by John Alexander Agujetas (Grade 10 – Luna) I think it was easier when I was younger. Back then, there were no expectations after all: I could always just laugh it off with a smile and say some meaningless platitudes, plus a bright smile to placate myself and those around me. But of course, man...Read More

by Patricia Gaille Tiu (Grade 11) a whistling chorus of the thrushchides me gently to listen, hushnow to the sweet, sweet melodyof a mother ‘bove her aerieand as I ponder ‘neath her tree –a picture in burgeoning green,glistening in the sunshine’s hues,and buds that bloomed the brightest blues “how dost the wintry season gofrom the...Read More

by Divine Grace Llamas How’s your story going? Is this year your brand new chapter, or is it simply a flip of your current page? Perhaps, it’s only the beginning of a newfound adventure, the year where you finally get up on the stage. Another year has passed, and we’re back at the start. We...Read More

by Samantha Mok (Grade 10 – Rizal) These tired eyes have seen and burnedThrough words and numbers and linesThey were only able to comprehendIn smudges of dancing, senseless strokes. They’ve seen sunny days in monochromeAnd sometimes monochrome in mirrorsWhen they see circles under their borders,Battle scars from wars against sleep and tears. But they’ve also...Read More

by Francesca Ean Tiu (Grade 9 – Mendeleev) There are often moments in life that make you feel like the weight of everything is dragging you down. You try your best to reach out and hold on, but sometimes your best isn’t enough and you come crashing back down to the ground. It’s not a...Read More

by Samantha Mok (Grade 10 – Rizal) Forgiveness is a blooming bud of springMeant to grow after cold, harsh winters,Meant to replace frost-shrivelled blossomsThat’ve fallen, buried in blankets of snow It is a blade of incomparable calibreForged only by the eternal warmth of loveMeant to be unyieldingly merciful, gentleMeant to defeat foes through the sharpness...Read More

by Yanna Yao (Grade 7 – Li Bai) When things go wrong as they sometimes will,When the road you’re trudging seems all uphillWhen the funds are low and the debts are high,And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,When care is pressing you a bit,Rest if you must, but don’t quit. Life is...Read More

by Cosette Sasha Patrimonio (Grade 8 – Bonifacio) ISAers celebrated the season of giving in a virtual Christmas party held from 7:55 to 9:30 am on December 20 via Zoom. The Christmas party started off with a prayer. Then, the learners watched Christmas carols prepared by their classmates to spark the Christmas spirit in everyone....Read More

By Patricia Gaille Tiu What do you seek, to hope to find?Perhaps a treat, some peace of mind,a friend to share your joyful smiles,momentous moments made worthwhile, an epiphany! of the self,or ribbon-laced gifts wrapped in felt —think, dear friend! oh, what do you seek?for this may just be yours to keepRead More

by Francesca Ean Alexis Tiu (Grade 9 – Mendeleev)Art by Pauline Abigail Mandalupe (Grade 6 – Zhang Heng) Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year, as the saying likes to go. There are many reasons for loving the holiday season and the main reason for my enjoyment is the celebration itself....Read More