The document summarizes events that took place at the Philippine School in Oman to celebrate Buwan ng Wika (Filipino Language Month) and Buwan ng Nutrisyon (Nutrition Month) in August 2014. Various departments held competitions focused on language and nutrition such as speech contests, dance performances, food preparation, and craft making. Students from primary, intermediate, and high school participated in different age-appropriate activities. The celebrations showcased the school's emphasis on promoting Filipino culture and healthy living.

1. The Official Publication of the Philippine School, Sultanate of Oman
Volume XXV, School Year 2014-2015, June-September Issue
News
4
Buwan ng Wika
6
News in Picture
8
Teachers’ Day
10
New Teachers
12
Literary Attempts
14
Reviews
16
Inside this issue:

2. Page 2 EDITORIAL PAGE
OUR WORLD TODAY
Diseases spread from one place to another as fatal wars take place between mankind. The headlines you‘ll probably hear and see once you switch on the TV on a news channel or in social networks like Facebook or Twitter are the rapid spread of the Ebola virus dis- ease as it takes the lives of thousands which started in Guinea in 2013 and was only detected early this year in Africa and Christians being persecuted by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria due to ethnic cleans- ing.
The Ebola virus disease is infamously known around the world for its fatality rate that has reached up to 90%. According to the World Health Organization (2014), as many as 1,552 people have al- ready died in West Africa since March and 1,517 are infected by this disease. Some of the symptoms of this disease include muscle pain, intense weakness, sore throat, sudden fever and headache. Sad to say, despite the many efforts they are doing to cure and control it, there is no licensed vaccine for the Ebola virus disease.
Meanwhile, Christians are being persecuted in Iraq by a Jihadist organization called the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Based on a report by The Guardian (2014), the ISIS is trying to create an Islamic State in eastern Syria and northern Iraq based on Shariah Law through ethnic cleansing
Our world is constantly in the midst of wars and diseases rap- idly spreading like fire. With a viral disease that seems to worsen day by day and people being persecuted because of their differences, we may feel down and may seem as if there‘s no more good left in this world. But we should not think of our world in this way. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ―Only in the darkness can you see the stars.‖ We may be facing great tragedies in our world today, but there‘s still hope for peace and prosperity. This is not the end.
PHILIPPINE SCHOOL OMAN
Sultanate of Oman
PACESETTER EDITORIAL STAFF
SY 2014-2015
Tara Grace M. Gallardo
Editor-in-Chief
Lowella Genev L. Lobaton
Associate Editor
Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
Managing Editor
Section Editors:
News Editor. Mithril Rowan P. Ado
Community Editor. Doyinsola I. Ogunsakin
Feature Editor. Arnold T. Villasis Jr.
Literary Editor. Edrielle Anne L. Nachor
Sports Editor. Lauren Gayle L. Lobaton
Photojournalist. John Fitzgerald E. Levita
Editorial Cartoonist. Marck Herzon C.
Barrion
Contributors:
Ezekiel James Villanueva. Alexandra Mutuc. Paulie Faye Meneses. Sudaea Vittora Agacer. Armaine Chryzelle Yambot. Kassandra Cata- pang. Denise Heart Ibisate. Praise Panganiban. John Maverick Alviar. Nathan Gerard Callang. Angel Alleia Basmayor. Samer Tareq Essa. Ydelle Sharlize Villaflor. Jeannine Issa Orlino. Samuel John Dantis. Maria Angelika Banda. Chrezler MJ Ruiz
Mrs. Zenaida A. Dumo
Adviser
Consultants:
Mr. Pevwarti L. Sursigis
Ms. Carmelita B. de Jesus
Ms. Maria Carolina P. Layog
Mrs. Herminia E. Garcia
Mrs. Marilyn R. Rabino

3. COLUMNS PAGE Page 3
School year 2014-2015 has been long awaited. You could tell by just hearing the excitement that rang through the hallways on the first few weeks of classes. The smiles were radiant on each student‘s face as they, once again, stepped foot on our beloved school. The looks of eagerness were evident on the faces of the students as they prepare themselves to encounter the challenges that are waiting for them. We, PSians, have the utmost privilege to come back and study in this esteemed and reputable school for another year.
As another school year begins, a new chapter unfolds before us. A chapter that surely holds many unforgettable memories and experiences that may help shape us into the persons we need to become. For us seniors, this new chapter is the last chapter of our high school lives. As this realiza- tion dawns upon me, I find myself pondering on the question, ―What do I want to leave behind before I leave the halls of this school?‖ I believe that if you are to ask my fellow seniors, they would most likely reply, ―A legacy.‖
We want to leave a legacy behind. We want to do something that will benefit those behind us. But what kind of legacy do we want to leave behind?
As stated in our school‘s vision, we want to be ―imbued with Godly character, global mind and patriotic spirit‖. Inspiring others, encouraging others and helping our fellow PSians is also a great legacy as a student of PSO. Doing the duties and responsibilities as a student, and using the skills and talents that God blessed us with are legacies that we can leave behind.
The kind of legacy we leave behind is determined by the way we live our lives. Will we be remembered as students with unruly behavior, causing disruption and trouble? Or will we be re- membered for having done our best in our studies and in dealing with everyone? Will we be remem- bered for having touched the hearts and inspiring others to always do their best?
As Shannon L. Alder once said, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
Let‘s leave a good legacy. This is our opportunity.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On behalf of the Philippine School faculty and staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt welcome to you as we resume our partnership in working together for the best inter- est of your children this School Year 2014-2015.
As we begin the new school year, pupils and students from all levels will be oriented on school standards and rules in consonance with the school‘s vision and mission to imbibe in them the virtues of Godly character, global mind, and patriotic spirit to have an understanding of their environment. The new PS parents and guardians are likewise scheduled to be oriented on school policies to forge a meaningful parent-school partnership program.
Parents and guardians‘ involvement in various school activities is highly encour- aged as a way to show importance to your child‘s education. It is also an example to let your child know that his/her school is indeed important which really matters to a child towards his/her success in school.
The School year 2014-2015 marks the twenty-fifth founding anniversary of the Philippine School as the only Filipino community school in the sultanate. Certainly, the challenges and the accomplishments that she surpassed were definitely not a cakewalk. Many have persevered to reach this far – students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, board members, and other stakeholders whose aim is to make this institution prosper and serve its purpose to educate the children of Overseas Filipinos and other nationalities living in Oman.
Many are thankful for the 25 years of existence of the school which became possible through the concerted effort of the entire PS Community: the PTA, BOT, the Ministry of Education, the Philippine government and the DepEd through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
Despite the inadequacy of resources, the school have strived continuously to provide your children the kind of education that they truly deserve. The faculty and staff will continue to stand strong and carry out their full commitment and devotion to duty to make the school the right place for your children.
In celebration of the silver jubilee of the Philippine School, our gift of gratitude to the community is the fulfillment of the commitment to sustain excellence in education on behalf of the children of PS Oman.
Principal Matter
E
D
I
TOR
„s
DE
S
K
Tara Grace M. Gallardo
Editor-in-Chief
Sincerely,
Pevwarti L. Sursigis
School Principal

4. Najeel Ayra Barrios from the Seniors’ class swears oath of office as this year’s SCOPS presi- dent last July 17, 2014.
After the room to room campaign of the stu- dent government hopefuls and the Miting de Avance, PSians casted their votes to finally end the campaign periods and decide on who are going to lead the stu- dent government this school year.
Election results proclaimed Najeel Ayra Barrios as President, Edellyne Marie Nachor as HS Vice President and Nathan Gerard B. Callang as GS Vice President
During the induction ceremony the School Principal, Mr. Pevwarti Sursigis, encouraged the stu- dent leaders to work up their best to please and serve others and to achieve the school‘s vision for they were chosen by the majority. He reminded the stu- dent body that as they raise their right hand and recite the oath, they are pledging to themselves, the student body, teachers and parents.
The induction ceremony led by Mr. Carlos Libao, the SCOPS moderator, proved meaningful as each SCOPS officer represented the position they hold symbolically. The president, a crown; vice presi- dent, a scepter ; the secretary, a pen; the treasurer, a safe box; the auditor, a book of records; the P.R.O, a horn; and the peace officers, a whistle. The represent- atives had the foot print, which reminds them that wherever they go, they should always leave an im- print.
The closing remark by Ms. Carmelita de Je- sus, Academic Coordinator, challenged the leaders by asking what it takes to be a leader. She reminded the student leaders that they should have a clear goal and they should encourage other leaders to have the ener- gy to achieve their goal. ―Learn to walk your talk. A good leader is a giving tree not an asking tree, for you are here to serve and not to be served. You have accepted the challenge‖, she said.
The following is the line up of our new set of
SCOPS Officers for the SY 2014-2015
By Doyinsola Ogunsakin
Barrios Tops SCOPS Seat
PAGE 4
NEWS PAGE
Najeel Ayra S. Barrios
President
Edellyne Marie L. Nachor
Vice President (HS)
Nathan Gerard B. Callang
Vice President (GS)
Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
Secretary
Angela P. Pasasadaba
Treasurer (HS)
Lauren Gayle L. Lobaton
Treasurer (GS)
Karren Roze A. Gonzales
Auditor
Jessamine N. Cadampog
PRO (HS)
Ydelle Sharlize R. Villaflor
PRO (GS)
Representatives:
Doyinsola Ogunsakin (4th Yr.)
Mhara Mae C. Viernes (Gr. 9)
Marck Herzon C. Barrion (Gr. 8)
Eisabelle Louise F. Mapanao (Gr. 7)
John Maverick B. Alviar (Gr. 6)
Ezekiel James M. Villanueva (Gr. 5)
Liana Janeene M. Sabino (Gr. 4)
Arwen Crista P. Ado (Gr. 3)
Mr. Carlos C. Libao
Moderator
Special Election Reveals Two
Officers Anew
The Committee on Elections conducted a Special Board of Trustees Election last August 22, 2014 with the pres- ence of the Ministry of Education‘s representative to determine who will fill up the two vacated seats in the BOT.
Dr. Alma G. Enriquez and Mr. Alfonso E. Murillo emerged victorious among two other candidates Dr. Gemma A. Patricio-Ado and Mr. Rommel C. Ligsay in the said special election.
They will serve the unexpired portion of the term of of- fice of previous BOT members Mr. Russel Sebolino and Mrs. Debbie Espeleta until August 2015.
By Tara Grace M. Gallardo

5. ing Literacy Study (PIRLS) are in- ternational exams from the United States Boston College along with the IAEEA(International Associa- tion for the Evaluation of Educa- tional Achievement) which evalu- ate the performance of Grade 4 stu- dents in Science, Math and Read- ing. They then compare the statis- tics between schools, regions and countries. They also plan to con- duct the TIMMS and PIRLS again on April 2015.
Certificates and Lenovo tablets were awarded to them as a token of appreciation for their ex- emplary performance last July 17, 2014 during the induction ceremony of SCOPS, Class and Club Officers.
By Arnold T. Villasis Jr.
Arnold Villasis Jr., Marck Herzon Barrion, Jessie Malibiran Jr. and Celestine Marie Beñales receive an award for their exemplary performance in the TIMMS and PIRLS conducted when they were in Grade 4
Four Grade 8 Students Recognized at International Exams
Four Grade 8 students gave honor and recognition to Philippine School and the Ministry of Educa- tion in Oman for their outstanding performance in the TIMMS and PIRLS conducted in April 2011.
Marck Herzon C. Barrion, Celestine Marie L. Benales and Jessie S. Malibiran Jr. were recog- nized for their outstanding perfor- mance of advanced level in Science and Mathematics (TIMMS) and Arnold T. Villasis Jr. for his exem- plary performance of advanced level in Reading (PIRLS).
Trend in International Math- ematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Progress in International Read-
As part of the goal in promoting holistic well- ness and enhancing the leadership skills of the student- leaders, Philippine School conducted its annual Leader- ship Training last July 23, 2014
Ms. Carmelita de Jesus, Mr. Ishwara Ramos, Mr. Cris Alcayde and Ms. Carolina Layog –our resource speakers- were able to impart a message on the hearts of our leaders, through the use of videos, anecdotes, para- bles and allegories.
Our leaders were told the real definition of lead- ership, the essence of a clear goal, the importance of an action-plan, the difference of an ordinary and Godly leader, and the ways on how to be better leaders.
By Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
Leaders Undergo Annual Leadership Training
Last July 17th, the parents & teachers have spoken, electing a new set of PTA officers. We have:
President: Mrs. Liza CORTEZ
Vice President: Mrs. Beth RAMOS
Secretary: Mrs. Liway CASTRO
Treasurer: Mrs. Liza VILLAFLOR
Auditor: Mrs. Elizabeth REVILLA
P.R.O: Mr. Allan MURILLO
Business Manager: Mrs. Bella VIBAL
Legislative Council:
1. Mrs. Gina JOCSON
2. Mr. Emmanuel BEÑALES
3. Mr. Pevwarti SURSIGIS
Ex-Officio Officer: Mr. Edgar APOLINAR
Teacher Representatives:
1. Mr. Gamaliel NACOR
2. Mr. Mark BADION
Induction followed last August 21, 2014 at the school lobby from 5:30 to 6:30 PM
By Jessie S. Malibiran Jr
PTA Bares New Leaders
Ms. Maria Carolina Layog talks about what leadership means to a group of student leaders.
PAGE 5
NEWS PAGE
A post from the new set of PTA officers after the election

6. Nagsanib ang mga asignaturang Filipino, HELE, TLE at Health para sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at Nutrisyon para sa isang simple ngunit makabuluhang pagdiriwang ngayong taon.
Noong ika-27, 28 at 29 ng Agosto, ipinagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wika at Buwan ng Nutrisyon sa iba’t-ibang departamento ng paaralan . Para sa Primary, nagkaroon ng mga paligsahan ng Tagisan ng Talino, Mobile Making, Collage Making at Talumpatian. Para sa Intermediate, naglaban ang mga mag-aaral sa mga patimpalak na Indak-Pinoy, Pagsulat ng Tula at Collage Making. Nagkaroon din ng mga paligsahan katulad ng Dagliang Talumpa- tian, Sayawit, Junior Master Chef, Fruit Carving at Nutritious Cake Baking ang mga mag- aaral ng hayskul.
Dahil sa mga engrandeng presentasyon ng sayaw at awit at sa mainit ang labanan sa iba’t ibang paligsahan, naging napakakulay at magarbo ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon. Napatunayan ng pamayanang PS na “Ang Bansang Binubuklod ng Isang Wika, Hindi Na- titinag ng Anumang Sakuna, Malusog na Pamumuhay ang Natatamasa”.
Ang mga nagwagi sa mga paligsahan ay ang mga sumusunod:
PRE-ELEM LEVEL:
PRIMARY— A. HEALTH ACTIVITIES
QUIZ BEE
1st place: Gabriel Mordecai A. Arguelles. Matthew T. Abaya. Adrile John T. Mesa
2nd place: Hyette Ynnel M. Hermosura. Karl Vincent D. Layco. Claire Redfield T. Yu
3rd place: Jacob Keith S. Yara. Angel S. Itchon. Jeremy E. Suñas
Page 6
Pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika at 1st place
2nd place
3rd place
N1
Ryca Elisha E. Cabardo
Bea Esther R. Polito
Ma. Christina J. Rimas
Vien Candice D.A. Tuliao
N2
John Laurence B. Gutierrez
Clarisse R. Corpuz
James Mathew M. Bacud
Venetia Vi F. Veva
KG
Keirah Nicole A. Oyao
Angel Mariel G. Gatido
Jeremy Venice O. Noe
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
Poster making (Gr. 1)
Giovan Elmo A. Dulatre
Angelica Ken M. Vergara
Zara Leamrosd O. Arquillan
Mobile making
(Gr. 2)
Kristel Marie L. Abris
Luis Jarred M. Sabino
Marc Francis J. Espinosa
Collage making
(Gr.3)
Hannah Christina R. Acuña
Gabrielle N. Gervacio
Samantha Jean A. Dantis
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
Tula
Chad Erick S. Ruiz.
Hyette Ynnel M. Hermosura
Seth Nathaniel J. Espinosa
Talumpati
Hannah Christina R. Acuña
Caliah Natasha S. Montemayor
Claire Redfield T. Yu
Kuwento
Angel S. Itchon
Angel Jamhel G. Chang
Karl Vincent D. Layco
PAGE 6

7. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL:
PAGSULAT NG TULA
1st Place: Samuel John A. Dantis
2nd Place: Emmanuel Timothy R. Bernal
3rd Place: Jonalene Ryza B. Abundo
INDAK PINOY
1st Place: Alleahnne Angel A. Murillo. Margarette Mae S. Vibal. David Joshua S. Abordo. Mikhale Franco E. Rigor. Jonalene Ryza B. Abundo. Nassreen P. Fernandez. Thurston James S. Guazon. Zulmush-Aff Maca-alin. Precious Vielle A. Quicey. Jessie Gil Granpeñas.
2nd Place: Sebastian Lucas E. Ramos. Samuel John A. Dantis. Liana Janeene M. Sabino. Isabel Reigne R. Sevillena. Mark Andrae P. Montales. Elianne Kevin C. Tañeza. Denise Ann Mills. Franchesca Sophia A. Dungca.
3rd Place: Chrezler MJ S. Ruiz. Orlando Bolido Jr. Frederique Kim Espinosa. Ydelle Sharlize Villaflor. Denise heart Ibisate. Gwyn Jemima A. Daza. Armaine Chryzelle C. Yambot. Claire Mariel A. Sarcia. Jeulla Marione Ferrer. Julia Jorge Elevenzon.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL:
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CARVING CONTEST
1st place: Alyssa Ira C. Manuel and Emerose N. de Paz
2nd place: Naraine Karielle V. de Leon and Aseel O. Escrupulo
3rd place: Eryka Lynn A. Quanico and Shaira D. Lobido
DAGLIANG TALUMPATIAN
1st place: Jessie S. Malibiran Jr
2nd place: Najeel Ayra S. Barrios
3rd place: Tara Grace M. Gallardo
JUNIOR MASTER CHEF
1st place: (Grade 9-Courage) Karren Rose Gonzales, Edellyne Marie Nachor, Rouwi Desiatco, Tricia Belizar, Kristyn Galvez
2nd place: (IV-Perseverance) Angela Pasasadaba, Tara Grace Gallardo, Lowella Lobaton, Margot Galang, Shirley Castro
3rd place: (Grade 8-Honesty) Kate Isidro, Grachel Anne Perdido, Katrina Ann Thomas, Aerlshel Muñoz, Jessie Malibiran Jr.
CAKE BAKING
1st place: (Mint Cake) Mithril Rowan P. Ado, Dublina Raguro, Cromwel Jonah D. Viera, Jomil Rafael Trayfalgar, Joey Raño Duldulao, Leo Christer Estocapio, Anthony de Vera Jr., Alyha Zschiazhy Lantud
2nd place: (Mongo Cake) Emari Joy Cruz, Angelica Marie Talamante, Kate Marielle Biniza, Gian Carlo Go, Ezrah Kyle Ramos, Khyle Julian Alviar, Julianne Christophe Cullo, Nathaniel Joshua Garcia
(Squash Cake) Danielle Agape Bernal, Karylle Cassandra Austria, Abegail Mariano, Carl Stephen Herras, Kyeong Chan Choi, Benjamin Castro, Wray Nathan Andres, Haider Ali Rizvi
3rd place: (Brocolli Cake) Maybelle Kate C. Gaspar, Erin Lowelyn A. Quanico, Elisha Lare De Castro, Lyle Andrew Magpantay, Benjamin Jesus Castro, Crisdan Raguro, Jefferson de Mesa
SAYAWIT
1st place: Tara Grace Gallardo, Shirley Castro, Lowella Genev Lobaton, Margot Galang, Jessamine Cadampog, Najeel Ayra Barrios, Doyinsola Ogunsakin, Angela Pasasadaba, Naraine Karielle de Leon
2nd place: Janelle Bolido, Haziel Tamayo, Edellyne Marie Nachor, Tricia Danica Belizar, Julienne Parenas, Nicole Padua, Emilee Cortez, Kristyn Galvez, Mhara Viernes
3rd place: Jim Osler Capati, Kristoffer Parole, Jason Lloyd Salmo, Maynard Montales, Aseel Escrupulo, Rainer dela Cruz, Nicholas Ayo, Alvin Joshua Austria, Karl Parole
By Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
Page 7
Nutrisyon, Pinag-isa Pamayanang PS
PAGE 7

8. PAGE 6
Last year’s SCOPS President, CJ Rabino shows us that indeed, it is better to give than to receive by donating to Bantay Bata, last year’s SCOPS accumulated funds. With him are Mr. Carlos Libao, Mrs. Lheen Rabino, Ms. Maria Carolina Layog and Ms. Carmelita de Jesus
Teachers build a house model made of straw as part of the Faculty Teambuilding Activity last May 27, 2014 at Muscat Dunes Hotel.
Teachers in their Filipiniana costume in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day at the Philippine Embassy Muscat
Grade school pupils show their cooking skills during the Nutrition Month Celebration
Teachers portray a scene from “The Legal Wife” during the Teachers’ R n R at Oman Dive Center last June 28, 2014
PAGE 8
NEWS IN PICTURE
In observance of Disability Month last July and Apolinario Mabini’s 150th death anniversary, teachers attend a talk about disability at the Philippine Embassy.

9. Victorious Mr. Ishwara Ramos, Ms. Angelica Eballes and Mr. Carlos Libao, receive their awards for winning in the Teachers’ Amazing Race.
PAGE 9
NEWS IN PICTURE
Can you put the tea bags in your cap the shortest time possible? Mr. Ishwara Ramos tries the challenge here.
Mrs. Evangeline Arguelles and Mr. Mark Anthony Badion, “Shake it off” in the Teachers’ Amazing Race.
Ms. Maria Carolina Layog pushes the bottle to the line with an eggplant in the Amazing Race.
Mr. Rodolfo Sargento, Ms. Carolina Layog, Mrs. Marilyn Rabino and Mrs. Ingrid Mendoza stack the cups as fast as they can.
Bring Back the Memory band composed of Grade 8 students, rendered a song for the teachers during the Teachers’ Day program
Mr. Melchor Buenavista accepts the challenge to “Smile with the spoon in his mouth!” , as one of the games the teachers need to hurdle in the Amazing Race.

10. Very fun.
I have lost many calories.
Very fun and relaxing. Nice.
Very cube touching, very exciting and one of the best.
Very exciting, chal- lenging and unique.
Philippine School honors its mentors in the celebration of World Teachers’ Day last September 11, 2014 with a blast.
The SCOPS was able to organize and exe- cute a successful program dedicated to our teach- ers with the theme ―A Tribute to Teachers: Cat- alysts of Change, Epitomes of Excellence and Archetypes of Abnegation.‖ Selected students acted as teachers for a day taking over the classes from the Nursery 1 to Fourth Year while the program was going on.
Performances of the students were wit- nessed as well as the teachers! We all heard Mr. Sargento, Mr. Ramos, Mr. Buenavista and Ms. Carreon sing, and saw Mrs. San Jose and Ms. Cura dance and we also witnessed the teachers have fun in the Amazing Race. The teachers were divided into seven teams and the first team consisting of Ms. Eballes, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Libao proved to be the winner and Ms. Carreon proved to be the MVP of the Amazing Race.
We all have seen tears of joy, fist pumps to the air, shouts of victory, warm hugs, kisses and encouraging cheers. The day rendered to be very successful. Thanks to the cooperation of the stu- dent body.
Let us continue to thank our teachers for their perseverance, compassion and love.
By Jessie Malibiran Jr.
Fabulous! We got a chance to rest and be free from stress.
Very interesting, thought- provoking, fun and makes us feel young again. Good job.
Students Thank Teachers on Teachers’ Day
It is well-prepared and very fun. It really was different and unique. Two thumbs up!
Levels were unexpected [in the Amazing Race], and fun.
“Exceptionally fun.”
PAGE 10
NEWS FEATURE

11. PAGE 11
LITERARY PAGE
King of Spain: Yea. I truly doubt this man exists.
But go and find him, if you insist.
Scribe: I shall say his king has great need
Of his service and virtuous deed.
Narrator 1: The scribe began his search
or a lad with such worth.
Narrator 2: He found none at first
Till a simple lad crossed.
Narrator 1&2: Swiftly he ran
After this lad.
If he‘ll help, he‘d be glad.
Narrator 1: The lad said naye.
The world seemed gray
For the scribe,
Then he started to bribe.
Narrator 2: He‘d pay in gold
If he‘ll help.
He‘ll get none,
If he‘ll be a pulp.
(curtains open with ship and waves)
Narrators 1&2: Now we see,
A ship in the sea.
In its midst,
Is the lad taking risks.
He sails forth
To Philippine shores
For he agreed
To note the General‘s acts in the federal.
Lad: I‘d be breaking my neck
If that scribe‘s pulling my leg.
If of scurvy I‘ll die
I‘ll haunt him his entire life.
Narrator 1: Motion sickness,
He made such a mess
While he was aboard.
Narrator 2: Land ho!!
There‘s the Philippine shore.
‗Till his lips are sore,
The land he kissed,
In which he missed.
Lad/Visitador: No time for plays.
Now I must go.
The General, I must observe
To earn the gold I deserve.
By Mithril Rowan P. Ado
PART 1
IN POETRY
Characters: Narrators 1&2
King of Spain
Queen of Spain
Scribe
Lad/Visitador
THE PLAY
(curtains are still closed)
Narrator 1: A sunny day in Spain,
Where the King remains,
Away is the General,
To a country for a federal.
(curtains are now open)
Narrator 2: Here we see the king,
Laws he kept on writing.
Whilst he is focused,
In came a scribe, so confused.
Scribe: A thousand pardon dear sire,
Your needful attention I desire.
King of Spain: Thou art bold to disturb me.
Of good import thy news had better be.
Scribe: My King, how shall we gain knowledge whether the Governor-General isn‘t treating the Filipinos like chained dogs or pigs in an abattoir?
King of Spain: Where is my Royal Audiencia or Residencia?
Scribe: Thou hast them there, sire, yet they don‘t de fend.
Queen of Spain: (While entering from the side).
What doth thou mean ―they don‘t defend‖?
Scribe: (Surprised)
Well, my queen, complaints we have re ceived, of greed, bribery and deceit.
King of Spain: Very well.
A man must venture forth.
In this new land, a commoner to dwell.
He should be poor and wrought
To report my people‘s greed and treachery as
well.
Scribe: And who shall this man be?
Queen of Spain: Manifestly, someone inconspicuous,
Well educated but less fortuitous.
Whose upbringing should be truly upright
For he must serve his king like a knight.
The Visitador
(A play in Social Studies Grade

12. When you pass by the accounts office, you‘ll notice a new face sitting on one of the chairs behind the window. Facing her com- puter and her eyes intently fixed on the monitor, you could tell that she has a great passion for her job. She‘s our new accountant Ms. Lorena E. Cantoja.
Born on the first day of July 1986, she grew up loving Mathematics which prompted her to take up BS Accountancy at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
By the year 2007, she started working as an accountant. And what‘s her motivation? Her father. He not only motivates her to do her best in everything she does but he also inspires her to be a great person. She admits that moving here to Oman has been quite a challenge for her. She prefers to work in the Philippines, but because her family‘s here, she‘s willing to make a sacrifice.
If she was to choose a different profession, she‘d love to become a chef. The reason why is because she‘d love to know how to cook. She‘s a very cheerful person and very easy to get along with. With her exuberant personality, she will definitely make you smile.
By Tara Grace M. Gallarado
N E W F A C E S … N E W P S P R I D E
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
PAGE 12
One of the newest additions in Philippine School is our 24 year old, Ms. Mary Jane J. Ledesma. She was born on May 6, 1990 and had lived in Caloocan City for almost all her life until the very recent change of address, jetting from Manila to Muscat, Oman.
Before venturing out here in the Middle East, she has been a teacher for four years after graduating from Philippine Normal University in 2010 of BSE Social Science. She has experienced teaching all levels and departments from college students in Far Eastern University to high school students and now as the Grade Three Pru- dence adviser in our school, whom she described as sweet and caring little ones. She had also taught non-Filipino students way back in our home country having a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL)
She hopes to explore Oman, its culture and its people.
Truly, there‘s more to Miss Ledesma than what meets the eye.
By Lowella Genev L. Lobaton
“Live to teach, not teach to live”

13. ―Funny‖ that‘s how she describes herself as a person. She is an epitome of beauty, eloquence, an erudite and dauntless educa- tor, willing and capable to face all odds to render quality education to students. She is one of the latest addition to our faculty, the 2005 Licensure Exam For Teachers Top 10 —Mrs. Magnolia M. Velasquez, the class adviser of Grade two Generosity
A proud mother and teacher she finished her Bachelor in Elementary Education at the Philippine Normal University as Cum Laude and had taught in the public schools for nine years. She has units in MA Education—SPED as well.
She embarked on the journey as a teacher because she believes that this is her destiny. She was inspired by her teacher‘s story about the noble, incessant, but essential and fulfilling job of a teacher.
Let us all expect more from our new brilliant educator and witness her as an embodi- ment of the sunshine.
By Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
We all know her as a petite and vivacious woman who turns heads as she passes by. With a bright smile that seems to capture everyone‘s attention, Mrs. Delfa M. Pondevida is definitely one of the friendliest people you could ever meet. As a new member in the Philippine School Family, I‘m sure that everyone‘s excited to know more about her.
Born and raised in Bay Laguna, Philippines, she finished her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in Mathematics in Laguna State Polytechnic University. Mrs. Pondevida was also able to ac- complish 27 units in her Masteral Degree major in Mathematics and she hopes to finish the remaining units in two more years. Mathemat- ics is a subject she relishes and loves. ―It‘s even easier than History‖ she stated.
It has been 18 blissful years since she first started teaching. Her first 15 years were spent in Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Calamba. She genuinely believes that being a teacher was really her calling. She decided to apply here in Oman because she believes that this blessed country is the safest place here in the Middle East. Despite the fact that she faces challenges with difficult students who do not have it in their hearts to give their best and study hard as well as unsupport- ive parents, she still gives her best in imparting her knowledge and talents to all the students who have been under her custody. She believes that by giving her students advantages of being inclined in Mathe- matics and letting them envision their future will help encourage her students to always give their best.
Hats off to Mrs. Pondevida for being such a dedicated and brilliant teacher.
By Tara Grace M. Gallardo
“You’ll never know what you can do, unless you try”
“God is love”
PAGE 13
TEACHER FEATURE: We take pride on our new mentors

14. Page 14
Paris and the Eiffel were star-crossed lovers. People disapproved of their love for one another. Engineers and architects mourned for Gustave Eiffel. But did anyone mourn for the soul that was lost? Blood and sweat were shed by him, But did anyone care about him as much as they did for the Eiffel?
Down below, stood Taj Mahal. Adored and loved by people all around the world. They know not the story of the workers who built it. After years of construction, not only were they stripped of their health, But also their hands were lacerated. In order to avoid the structure’s design from being stolen by others.
Though their beauty captivated the eyes of many, The beauty of true hard work was invisible. They only appreciated the structure, Not the workers.
Now you know the stories behind these walls. The lives sacrificed for a beauty that will forever
be remembered. But not them.
Eiffel in Love with Taj Mahal
Written by: IV – Perseverance
(Using Allusion in Poetry in English IV, inspired by Bertolt Brecht “The Workingman Asks Questions as He Reads)

15. Page 15
PAGE 15
Wikang Filipino at Nutrisyon
Mahalaga sa atin ang Wikang Filipino
Sa kapayapaan ng bansa ay siyang instrumento
Susi sa pagkakaisa ng bawat Pilipino
Kahit saan mang pulo o panig ng mundo
Ang Wikang Filipino ay gawin nating daan
Upang ang mga kalamidad ay mapaghandaan
Kung anumang sakuna ang dumaan
Gutom at malnutrisyon ay maiiwasan
Malusog na pamumuhay ay natatamasa
Kung may sapat na pagkain sa ating mesa
Halina magtulungan sa isa’t isa
Upang tayo’y pagpalain ng Diyos Ama
Ni Samuel John A. Dantis
Grade 4-Compassion
Unang Gantimpala
Pagsulat ng Tula
Buwan ng Wika at Nutrisyon
Tayong Mag-aaral sa Bansang
Banyaga
Bilang isang mag-aaral sa bansang banyaga
Tayo ay kailangan magkaroon ng sipag at tiyaga
Mahirap man kailangang tiisin
Sa bawat pagsubok ating haharapin
Takot, lungkot ang nadarama
Dahil hindi kasama ang buong pamilya
Kumpara sa Pilipinas, masaya’t di nalulumbay
Ganoon pa ma’y dapat maging malakas at matibay
Iintindihin ang magulang sa bawat panahon
Pagbutihin ang pag-aaral para sa magandang propesyon
Kompleto man o di kompleto ang pamilya
Lahat ng sakripisyo’y di mapupunta sa wala
Nina Erica Zoe W. Lagundi
Praise A. Panganiban
Grade 6-Justice
(Pagsulat ng tula sa Filipino 6)
Puno
Ang mga puno ay nakakatulong sa
ating kinabukasan
Ito rin ay tumutulong sa pagpapaunlad
ng bayan
Ito ay nakagagamot at
ating makakain
At ito ay makikita sa
maraming tanawin
Gawa dito ang mga papel na
ating sinusulatan
Kaya dapat ang mga puno ay
ating inaalagaan
Hindi ito dapat gamitin sa
walang kabuluhan
Kagandahan ng mga puno ay
dapat masilayan
Ni Emmanuel Timothy R. Bernal
Grade 5-Sobriety
Raha Soliman
Raha Soliman hari ng Maynila
Matapang at malakas kaaway ng Kastila
Sa oras ng laban hindi sumusuko
Raha Soliman pamangkin ni Lakandula
Lumaban kay Martin na isang Kastila
Namatay sa laban Raha Soliman
Huwag kalimutan, bayani ng bayan
May akda:
Grade 5-Serenity
2014-2015

16. LUCY: A Movie Review
FOUR: A Book Review
“Lucy” is an action, adven- ture, crime, fictional, tranhumanistic movie directed, written and edited by Luc Beeson, produced by EuropaCorp and distributed by Universal Pictures. The movie stars the prominent actors, Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, hit theaters last July 25th.
Lucy (Johansson) is a 25 year old American woman who studies in Taipei and she is forced to be a worker. A synthetic superdrug is sewn into her abdomen by Mr. Jang (Min-sik), which can enhance the user‘s brain‘s abilities. While in captivity, Lucy was kicked mercilessly in the stomach, causing the drug to leak, releasing the superdrug into her bloodstream and making her have superhuman abilities. Her power eventu-
ally grows stronger and she has to seek assistance from Prof. Norman (Freeman), a famous neuro- scientist to cumber the growing presence of the drug‘s effects with the help of a policeman Del Rio (Waked).
The casting is great, in the case of Lu- cy, played by Johansson who is perfectly fit for a powerful woman with an acerbic wit. The same with Prof. Norman who is played by Freeman. The cinematography, editing, music and direct- ing were quite excellent. However, the script is exceptionally cheesy and full of logical crevasses even for a fictional movie.
Furthermore, the movie is obviously a copy or a ‗rip-off‘ of other movies, such as Tran- scendence, The Matrix and especially, Limitless, with the same genre and also revolves around the urban myth of our brain capacity usage being only 10%. It‘s like the director said, ―Ok, let‘s take that and change it a little bit, then, make a whole lot of money from it‖.
Lucy is a surprisingly generic and disappointing movie that wastes the mar- velous talents of its cast who plays slickly engineered characters. The movie’s cast and effects try to power through the fac- ile and crevassed script, but, they have only partly succeeded and have missed by a long shot. It only deserves 2 stars.
- Cinephile
At last! One of the much an- ticipated books of 2014 is upon us! Fans have been eagerly and patiently waiting to indulge in the sweet ecstasy of read- ing Four‘s thoughts. “Four: A Diver- gent Collection” by Veronica Roth has landed! It is settled in a futuristic Chica- go, where the society is divided into five factions, each valuing a certain virtue with a goal to eradicate human flaws.
The novel is composed of four short stories: The Transfer; The Initiate; The Son and; the Traitor plus three addi- tional exclusive spectacles. These are all written in Four‘s point of view! Now we can look inside the mind of Tris‘s enig- matic and charismatic instructor, love interest and protector. The stories focus on Four‘s choice to transfer from Abne- gation, the faction that values selfless- ness to Dauntless, the faction that values courage; the maltreatment of his father, Marcus; his greenhorn journey through Dauntless initiation and; his encounter with Tris.
Furthermore, the story focuses on the themes of the similarity of self- lessness and audacity, that it takes one to do one. It is a story of the horrors of change, to transfer to a hardcore faction from a soft and gentle one, but after, we
find clarity and amity. It is also a story of convalescence, to heal the wounds created by others.
Moreover, the book is greatly writ- ten, better than Insurgent and Allegiant. From the simple words we read, we can really visu- alize a holistic character of Four. From simple words and punctuations, we can see the real Four, who is inside that handsome and muscu- lar enigma. It gave an immense quantity of depth to a character who always seemed so secretive and hard.
In this very brief collection of sto- ries, we can absorb much detail. We can re- live Four‘s choosing ceremony, his fear land- scape and his rise in the Dauntless faction.
Four is intricately and greatly written, giving us an electrifying depth to the character of Four, a character exceptionally engineered. It’s fantasti- cally paced and overall, a great book. It deserves 4.5 stars.
- Jessie S. Malibiran Jr.
At the End of the Rainbow
One day you suddenly wake up and you see them popping up everywhere they come in different shapes, sizes and color they are accessories used as a bracelet, a ring or a keychain and they all have two things in common: 1.They are all made on a plastic loom and 2.They are all made of one materi- al which is a rubber band and unless you have not seen one or have been living under a rock this whole time you know exactly what I am talking about, that’s right I am talking about loombands! They were made by Cheon Choong NG, a Malaysian immigrant of Chinese descent who went to the United States in 1991 to attend Wichita State University where he earned a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. In 2010 He conceived the idea inspired by his young daughters who are making rubber band jewelry. He invested 10.000 $ and found a factory in China on June 2011 to manufacture the parts which is a wooden board, pushpins and dental hooks. Despite the creative idea, he was unsuc- cessful in selling them online and in stores because the customers simply did not know how to use the product so Cheon Choong NG started a website and filmed instruction- al videos featuring his daughters and niece, and from then on his business grew making branches and his perseverance made his dream come into fruition. The loombands are without a doubt very popular to children of all ages, simply be- cause they are customizable. You can make it on your own, all you need is the equip- ment, watch some tutorial videos and you can make starburst in minutes. People can make their own design, use them as friend- ship bracelets, making the right one to match their outfits and they make good presents too because you can show the hard work and effort you exerted on each loomband with very intricate detail. You can also make it so that not one or two are alike and that is exactly why loombands are spreading like wildfire. By Arnold T. Villasis Jr.

17. It was a normal Friday for our family, a peaceful day. There was nothing special that happened in our family on that Friday. The Ramadan went normally as we waited for the Iftar (breakfast of fast around 6pm). But that will all change during Fajr (prayer at dawn). At around 4 in the morning, I heard a voice slowly getting louder as I woke up. It was my fa- ther who was waking me up, call- ing my name while tapping my shoulders. ―TJ, wake up!‖ he said hurriedly. ―Tonight is the night of Laylatul Qadr. This is what we‘re waiting for.‖ As I sat trying to slowly get out of my bed, I was surprised that even my little broth- er who never wakes up during Fajr prayer actually got up on time. As I got ready to head to the mosque, I saw my mother crying while do- ing Du‘a (invocation) on a praying mat in their room. I didn‘t mind it and headed to the mosque haphaz- ardly. Still not knowing what Laylatul Qadr was, I arrived at the mosque and prayed normally. As we finished praying, I asked my father who sat beside me during the prayer, what Laylatul Qadr was. He told me that he was going to explain it to me later.
As we went home, he final- ly explained it to me. ―Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night which only few people know when it is. A person who missed this night had indeed missed a great amount of good reward from Al- lah. It is also the night when all of
your past sins are forgiven.‖ He also told me that this is the night when Prophet Muhammad visited heaven after a congregation with all the past Prophets in Jerusalem – the place where Prophet Muham- mad was taught how to pray and learn the Quran. He told me that he knew that night was Laylatul Qadr because he was given a sign in which he was awaken by a voice calling his name only once. At first, he thought that it was my mother‘s voice. But my mom was asleep when a voice similar to my mom‘s called my father‘s name. That‘s when he and my mom real- ized that tonight was Laylatul Qadr because of the sign. My father said that the one who was waking him up was an angel. Laylatul Qadr falls sometime within the last 10 days of Ramadan which shocked me at the same time thinking that Allah has blessed us. Only few people get to have these signs giv- en by The Almighty. We truly have been blessed ALHAMDULILLAH (thanks be to Allah). It was a dra- matic night for us thinking that our Ramadan was a success. And not only that, we were also able to pray in the night of Laylatul Qadr – the night of power.
As said in the Quran, ―The night of power is better than a thousand months.‖ – 97:3 Holy Quran. Little did I know that some- thing extraordinary could be felt during the Fajr (dawn prayer).
May the Almighty bless us all.
By Anowar TJ S. Maca-alin
Grade 9 Courage
The Night of Power “Laylatul Qadr”
PAGE 17

18. teams, families, and individuals, and they commit themselves to it.
Habit 3: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST
It is where we prioritize what is/are the most important things and do them first before doing the others. All of us have our own priorities in life. Sometimes, those that are not important are done first before the more im- portant ones. Try to identify what should be done first. Set your priorities and focus on them
Habit 4: THINK WIN-WIN
Thinking win-win encourages conflict resolution, helps individuals seek mutually beneficial solutions and there is mutual respect in all interac- tions. It‘s not thinking selfishly. It is when members think interdependently and they share information, power, recognition, and rewards with each other.
Habit 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDER- STAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
We try to understand others before seeking to be understood. This is where communication and relationship building happens. Kindness is needed in seeking to understand other people. Listening sincerely and communicating effectively is a must.
Habits are things we do repeatedly, often without thinking about them and can be powerful agents for good or bad. They are an automatic reaction to a specific situation and is hard to easily give up. Here are seven habits that we can practice to become effective teens.
Habit 1: BE PROACTIVE
Being proactive is taking re- sponsibility for your life. It is thinking ahead of what will happen next and making choices based from the princi- ples and values rather than on moods or circumstances. It is focusing on things they can do about rather than thinking what they can‘t do. A proactive person can bounce back when something bad happens and can always find a way to make something materialize.
Habit 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
We control our own destiny through defining our missions and goals in life. All of us shape our own future, individuals, families, teams, and organizations and create mental visions and purposes in life. Organizations, teams, and others don‘t just live every day without a mind with a clear pur- pose. Principles, values, relationships, and purposes are carefully and mentally identified by these organizations,
Habit 6: SYNERGIZE
In order to achieve more goals, it is needed for the members to work together. These members should produce a third choice or a third alternative that is different from the ideas of each of the members and that is better than what the members have come up with. It is where the members‘ individual strengths thrive and they go for creative cooperation.
Habit 7: SHARPEN THE SAW
―Sharpening the saw‖ means renewing yourself regularly. We renew or develop ourselves from the different areas of our own life particularly the physical, social or emotional, mental, and spiritual. By doing this, our capacity to live all the other six habits of effec- tiveness increases.
These are the 7 habits that we should practice in order to improve ourselves and become effective individ- uals in our own society. They help us achieve a desired world that we are all dreaming of for the benefits of the next generations.
By Edrielle Anne L. Nachor
7 HABITS OF EFFECTIVE TEENS
Anyone who wishes to contribute an original output of their
creative minds, may submit their articles to any of our editorial staff for the upcoming PS 25th Anniversary Issue in December.
Literary articles as well as comments or Letters to the Editor are all welcome.
Pacesetter Scribes

19. Page 19
Across
1. the art of applying science
3. the study of matter-its composition, structure, properties and changes it undergoes, and the energy that accompanies these changes
4. any change in position
7. is a process by which whole numbers are rounded off to the nearest value that is a multiple of 10
8. the number divided into three digits
10. a process that results in exygen deficiency in a body of water due to the presence of undissolved nutrients
12. the amount of matter in an object
13. the building blocks of polymers
15. formulated the Laws of Motion and the Law of Universal Gravitation
18. the study of life
20. are numbers having exactly two factors 1 and itself
Down
2. a special kind of nuclear transformation in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei
5. are three-sided plane figures
6. inventor of the telescope
9. is a mathematical operation used to determine how many times a quantity is contained in another quantity
10. fundamental substances from which all other things are built
11. is a factor of all the numbers
14. is a line segment from the center to any point in the circle
16. the most abundant air in our atmosphere
17. is a multiple of all the numbers
19. is he distance around the center
20. a fraction whose numerator is less than the denominator
In celebration of the Math- Sci Week, we are challeng- ing your Math-Sci IQ with this crossword puzzle. The first to show all correct an- swers to any of the Editors will win a prize.
So hurry! Bring out your ingenuity and adeptness in the world of Science and Math! -