SFAS Chorale Wins 2nd Place!

In the observance of the yultide season, the Silay City Government set up a Christmas Village at the public plaza. They sponsored a Christmas Chorale Competition which was participated by the different public and private schools in the Division of Silay City on December 11, 2009.

Among 5 participants from the different schools the SFAS Chorale won second place and got a cash prize of P3,000.00 pesos from the City Mayor Jose L. Montelibano. The SFAS chorale was composed of 16 high school students and trained by Sir Leonard Guinabo.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Note: You can view their performance at the video gallery (www.sfas.tapulanga.org)

Franciscans and La Sallian Students Bond

The third year class of SFAS had an interaction with the 3rd year class of the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod City last December 10, 2009. It was a time for them to know each other. They had games, presentations of talents and a short program to bond with each other.

I like the time when we toured them in our school. (Erika Rose Dagsan)

L liked the sharing of talents between Franciscans and La Sallians. (Michael John Navigar)

I like the game zip, zap, zoom. (Lloyd Navarette)

30th Regional Quiz Bee

The 30th Regional Quiz Bee was held last December 11, 2009 in Iloilo City. Its aim was to strengthen education by promoting excellence in Philippine History, Local History (Western Visayas), Mathematics, Science and Technology and the good values of leadership, peace unity, brotherhood and love of country.

Pryle Almira Soluta, a Grade 6 pupil from SFAS, was one of the contestants in the Regional Quiz Bee under Local History.

Grade 5 and 6 Outreach

Grade 5 and 6 classes had their outreach in Don Herminio Elementary School last December 7, 2009 with their advisers Mrs. Maryrose Amador and Sir Ariel Gabino. Each class gave a presentation to entertain the pupils.

I liked the heart-warming welcome of the teachers and pupils of Don Herminio Elementary School. (Christine Marie Reyes)

We enjoyed the games. (Lance Cary Fuentes)

We ate snacks with my partner and asked some questions to know more about their lives. (Hannah Mae Bacroya)

Teacher Empowerment: Shared Governance, Share Responsibility

The NASSPHIL Organizers hold a 2nd NASSPHIL Congress on the topic "Teacher Empowerment: Shared Governance, Share Responsibility" at El Grande Resort, Iloilo City last November 20-22, 2009 which was attended by Sir Ariel and Mrs. Lina Gabino.

It was such a privilege for me again to be part of the NASSPHIL Congress. I realized how important the learners of today's generation be nurtured in their wholistic personalities against the problems of our country nowadays. It is a challenge and a call for us educators. (Sir Ariel V. Gabino, Filipino High School teacher)

I've given the oppurtunity to experience the spirit of friendship among the participants of the NASSPHIL Congress. Ms. Lina Gabino)

Joint Parents Fellowship and Regional Teachers GASTPE Orientation

Last December 4-5, 2009, Ms. Melit A. Gustilo, the school principal of SFAS and Mrs. Christine Quiamco, a parent from the 3rd year class attended a "Joint Parents Fellowship and Regional Teachers GASTPE Orientation" at El Grande Hotel, Jaro, Iloilo City. It was a delightful interaction among principals, teachers and parents of the EVC/EVS participating private schools all throughout Region VI. Dr. Milagros Talinio of DepEd Manila, Congressman Piamonte of A Teacher Partylist, and Dr. Lolita Andrada, Director of Secondary Education, DepEd Manila were among the special guests during the orientation. Everybody was excited when Dr. Exequiel Guanzon, RPC, Region VI announced the GASTPE Teacher's Subsidy Guidelines.

Non-Teaching Personnel Goes on Training

The Educational Task Force Administration Commission of NOPSSCEA held a seminar-workshop on the topic: "Enhancing Work Values for Increased Productivity" last November 26, 2009 at the AVR 1, L.A. Building of Riverside College, Bacolod City. It was attended by the non-teaching personnel of SFAS such as Ms. Crisel Estardo, Ms Marichris Lautrezo and Ms. Reah Torreno and Ms. Ophalyn Opao of the Tapulanga Foundation.

I liked the workshop and sharing. (Ms. Marichris Lautrezo, Multi-Media In-Charge)

I like the good conversation and sharing between the participants. (Ms. Crisel Estardo, school secretary)

A Day of Recollection and Fun

The faculty and staff of SFAS had a "break" from school work last November 23, 2009 in Sta. Fe Resort, Bacolod City. The morning was spent with Father Farley Santillan giving a talk on the Advent season and giving confession. A group sharing was followed. After lunch, some played board games while others swam in the pool.

I was touched when Father mentioned about family. (Mrs. Josephine Negrito, janitress)

I learned the importance of understanding one another. (Mrs. Marissa Guadalupe, nurse)

I like the sharing time which gave us the opportunity to pour out what we wanted to tell to our fellow teachers. (Ms. Melit Gustilo, principal)

A "Taste" of Islam

Last November 20, 2009, the 2nd year students of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City went on a field trip to a Muslim mosque in Mansilingan, Bacolod City. This was part of their lesson on Islam in their Asian History class with Sir JR Abello. The class was introduced to the Islam religion by one of the mosque's spiritual leaders and they were able to observe an hour of prayer by the Muslims. After the prayers, the class was treated to snacks and a round of question-and-answer forum.

I liked the time when we observed Muslims how they prayed. (Paula Jean Palec)

I now understand deeper the religion of Islam. (Johannah Ganza)

I liked talking with some Muslims and learned more about their religion. (Charisse Gustilo)

A Day with the Lord

The Grade 6 students attended their recollection in Marian Missionaries last November 20, 2009. They spent the day being reminded of their duty as a student and a child of God.

It was an entertaining recollection. (Althea Alexandra L. Ascalon)

I liked the songs, the activities and the food they served us. (Claire C. Grijaldo)

They made us realize our sins. (Mike Andrew Jardinico)

SFAS Joins DepEd's Quiz Bee

SFAS joined the Division Quiz Bee last November 20, 2009 held at the Department of Education Conference Hall and South Elementary School in Silay City. Participants were both from 6th graders: Almera Pryle P. Soluta for the Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) and Kyle Dominic E. Barnuevo for Mathfor the elementary level. Misha Cervantes, Aerial Guadalupe, Francis Timothy Denaga and Shera Mae Andrada joined the Science Quiz Bee High School level. The participants were assisted by Ms. Josie C. Bactong (Science teacher).

Almera Pryle P. Soluta got second place in Araling Panlipunan Quiz Bee elementary level and is included in the finals which will be held in Iloilo on December 11, 2009.

I was happy that I got second place. (Almera Pryke P. Soluta)

It was a fun experience for me attending this such activity. (Francis Timothy Denaga)

Prep Field Trip to Eco Garden

Prep pupils had their field trip last November 12, 2009 in Eco Garden, Bacolod City with their adviser Mrs. Resusa Berte in relation to their Science class which was all about the different kinds of animals. The students were able to touch some animals and took photos on what animal they liked most.

A Lesson on Letter P

November 11, 2009 was the best day for Kinder class. They went to Lonoy to watch pigs in the house of their teacher Ms. Maricel Navigar who happens to grow them. This activity was a reinforcement lesson on the letter P.

Nami ang lagaw sa Lonoy. (Ian Bautista Oquindo)

Damo pigs, kasadya gid! (Kent Cyrus Taganile)

4th Year Visits Different Colleges

Graduation is fast approaching and fourth year students of SFAS need to decide already what college and course to take next year. To help them with their decision-making, students visited four schools last November 11, 2009 for an orientation.

The first stop was John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Bacolod. The tour of the facilities of one of the top maritime schools certified by the Commission of Higher Education (CHed) was remarkable. Modern computerized gadgets giving the students a hands-on education to the real work scenario was indeed an edge. Capt. Luis Evedente, the School Administrator, wrapped up the visit with a challenge to those interested to pursue with the maritime career with a Special Project full scholarship which includes schools fees, board and lodging, school supplies, and training materials among others.

The next stop was International Electronics and Technology Institute (IETI). We were warmly welcomed by the Arceos. The school offers welding courses that are short term, affordable, high salary and in demand in the job market. A paradigm shift from finishing college to get a job to looking for an in demand job then taking up a course in college was shared by Mr. Arceo. By this new formula, money spent for education will not be put to waste.

We had a very quick lunch at the UNO-R canteen for our third stop. The sleepy and tiring afternoon was filled with life and laughter by Mr. Lino Sombillo, the Guidance Counselor of the Engineering Department. He left us with this formula:

CAREER CHOICE = II + IC + PQ + FS + WO

II – Individual Interest The basis for the choice of school:

IC – Intellectual Capacity

PQ – Physical Quality G – good

FS – Financial Support R – recognized

WO – Work Opportunities R - reputable

Our final stop was Colegio San Agustin- Bacolod. A short video about the school, courses offered and the facilities was followed by discussion from representative of the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Arts and College of Education. Scholarships available was also taken up. - written by Mrs. Emilie Sales Diaz, SFAS Guidance Counselor

I learned many ways to get scholarship. (Jophet Belgera)

I learned the technique on how to choose the best school to enroll. (Jona Marie Antolo)

We were given an idea on how to choose a good career. (Fiona Hyacinth Mulle)

This Is It!

Last November 3, 2009, selected student-scholars with a few teachers watched Michael Jackson's "This Is It" movie at Robinson's Movieworld, Bacolod City. Thanks to the Tapulanga Foundation for this opportunity!

Spectacular! by Micho Santillan, 4th year

It was unbelievably artistic! by Stephanie Diaz, 2nd year

It was very amazing and I liked the songs and dances. His movie is unforgettable and very inspiring. by Lovelyn Villanueva, 4th year

It was a FANTASTIC performance ... seeing my idol perform again! Go MJ! TRULY you are a legend in the music industry! by Sir Ariel Gabino, teacher

Taking a Break from the Classroom

The second year class celebrated their Free Day in Caribbean Water Park Resort, Bacolod City last October 23, 2009 with their adviser Sir Armando Gayatenia, Jr.

I liked sliding and swimming in the pool. (Harline Mupas)

I really enjoyed our Free Day because we experienced closeness to my classmates. (Biena Mae Silva)

It's Free day! The third year class celebrated their Free Day in Sta. Fe Resort, Bacolod City last October 23, 2009. It was a first Free Day experienced by this batch since first year high school so they were really excited and used every minute enjoying their Free Day.

It was a two time celebration of this class, Free Day and celebrating the birthday of their adviser, Sir Jr Abello.

Taking pictures with my friends from our happy moments was what I liked best. (Bien Marie Silva)

I appreciated the surroundings of Sta. Fe Resort. (Emily Sabare)

The bonding time with our adviser, Sir JR, was what I liked best. (Mazelle Marie Tingson)

Swimming was my best experience. (Mark Negrito)

On the other hand, Grade 1 - 3 also celebrated their Free Day last October 26, 2009. It was a combined activity of the three grades with their advisers Ms. Marechris Lautrezo (Grade1), Ms Leda Ibugan (Grade 2) and Ms. Rose Iglesia (Grade 3). Games and camp-outs were done.

SFAS Joins the 2009 Boys and Girls Week of the Rotary Club

SFAS was fortunate to have been invited to join the annual celebration of Boys and Girls Week of the Rotary Club of Silay RI District 3850 last November 16 - 20, 2009 under the theme "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands."

This yearly activity hopes to provide exposure to high school students on different positions within three branches of the local government of Silay City.

Three Senior students of SFAS passed the written test and interview. Micho Santillan's most memorable experience as the City Planning Officer was having to think of how his office could allocate existing fixed land resources with proposed land areas for new facilities. Jeremy Deogracias as Councilor enjoyed the sessions with fellow councilors, discussing about the problems of the city. Juliza Rivera, as the head officer of the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, learned about the problems in her department and gave resolutions in the Sangguniang Panglungsod.

Other than their holding office in their assigned positions, the students were able to attend a meeting of all Department Heads of the government with the Mayor himself. They visited different private and public schools in Silay. A tour of the Bacolod-Silay International Airport was done as well. The students had an unforgettable and most memorable week especially since they met new friends as well from other schools.

Encouraging Future Entrepreneurs

This school year, the 4th year students of SFAS are experiencing what it is to present and defend THEIR ideas. In their Economic class, the students (in small groups) are given the chance to propose business ideas and defend them to a group of panelists. This is done every quarter. Interesting business ideas are as follows: a notebook company using unused paper from old notebooks / TAPEAL Travel and Tours-bus tours around Negros with an "in-house" restaurant serving native delicacies; bus can levitate, submerge under water and can run as fast as Maglev trains / KULINARI- a culinary school in Silay City, primarily catering to out-of-school youth (giving out scholarships) / KUSTUM MAIZ- a customize shop for creating apparel from recycled/used apparel/materials.

Trash Turned into Class Funds

Every month, the students bring their "recyclable trash" in school and it is sold to a junk shop. Earnings go to each class fund which they spend when they have free days, class gatherings and other class expenses. Not only do parents "save" on spending for their children's school needs but in our own little way, we are helping save the environment and Mother Earth!

Future Chefs in the Making

The 6th graders had their practical exam last October 15, 2009 in the Home Economics and Livelihood Education (HELE) class of Sir Carlo Concha. The class was divided into 4 groups and each had to cook a dish assigned to them: Pinakbet (a vegetable dish), Chicken Adobo (chicken in soy sauce and vinegar), Monggo Guisado with Malunggay (a vegetable dish), or Pochero (a chicken with vegetables dish). Sir Carlo taught these students during the quarter how to cook dishes that they usually eat at home. It is hoped that they can help their mothers with cooking family meals.

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.