The Naguenian, Naga City (2025)

07/09/2025

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 | Naga City Science High School’s (NCSHS) Drum, Xylophone, and Majorette Corps (DXMC) bags first place in the Majorettes Exhibition and Best Majorette Leader award yesterday, September 6, during the 3rd CTP-MAPEH-DRRM Exhbition Competition 2025.

Watch the full performance of the NCSHS DXMC in their exhibition proper at the City Hall Grounds.

Words by Bianca Sergio and Deann Armea
Video by Nick Elijah Miranda

06/09/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | With high hopes and strong determination, Naga City Science High School’s (NCSHS) Drum, Xylophone, and Majorette Corps (DXMC) proved their excellence during the CTP-MAPEH-DRRM Exhibition Competition 2025 at Naga City Hall Grounds this afternoon, September 6.

This year’s exhibition competition featured 108 contingents from various schools across Camarines Sur, marking the official start of the Peñafrancia Fiesta celebration.

Words by Adrian Maravillas
Photos by Rhiann Adrielle Balin, Christine Litana, and Stephanie Blanquera

04/09/2025

𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗢𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱

In the strong waves of the sea and the striking winds of the night, 2 boats are noticeable: one continuing to sail, and another barely surviving towards the other end of the ocean. Navigated by the Filipino people, the voyaging boat banners “English”, while the sinking other echoes “Filipino”, an analogy of the reality of the 2 official languages of the country.

“𝙈𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙣𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙖 𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙬-𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙬.”

The medium of Filipino is also used in day-to-day transactions, from educational processes in schools, to office transactions in businesses, and even in casual conversations with people. As explicitly stated in a survey by Social Weather, 88% of Filipinos prefer the Filipino language as their primary medium of instruction for learners, and over 87% of the nation has the skill to speak the language, but the unfortunate truth remains—these statistics and representations are not adamantly translated and vividly felt in our actions, as we only make it matter when it matters.

A country thrives when its national language shines, just like how Filipinos flourish when their Filipino language is blossoming. As we open our doors to global influences of foreign languages, let us not discredit and still take a look back at our own, appreciating it and having the best of both worlds while still acknowledging the language that represents us and our identity.

“𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞 𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙖 𝙡𝙪𝙥𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤.”

The language won’t be forgotten if we won’t allow it to be forgotten, like how it won’t be underappreciated if we will let our actions clearly speak love for the Filipino language as Filipinos. This is the language we have been taught to recognize as “wikang mapagpalaya”, the exact same medium that magnified our voices and emancipated our ancestors from the walls of oppressors. This very Filipino vocabulary does not only produce words and phrases, because it beats history, identity, and liberty, dating back to the journey that has shaped us to be the countrymen who we are today.

“𝙋𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙪𝙬𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙞𝙠𝙖.”

In the days of August, the Filipino language is the most exquisite and emancipating language, but in most days of the year, it seems like it means nothing for most of us, or if it does, in an unending cycle of obsession over foreign language, it is always second to one—the universal language of English, and this is the actuality that we have witnessed unfold but still chose to take a glance away from.

The question continues to echo loudly: how long will we leave a blind eye on the disheartening reality that it is more often that not undermined and only appreciated during the celebration of Buwan ng Wika? As torchbearers of our patriotic hearts, are we really doing enough to express our love for the country, or are we not worthy of being hailed as ‘nationalistics’ to begin with?

Patriotism does not end only with recognizing the Filipino language as a representation of our identity in the celebration of Buwan ng Wika; it is a lifelong commitment of admiring its roots, appreciating its beauty, and amplifying its essence. As wayfinders of this boat, let us continue to steer our wheels moving forward toward the right side of the path: allowing our language to float amid the burdens of underappreciation and comparison. No matter the influences, let us not let our Filipino language sink deep into the ocean floors, buried with history and only kept as remnants of our memory.

Pagmamahal sa wikang Filipino, paigtingin nating mga Pilipino.

Words by Roland Vasquez
Pubmat by Arien Occiano
Illustration by Stefhanie Yaba

02/09/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 🏠

Housemates, the newsroom is ready. The lights are on, the seats are set, and the pages are waiting for your story. 🖋️

Tomorrow, you’ll enter the house of truth where headlines are made, truths are tested, and voices find their strength.

In these upcoming days ahead, you will learn more than you expect. From honing your skills to finding your voice, and building the courage that will see you through—every insight, every lesson, every moment will be the armor you carry into the challenges of the days ahead.

And when the last word is written, the last line is drawn, and the last word is echoed… you might just stand in the spotlight as this season’s Big Winner. 🏆

Housemates, are you ready to begin your JOURNey?

Words by Reign Darlene Morante
Illustration by Fortunato Peña Jr.
Pubmat by Zoie Young

01/09/2025

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀! 🏠

Some doors don’t just open… they pull you into a story waiting to unfold. 📖

Beyond them lies a world where every word carries weight, every decision shapes the plot, and every challenge tests the heart of every storyteller.

There’s a hum of challenge in the air—quiet voices ready to roar, fierce ideas waiting to break free, and daring minds eager to leave their mark.

On September 3, the Naguenian General Assembly begins in the NCSHS School Library, where every housemate enters not just to write, but to define the narrative of the year.

Will your voice echo? Will your story shine? Or will you be left behind as the pages turn? Step into the unknown. The stage is set. And it could be you who claims the ultimate spotlight… and the title of Big Winner. 🏆

Housemates, are you ready to enter?

Register Here:
https://forms.gle/ykns9aLSjeejWTEy6
https://forms.gle/ykns9aLSjeejWTEy6
https://forms.gle/ykns9aLSjeejWTEy6

Words by Reign Darlene Morante
Illustration by Fortunato Peña Jr.
Pubmat by Arien Occiano

31/08/2025

𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | Classes in all levels in both public and private schools and government work are suspended as issued by Mayor Leni Robredo today, September 1.

However, all City Hall offices and units involved in health, civil registry, social welfare, disaster response, public safety, and other essential services shall remain operational.

This suspension was issued due to the announcement made by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and the rainfall advisory from the PDDRMO.

Source | DILG Philippines and Leni Gerona Robredo

31/08/2025

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴… 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘻𝘻𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥.

𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀, 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀! 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹… 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵.

After surviving an August full of deadlines, practices, quizzes, projects, exams, and every other stressor you can think of, the familiar tune of Jose Mari Chan greets us once again as he officially “defrosts” and takes over our radios, playlists, and even our memes, ushering in the country’s beloved 4-month-long holiday season.

It feels just like yesterday when we were jamming to his timeless Christmas classics as we greeted the new year, and here we are again — new quarter, new season, and a new beginning. Just like a song that never gets old, the ber months bring not just Christmas cheer, but also the promise of brighter, warmer days ahead.

So as the first notes of his carols remind us of the season’s joy, may this new chapter be a gentler one for us all.

Words by Jan Cymbeline Balaquiao and Reign Darlene Morante
Illustration by Stefhanie Yaba
Pubmat by Arien Occiano

26/08/2025

𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗨𝗥𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲 🐾

Why are dogs called “a man’s best friend”? Is it because they’ve walked alongside us for thousands of years, working, playing, and living by our side? Is it because they’ve been trained to help us in countless ways, or simply because they’re pawsitively adorable? Whatever the reason, one truth remains: dogs are among the most loyal companions humanity has ever known.

International Dog Day first left its paw prints in 2004, founded by animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige. The day celebrates all breeds and mixes of dogs while raising awareness about adoption and rescue. More than a tribute, it is a reminder of the selfless roles dogs play, whether as search-and-rescue heroes, service animals, or simply the four-legged family members who greet us with wagging tails at the end of a long day.

But even as we celebrate, reality paints a sobering picture. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that around 70 million pet dogs are mistreated each year. Here in the Philippines, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) reports that roughly 12 million dogs roam our streets, abandoned, neglected, or left to fend for themselves. For every pampered pup in a cozy home, there is another struggling to survive harsh conditions.

Thankfully, countless fur parents and animal welfare advocates dedicate their time, effort, and love to rescue, protect, and raise awareness for these vulnerable animals. Their mission goes beyond providing food and shelter; it is about recognizing dogs as family, no matter their breed, size, or appearance. Every dog, whether a champion show dog or a stray on the streets, deserves the same compassion, care, and chance at a better life.

As the saying goes, no matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich. And perhaps that is the best reason of all to honor them—not just on International Dog Day, but every day.

Words by Clark Ethan Morante
Pubmat by Gladness Marie De Leon

26/08/2025

𝗔 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱

In June 1964, Manila was plunged into darkness by the downpour of water and strong winds brought by Typhoon Dading—the worst storm that had hit the city in 80 years. Electricity was cut off, houses and communication lines knocked down, and streets flooded and littered with uprooted trees. Yet somehow, the people were prepared for this disaster.

Six decades ago, the country lacked satellites in space for real-time weather monitoring. Instead, the Philippines relied on something more grounded: the voice of its own people, carried over radio waves.

A single weather observation radar was built a year prior to the storm, but the rest of the country does not possess this level of technology. The rest of the work fell to weather observers across the country who measured the wind, watched the skies, and shared their data through a radio system.

News of Typhoon Dading started by word of mouth of fishermen and sailors, who first noticed the signs of a brewing storm. These early warnings reached land and were confirmed by the weather observation stations. Several times a day, the public would receive updates about the wind speed and direction of typhoons based on instruments and observations by the naked eye from weather stations across the country.

When the typhoon made landfall late into the night, tearing down power lines, it was battery-powered radios that kept the people informed. Amidst the darkness, people listened to the voices that kept them updated on the state of the storm roaring just outside their homes.

Typhoon Dading devastated the country, but it didn’t take it by surprise. Long before satellites orbited above, the nation relied on its people, scattered and connected as they may be. It was a system built not on screens, but on senses and sound. After the winds settled, one thing was made clear: the Philippines made it through as a nation that listened to the wind—and to each other.

Words by Jan Cymbeline Balaquiao
Pubmat by Zoie Young

25/08/2025

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿

In moments of crisis, working together and supporting one another is the best way to get through it. The global disruption caused by COVID-19 filled people with fear and uncertainty as their daily lives suddenly changed, countries went into lockdown, and health care systems became overworked. Yet, instead of panicking, scientists, researchers, governments, companies, and citizens around the world came together in order to come up with a solution.

The collaboration between Pfizer, a U.S. pharmaceutical company, and BioNTech, a German biotechnology company, showed how successful partnerships can help overcome obstacles. BioNTech made the vaccine using advanced mRNA technology while Pfizer provided global infrastructure for testing, production, and distribution. Without it, the vaccine development and distribution could have been delayed, wasting valuable time and potentially leading to more lives lost. Their teamwork showcases that working together can make a huge impact and save millions of lives.

Due to the vaccine, the number of COVID-19 cases decreased, which reduced the burden on health care workers and prevented the virus's spread. In addition, it helped promote economic recovery by allowing businesses, schools, and travel to reopen, which provided jobs for those in need. Overall, it eased our worries about the virus.

The creation of the COVID-19 vaccine showed us that teamwork that is built on trust, respect, and a common goal can accomplish a lot. During the pandemic, global cooperation thrived as researchers shared data, countries provided support, and volunteers offered help. As we celebrate World Friendship Day, the development of the vaccine reminds us that empathy, cooperation, and working for the common good can unite not just individuals, but entire nations, proving that together, we are stronger.

Words by Marianne Doblon
Pubmat by Zoie Young

25/08/2025

𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announces that classes in both private and public schools in the following areas including Naga City, Camarines Sur are suspended due to inclement weather.

Along with this, government offices are included in the suspension with the exception of those working in the frontlines.

1. Metro Manila
2. Aurora
3. Quezon
4. Rizal
5. Laguna
6. Camarines Norte
7. Camarines Sur
8. Albay
9. Sorsogon
10. Catanduanes
11. Masbate
12. Northern Samar
13. Eastern Samar
14. Leyte
15. Southern Leyte

Source | DILG Philippines

25/08/2025

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁

The sun has set, and the surroundings are pitch dark—another night of inhumanity and ruthlessness unfolds. All that can be heard are the commanding voices of colonizers, the deafening sounds of guns and bullets, and the booming noises of bomb explosions. This is the life, if we can still call it that way, that our ancestors from the past have endured, traumatized by invaders, succumbing to their forces.

As morning comes, the same barbarous orders are heard, the same kinds of abuse are suffered, and the same violence and cruelty are lived through by Filipinos, the life they’ve learned to call their routine and norm for almost 400 years under the colonization of various countries. But in spite of all those brutalities, across all darkness and silencing, there are few of our countrymen who had their eyes open to reality and their minds committed and unwavering to thinking of ways to set the Pearl of the Orient free from the hands of colonizers—the heroes we recognize today.

In every way they can, these liberators that we have had let passion, love for the country, and bravery beat in their hearts amidst the oppression from perpetrators. There are those mightier than sword who utilized writing and literature to accentuate the truth, such as Jose Rizal, Marcelo Del Pilar, Emilio Jacinto, and Graciano Lopez Jaena, while the likes of Andres Bonifacio, Hen. Antonio Luna, and Emilio Aguinaldo believed in the power of fi****ms among many others who strived for Philippine independence.

Today and every last Monday of August, we are reminded of our mission as the pacesetters of nationalism for the country that has long been led and pioneered by our national heroes: to amplify national identity, fight all injustice and cruelty, and value what was once denied to us—our emancipation and liberty. It is up to us, the present and future generations, to continue what our heroes have started for our country we so love.

Without our heroes, our country won’t have its colors, and our people won’t have their smiles, because they are the heroes who served as the country’s heart in the face of all dilemmas, the light sources who illuminated the Philippines that was once dim and hopeless, and the Filipinos who boldly embodied selflessness for the country and fearlessly adhered to our anthem—ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo.

Mabuhay ang mga bayaning Pilipino!

Words by Roland Vasquez
Pubmat by Leanna Jasmine Triviño

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