UASHS The Magnificat

10/09/2025

After a thorough deliberation by our teacher-coaches, we are pleased to announce the official results of the Radio and TV Broadcasting auditions.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the students who have qualified as official members of the Broadcasting Team for Academic Year 2025–2026! Your voices and talents will play a vital role in championing campus journalism, delivering truth, and bringing stories to life within our school community.

As part of your journey, an orientation will be held on September 18, 2025, from 3:00–4:00 p.m., at the UA Senior High School Library. Parent consent forms will be sent via email and must be submitted on the day of the orientation.

09/09/2025

𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇 | Blood Moon: Science Demystified

Last September 7–8, 2025, the Moon has risen—not with its usual silver sheen, but with a haunting crimson red.

The total lunar eclipse, aptly called the “Blood Moon,” has struck fear and wonder alike over millennia. From early Mesopotamians associating it as an attack to their king to modern omen linking it to bad luck, there are many superstitions and legends that pervade discussions of this celestial phenomenon.

These myths were mostly born as a result of trying to explain the unexplainable. But with technology now on our side, one question remains: what is the science behind it all?

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲?
Occurring once every one to three years, a blood moon happens when the Earth is perfectly aligned between the Sun and Moon. The Moon moves into the inner parts of the Earth’s shadow and receives the sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere, lighting it a red hue.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱?
As sunlight scatters and filters through the Earth’s atmosphere, blue wavelengths diffuse, which allow the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon. This phenomenon called the “Rayleigh Scattering” is what gives the moon its signature blood red color.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬… 👀

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
The earlier Blood Moon was visible to approximately 77% of the world’s population. Most regions were able to bask in the Blood Moon’s view, with the Americas being the only major regions missing out.

Asia and Western Australia – The regions with the best view, with the entire eclipse being visible from start to finish.

Europe, Middle East, and West Africa – While the eclipse was still mostly visible in these regions, the view may falter slightly with the Moon’s premature rising or setting during totality

Eastern Australia and New Zealand – The later phases of the eclipse were only visible partially in these regions.

North and South America – These regions only saw the eclipse for some phases, as the Moon had set before totality could begin.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝘁 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻?
Don’t fret if you missed the chance to view this striking starshow! The next blood moon is predicted to happen on March 2–3, 2026, with it being visible in Asia, Australia, and North America.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀
Myth – The blood moon brings bad omen, often being linked to misfortune within communities.
Fact – This phenomenon is a predictable astronomical event with no link to luck. Any significant connection is cultural and likely stems from the fear of the unknown, especially when we didn’t have the means to determine its causes using current technology.

Myth – The blood moon damages the eyes when looked at directly.
Science – While the sun rays during a solar eclipse can cause eye injury, the light in a lunar eclipse is completely safe to look at with the naked eye.

Myth – The blood moon causes a higher chance of earthquakes.
Science – There is no significant connection between the occurrence of a total lunar eclipse and an earthquake. The gravitational pull of the Moon is too small compared to Earth that it is highly unlikely to induce an earthquake.

Next time a blood moon appears, let us appreciate the true magic in motion: not in its mystifying folklore or mythologies, but the atmospheric scattering of the Earth that bathed the Moon in its scarlet glory.

✍: Franz Pangilinan
💻: Marco Roxas

08/09/2025

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | The Radiance of Indu ning Kapampangan

The 8th of September is truly an exceptional day for Kapampangans as it marks the commemoration of the solemn image of Virgen de los Remedios—Indu ning Kapampangan. Amid uncertainty, chaos, and societal challenges, we are reminded to look up to the image that once gave our fellow Kapampangans hope during their darkest days. Virgen de los Remedios has always been a symbol of reconciliation and healing, and she continues to inspire the faithful today. As Assumptionists, it is important to understand the significance of this celebration—not only for Kapampangans but for the entire province of Pampanga. Let us take a moment to remember the history of our patroness and reflect on the deep connection we share with her gracious image.

Virgen de los Remedios, also known as the Mother of Remedies, is the patroness of Pampanga. She embodies the unwavering spirit and resilience of the Kapampangan people. The Marian image became a symbol of healing, faith, and hope during the 1950s, a time when Pampanga was deeply affected by post-World War II unrest. The province faced poverty, social inequality, and violence caused by the Hukbalahap rebellion. Unity, once strong, had begun to fade.

During this period, Most Rev. César María Guerrero, the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of San Fernando, recognized the deep impact of these crises on the Kapampangan people. While the people displayed immense piety, they lacked acts of charity. To address this, Bishop Guerrero initiated the Cruzada de Penitencia y Caridad (Crusade of Penance and Charity) on the third Sunday of February 1952. It was during this time that he turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary, drawing inspiration from the image of Virgen de los Remedios, which became a guiding symbol for the Cruzada—a beacon of healing and relief.

Reflecting on the history of Virgen de los Remedios, we are reminded of the healing and reconciliation she offers. As followers of Christ, we are called not only to admire Mary’s example but to emulate her actions. As Archbishop Florentino Lavarias once said during his homily for VDLR, “The Virgin is not looking for admirers… The Virgin is looking for imitators.” As Assumptionists, shaped to be Christian formators, we are tasked with living by the example of VDLR, becoming agents of healing in a world that so desperately needs it. In times of darkness, her shining image reminds us that, through her abundant grace, we too can become symbols of unity and reconciliation.

On the occasion of VDLR’s 69th Anniversary, let us express gratitude and celebrate the Blessed Virgin as our hope and mother. Just as mothers illuminate the paths of their children, may the ever-glowing radiance of Indu ning Kapampangan shine upon us—filling our hearts with love, healing, and compassion. May Virgen de los Remedios continue to instill in each of us the values of peace, unity, camaraderie, and charity. Fellow Assumptionists, let us continue to be instruments of her healing grace through our actions, charitable works like lamac, and by remaining biasa, maganaca, at mayap.

As Vidal Aguas reminds us, countless miracles and answered prayers are attributed to her intercession: marriages are strengthened, families reunited, the sick are healed, and conflicts resolved. May Virgen de los Remedios remain at the center of our daily lives, guiding us to live with purpose, spreading peace, and embodying her message of hope and charity.

✍: Sebastien Mayrina
💻: Kiara Garcia

08/09/2025

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | The Birth of Hope

Every September 8, we come together to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Mother of our Savior. While the exact date of Mary’s birth is not mentioned in Scripture, it is recounted in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James, a second-century gospel narrating the life of Mary—from her parents’ story to her birth and eventual marriage.

The eighth of September was chosen as her feast day because it falls exactly nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting the natural course of a human pregnancy. Liturgically, this date lies between two significant feasts related to Mary’s life, highlighting God’s divine plan. Through His grace, Saint Anne, previously barren, was able to conceive Mary according to the natural order.

Saint Augustine of Hippo once wrote, “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth, the nature we inherited from our first parents changed.” Mary’s birth symbolizes the reversal of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, bearing our hope and salvation—Jesus Christ. In Mary, we see purity, humility, faithfulness, and perfect obedience to God’s will.

Mary, born to Saints Anne and Joachim, gave the world not only its Savior but also hope and the promise of salvation. Though her Nativity is not a biblical narrative, it remains a silent and enduring miracle for Catholics across centuries.

In the Philippines, Filipinos are known as “Pueblo Amante de Maria” or “people in love with Mary,” reflecting the depth of devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The day is celebrated through Masses, processions, praying the Holy Rosary, and visits to Marian shrines.

Yet beyond tradition and celebration, the Nativity of Mary calls us to reflect on our own lives. As Assumptionists, we are inspired not only to honor Mary but to emulate her virtues—compassion, love, faith, humility, and obedience. Her birth reminds us that each of us has a purpose in life, and by saying “yes” to God’s plan, we fulfill it. Like Mary, we may not always understand God’s plan, but unwavering trust in Him allows us to walk faithfully on our path.

✍: Ana Mendoza
💻: Hannah Cruz

05/09/2025

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈 | UASHS, Nakiisa sa Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2025

Ipinagdiwang ng UA Senior High School ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa noong Setyembre 3, 2025 na ginanap sa Emilio Cinense Gymnasium sa pangunguna ng departamento ng Filipino at Christian Living Education at ng UASHS Supreme Student Council.

Bago ang opisyal na pagsisimula ng programa, binigyang-pugay ang mga tauhan at kaguruan ng bawat departamento sa pamamagitan ng isang welcome walk. Sinundan ito ng mga pambungad na gawain gaya ng pambungad na panalangin na pinangunahan ng Presidente ng Supreme Student Council na si Binibining Raika Angelene Sadac at ang pagkanta ng Lupang Hinirang at ng Pilipinas kong Mahal na pinangunahan naman ng Vox Coeli Chorus. Pagkatapos, nagtanghal sa entablado ang mga opisyal ng Supreme Student Council kasama ang Indak Assumptionista upang malibang ang mga manonood. Nagbigay rin ng pambungad na pananalita si Dr. Arnel Sicat.

Nagsimula ang mga kaganapan sa pagpapakilala ng mga tagapagdaloy ng programa na sina Adrian Narciso mula sa Our Lady of Good Counsel at Cheska Lacap mula sa St. Damien de Veuster. Sinimulan nila ito sa pagtukoy sa iba’t ibang patimpalak na magaganap. Sumunod dito ay ang pagpapakilala sa mga hurado na sina Gng. Jonalyn Dizon, Rev. Fr. Christian Kierr Tallorin, at Gng. Edna Martinez.

Ang mga selebrasyon ay opisyal na nagsimula sa pagtatanghal ng bawat grupo para sa patimpalak na Lakas ng Tinig. Sumunod naman ay ang Himig ng Lahi, kung saan ay pinakita ng bawat kalahok ang kanilang galing sa pag-awit. Pagkatapos nito ay ang Husay ng Kabataan, at pinamalas ng bawat grupo ang iba’t ibang talento tulad ng pagtatanghal ng shadow play, pagkanta, at pag-arte. Nagpakitang gilas naman sa pagsayaw ang bawat koponan sa Indak Kasaysayan. Iba-iba man ang kanilang paraan sa pagsayaw ay tiyak na naaliw ang lahat ng manonood.

Ang pinakahihintay at huling patimpalak na naganap ay ang Kasuotang Moda. Kung saan ang mga naggagandahang mga Filipiniana at Barong ay ipinamalas ng mga marikit at gwapong kinatawan ng bawat grupo. Bago inanunsyo ang mga nanalo sa bawat patimpalak, nagkaroon muna ng pagtatanghal ang Teatro Assumptionista.

Inanunsyo ang mga nanalo sa pangunguna ni Ginoong Jonarld Manansala.

TIMPLANG KAPAMPANGAN
Unang Gantimpala: Mangwayen
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Mariang Sinukuan
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Hanan

WIKA SA IMAHE
Unang Gantimpala: Mariang Sinukuan
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Dumangan
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Amansinaya

LAKAS NG TINIG
Unang Gantimpala: Hanan
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Amansinaya
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Tagbusan

HIMIG NG LAHI
Unang Gantimpala: Hanan
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Mangwayen
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Amansinaya

HUSAY NG KABATAAN
Unang Gantimpala: Mariang Sinukuan
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Amansinaya
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Tagbusan

INDAK KASAYSAYAN
Unang Gantimpala: Tagbusan
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Mariang Sinukuan
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Hanan

KASUOTANG MODA (Maria Clara at Ibarra)
Unang Gantimpala: Andrianna Healey (Amansinaya) at Kurt Heinrich Del Pilar (Hanan)
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Darlene Ann Balingit (Mariang Sinukuan) at Justin Dizon (Mangwayen)
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Ricci Punzalan (Mangwayen) at Cholo Galang (Mariang Sinukuan)

Nabanggit din ang mga nanalo para sa natatanging kasuotan na sina Alliyah Dela Cruz mula sa Our Lady of Montserrat at Jeric Yumul mula sa Our Lady of the Pillar. Para naman sa kaguruan at tauhan sa bawat departamento ay nanalo sina Ginoong Mark Niebres at Ginang Acell Ninobla mula sa STEM Faculty.

Bilang pagtatapos sa selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2025, nagbigay ng mensaheng pasasalamat ang ating punong-guro na si Ginang Chrysanta Rodriguez at sinayaw ng mga estudyante ang sayaw ng bayan.

✍️: Sam Santos
💻: Jerome Mendoza

02/09/2025

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 | Alex Eala Soars High After Making History as the First Filipino Grand Slam Champion

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Alex Eala surged into tennis history as the first Filipino player to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era. She secured a hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) victory over World No. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark early Monday, August 25, 2025 (Philippine time) in her main draw debut at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York—igniting a wave of pride and hope among Filipino sports fans worldwide.

Eala’s determination and fighting spirit were on full display as she bounced back from the brink of defeat. The crowd’s energy, fueled by an overwhelming Filipino presence, played a crucial role in her comeback, making her feel right at home. “I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third,” Eala said, beaming with pride. Her historic win is not just a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for young Filipino athletes.

As Eala advances to the second round, she is set to face the winner between World No. 95 Cristina Bucsa of Moldova and American qualifier Claire Liu, World No. 317. With newfound momentum, Eala is poised to make even bigger waves in the tournament. “I’m always in the mood for more history,” she said, hinting at her determination for the rest of the US Open. Her victory has ignited a wave of pride and hope among Filipino sports fans worldwide, cementing her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.

✍️: Rozette Sese
💻: Jerome Mendoza

01/09/2025

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 | The Late Bloomer

Disdain was the first thing I saw when I looked into the mirror. My face contorted into a frown when I gazed upon my features. A round face filled with acne, a height that resembles a grade schooler’s, a non-existent hourglass figure, and huge thighs and arms.

I could only dream of being nominated as the muse of our section. I know very well that I’m not even an option to consider. There are a lot of pretty faces out there—of course, I’m not one of them. To me, beauty is never synonymous with my name. Is this what Hephaestus felt like after being deemed the most hideous of the Olympians?

If there’s one thing I fear more than public speaking, it’s definitely receiving my test scores. Each one seems to be far worse than the next—nearing the border of passing or failing. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor was I ever part of what they called “the cream of the crop.”

I was always average at best, barely getting by with passing marks. I never picked up concepts with ease. I wasn’t like others who were effortlessly smart. Forget comparing me to them. I know I could never keep up, I know that I’ll always be on the losing end.

You’d think that despite not having the looks or the smarts, I might have the talent right? The thing is, I’m not good at anything. I just knew how to do things without being a master at them. I’m not a writer, nor am I a singer or a dancer. I haven’t achieved anything significant at this point in my life.

I envy those who hold positions in the student government for their confidence. I’m jealous of people who have won competitions, be it in academics or performances for the talents they have. I crave the same success, I desire the same fame.

I said what I said. I’m resentful of myself for not being able to keep up with others.

Dejected and miserable, my feet knew where to lead me to—my favorite flower shop that always seemed to calm me down. Spring has just started, meaning new flowers must be in stock. Maybe they might help me get my mind off things. Stopping to smell the flowers never fail to lift my spirits.

There were dozens of flowers, and yet one caught my eye. A blue flower is something that I only see on special occasions because of how rare they are. I was in full awe taking in the sight. The florist must’ve noticed my curiosity and approached me. He told me that the flower was actually a Hydrangea.

“Flowers like daffodils take six to eight months to grow, while Lilies take just two to four months. A Hydrangea is a different story though. It usually takes two to four years for it to fully blossom. It’s one of those kinds of flowers that take a lot of time to grow.”

“The most beautiful flowers take the most time to bloom,” he added as he went back to tend to the new customers that had just come in.

He knew me personally—so I knew that he wasn’t talking about the flowers anymore.

✍: Eliza Lazatin
💻: Marco Roxas

31/08/2025

𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐈 | Ing Canacung Pibatan

Keti siping na ning batis ku nukarin matahimik, makalukluk ku—mimisip malalam: kapilan kaya datang ing bageng eku balu at adaku? Bageng kakung pangarapan, pero eku balu nanung prosesu ing kailangan kung daptan. Eku man asabi pero king kilub naning kakung pusu, atsu pa rin ing salang kedalumduman. Kalupa na ning pangarap kung sumulat, ing importansya da ring amanu, ali katamtaman. Ding kanta, literatura, at kultura e makalingwan nung ali, dapat lang luguran. Atsu ku man king panaung modernu, atsu pa rin kaku ing lugud ku king yatu, gaganakan ding inukit da ring kakung pipumpunan king batung ali kapilan man magbayu. King lingap da ring kanakung apu, meragul kung antimong taung e biyasang manyunu, nung ali, anak a biyasang gumalang, malugud, makisabing mayap, ampong mamintu. Makanta mu kasimpli pero ing epektu kasing ragul ne ing metung a bunduk. Ada pin ding matwa kaku: “Magpasalamat naka mu at ali ka masyas a buntuk.” Keti Pampanga, papakit da ding tau ing karelang lugud kapamilatan ning pamaglutu, pag apangan muna ing lutu nang ima mu, akalingwan mu na ing problema mu king mundu. Kabang makakera ka king kekayung patag, awsan nakang bapa para manararu kayung pale. Ala ka mang balu oneng anggang makananu apapantun mu ing sala king antimong pamiyabe. Ing swerti atsu kaku ngening balu ku marakal a bage ing kakung apantun at abalu, maski dumalan la ring tawu karing alun a masikan, talan la sa at tikdo pasibayu.

Dalusdus man ing uran a ating kasikanan, balu da sa nung nokarin atin pisilungan, king lugar nung nokarin ta mititipun, king memoryadu tamung dalan. Sana e tana magkasakit panatilyan ding bageng pemana da karing anak Kapampangan, palsintan tayang lubus ing kekatamung gabung tutuknangan. Ing kalaguang eku kapilan man lakwan, magsilbi ya kakung sikanan, luid sana magumpisa karing kaputul, apu, at egana-gana ing kekatamung lugud king Kapampangan.

✍️: Andrei Railey Gonzales
💻: Jerome Mendoza

30/08/2025

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 | What We Stay Alive for

As Artificial Intelligence continues to develop repidly, so do the people’s concerns over it taking over vital jobs in human society. Technology, originally meant to do menial tasks, is now threatening the livelihoods of millions of people, who are now apparently disposable because a machine is cheaper to maintain than a fragile human. However, passion isn’t something that can be easily replaced or replicated by a robot who is programmed with what to do. You can’t replace a nurse with years of experience, a teacher with love for her students, or a journalist willing to sacrifice themself in order to inform the masses.

Many harmful stereotypes about journalists often play into why people don’t give press freedom a second thought. Writers are usually rendered as professional liars who twist the narrative according to their beliefs. Photojournalists are often mistaken as event photographers that are only there to document people with their friends. Artists’ abilities are dismissed as generative AI, which illustrate how easy it is to ‘draw’ with a single click. These often make people question journalism’s relevance in a day where even newspapers are becoming obscure as technology comes up with something more convenient.

Yet journalists merely don’t ‘write’ articles: they weave information and experience into a story that resonates with people. They create articles that are not only factually correct, but are also easily understandable by the general public and get the point across. It’s a noble task that journalists take up—upholding the voices and rights of an entire country in every word of an article they write. It is the way a human thinks and expresses themself is something that can’t be recreated easily with a preprogrammed robot.

Although, people fail to recognize that by feigning indifference towards the struggles of journalists, this paves the way for the potential collapse of press freedom. Red-tagging is still widespread in the country, with many journalists often having to put themselves in dangerous situations just to cover events. Along with the ridicule people have for the profession, it makes for a cruel irony that journalists are unable to speak out on the injustice they are experiencing.

Most professions are necessary to sustain life, but journalism is a profession that is one of the things that people stay alive for. Everyday, journalists continue to get up in order to gather information and intentionally go into harm’s way so we don’t have to. Everyday, they continue to serve the people even if they don’t want to be served. This may make some people ask: why? Why do they continue to do it? And the answer to that question is really simple: because journalists know that their words and ideas can change the world.

✍️: Tryxia Gutierrez
🎨: Renzie Maneses

28/08/2025

Attention, aspiring Radio and TV Broadcasting members! 📣

This is your final chance to audition for the Radio and TV Broadcasting Team of the UA Senior High School!

We are accepting walk-in applicants on August 29, 2025. The auditions will be from 3–4 PM, at the UASHS Library. Interested applicants are required to prepare a 1–2 minute piece.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to become part of the team that amplifies voices and delivers stories to the community. We look forward to seeing you at the auditions!

26/08/2025

Last call for aspiring broadcasters! 📣

Today is the final day of applications for the Radio and TV Broadcasting Team!

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your skills and be part of a dynamic team—register now through this link: https://forms.gle/S2Sr3y5RcT2pAbum7

Call for Auditions: Radio and TV Broadcasting 🎙️🎬

Seniors, are you ready to showcase your broadcasting skills? Whether you’ve had experience behind the microphone, in front of the camera, or working behind the scenes, this is your chance to let your talent shine!

Auditions will be held on August 28–29, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the UA Senior High School Library. Categories include Radio Broadcasting (English and Filipino) and TV Broadcasting (English and Filipino). Come prepared with your own 1–2 minute piece and make sure to secure your parental consent starting Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Register now through this link: https://forms.gle/S2Sr3y5RcT2pAbum7

Let your voice be heard and your presence be seen—see you at the auditions!