By: Christian Alleh R. Nakila 12-Sartre It was an invitation I couldn’t resist. Clenny, together with our circle of friends—Abby, Jaycee, Mike, Justine, and Keanna—had planned a short escape to Jabongga. Her aunt wanted us to try a newly opened resort there, and the thought of a new adventure immediately sparked excitement. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by nature’s calm embrace. The lake was so clear it mirrored the sky, and the trees surrounding it stood tall like quiet guardians of the place. Every corner seemed to whisper peace, and we couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty before us. Before diving into the pool, we decided to share a meal. Simple as it was, eating together in that serene environment made it feel special. We even took turns washing the dishes, laughing at small jokes while the water glistened in the sunlight. But not all moments went as smoothly as we hoped. Out of nowhere, Justine got hurt, and the wound looked serious enough to worry us all. What was ...

By: Jc Urboda 12-Sartre As I stepped off the jeepney in Carmen, Agusan Del Norte, the warm sun on my skin and the sound of gentle waves crashing against the shore immediately drew me in. This 2-day adventure was more than just a vacation – it was a celebration of our successful events in our barangay, and I was thrilled to share it with our SK officials and KK officers. The aroma of grilled seafood wafted through the air as we arrived at the local seafood market. Our taste buds tingled with anticipation as we indulged in the freshest catches of the day. The flavors exploded in our mouths – a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The crispy lechon pig was the perfect accompaniment, its tender meat melting in our mouths. But the real highlight of our trip was the breathtaking scenery. The white stone formations stretched as far as the eye could see, resembling a white sand beach. The massive rock formation beside the sea was a photographer's paradise, with its unique shape and stunnin...

By: Mike Aldren Dinoy 12-Sartre   In September 20 we said yes on a whim — Clenny invited us to Jabonga, to stay at the Lake Mainit Front Hotel — and before I knew it our little circle (me, Keanna, JC, Abby, Christian, Clenny, and Justine) was full and buzzing with plans. I’d never been to Jabonga before, so this felt like the perfect chance to go somewhere new with friends. We rode in a van owned by Clenny’s aunt, windows rolled down, laughter filling the space between towns. We made the necessary pilgrimage stops: Jollibee for a bucket of fried chicken, 7-Eleven for cold drinks, and a roadside seller for a watermelon and a lechon manok. The road offered small delights — mountain ridges, nipa houses, children running and playing — and we kept reaching for our phones to take pictures of everything. When the lake finally came into view it stopped us all. Lake Mainit pulled us close with quiet water and a wide horizon; the hotel staff greeted us warmly. We set our things down at a t...

By: Justine Macabus Bacunawa 12-Sartre It was September 20, 2025, when my friend invited me and our circle of friends to Lakefront Hotel in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. The moment we heard about the trip, excitement filled the air,it was our first time to bond this way, and the venue was far from home, which made it even more special. The journey started with laughter inside the van. We packed our things, brought food, and even put on makeup so we’d look fresh when we arrived. The ride was long and a little hot,especially for me at the back,but the chatter, jokes, and bursts of laughter made time pass quickly. By the time we reached the hotel, the sound of the lake’s gentle waves welcomed us. It felt peaceful, a world away from the stress of school. We chose a cottage, unpacked our food, lechon manok, Jollibee favorites, and sweet watermelon, and set the table. The smell of roasted chicken mixed with the fresh lake breeze was unforgettable. We clicked photos, capturing our smiles again...

By: Client Ryan B. Agusin 12-Sartre It was September 20, 2025, when our trip to Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, was first planned by my family. They wanted to visit Lakefront Hotel, which faces the beautiful Lake Mainit, the largest lake in Mindanao. To make the journey more enjoyable and so I wouldn’t feel alone, I invited my circle of friends Keanna, Bacunawa, Christian, JC, Mekaila, and Abby to come along. Together, we looked forward to discovering the calm and beauty of the place, away from the usual stress of school. I expected the place to be beautiful, relaxing, and full of fresh air. I had heard many good things about it, but I never thought it would be even more breathtaking than I imagined. As soon as our mini-van stopped, I felt both excited and curious about what awaited us. The first thing that caught my eye was the wide, sparkling water of Lake Mainit. It stretched endlessly, like a giant mirror reflecting the clouds above. The sun danced on the waves, making them shine like t...

By: Christian Alleh R. Nakila 12- Sartre The midday sun blazed like a relentless spotlight, yet it wasn’t the heat that kept the crowd’s eyes fixed. In the middle of the school grounds, two young warriors stood toe to toe, gloves raised, hearts pounding in unison with the chants of their schoolmates. This wasn’t just boxing it was courage clothed in sweat and spirit. With each jab and hook, the fighters painted the air with their determination, their punches echoing like drums in a festival of strength. The blue corner, tall and poised, stood like a tower ready to defend, while the red corner, fierce and unyielding, moved like fire crackling in the wind. Around them, classmates and teachers formed a ring of anticipation, their cheers fueling the duel like sparks feeding a flame. This was not a battle of fists alone but of willpower, discipline, and school pride. Every strike told a story of training, sacrifice, and the dream of victory. For a few intense minutes, the ground beneath b...

By: Justine Macabus Bacunawa   12- Sartre The atmosphere inside the covered court at the agay national high school was alive today. You could hear the shouts, the claps, and the excitement of everyone watching the District Meet volleyball game. It wasn’t just a simple match, it felt like the whole school was holding its breath with every serve and every spike. One moment stood out most. A player jumped high, almost like he was flying, and hit the ball with so much force that the crowd shouted all at once. It was the kind of move that makes you believe in effort, practice, and passion. The other team scrambled to defend, but the energy of that play carried through the whole game. What made it more special was not just the scores on the board but the unity it brought. Students, teachers, and even parents cheered together, proving that sports isn’t only about winning, it’s also about teamwork and school pride. Today’s game will be remembered not just for the action, but for the way...

By: Client Ryan B. Agusin 12- Sartre The district meet in volleyball was more than just a game, it was a gathering of spirit under the gentle weight of the afternoon heat. The covered court, alive with the squeak of sneakers and the cheers of students, turned into a stage where teamwork and determination took center spotlight. The team in white stepped onto the court with steady focus, their movements light yet filled with purpose. Across from them, the team in black mirrored the same energy, calm but ready to rise to the challenge. The ball floated into the air with the opening serve, and the match began with a rhythm that captured everyone’s attention. Each rally flowed like a dance of strength and patience. White sent spikes soaring with confidence, while Black stood firm with blocks and saves that showed resilience. Players dove and stretched across the floor, their effort shining brighter than the heat of the afternoon. The crowd followed every play with hearts racing clapping,...

By: Mike Aldren Dinoy 12- Sartre The district meet blazed to life under the ruthless heat of the midday sun. The boxing ring, stretched taut with ropes and roaring with anticipation, seemed less like a battleground of sport and more like a stage of destiny. The air was thick with tension, as if every bead of sweat dripping from the fighters’ brows carried the weight of unspoken promises. In the red corner, a fighter stood like a fortress, firm and immovable, his eyes sharp with the quiet fire of determination. Across from him, clad in blue, his opponent bristled with energy, moving with the raw unpredictability of a storm. They were not just athletes; they were warriors draped in color, each carrying the pride of their corner, each daring to etch his name into the afternoon’s history. The bell shattered the stillness, its sound slicing the air like steel against stone. The crowd thundered, their cheers rising like waves that crashed against the ring. Fists flew and collided with the ...

By: Jc Urboda 12- Sartre The sun was shining, and people were excitedly buzzing. Everyone's eyes were focused on the tiny boxing ring, where two fearless students faced each other. This was no game this was a skill test, a test of strength, and a test of courage. In the blue corner was a brawler poised to punch, his gloves glistening in the sunlight. In the red corner was his adversary, standing firm and concentrated. With the signal, the bout started. Punches fired like lightning, and the fighters moved with agility, dodging and fending off each other's blows. The students in the audience cheered their lungs out with every punch. Gloves against gloves were the only sounds audible, and the fighters continued even though they sweated and were in hot conditions. One could tell that each of them wanted to win but more so, they wanted to give their best. When the last bell sounded, the battle was at an end. Both fighters were exhausted but triumphant. They had demonstrated not ...

By: Christian Alleh R. Nakila 12- Sartre Education is more than just academics; it is about creating an environment where every learner feels safe, valued, and respected. Schools are not only places for learning but also communities where students build their character and develop their identity. However, many LGBT students face challenges such as bullying, discrimination, and exclusion, which prevent them from fully enjoying their right to education. This issue must be addressed with understanding and compassion because acceptance can transform schools into truly inclusive spaces. As a student, I firmly believe that acceptance and support for LGBT students in schools is not only necessary but also a responsibility we must uphold. Schools are meant to be safe spaces where everyone can learn, grow, and feel valued, regardless of their identity. Supporting LGBT students is not just about tolerance—it is about ensuring equality, respect, and kindness within the school community. ...

By: Justine Macabus Bacunawa 12- Sartre Family has always been important to me. Growing up, I was taught that it is the foundation of love, support, and guidance. It is where we first learn values, build trust, and feel a sense of belonging. That’s why I believe protecting the family should always be a priority, not just for individuals but for society as a whole. The issue I chose to talk about is divorce in the Philippines. Honestly, I don’t agree with the idea of legalizing it. For me, marriage is supposed to be a lifelong promise, not something we can just walk away from when things get tough. If divorce becomes legal, I feel that many couples might give up too quickly instead of trying to fix their relationship. This can break families apart and weaken the value of commitment. I also think about the children. I know some kids who grew up in broken families, and I’ve seen how hard it is for them. They often feel incomplete and carry a lot of sadness or even anger inside. ...

By: Mike Aldren Dinoy 12-Sartre Abortion is one of the most sensitive issues in society, yet I firmly believe that women should have the right to choose it. I see abortion not as an act of carelessness, but as a necessary option to protect one’s dignity, health, and future. Every woman’s situation is different, and giving her the freedom to decide whether to continue or end a pregnancy is an act of respect for her humanity. First, respecting a woman’s decision is an acknowledgment of her freedom. Each woman carries her own struggles, dreams, and responsibilities. Forcing her to keep a pregnancy against her will is denying her the right to control her own life. Abortion, therefore, is not about disregarding life, but about giving women the chance to live the life they choose for themselves. Second, the safety of women’s health must always be prioritized. Many women risk their lives when forced into unsafe or illegal abortions. By making abortion legal and accessible, society can...

By: Jc Uboda 12-Sartre The topic of whether a third comfort room should be built exclusively for transgender individuals has sparked much debate. While the intention is to promote inclusivity and safety, I disagree with building a separate restroom. Instead, there are better, more practical solutions that can address the concerns of transgender individuals without causing unnecessary challenges. The reasons for my stance include cost and space issues, more effective alternatives, and the risk of creating division rather than unity. First, building a third comfort room is often not practical due to cost and space limitations. Schools, shopping centers, and public areas would have to allocate additional space, spend money on construction, and pay for ongoing maintenance. In small buildings, there might not even be enough room to build one. Rather than using funds for additional restrooms, resources could be redirected toward other pressing needs such as upgrading existing faciliti...

By: Client Ryan B. Agusin 12- Sartre In today’s world, many people are still judged and treated unfairly because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Discrimination continues to happen in schools, workplaces, and even in public spaces, which makes life harder for members of the LGBTQ+ community. This shows that our society still needs stronger laws to protect everyone’s rights. One of the most important steps toward achieving this is the passing of the SOGIE Equality Bill. I strongly believe that the SOGIE Equality Bill should be passed into law because it will help protect people from discrimination and promote fairness, respect, and equality for all. In our society today, many people are still treated unfairly just because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. This is wrong, and I believe that everyone deserves to live freely without fear of being judged or harmed. First, everyone deserves equal rights and protection under the law. Sadly, LGBTQ+ individuals...

By: Christian Alleh Nakila 12- Sartre The sky sagged low that afternoon, cloaked in heavy gray clouds that seemed to press against my chest. At school, laughter spilled like sunlight from every corner of the campus, but none of it reached me. Around me were my two constants—Keanna, who shone like fire with her endless energy, and Clenny, whose warmth wrapped around us like a familiar blanket. And then there was me—the quiet one, the shadow in our trio, the one who noticed the pauses between words, the small shifts in tone, the way silence could echo louder than noise. Together we felt complete, like pieces of a puzzle. Or at least, that’s what I believed. The shift came quietly, like a whisper. A group study—organized by Keanna, joined by Clenny—without me. On the surface, it was nothing. Just one gathering. Just one absence. Yet in the corners of my heart, it bloomed into a question that scratched endlessly at me:  Why not me?  I wore my silence like armor. My lips stretched...

By: Justine Macabus Bacunawa 12- Sartre The night did not just arrive it unfolded. The Barangay Basilisa Gymnasium glimmered like a treasure chest thrown open under the stars. Strings of light poured down the rafters like golden rain, while the crowd’s cheers surged and crashed like waves on a restless shore. My heels clicked softly against the tiled floor, but what echoed louder was the drum inside my chest. “Will I shine tonight?” I murmured to myself, clutching the silk of my gown as if it could hold my courage together. Beside me, Kiannon straightened her shoulders, her presence steady as stone. She leaned toward me and whispered, “You’ve got this. Trust your steps.” Her words were a hand I couldn’t see, but one that held me up. Mike spun in a playful circle, laughter spilling from her lips like music. “Come on! The stage is waiting. Let’s light it up.” Her energy was a spark that set the nervous air between us aflame. Then Cindy, calm as the moon, touched my hand gently. “Remember...

By: Mike Adren Dinoy 12- Sartre The afternoon heat pressed against the walls of our small home, thick and unrelenting, like an unwelcome guest that refused to leave. Even the air felt heavy, dragging at my skin as I hunched over the dining table, drowning in a sea of notebooks, worksheets, and the glow of my cellphone. Each keystroke felt like pulling teeth. My brain pulsed with the weight of deadlines, the kind of exhaustion that came not from the body but from the mind. Behind me, the steady rhythm of water slapping against cloth echoed from the backyard sink. Our washing machine had died weeks ago, and now Mom’s hands bore the burden. I could almost feel her weariness in the splashes—each wring of fabric, each slap of wet clothes against the basin, carried the sound of her fatigue. When she came into the room, I didn’t look up. Her shadow fell across my papers before her voice did. “Kaela,” she said, her tone softer than the heat but edged with strain, “can you clean the kitchen and...

By: Jc Urboda 12-Sartre The first day of Grade 11 felt like stepping into a whole new world. The hallway buzzed with laughter and chatter as students reunited after summer break. And then I saw him. Nat. He sat near the window, sunlight landing perfectly on his face, like he was the main character in some K-drama. My heart did a backflip.  “Heyy, CJ! Stop it, you're so creepy, ” Keanna teased, laughing. I rolled my eyes and went to my seat, but inside, I was smiling. Weeks passed, and I got used to seeing Nat every single day. I watched him recite during class, laugh with his friends, and even borrow my pen once — which I never wanted to lend to anyone else after that. Then came our first big group activity. “Group 3: CJ, Nat, Rian, Rebecca.” My whole face heated up. Rian smirked and whispered, “Omg CJ, manifesting works right!” We pushed our desks together, and suddenly, I was sitting across from Nat. “So, who’s doing what?” he asked, looking straight at me. “I can handle the intr...

By: Client Ryan B. Agusin 12-Sartre The rain hammered against our tin roof that Saturday night in Purok 6, Barangay 2, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez, Agusan del Norte. Each drop sounded like a drumbeat of the heaviness inside me. In the small kitchen, the basin overflowed with dirty dishes, and a mountain of laundry slumped lifelessly on the chair, waiting for hands that were already too weary. I stood frozen, my body aching, my heart aching more. I am Clenny, seventeen years old joyful on the outside, but tonight, my spirit felt like a cracked glass, ready to shatter. Since Mama left, I’ve been the one to carry the house on my back. School by day, chores by night. Sometimes, responsibility feels less like love and more like chains. That night, staring at the mess, the loneliness I’d buried inside clawed its way out, raw and burning. On the sofa, Papa Gilbert, forty-two years old, tall, dark, handsome sat scrolling on his phone. He is a caring man, though strict, and I know he loves me. ...