build up your own career Be a doctor or a scientist

Or even be the best archeologist

Dream to be a singer or a rock star Earn great or even a million dollar Aim to be a professor or a teacher

Or even on a pulpit being a preacher

Shout to the world that you can be The person that you want to be

Wear a smile and always be happy Life’s so short my dear as you can see.

Offer your success to those who help you Climb the ladder to where you want to go

Be to God be the glory in everything you do He will carry your cross to eternity.

A Treasure In My Heart By: Cristina C. Camacho

I think I am the wealthiest of all

Gold, diamond, sapphire or ruby I own More than all the riches of the world

Greater than the deepest ocean down

It’s because I have a family of my own Sharing each day with a smile not a frown

Problems and all kinds of strife Will just vanish like being swept by tides

My Mom and Dad, who are always there,

In times of good or even bad weather My sisters and brothers who are dear to me They bring me hope every minute of the day

Wherever I may lead, where fate brings me to

I always keep the memory wherever I go Knowing they’re always at my side

Giving the strength to go on and survive

I have nothing to ask for more of the wealth Since my family is my treasure, you bet

I am the happiest forever I will be It’s all because I have in me the best family.

Life’s Little Fears By: Novelyn M. Pañado

Too shy to be myself,

For I have the fear of being noticed Too sensitive to break someone’s heart,

For I have the fear of anger.

Too proud to say I’m sorry, For I have the fear of giving in.

Too curious just to lay back and watch, For I have the fear of missing out.

Too weak to show my strengths,

For I have the fear of envy, Too embarrassed to say what I feel,

For I have the fear of mockery.

Too scared to do the wrong thing, For I have the fear of punishment.

Too dreamy to think about real life, For I have the fear of reality.

Too emotional to be in love,

For I have the fear of rejection. Too worried about my health, For I have the fear of sickness.

Too cowardly to be brave, For I have the fear of pain.

But to sit down and write a song…. I have no fear of thoughts…

Life Is What we Make It Anonymous

With all uncertainty that life may bring With great fear what tomorrow may heed

A world filled with love for richness and fame

What else is left for me who never has a name?

Time may know what’s in store for us Striving to follow the stars from above Lead to a path of hope and happiness

For life is indeed what we make it!

A friend By: Harold King R. Retanal

A minute of life each day spend Seems a time each day we make

Forever remembered within one’s heart When shared with a good friend

We laugh a lot, but cry sometimes A time we go, and a time we refrain

Still we miss a moment shared When shared with a good friend

Though we have some ups and down

Turned by time inside out Great are the hearts, each time we frown

But shared with a good friend

Friends may come and friends may go Yet time remains a healer too

How memorable those moments are When shared with good friends like you.

You are Blessed If You Have a Friend By: Alicia Dela Rosa

A friend who speaks the truth when others Tell you only what you want to hear…..

A friend who thinks you’re great…. But doesn’t always thinks you’re right

A friend who respects your need to be alone Yet understands your fear of being lonely….

A friend who’s willing to share your highest hopes, Your biggest dream, or the very smallest corner of your world…

A friend who waits when you run ahead Or lag behind….

A friend who will never turn from you…. Run out on you or given up on you

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

ANG PAG-IBIG KONG SAYO’Y NAKITA Ni Rose Azucenas-IV-Pearl

Nakilala kita sa panahong ipinakilala tayo sa isa’t isa Naging matalik na kaibigan at minsan sinulyapan ka

At sa maraming suliranin naging karamay ang bawat isa At naramdaman sa piling mo walang kapantay na ligaya.

Hindi sinadyang ako’y iyong mahalina.

Sa iyong ngiti’y, mundo ko na’y sumaya Ngunit pag-ibig ko’y dapat kong pigilan

Baka biglang magwakas ang ating pagkakaibigan.

Hanggang aking nabalitaan, ika’y meron nang napusuan Luha ko’y tumulo nang di ko na mapigilan

Kahit nagkunwari akong masaya sa harap ng iba, Ngunit sa kailaliman, sumabog ang puso ko sa dusa.

Dumating ang araw, kayo’y di nagka-unawaan

Wala kang nagawa kundi ako’y lapitan Nakiramay ako kunwari sa iyong pagdurusa,

Ngunitang aking puso, tumalon sa sobrang tuwa.

Hinawakan mo nang marahan ang aking mga kamay. May luha sa iyong mga mata at lungkot na tunay Buong akala, ito’y dahil sa pag-ibig na namaalam

Iyo nang nasambit ang isang katotohanan.

Ang paghanap mo pala ng isang napusuan Ay upang pilit akong iyong masaktan Buong akala mo’y di kita pinapansin

At upang matalos ang tunay kong damdamin.

Sa sobrang tuwa, ako’y napahagulhol at lumuha. Pinahiran mo ng iyong kamay ang aking mukha

Hinintay ko ang gusto kong marinig mula sa bibig mo. At sawakas, nasambit mo rin sa akin ang “I love you!”

ISANG INSPIRASYON Anonymous

Isang munting bata sa kahirapan nagmula

Bawat hibla ng buhay, isang pakikibaka Ang mundo’y tanging dulot ay pagdurusa

At di matiyak ang maaring dulot ng tadhana.

Sa pakikipaglaban niya sa hagupit ng buhay Sandata’y munting pangarap ng tagumpay

Talino’t determinasyon sa puso bukal At malaking pananalig sa Poong Maykapal.

Nilakbay ang mundo ng kawalang pag-asa

Bitbit ang bilin ng mapagmahal na ama’t ina Pangako sa kanila kusang magbabalik

Luha ng ina at sa ama’y yakap na mahigpit

Ang hirap na natamasa di na alintana At napadpad sa mga kamay na mapagsamantala

Pilit kumalag sa mga kamay na makamandag Langit ang nag-iwi’t buhay ay nailigtas.

Di pa rin sumuko sa hagupit ng tadhana

Pilit bumangon upang marating buhay na nasa Sa gabay ng Panginoon, natunton tamang landas

Isang masayang buhay at masaganang bukas

Ang bawat sigwang sa buhay darating Tiyak magiging magaang pasanin

Magtiwala lang sa Poong Maykapal At may kabutihang sa puso bukal

Ang taong nadapa dapat matutong bumangon Ang bawat sugat na sa ating katawan bumaon

Dulot nito’y lakas ng diwa, puso at isipan Tiyak lahat ng ito’y kayang-kayang mapag-

tagumpayan!

HANGGANG SA MULI KAIBIGAN Ni: Ma. Cristina Camacho

Apat na taon ang nakalilipas Dito sa lugar na ito na aking tinatahak

Mahihirap na leksyon, nakatatawang diskusyon Nagtambakang proyekto at mabibigat na libro

Aba’y ang bilis pala ng panahon Apat na tao’y kay ikli lang pala

Di ko akalain lahat ng pagsubok aking nalampasan At sa sarili igagawad parangal na inaasam-asam

Pagtatapos na aking pinakahihitay Ilang sandali lang, ito’y nasa aking mga kamay!

Tatamasahin na bunga ng pagpupunyagi At ng sa iba aking ipamamahagi

At sa inyo, mga kaklase. Kaibigan, kaeskwela Mahirap ma’y sa inyo ako’y magpaalam na

Di malimot-limot, gurong nagbigay sa akin ng dunong

Paaralang naging tahanan sa apat na taon

Hanggang sa muli nating pagsamasama Aasahang lahat ng mga alaala sasariwain na

Babaunin ko sa aking paglalayag Ang buong puso ninyong pagliliyag.

BAKIT BA GANITO? Ni: Aisa B. anadon

Ordinaryong dalaga kung ako’y turingan Ang tanging hangad ay magmahal at mahalin

Ng mga taong nakapaligid sa akin Lalo na ng estrangherong nagpakilig sa akin.

Ngunit pangarap ay biglang naglaho Ang ako’y mapansin naging malabo Hangari’t pangarap napunta sa wala Naglaho ang lahat na parang bula.

Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng hirap at dusa Aasa pa rin ng isang magandang umaga Na sa aking munting hangarin sa buhay Nasa akin pa rin ang tamis ng tagumpay

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

Ako Si Juan, Tagapangalaga ng KalikasanNi Joyce Marie D. Damole

“Wala kabang napapansin sa iyong kapaligiran!” Ginising ako ng awiting iyon mula sa mahimbing kong pamamahinga. Kahit ‘di ko mawari ang tunay na kahulugan ng kanta ,tila hinahaplos ng bawat liriko ang dumadagundong kong puso. Habang pinakinggan ko ang awitin, tila may kung anong bagay ang umusig sa aking diwa. Ano nga ba ang papel ko sa kalikasan? Bilang isang munting kasapi ng ating lipunan, maraming responsibilidad ang nakapatong sa aking balikat. Isa na rito ang pangangalaga sa ating nag-iisang Inang bayan. Gamit ang ating kasanayan sa pakikipagkapwa, mahihikayat ko ang bawat isa na sumama sa krusada laban sa mga gawaing nakakasira sa ating kapaligiran. Ang sim-

pleng di maayos na pagtapon ng basura ay malaki na ang naiaambag upang sirain ang ganda ng ating kapa-ligiran.

Tayo’y munting tuldok lamang sa ating mun-do.Ngunit ang mundong ito na kinapapatungan ng ating mumunting mga paa ang ating unti-unting sinisi-ra. Ngunit matalas din ang kanyang pa-kiramdam. Sagad na sa kanyang buto ang paghihirap na dulot nating mga tao. Kaya sa bawat sugat na kanyang natamo, mula sa pang-aabuso ng ginawa ng tao, kapalit ang mga buhay na maaring manganib.

Tayo ang nagsimula nito ,nararapat

lang na tayo ang tatapos . Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Sama-sama nating gamutin ang sugat na ating

nilikha sa bawat hibla ng kanyang kandun-gan. Iligtas natin ang bawat isa mula sa madilim na anino ng kahapon ng atingkapabayaan. Si-mulan nating hilumin ang sugat ng ating Inang kalikasan.

“Ohhhhh…ohhhhhh…” Ahhhh…..Hindi ko na namalayan, nata-

pos na pala ang kanta. Malayo-layo na ang nili-pad ng aking diwa’tisipan. Ngunit sa paglipad nito’y namulat ako sa tunay na kalagayan ng ating kalikasan. At sa paglalakbay ng aking diwa, aking natuklasan angt unay kong papel sa mun-do, “Ako si Juan, tagapangalaga sa Kalikasan.”

TAYO NANG TUMAWA…..HA! HA! A!

Jun-jun : Inay! Alam niyo ba na ako lang ang nakasagot kangina sa tanong ng titser namin?

Ina : Naku, magaling anak! Aber, ano ba ang tanong ng titser niyo? Jun-jun : “Sino ang walang assignment? Ina : “Ngeeeeek!” Teacher : Anong similarity meron sina Jose rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino . at apolinario Mabini? Student : ay naku, ma’am, sa pagkakaalam ko po, kapwa sila isinilang sa holi-day! Mister : O, hon, anong pagkain natin? Misis : Nasa mesa, bahala ka ang pumili! Mister : Isang pirasong tuyo? Ano pagpipilian ko? Misis : Pumili ka kung kakain ka o hindi?

P’wede ba kitang maging sidecar? Single kasi ako eh.

Pinaglihi ka ba sa keyboard?

Kasi type kita.

Aanhin pa ang gravity? kung lagi akong nahuhulog sa'yo.

Para kang Centrum. you make my

life complete

May lason bang mga mata mo? nakakamatay kasi ang titig mo.

Redhorse ka ba? ang lakas kasi ng

tama ko sayo eh

Alarm clock ka ba? ginising mo kasi ang natutulog kong puso.

“Para kang tindera ng sigarilyo. You

give me ‘hope’ and ‘more’…”

“Pustiso ka ba? ‘Coz I can’t smile with-out you.”

“Hindi lahat ng buhay ay buhay.

Tingnan mo ‘ko – buhay nga pero pa-tay na patay naman sa ‘yo!”

“Top view, side view, bottom view,

kahit anong view, I love view.”

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

THAT PETITE YOUNG WOMAN! By: Dorothy A. Gabato

Many may not see her grace as she enters the school campus, but she stands tall and proud of who she is. Her time starts early as as she does her morning chores like feeding the pigs and chickens or does the kitchen jobs. Humming to the beat of her favorite, “Billionaire”,

makes her task easier and fun. She moves with gentle ease and her light weight makes her does gargantuan tasks as easy as Hercules placing the world upon his shoulder. She works in the swiftness of a fox.

Excited to start her day as a student, she doesn’t stay long in front of the mirror though she wants to look her best, jumps out of her house and off she goes to school. Kringggggg……………kringgggggggg……… That makes her hair standas she doesn’t want to miss the usual morning rituals. Well, she just can’t do a bigger leap to the gate when it’s almost closed for the flag cer-

emony. How can she with her shorter legs and feet? “Day, please ko round ani nga memo sa mga teachers, “ a teacher may request her. Or she will spearhead the decoration committee during programs or does the hercu-

lean task of supervising on the accommodation committee during big school events. Doing such tremendous tasks may sound very tiring, but you can never see a frown on her face or hear some excuses from her for not doing their requests. She always

wears her sweetest megawatt smile. When asks about what she wants to be in the future, this lady has always been positive but leaving everything to the Devine Providence. Being too focused and deter-

mined to reach her goal, definitely, this girl has already in her mind what she wants to be. Don’t have any idea yet? Such a curly-haired girl who dreams of wearing it straight or surrendering it into the hands of the experts for a relax or rebond?

Feature

A LOVE STORY Retold by: Cristina C. Camacho

There was an island inhabited by Richness, Sadness, Vanity, Love and so on. One day, there came as shocking news. The messenger with his thun-dering voice announced: “The island will sink any time from now!” Everybody went about his/her business of saving himself/herself. It is Love that was left with nothing to do. Then Love saw Richness in a ship sparkling precious stones and jewels. Love called Richness, “Richness, please let me come to you.”

Richness replied, “No way, Love. No room for you!” Vanity came along in a ship filled with worldly possessions. Love cried, “Vanity, please let me come with you. Vanity dismissed Love and said, “Love, my carpet is too expensive for you to step on. Bye!” Happiness was closed by but he couldn’t hear Love calling his name. He was busy having fun with his guest. Then, Sadness in a moving voice passed by. Love cried, “Sadness, can I come with you?” “I’m so lonely.” “Love I’m in a hurry. I have no time for you!” Sadness shouted as it moved hastily. Then from somewhere, there was a voice inviting Love to get in the ship. Love was so

THREE LETTERS FROM TEDDY (Excerpt) BY: Joseph A. Galdon, S.J

Teddy’s letter came today, and now that I’ve read it, I will place it in my cedar chest with the other things that are important in my life. “I wanted you to be the first to know”, I smiled as I read the words he had written and my heart swelled with a pride that I knew I had no right to feel. I had not seen Teddy since he was a student in my fifth grade class, 15 years ago. It was early in my career, and I had been teaching for two years. From the first day he stepped into my classroom, I disliked Teddy. Teachers (although everyone knows differ-ently) are not supposed to have favorites in a class, but most especially they are not to show dislike for a child, any child. Nevertheless, every year there are one or two chil-dren that one cannot help but be attached to, for teachers are human. He was dirty. Not just occasionally, but all the time. His hair hung low over his ears, and he actually had to hold out his eyes as he wrote his papers in class. Too, he had a pecu-liar odor about him which I could never identify. His physi-cal faults were many, and his intellect left a lot to be de-sired, also. By the end of the first week, I knew he was hopelessly behind others. Not only was he behind, he was just plain slow. I began to withdraw from him immediately. Any teacher will tell you it’s more of a pleasure to teach a bright child. It is definitely more rewarding for one’s ego. But any teacher worth her credentials can channel works to the bright child keeping him challenged and learning, while she puts her major efforts on the slower ones. Any teacher can do it. Most teachers do it, but I didn’t. not that year. Ashamed as I am to admit, I took perverse pleasure in using my red pen; each time I came to Teddy’s papers, the red marks were always a little redder and larger than necessary. “Poor work!” I would write with a flourish. He knew I didn’t like him but he didn’t know why. Nor did I know, then or now, why I felt such an intense dislike for him. All I know is that he was a little boy no one cared about, and I made no effort in his behalf. The days rolled by. I knew Teddy would never catch up in time to be pro-moted to sixth grade level. He would be a repeater. To justify myself, I went to his cumulative folder and closed my mind to personal remarks: First Grade - Teddy shows promise of work and attitude, but has poor home situation. Second Grade - Teddy could do better. Mother terminally ill. He receives little help at home. Third Grade – Teddy is a pleasant boy, Helpful, but too serious slow learner. Mother passed away at the end of the year. Fourth Grade - Very slow, but well behaved. Father shows no interest Well, they passed him four times, but he will certainly re-peat fifth grade! “Do him good.” I said to myself.

And then, the last day before Christmas holiday ar-rived. Teachers always get gifts at Christmas, but mine that year seemed bigger and more elaborate than ever. Teddy’s gift wasn’t the last one I picked up; in fact it was in the middle of the pile. It’s wrapping was a brown pa-per bag, and he had colored a Christmas tree and red balls all over it. It was stuck together with a masking tape. For the first time, I felt embarrassed because for the first time they all stood watching me unwrap the gift. As I removed the last bit of masking tape, two items fell on the desk; a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with several stones missing and a small bottle of cheap cologne-half empty. I could hear the snickers and which, and I wasn’t sure I could look at Teddy. “Isn’t this lovely?” I asked placing the bracelet on my wrist. :”Teddy, would you help me fasten it?” he smiled shyly as he fixed the clasp and held up my wrist for all of them to admire. There were a few oohs and aahs, but as I dabbed cologne behind my ears, all the girls lined up for a dab behind their ears. We ate our refreshments and the bell rang. The children filled out with shouts of “Merry Christmas!” but Teddy waited at his desk. When all the students had left, he walked toward me. “You smell just like Mom,” he said softly. “Her bracelet looks real pretty on you, too. I’m glad you liked it.” He left quickly. I locked the door, sat down at my desk, and wept, resolving to make up to Teddy what I had deliber-ately deprived him of-a teacher who cared. I stayed eve-ry afternoon with Teddy from the end of the Christmas holidays until the last day of school. And slowly, he caught up with the rest of the class. In fact, his final aver-ages were among the highest in the class. Teddy did not have to repeat the fifth grade. I did not hear from Teddy until seven years later, when his first letter appeared in my mailbox. Dear Miss Reyes, I just wanted you to be the first to know. I will be graduating second in my class next month. Very truly yours, Teddy

I sent Teddy a card of congratulations and a small package-a pen and pencil gift set. I wondered what he would do after graduation. Four years later, Teddy’s second letter came.

Dear Miss Reyes, I wanted you to be the first to know.

I was just informed that I’ll e graduating first in my class in Pre-Med. The University of the Philippines has not been easy but I like it.

Very truly yours, Teddy I sent Teddy a card and a little key chain gift. I was

so proud and I could burst and then came Teddy’s letter. Dear Miss Reyes, I wanted you to be the first to know. As

of today, I am Teodoro J. Garcia, MD. How about that!!! I am going to be married on July 27th. I wanted to ask if you could come and sit where Mom would sit if she were here. I will have no family at the wedding since Dad died last year.

Very truly yours, Teddy I’m not sure what kind of gift one sends a doctor on

completion of medical school and the Board Exams. Maybe, I’ll just wait and bring my wedding gift but my note can’t wait.

Dear Ted, Congratulations. You made it, and you did

it yourself! In spite of those like me and not because of us, this day has come for you. God bless! I’ll be at your wedding with bells on!!!

Editorial Staff

Editor –In –Chief …….Cristina C. Camacho Asst.-Editor-in- Chief.....Joyce Marie D. Damole

Literary Editors………..Honey Rhea Anoba Shobe Marie ansay

News Editor …………..Athena Faye Ruelan Catoonists ……………Isidoro Roblon Jr.

Leonard John Lozada Harold John Retanal

Feature Editors…….Jhyssylove M. Paceño Lesie Lidot

Sports Editor ………..Dorothy Gabato Vea Angelika Rosialda

Mrs. Victoria D. Damole

Adviser

Mr. Rufino M. Medico

Mr. Eugen V. Romarate Lay-Out Advisers

Ms. Alicia M. Beduya

Consultant

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

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VOLUME XXII The ANHS Flame S.Y. 2011 - 2012

Did you know that there are 206 bones in the adult human body and there are 300 in children (as they grow some of the bones fuse together).

Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height. In human terms this is equal to a 6ft. per-son jumping 780 ft. into the air.

The most dangerous animal in the world is the common housefly. Because of their habits of vis-iting animal waste, they transmit more diseases than any other animal.

Snakes are true carnivorous because they eat nothing but other animals. They do not eat any type of plant material.

The world's largest amphibian is the giant sala-mander. It can grow up to 5 ft. in length.

100 years ago: The first virus was found in both plants and animals.

30 years ago: The computer mouse was invented.

The smallest bone in the human body is the stapes or stirrup bone located in the middle ear. It is ap-proximately .11 inches (.28 cm) long.

The longest cells in the human body are the motor neurons. They can be up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) long and run from the lower spinal cord to the big toe.

The largest man-made lake in the U.S. is Lake Mead, created by Hoover Dam.

The human eye blinks an average of 4,200,000 times a year.

It takes approximately 12 hours for food to entire-ly digest.

Human jaw muscles can generate a force of 200 pounds (90.8 kilograms) on the molars.

An inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain water is equiva-lent to 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) of dry, pow-dery snow.

40 to 50 percent of body heat can be lost through

the head (no hat) as a result of its extensive circulatory network.

The Hubble Space Telescope weighs 12 tons (10,896 kilograms), is 43 feet (13.1 meters) long, and cost $2.1 billion to originally build.

The longest living cells in the body are brain cells which can live an entire lifetime.

The hottest planet in the solar system is Venus, with an estimated surface temperature of 864 F (462 C).

The ears of a cricket are located on the front legs, just below the knee.

The leg muscles of a locust are about 1000 times more powerful than an equal weight of human muscle.

Sound travels about 4 times faster in water than in air.

Boron nitride (BN) is the second hardest sub-stance known to man.

The only letter not appearing on the Periodic Table is the letter “J”.

October 10 is National Metric Day.

No matter its size or thickness, no piece of pa-per can be folded in half more than 7 times.

According to an old English system of time units, a moment is one and a half minutes.

Most gemstones contain several elements. The exception? The diamond. It's all carbon.

Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man.

When hydrogen burns in the air, water is formed.

Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the tele-phone, also set a world water-speed record of over seventy miles an hour at the age of seventy two.

The Earth's equatorial circumference (40,075 km) is greater than its polar circumference

(40,008 km).

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world.

The Earth's average velocity orbiting the sun is 107,220 km per hour.

There is a high and low tide because of our moon and the Sun.

The United States consumes 25% of all the world’s energy.

If you could drive to the sun -- at 55 miles per hour -- it would take about 193 years

The moon is one million times drier than the Gobi Desert.

The planet Saturn has a density lower than water. So, if placed in water it would float.

Every year in the US, 625 people are struck by light-ning.

Hawaii is moving toward Japan 4 inches every year.

Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, waters, and atmosphere (about 49.5%)

The moon is 27% the size of the Earth.

The Earth weighs 6.6 sextillion tons, or 5.97 x 1024 kg.

The center of the Sun is about 27 million degrees Fahrenheit (15 million °C).

Sunlight takes about 8 minutes & 20 seconds to reach the Earth at 186,282 miles/sec (299,792 Km/sec).

The highest temperature on Earth was 136°F (58°C) in Libya in 1922.

The lowest temperature on Earth was -128.6°F (-89.6°C) in Antarctica in 1983.

Sunlight can penetrate clean ocean water to a depth of 240 feet.

The average ocean floor is 12,000 feet.

The temperature can be determined by counting the number of cricket chirps in fourteen seconds and adding 40.

House flies have a lifespan of two weeks.

Porcupines float in water.

An ostrich's eye is bigger that its brain.

An iguana can stay under water for twenty-eight minutes.

ANHS Alumni Initiate Fun-Run’11

Alcoy National High School Alumni As-sociation, headed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Stephen Anore, initiated the Run-for-a-Cause last August 20, 2011 from Church Plaza to Lalin Hill, in the town of Alcoy, Cebu. The said Fun-Run” aimed to raise funds for the alumni projects and to invite alumni of Alcoy National High School to join and reminisce good-old-days and to meet classmates, batch-mates and friends in high school. Rev. Fr. Ste-phen Anore, the association president, was very active to start the activity for the first time. Alumni, participating runners from different or-ganization, community people, children and adults, assembled at the church plaza at five o’clock in the morning to join in the said Fun-Run. Among the prominent Alcoyanons who joined in the Fun-Run were Municipal Officials, Barangay Officials and businessmen. Snacks and drinks were served ready for the runners while prizes were at stake for the winners.

ANHS Intamurals ’11 held

Alcoy NHS held its annual Intramurals 2011 last July 30, 2011 at Alcoy NHS Campus ground. The yearly sports event featured differ-ent games participated by athletes from differ-ent year levels. Highlighting the events was the Search for Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 201. Ms. Alicia M. Beduya, Principal I, gave her Welcome Address, which was followed by the lighting of the athletic torch by Leah Queen A. Rumaguera. The banner raising contest followed which was won by the Señors. Mr. In trams 2011 is Jason Carl Diaz while Ms. Intrams 2011 is Kate James Dela Rosa. All games were held on the same day. All winning athletes would compete with the Nug-as Team during the Municipal Meet.

ANHS JOINS NUTIRITION MONTH CELEBRATION

Alcoy National High School joined in the celebration of the Nutrition Month 2011 which was held in the entire month of July, 2011 with this year’s theme.

Series of weekly activities were held in line with the celebration which was spearheaded by the T.L.E department specifically Mrs. Ma. Ghislana A. De los Santos, T.L.E Coordinator. The said celebration featured poster making contest, slogan writing contest, Nutri-eat contest and the Display Booth contest. The culmination activity was highlighted with the coronation of the chosen Mr. and Ms. Nutirtion 2011. This year’s Mr. Nutrition is Jayson Carl Diaz, I-Oriole and Ms. Nutrition is Rhea Jane Mosqueda, I-Dove. Making it to the win are the following students with their respective categories: Quiz Bowl - Cheena Lou Arriesgado, Noriza Ramos, Jules Mark Abgao, Maria Cristina Camacho Poster Making - Felipe Ansay & Jolimar de los Santos Slogan Writing - Vea Angelika Rosialda & Georgiennie M. Daplin Table Setting - Ian Abadilla and Rosemarie Anoba Refreshments - Dorothy A. & Pol Chris Costin Cooking - Nicole Largoza and Chris Belen Gemotog

Buwan ng wika ’11, ipinagdiwang

Upang mapahalagahan ang Pambansang Wika, ipinagdiwang ng Alcoy National High School, Alcoy, Cebu ang taunang Buwan ng Wika noong Agosto 01-30, 2011 sa temang “WikangPambansa: Ilaw at Lakas sa Tuwid na Lan-das.” Itinampok sa naturang pagdiriwang ang iba’t ibang larangan ng kasanayan tulad ng pagguhit ng poster, Pagsulat ng sanaysay, Pagsulat ng islogan at Paligsahan sa pag-awit. Nanalo sa paligsahan sa pag-awit si Jevely Ano-ba , II-Molave na sinundan naman nina Mary Lou Bediot, III-Rose at Marianne Anoba. Nagwagi rin sa mga sumusunod na paligsahan sina: Pagguhit ng Poster - Felipe Ansay at Jolimar de los San-tos Pagsulat ng Islogan - Vea Angelika S. Rosialda Pagsulat ng Sanaysay - Joyce Marie D. Damole Pagsulat ng Tula - Honey Rhea Anoba

Alcoy LGU sponsors Nutrition Jingle Writing Contest

The Local Government Unit of the Municipality of Alcoy sponsored a Jingle Writing contest in line with the celebration of the Nutrition Month last July 30, 2011.

Participants to the said activity were stu-dents from Alcoy NHS by year level. Each team of the jinglers must consist of not more than 30 members and each should present an original jingle depicting the message of the theme of the Nutrition Month. The team from the Third Year was pro-claimed winner of the said contest which was fol-lowed by the Second year team, First Year team and fourth Year team respectively. Aside from the Jingle writing contest, the said activity also included poster making contest and slogan writing contest participated by both elemen-tary and secondary students.

Alcoy community supports Brigada Eskwela

--The cause of the yearly Brigada Eskwela was well supported by the entire Alcoy community as parents, teach-ers, students and NGO’s gathered together to prepare the school for the opening of classes for the school year 2011-2012 last May 23-30, 2011 at the Alcoy NHS Campus.

The said activity was started by an opening program to welcome everyone to the Brigada Eskwela 2011. Ms. Ali-cia M. Beduya, Principal I, expressed her wholehearted gratitude to the parents, teachers and students who were there to take part in the clean up of the school ground and repair of the school building and other school facilities. The activity lasted for the whole week as parents and students took turn in joining in the activity.

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