A Card-Making Contest About St. Francis of Assisi

A card-making contest was held this month of October as part of the school's celebration of the St. Francis of Assisi's feast day last October 4, 2009. Students had to design a card with the theme "It is in giving that we receive." The winners were Jeselle Torres (5th grader), Claude Alan Corugda (6th grader), Thiryne Mondragon (2nd year) and Nhelsy Joy Franco (2nd year).

1st and 2nd Year Students Bring Joy to a Community

The first and second year classes with their advisers Sir Armado Gayatenia and Ms. Harlene Mae Figueroa organized an outreach at Sitio San Francisco, Dungcaan, E.B. Magalona last October 22, 2009. They spent the entire morning entertaining grandparents and children of that community. Although they were exhausted from the one mile walk in the heat to reach the place, it was all worth it!

Giving food and playing Bingo with the lolo's and lola's were my best experiences in our outreach. - Anissa Angelica Ascalon, 2nd year

I liked giving old clothes to our lolos and lolas. - Joshua Cuesta, 2nd year

I felt happy when I saw the children smiling and happy, too. - Earl Joshua Tarrosa, 1st year

I was so happy when I gave food to the children. - Anthony Capablanca, 1st year

I enjoyed asking the names of the children we entertained. - Denmark Serrano, 1st year

The Juniors Visit the Jail

Last October 20, 2009, the 3rd year class of SFAS with their homeroom adviser, Sir JR Abello, visited the Silay City Jail as part of the country's 15th National Correctional Consciousness Week. The students and inmates shared their talents as well as their time after in a short interaction activity.

A Negrense Pride: "Yanggaw"

Yanggaw, an independent film of Cinema One, was watched by the fourth year class last October 21, 2009 with their adviser Mrs. Lina Gabino at Robinson, Bacolod City. Thanks to the Tapulanga Foundation who sponsored this activity.

Yanggaw (an Ilonggo word which means "infected") is a drama-mystery movie directed and wriiten by an Illonggo, Richard Somes. It is a story of an "ordinary family that has to deal with their extraordinarily dark secrets that will change their lives forever."

Yanggaw won the most number of awards in the 4th Annual Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2008 (Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Sound, Best Editing, and the Audience Award for Best Digital Movie).

USLS Interaction and Visit to Colleges by SFAS Seniors

The fourth year students of SFAS excitedly went to the University of St. La Salle Integrated School in Bacolod City last October 12, 2009 to interact with the 11E students of USLS-IS. It was the continuation of their previous interaction with the SFAS students. They got the chance to know each other well as they asked personal questions with each other. They willingly shared some of their hobbies, likes, dreams and even showed some of their talents again. The smiles on their faces proved that the friendship was built. Both SFAS and USLS-IS classes were so grateful that they had been given this opportunity to mingle with each other.

After USLS, the 4th year students proceeded to visit Carlos Hilado Memorial State College and the Technological University of the Philippines, both in Talisay City. The two schools are State colleges/universities offering a very minimal tuition . They were introduced to the courses offered in both schools, the scholarships available and the schedule of entrance examinations. The short lecture was followed by the tour of the school facilities such as shops and laboratories.

SFAS Celebrates 45 Years!

SFAS celebrated 45 years with a Family Day
last October 11, 2009.

A thanksgiving mass started the day, celebrated by the parish priest, Fr. Henrick Villanueva.

The Preschool students presented a dance number in the field.
A contest on Chorale presentation of the Prayer of St. Francis
was held between Grades 1 - 3.
Grades 4 - 6 presented an "Animal Play"
to show how St. Francis of Assisi was a lover of animals.

The high school students competed in a Rap/Singing contest
of their own interpretation of the Prayer of St. Francis.

Everyone was very entertained when the mothers (representing all levels)
gave their best in the dance competition.

A celebration always has games, this time parents joined their children.

A Senior student, Mark Pollen Parrenas,
poses as St. Francis of Assisi.

To the delight of many preschoolers and 1st to 3rd graders,
this inflatable play area was a sure big hit!

One of the highlights of the festivities was the Booth Design contest,
sponsored by the Parents Council Association (PCA).
Each class had to come up with a booth made from indigenous and recyclable materials.

SFAS Alumni Day

After a very long time, the SFAS again organized an Alumni Day last Oct. 11, 2009. Around 180 people came. Only batches 1989 and 2006 were not represented. The pioneer batch of 1970 were attended by eight! Former teachers also joined the celebration: Ms. Fely Sta. Agueda (1964 - 1999), Ms. Tess Mallorca (1966 - 2004), Mrs. Elsie Jison Tanggarorang (1978 - 1986), Mrs. Liza Lamis Rubica (1990 - 1998), Ms. Josephine Oyanan (1994 - 1998), Mrs. Brendali Jimenez (1991 - 1998) and Mrs. Gina Buenafe Castillo (1988 - 1991).

A certificate on Loyalty Award was given to SFAS graduates who are now serving their alma mater: Sir Armando Gayatenia, Jr. (graduated in 1995, serving the school since 2003), Mrs. Maryrose T. Amador (graduated in 1992, serving the school since 2008) and Mrs. Josephine Negrito (graduated in 1985, serving the school since 2008).

A certificate on Service Award was given to teachers who have served the school for more than 15 years: Ms. Fely Sta. Agueda (1964 - 1999), Ms. Tess Mallorca (1966 - 2004), Ms. Milagros Silario (1997 - 2000), Ms. Carmelita Gustilo (1979 - present) and Ms. Elena Coja (1990 - present).

An election of officers was held as well, with Mr. Edgardo Ibanez (batch 1986) as president.

Special people helped in making the celebration a success especially since everyone looked forward to the raffle and door prizes. Mrs. Sally Ledesma donated several items as door prizes. Lonoy Agricultural Corporation, Sir Mike and Ms. Ging Graham, Sir James and Ms. Mari Ledesma and the Tapulanga Foundation donated raffle prizes, e.g. rice, groceries.

The Value of Rice

Since our Reading lesson was about the poem “Planting Rice,” my 1st year class and I went to Hacienda Lonoy to observe how farmers plant rice in the rice field last October 8, 2009. Sir Matthew Ledesma, who was our speaker, gave the students some information about how the rice seedlings are planted properly and how to take good care of them up to harvest time. My students were enlightened that they should not waste even just a single piece of grain and they were able to admire how farmers sacrificed themselves being exposed under the heat of the midday sun, soaked their feet for so long and stooped for a long time just to plant rice. - by Ms. Lina Gabino, subject teacher

Santacruzan in SFAS

The Social Studies class of the 2nd graders are studying about the different traditions and celebrations being celebrated by Filipinos. One of them is the Santacruzan.

The Santacruzan is a popular religious festival held in many towns and cities throughout the Philippines as the highlight of the month-long celebration of Flores de Mayo during the month of May. It is usually celebrated with a parade of decorated floats and elaborately dressed characters, representing various aspects of the Virgin Mary and other figures. The festival was introduced to the country during the Spanish period and continues to be celebrated by Filipinos all over the world. (taken from Wikipedia)

Hence, a Santacruzan was held last September 28, 2009 in school by the Grade 2 pupils together with subject teacher, Mrs. Elena Coja. After the said activity, the class had their food sharing and a small interaction with their classmates.

Career Orientation for the Students

Last October 2, 2009, the Junior and Senior classes attended another career orientation. The invited speakers were Ms. Daisy Orlina and PO3 Jerome Jambaro, both of whom are alumni of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City.

Ms. Daisy is currently employed by the Ledesmas of Hda. Lonoy, who were also her sponsors to finish the course BS Computer Science. There were a lot of factors that she had to consider in deciding what course to take up in college: her interests, talents and her parents’ financial capacity. She had to hurdle the muddy path of the hacienda to get a public utility jeep in order to reach Bacolod where she spent her college years.

After 20 years, PO3 Jambaro was very excited to see his Alma Matter. He was a proud graduate of the school and brought his family to show them the greatness of his school. The values of industry, resourcefulness and discipline he learned from SFAS have helped him in the career path that he chose. He took up Mechanical Engineering student in Technical Univeristy of the Philippines (TUP) in Talisay City, Negros but on his 2nd year he decided to join the Police Academy. Currently, PO3 Jambaro is an Investigation Officer of the Bacolod Philippine National Police, continually studying to achieve a higher rank in the Police Service.

A Seminar on How to Better Teach Students How to Read

Last October 9, 2009, the grades school teachers: Ms. Rose Iglesia, Ms. Leda Ibugan, Ms. Elena Coja and Ms. Maryrose Amador (left to right) attended a NOPSSCEA sponsored training on Effective Teaching Strategies for Today's Learners at La Consolacion College - Bacolod City. It was facilitated by Ms. Arminda C. Casuyon Ed. D (center), Dean of College of Education in Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC).

I learned about the different reading skills and techniques. (Mrs. Elena Coja)

I learned the three groups of reading skills and approaches in teaching a Reading class. (Mrs. Maryrose Amador)

I learned about the basic concepts of reading. (Mrs. Rose Iglesia)

I learned about conducting oral reading test and the types of reading difficulties. (Mrs. Leda Ibugan)

Non-Teaching Personnel Training

Last October 6, 2009, the school secretary and Multi-Media in-charge of SFAS visited the University of St. La Salle - Bacolod City for a training on their respective work.

It was a great opportunity for me to have a one-on-one training with Ms. Cleo Malan (Secretary to the Guidance Counselor). She taught me how to file documents in different ways. I was especially amazed when she introduced me to the color coding way of filing documents. Ms. Miriam Mondragon (Secretary to the Vice Principal) also shared with me her secret on how to be a pleasant secretary. She also oriented me on how to answer telephone calls and record the different papers and communications going in and out of the office. (Ms. Crisel Estardo, secretary)

Do you know what AVR means? AVR is Audio Visual Room.

I was amazed to see the AVR of the Grade School managed by Sir Apollo L. Mori and high school by Sir Arnel B. Cuaycong. Their offices were organized and fully equipped with different audio-visual materials. I learned that all AVR materials must be cataloged. All printed and non-printed materials must be arranged by subject, author and title as well. (Ms. Marechris Lautrezo, Multi-Media in-charge)

United with our Lolos and Lolas

In relation to the subject matter UNITY, the CLE (Religion) second year class of Sir Armando Gayatenia, Jr. had an outreach activity last October 2, 2009 in Hacienda Tinihaban chapel, Silay City. They invited the elders of the community. They prepared a short program to entertain the elders and to make them feel important.

I learned that there are many ways to give happiness to others. (Biena Mae Silva)

I learned to show love to our lolos (grandfathers) and lolas (grandmothers). (Quennie Dimanalata)

I learned to respect the elders equally. (Jadon Macahilig)

I learned that in making other people happy, it makes us happy, too. (Bettina Suanque)

The Holy Rosary Month

The opening ceremony for the Holy Rosary Month was held last October 1, 2009. October is the month celebrated by SFAS in honor of Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary. Grade 1 - 4th year students offered flowers and prayed the rosary during the ceremony. Every school day for this month of October, all classes will pray the rosary.

Grade School Sports Fest Finals

The Finals for the Grade School Sports Fest 2009 was held on the afternoon of September 30, 2009. Championship games in basketball (red team vs. yellow team - winner), football boys (red team - winner vs. blue team) and football girls (green team - winner vs. blue team) were played.

Sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie were developed during the entire Sports Fest.

Like in any / all competitions, there must be a winning a team.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE YELLOW TEAM for being the champions of the Grade School Sports Fest 2009! As prize, each member of the yellow team received a treat of ice cream for lunch!

SFAS Search-In Circle 7

Last September 25-27, 2009, SFAS held another Search-In retreat to the remaining 3rd year students. A special thanks to the following who helped in making the retreat possible thru their financial assistance and prayers: Tito Uichico (La Salle Greenhills Search-Inner) and the Tapulanga Foundation.

Its purpose was to learn more about self, fellow retreatants (who are their classmates) and God; develop better relationship with peers, God and parents; and to learn skills in dealing with life's situations.

I really liked the part that made us develop our relationship with our peers. (Philip Deogracias, Big Brother of Circle 7)

I liked the activities that mades us know our positive and negative attitudes toward our schoolmates. (Donna Zaragosa)

I liked the activities that made us feel closer to God. (Lloyd Navarette)

"Global Warming, Global Warning"

The morning of September 30, 2009 was the culmination of the Science and Math Month. Activities such as the Binibining Agham (Ms. Science) and Ginoong Matimatiko (Mr. Math) pageant; parlor games such as Paper House Building, Tallest Tower and Body Bingo; and the Math Quiz Bee finals were held.


Arabella Pagayon was "crowned" as the Binibining Agham while Christian Lowie Artillo, Ginoong Matematiko. Both are Grade 2 pupils.


Thanks to our judges: Mrs. Marissa Guadalupe, school nurse; Mrs. Lina Gabino and Sir Ariel Gabino, SFAS teachers.

Learning to Write

One of the teachers of SFAS, Mrs. Josie C. Bactong, attended a workshop on Advance Campus Journalism for High School and Elementary Paper Editors last September 26-27, 2009 in Queen of Peace, Bacolod City. The Tapulanga Foundation sponsored Mrs. Bactong's fees and transportation expenses.

The workshop was designed to equip participants with updated knowledge and skills needed in the preparation of school publications. Lecturers were Allen V. Del Carmen, M.S. in Journalism, Journalism Professor and USLS MassComm; Nannette Guadalquiver, M.A. in Journalism, Ateneo de Manila University Correspondent, Business World; Faculty, USLS MassComm and Nida Buenafe Sports Editor, DAILY STAR.

"I learned many things in attending this training such as photojournalism, editorial cartooning, sports writing and feature writing". - Mrs. Josie C. Bactong

* Mrs. Bactong is currently one of the writers of the school and foundation blog.

Lessons on Animals and Mangroves

As part of their lesson on animals, Science teacher Ms. Liza Acuesa brought her Grade 3 pupils to Eco Garden in Bacolod City last September 17, 2009. Students were able to review their lesson on the body parts of animals for movement and for protection.


On another day, the Social Studies class of Sir Matt Carlo in Grade 4 had a field trip as well. Last Sept. 25, 2009, he brought his students to Balaring Mangrove Forest in Silay City to see how mangroves grow and to learn the significance of mangrove to fishes.

Enkwentro - A Theater Play

Thru the Tapulanga Foundation, selected students of SFAS watched a theater play entitled ENKWENTRO last September 26, 2009 at the Gallaga Theater, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City.

Two one-act plays were presented: “Emo Trip” and “Pobreng Alindanaw,” characters and storylines portraying the most difficult journey to launch - the journey towards oneself.