With the theme, “CAR @ 24: The Cordillera Towards Regional Autonomy and Development”, Baguio City National High School, led by its Kabayani Club, culminated its month-long celebration with a cultural show and awarding ceremony at the auditorium last August 1, 2011.

The results for the different competitions are as follows:

First year Level Slogan making:

1st place – Jame Miguel (I-Maagap)
2nd place – Mariais Rulloda (I-Maagap)
3rd place – Michael Rojan Buyong (I-Matalino)

Second year Level Poster making:

1st place – Shan Rhee Aced (II – Artistry)
2nd place – Yvon Mae Casa (II- Affection)
3rd place – CJ Castro (II – Amiable)

Third year level Poster Making:

1st place – Shaia Mae Israel (III- Goodwill)
2nd place – Kian Tinaza (III- Excellence)
3rd place – Nichole Lubrica (III – Discovery)

Fourth year level Essay Writing:

1st place – Leah Anne F. Bornilla (IV-Success)
2nd place – Marivic A. Wayah (IV- Nobility)
3rd place – Denise Meghan Dado (IV- Wisdom)

Bulletin Board Design:

1st place – First year level
2nd place – Second year level
3rd place – Third year level

Solo Singing Contest:

1st place – Joshua Trinidad (Second year SPS – Main)
2nd place – Verilyn Astudillo (Sto. Tomas Annex)
3rd place – Venus Vinegas (Sto. Tomas Annex)

Cultural Dance Contest:

1st place – BCNHS Bakakeng Annex
2nd place – BCNHS Rizal Annex
3rd place – BCNHS San Vicente Annex

The Cordillera month closing program and awarding ceremony was held simultaneously with the Nutrition Month and Disaster Consciousness Month programs.

By: Jeremy Jordan T. Castro & Kimberly G. Garcia

With the theme, “Isulong ang Breastfeeding- Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo”, BCNHS celebrated the Nutrition Month last July. The school held various activities and competitions in cooperation with the nationwide celebration of the Nutrition Month.

Activities include poster-making contests, slogan-making contests, year-level bulletin board contests, nutri-jingle contest and a lecture on breastfeeding and maternal care conducted by Dr. Jocelyn de Jesus. Mrs. Edna F. Bugaoan was the activity coordinator.

The winners for the poster-making contests are Enylrac Lagupo of II- Coordination, who won first place for the regular sections category, and Judd Dean Dominguez of IV- Modesty who won first place for the Special Programs category. Norjana Dipatuan of II- Concern ranked first in the slogan-making contest (Filipino Category) while Darlene Degan of III- Heroism ranked first in the English Category. The team from IV- Trustworthy won the nutri-jingle contest. In the year-level bulletin board contest, the fourth year level got the first place.

by: Magnolia Angela del Rosario, Janica Kahlil Tibalao, & Ariel Payot

US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr., leading the celebration of Filipino-American Friendship Day in Baguio, personally awarded a BCNHS student the Judges’ choice Award in the Photo competition conducted as part of the America in 3D Roadshow last July 8, 2011 at S.M. City, Baguio.

John Carlo Tagata of IV-Prestige received the award together with the winners of the Essay-Writing Competition during the launching of America in 3D (A Roadshow in Diplomacy, Development, and Defense) in Baguio. The nationwide initiative showcases American culture, values, and services in the Philippines.

John Carlo Tagata (right beside Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.) during the America in 3D Launching at SM City Baguio.

Bringing home a medal and a certificate, a BCNHS senior participated in the International Mathematics Regions League (IMRL) held at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas last June 3 – 4, 2011.

Jynariz Datuin of IV–Success was a member of Philippines Team B, ranking 5th among teams from 10 different countries all over the world. The teams participated in four different rounds: Team Round, Power Round, Individual Round, and Relay Round.

The Philippine delegation was headed by Prof. Rechilda P. Villame. The Team Leaders were DepEd – Makati Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Priscilla de Sagun, Math Training Guild trainer Nicolai Vasquez, and Deputy Team Leader Anna Patricia Meravite, another MTG trainer.

The Philippine delegates to the International Mathematics Regions League in Las Vegas, Nevada

by: Christian Dacumos, Matthew Kelby Uy, & Avery Labawig

As of June 10, 2011, 10, 453 students have enrolled in Baguio City National High School including its annexes this school year 2011-2012.

According to the latest enrollment data, 6, 632 students have enrolled in the main campus: 5, 318 enrollees are from the Regular Program while 517 are from the Special Science Program, 378 from the Special Program in the Arts, 389 from the Special Program in Sports, and 30 from the Open High School Program.

First Year students, grouped into 31 sections, totaled 1, 854 while Second Years students, grouped into 28 sections, currently has 1, 648. Third Year students, grouped into 27 sections, totaled 1, 821, while Fourth Year students, grouped into 26 sections, have the lowest number of enrollees with 1, 279.

In the annexes, Bakakeng with 249 enrollees, Doña Aurora with 701, Fort del Pilar with 763, Happy Hallow with 122, Hillside with 69, Lindawan with 152, Rizal with 913, San Vicente with 518, and Santo Tomas with 334, have a total population of 3, 821.

Compared to the 11, 401 students who were enrolled last school year, this school year’s population is relatively less. However, according to the Administrative Office of the main campus, with the number of late enrollees, the student population is still expected to climb.

by: Genuine Joe Abnasan, David Ivan Malinao, Johanna Rose Calisin, Jeremy Jordan Castro, Kimberly Garcia, Ivan James Orille, Yvon Mari Lagdao, & Kahren Yvonne Salbino

1,370 Fourth Year students graduated today in Baguio City National High School Main’s  92nd Commencement Exercises with the theme: The Graduate: A Partner Towards Transformational Society, An Answer to Societal Change.

Comprising majority of the graduates were 1098 students of the Regular program. 272 graduated from the other programs namely: Special Science Program (116), Special Program in the Arts (91), Special Program for Sports (53), and Open High School Program (12).

The guest speakers in the said programs, which were conducted in two batches: morning and afternoon, were BCNHS alumni Dr. Marie Ellaine N. Velasquez, an Internal Medicine-Gastroenterologist and Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, a professor of the University of the Philippines, respectively.

Dr. Marie Ellaine N. Velasquez speaks to the graduates during the morning program.

Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, a professor of the University of the Philippines, addresses the graduates during the afternoon program.

Baguio City National High School once again topped the Search for Baguio’s Exemplary School Teacher (BEST) in the High School Level. Mrs. Jayrerose Guevarra, an English teacher was awarded first place last March 4, 2011 at Supreme Hotel.

The Rotary Club of Baguio Sunrise, headed by Alice Wilder, organized the search which was chaired by Mr. Charles Baguilat, in coordination with Baguio City Division of the Department of Education.

Mrs. Guevara was selected among ten finalists that also included other teachers from BCNHS namely: Mrs. Vilma Ambat of the Main, Mrs. Remedios Andrada, also of the Main, and Mrs. Marites Marquez of Rizal Annex.

The Baguio’s Exemplary School Teachers Awards (B.E.S.T) is an annual project of the Rotary Club of Baguio Sunrise (RCBS) initiated seven years ago.

by: Bianca Baldovino, Claisyl Casiwan, Jemima Sawey, Joseph Bautista, Marvin Abellera & Kevin Fabros

(Left to Right) Charles Baguilat (Chairman Search for BEST 2011), Oscar Cadeliña, Rotary Club of Baguio Sunrise President Alice Wilder, Champion - Jayrerose Guevara (BCNHS) ; 1st runner up Michael Aboc (Pines CNHS) 2nd Runner up Arlene Tumingeb (Pinsao NHS), and Rotary Club District Governor Manny Yu.

Going home with 50,000 pesos as prize money and a speech laboratory package worth 400, 000 pesos for Baguio City National High School, a student from IV- Resourcefulness won 1st runner up in the recently concluded STI Foundation-sponsored Voice of the Youth–National Oratorical Competition last February 28, 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati City.

Charles Andre Cadiogan was one of the 12 finalists who had given their speeches themed “Change I Want to See Begins with Me: Becoming the New Filipino” to a panel of judges composed of veteran broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez; associate professor Dr. Cecilia Bulan of the College of Arts and Letters in the University of the Philippines; and Mike Walters of the Debate Society of the Ateneo de Manila University . Cadiogan, coached by Mr. Windelino Alipda, competed against 500 contestants from all around the country.

The Voice of the Youth – National Oratorical Competition is an advocacy aimed at developing critical thinking and fluency in English communication among the youth spearheaded by the Department of Education, National Youth Commission, and STI Foundation together with the STI network of schools.

Below is the winning oratorical piece of Cadiogan entitled Walking the Talk for Change.

“There are no poor if there are no corrupt people.” This was the campaign battle cry that propelled then Senator Benigno Aguino III to the presidency during the May 2010 elections, ushering in a clamor for change. But will the shift in leadership ensure genuine change for a better Philippines? Will it pull out our country from the quagmire of poverty?

Members of the Board of Judges, distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen-good day to all of you!

Poverty and corruption, as well as all other socio-economic and moral problems cannot be solved simply with a change in leadership. Peace, prosperity, rule of law and morality cannot be attained by merely putting people to handle the affairs of government, or by telling them what to do and what not to do. The solution lies in the determination of every individual to cause positive change in himself. The change must emanate not only from our leaders but also from each member of the society. It is the change in the attitude of the people that provides the ingredient for a lasting and sustainable bright future.

I often wonder why there is so much violence, poverty, immorality and lawlessness in our country. Why are these things happening to us when we are a very religious nation and we have a government of laws? We profess to follow what God or Allah has commanded us to do. Our leaders–be they political, religious, business or otherwise–preach to us what is right and what is wrong, what is legal and what is illegal, what is moral and what is immoral. Our teachers tell us to be fair, to be democratic. And our parents mold us to be obedient, respectful and kind. In flag ceremonies, we pledge loyalty to our country and we say we are pro-God, pro-people and pro-environment. And as boy or girl scouts, we affirm that we are trustworthy, helpful, loving, et cetera.

But with all these things taught to us, and with all the pledges we make, why is there utter disregard for the rule of law? Why is there rampant corruption in the government? Why are there so many gruesome crimes? Why are we destroying our environment? And why is our country still poor?

I believe that these things are happening to us because we, as a people, do not practice what we preach. We only pay lip service to our promises and pledges. We do not walk our talk. We complain about garbage but we litter anywhere; we warn others not to steal but we pocket taxpayers’ money; we claim to fight illegal gambling but we receive bribes and turn a blind eye on the perpetrators; we tell others to abide by rules and regulations but we do not fall and wait in line; and we preach love, forgiveness and compassion but we kick out those who go astray from our offices, schools and homes. Hypocrisy abounds and we have a distorted sense of honesty.

If we as a people want real change and a truly bright future for our country, we have to reform ourselves. As advised by the great Mahatma Gandhi: “We must become the change we want to see.”

I want my country to be peaceful, prosperous, environmentally friendly, and morally upright. But to help attain these goals for my country, I must strive to become a better person myself. I must fight my own prejudices, and treat others with fairness and justice. I must be truthful in words and in deeds. I will do what I have to do and I will refrain from doing what I ought not to do.

At home, I will help my parents and elders and show them respect. In school, I will listen to my teachers, obey the rules and regulations, and study my lessons. And in my community, I will be a law-abiding citizen. I will be fair and will exercise my rights to the extent that I will not violate the rights of others. I will not litter. I will not vandalize. I will not write on walls and in comfort rooms. I will not join illegal and unauthorized organizations. And yes, I will limit my use of the computer to those that are beneficial to my life.
I may be a small voice but if I live an honest and truthful life and be a role model even for just one person, then I will have made a difference. I would not be insignificant, but be one of the rays of hope to my native land.

I end my piece with the last two lines of the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, a man who did not complain about his physical disability but was instead thankful for whatever strength he had left in him; he lived an honest and fruitful life, practicing what he preached and influencing many honorable and courageous men to walk their talk.

I shall be honest even if others are not and I shall live the truth even if others dare not, for “I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul.”

I thank you!

by: Charis Faith Areola, Ishmael Bawingan, Julie Anne Dimapilis, Ayseah Miguel Mallari, Ritche Orven Flores, Kent Jomel Viray, Fritz Earl Pagala, & Jan Joseph Abenoja

Charles Andre Cadiogan (center) with Dr. Elma Donaal, principal of BCNHS and Mr. Windelino Alipda, his coach

Thousands of tourists and locals lined the sidewalks from Upper Session Road all the way to Athletic Bowl as they waited patiently for this year’s Panagbenga Grand Street Parade and Float Parade that began in the mornings of February 25 and 26 respectively.

The Street Dancing Parade started at about 8:20AM kicking off from Upper Session Road. Hundreds of performers showcased their dance moves during the much-awaited event while flaunting their vibrant costumes and props in the parade which lasted for 1.5 hours. The Philippine Military Police and Marching Band led the parade of delegates followed closely by the Baguio City officials which included Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Bernardo Vergara. Representatives from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia were also present including the ambassador and some delegates from Malaysia and South Korea. Guests from sister cities and provinces were also present in the parade. The University of Luzon Marching Band from Dagupan performed modern-day hits by Justin Beiber and Bruno Mars whose performance was followed by another from the Hotel and Restaurant Association and LGU-DAET. Some teachers from Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) marched together with the DepEd Baguio Officials. The Japanese Association in Baguio came after the Regional Development Council. The Boys of Caridad Marching Band from Cavite also performed and were followed by the Liga ng mga Barangay and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. The Girl and Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Baguio Chapter followed right after them.

The performing bands competing in the Street Dancing Competition proceeded to the Athletic Bowl. They were categorized under either Progressive or Stationary Dance. The contest proper began with the Elementary Division, Categories I and II. Participants in the said division included Josefa Carino Elementary School which portrayed the culture of the Mountain Province; Baguio Central School whose performance revolved around the folktale of Apayao; Quezon Hill Elementary School who presented the blossoming of vegetables in Sagada; Mabini Elementary School with the theme of Thanksgiving; Aguinaldo Elementary School and Special Education Center (SPED center). The High School Division, Category III came next with five participants; two of which represented BCNHS. The participants were Pinsao National High School who performed the Kulilipan or a ritual showing gratitude; Tublay School of Industries with the presentation of Fact or Legend; Magsaysay National High School, BCNHS – Special Program for the Arts (SPA) with the Ibaloi translation of Life at the Break of Dawn and the BCNHS – Main. The fourth division was the Open Division which allowed other contestants from in and out of Baguio to participate.

The Street Dancing participants from Baguio City National High Special Program in the Arts were coached by Mrs. Api-it and Mrs. Jamorabon. Preparations were done one week following their trip from Tagum, Davao where they took part in another competition. 250 students from the SPA performed in the Street Dancing Parade with the participation of the BCNHS Rondalla and SPA choir. Their performance was described by the host as a “passionate interpretation” of the Panagbenga festival. The presentation was also their NAMCYA winning piece as verbalized by one of their coaches. The Street Dancing participants from Baguio City National High Main, on the other hand, coached by Mrs. Pekley and Mrs. Manzano were comprised of third year students from the three Star Sections. Their performance revolved around a theme about the environment.

The Float Parade that lasted for over 3 hours and showcased twenty five floats was led by the Philippine Military Academy Marching Band. Guest Performers included the University of Luzon Marching Band, Baguio City National High School Marching Band, Saint Louis University Marching Band and Saint Louis University Laboratory High School Marching Band. The various competing bands performed in between the parade of floats from the different government agencies, private corporations and other major sponsors. Participants in the Band Competition included Pugo Central School, Fort del Pilar Elementary School, Don Mariano Elementary School, Dr. Jose P. Rizal Elementary School, Baguio Central School, Josefa Carino Elementary School, and Quezon Elementary School.
The declared winners for the Street Dancing Competition for the Elementary Division were SPED Center, First Place and Dr. Jose P. Rizal Elementary School, Second Place. For the High School Division, Baguio City National High School Special Program in the Arts emerged as the First Placers followed by Pinsao National High School at Second Place and Magsaysay National High School at Third Place.

Organizers of this year’s Panagbenga Festival approximated the number of tourists who visited the city over the past two days to have reached over 1.5 million which is more than that of the previous years.

By: Elaine Fatima Simon, Marie Danielle Mesina, Jahzeel Mae Huyo

Two teachers and two students of Baguio City National High School recently participated in the First e-Learning International Contest of Outstanding New ages (e-ICON) held in Seoul, South Korea from February 17-25, 2011.

Mr. Warren Ambat, the ICT Coordinator of the school, and Mr. Estelito Mendoza, a Microsoft Innovative Teachers Leadership national awardee, was joined by Francis Tan of IV-Wisdom and Miguel Ricardo Leung of III-Discovery in representing the country in the said event which was hosted by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology (MEST Korea), and sponsored by Microsoft Korea and the Institute of APEC Collaborative Education (IACE).

Sixteen countries, namely Brunei, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Sakha, Thailand, Russia, Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, Peru, Singapore, and Korea participated in various programs such as International Training, World Contest, e-ICON World Summit, and e-Learning Idea Contest.The International Training, conducted from February 17 to 22, organized participants into Tracks: Track 1- teachers and Track 2- students and grouped each country’s participants with Korean teammates. The participants shared e- Learning content development methods and creative contents that can be used worldwide. The planning, creativity, and feasibility of global e-learning contents developed during the International Training was then evaluated at the World Contest from the 23rd to 24th.

On the 25th, with the theme, “Challenges and Prospects of International Education Cooperation via E-Learning”, education policy makers and businessmen from different nations gathered in the e-ICON World Summit to discuss international education cooperation through e-Learning. Meanwhile, university students took part in the e- Learning Idea Contest with the premise “E-Learning, IT, and ICT Application Idea for the Accomplishment of UN MDG”. The purpose of this competition was to garner ideas from students in eliminating poverty and famine, strengthening gender equality, and other goals of the Millennium Development Plan through the use of ICT.

by: Mylene Manogan & April Lou Gapasin