https://www.facebook.com/284127754779231/

The Spear, Quezon City (2025)

08/08/2025

E U R E K A | Ball-feeding device restored

THE STUDENTS AND the teaching and non-teaching personnel alike can now play table tennis and train by themselves using our ball-feeding device.
This was revealed by Mr. Elmer B. Ariate, Jr., assistant school principal, during a chance interview with The Spear in the campus gym, Aug. 6.
"It was Dr. Crispin Duka, former education program supervisor in MAPEH, who informed me of the ball-feeding device delivered to Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School (VLBSHS) in 2016," said Ariate while demonstrating proper strokes before some select students.
The school head emphasized the importance of the piece of equipment, which is to improve the skills of the beginning table tennis players.
"With this device, we can produce players who can train by themselves and at their own pace," Ariate explained.
When asked where to station the device, the international technical official (ITO) for badminton identified such strategic spots as the academic building, inside the gym, or in front of the principal's office, so he could oversee it.
Ariate pointed out that students are allowed to use the device, but with the guidance of a teacher. "If students use it without the proper guidance from the personnel, it may not last long."
Currently, the school has two tennis tables. However, one has been dilapidated. Ariate said that we could request one more from the school division office, from a politician, or from a good Samaritan.
"If the office of the Vice Mayor cannot provide us with a coach, then we will exert all available means. Our teachers can train the learners not only from Pura V. Kalaw Elementary School, but also from other schools in the district, and not only District 3, but also other districts of the city," explained the ITO.
The assistant principal shared his Project SAGIP: Sports Accountability Geared Towards Increased Participation.
"If we can use the Belarmino Sports Complex to produce more athletes, then why not?" expressed Ariate.
Mr. Geoffrey Nollido, administrative staff, tried the device and found it challenging for a beginner like him.
However, when asked by The Spear, Mr. Victorino S. Apostol, Jr., academic teacher, uttered, "It's a great device because of its features like giving the trainee different angles to practice different strokes while playing the game."

____________________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos: Michael D. Gorospe, cartoonist
Layout: Jomel Navarro, layout artist

07/08/2025

L O O K | Pajara off to Agusan Del Sur

THE VITO L. BELARMINO Senior High School's international technical official for athletics is off for a post-Palarong Pambansa conference to Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur, from Aug. 5-8.
Mr. Gilbert M. Pajara, faculty club president, attended the post-Palaro technical conference to report on an assessment of the last Palaro, review the technical rules, propose changes to the rules to be implemented in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, and inspect the venues.
The event was attended by the Palaro Secretariat, including Undersecretary Malcolm Garma, USec Patric Irving Corvera, USEC Sy, the technical directors and assistant technical directors of different events, the committee chairs of Ilocos Norte, and the local government units or LGUs, like the governor of Agusan Del Sur, and the mayor of Bayugan City.

_________________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos: Gilbert Pajara
Caption: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, photojournalist/layout artist
Layout: Jomel Navarro, layout artist

06/08/2025

J U S T I N | SPTA officers elected, new projects launched

AFTER ELECTING ITS new set of officers, the School Parent-Teacher Association or SPTA of the Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School (VLBSHS) launched its first projects to enhance student welfare during the first meeting at the Principal's Office, Aug. 1.
The first initiatives of the SPTA included the procurement of school and sports uniforms for the students, as well as the sponsorship of the campus journalists' registration fees for the district secondary schools press conference at JCSGO Christian Academy and Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School (CGEAHS) on October 11 and 12, respectively.
During the deliberation, Mr. Norman M. Garcia, a newly elected member of the board of directors, said, "Kami na sana ang magtatatak ng numero sa t-shirt ng bata," referring to the manual process of numbering jerseys due to limited resources.
Moreover, the new SPTA President Braynalyn P. Cano, who personally sponsored the registration fees of the student writers in the press conference, said, "I'll just take care of that para wala nang mahabang usapan."
Victorino S. Apostol Jr., the school paper adviser and the new SPTA secretary, extended his utmost gratitude to the Association for such a great favor afforded to the student writers. "A gazillion thanks to you all. This will definitely encourage our campus journalists to compete and further hone their writing skills," he expressed.
Cano was elected SPTA president; Rona B. Jaranilla, vice president; Apostol, secretary; Florde May C. Stella, treasurer; and Garcia and Annie N. Mesa, directors.
Meanwhile, Grade 11 classroom PTA officers included Cano, president; Jaranilla, vice president; Mrs. Gayo, secretary; and Mrs. Fernandez, treasurer. Those for the Grade 12 class were Mesa, president; Stella, vice president; Clarita G. Flores, secretary; and Warena G. Jeremias, treasurer.

_________________________
By: Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos: Jedrick P. Galang, staffwriter
Caption: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, photojournalist/layout artist
Layout: Jomel Navarro, layout artist

04/08/2025

L O O K | DRAT results support PSA claim on comprehension crisis

MORE THAN ONE in 5, or 70.8 percent of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 have difficulty understanding what they read, despite being able to read, write, and compute, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA data released Jul. 31.
In response to the national comprehension crisis and in adherence to the guidelines of the Quezon City Schools Division Office (QC-SDO), Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School (VLBSHS) conducted the Division Reading Assessment Tool (DRAT) for all students, Jul. 29-31 and Aug. 1.
Of the forty-four (44) students who took the reading test in English, 24 were from Grade 12, and 20, from Grade 11. Two of the 24 twelfth graders, or 8 percent, were proficient with English texts written for Grade 12; 10, or 42 percent, moderately proficient; 8, or 33 percent, less proficient; and 4, or 17 percent, not skilled.
The twenty Grade 11 students who took the English reading assessment tool had 3, or 15 percent, proficient with English texts written for Grade 11; 4, or 20 percent, moderately proficient; 10, or 50 percent, less proficient; and 3, or 15 percent, not skilled.
On the other hand, 43 Belarminians took the reading test in Filipino. Of the total number of test-takers, 24 were from Grade 12, while 19 were eleventh graders. The 24 twelfth graders who read Filipino texts had 4 of them, or 17 percent, very proficient with Filipino texts written for Grade 12; 8, or 33 percent, proficient; 10, or 42 percent, moderately proficient; and two, or 5 percent, less proficient.
Of the 19 eleventh graders who read in Filipino, 3, or 16 percent, listed proficient with Filipino texts written for Grade 11; 8, or 42 percent, moderately proficient; 7, or 37 percent, less proficient; and one, or 5 percent, not skilled.
The DRAT used two texts for both grade levels. For the eleventh graders, an opinion column and an expository text were used; while Grade 12 students read purely expository texts.
"The tool written by the reading specialists from the division is a great instrument to gauge the reading potential, if not difficulties faced by our students," said Mr. Victorino S. Apostol Jr., reading coordinator. "The students need to enhance their reading skills to muster their own learning," he added.

__________________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos: Dennzel Jim S. Lingasin
Layout and caption: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, layout artist / photojournalist

21/07/2025

J U S T I N | SSLG holds campus-wide seminar on hygiene

TO RAISE THE students' awareness of proper hygiene, the Supreme Secondary Learner Government or SSLG conducted a campus-wide seminar on the value of appropriate hygiene at the campus gym, Jul. 21.
Themed "Vito Health: Magtulungan para sa malusog na kinabukasan," the event was attended by 34 Belarminians - 18 twelfth graders and 16 eleventh graders.
The SSLG president, Kurt Enzo S. de Dios, gave a talk on the importance of proper hygiene. "Ayon sa Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, ang paghuhugas ng kamay ay maaaring makabawas sa bilang ng mga taong nagkakasakit sa pagtatae nang 30 bahagdan, at sa mga respiratory illnesses tulad ng sipon at trangkaso nang 21 bahagdan," he cited.
Moreover, Emsie V. Deasis, SSLG vice president, discussed ways to maintain proper hygiene. "Ang malinis na kapaligiran ay ligtas na kapaligiran," he pointed out.
The first purely student activity spearheaded by SSLG, the event was held by them and for them.
Working committees included documentation headed by Dennzel Jim S. Lingasin and Pauleen Savannah R. Enriquez; technical by Tyron James S. Fronda; and publication by Raven Mark P. Quicoy and Janessa Uriel G. Catubay.
When asked about their takeaways, Lance Kristoffer A. Ardaniel of the Toastmasters Club uttered, "Maintain proper hygiene to enjoy a clean environment."
Bryan P. Casimiro of 12-Agility emphasized the importance of taking a bath regularly. "Dapat palaging naliligo," he stressed.
The SSLG officers are as follows: Kurt Enzo S. de Dios, president; Emsie V. Deasis, vice president; Angelica Cano, secretary; Tyron James S. Fronda, PRO; Dennzel Jim S. Lingasin, treasurer; James Mallari, sergeant-at-arms; and Jason B. Escabillas, auditor.

____________________________________
Story by Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos by Dennzel Jim S. Lingasin / Pauleen Savannah R. Enriquez, managing editor
Caption by Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, layout artist/photojournalist

16/07/2025

B I R T H D A Y G R E E T | Natal day celebrated

AS ALL SECTORS of Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School or VLBSHS sent birthday greetings to Department of Education or DepEd Secretary Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, the whole editorial board of The Spear blessed, caroled, and threw a simple birthday bash to the photojournalist and layout artist, Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, right in their classroom, Jul. 16.
At her sweet 16, Catubay thanked her classmates and fellow staff members in her birthday speech.
James S. Fernando, science and technology editor, greeted the celebrator. "Magtiwala ka sa Diyos," he concluded.

_________________
Words: Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief
Photos: Pauleen Savannah R. Enriquez
Caption: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, layout artist/photojournalist

12/07/2025

L O O K | Pajara, 3 studes to join Batang Pinoy '25

FOUR BELARMINIANS ARE all set for this year's edition of Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, Oct. 25-31.
Mr. Gilbert M. Pajara, international technical official or ITO for athletics, and faculty club president of Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School, or VLBSHS, will serve as the technical director for athletics during the event.
Aside from Pajara, three 11-Endurance students will join the event to represent the Quezon City Team at the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Cliver Jean M. Fernandez will compete in muay (wai kru), Franco Ginemelo in kickboxing, and Fatima Bhien C. Barzana in badminton.
It must be noted that Pajara and the other technical directors (TDs) and representatives from twenty different sports disciplines convened for an on-site inspection of the venue in the home city of the world-renowned boxer, Manny Pacquiao, Jun. 5-7.
"The event is a grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission or PSC wherein young athletes are exposed to different competitions," explained Pajara during a chance interview with The Spear.
The multi-sport event will feature 27 sports, to wit, aquatics-swimming, archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball (3x3), boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, jiu jitsu, judo, kickboxing, karate, muay, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.
Fernandez's original sport was volleyball, but she wanted to try new challenges and join the competition. "Gusto ko pong ma-experience na sumayaw sa maraming tao," she uttered during an interview with The Spear.
According to Fernadez's coach, Jomar Palma, a former Belarminian who is now an active student-athlete of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, or PUP, wai kru is a traditional Thai ritual in muay thai and other arts, expressing respect and gratitude to teachers, ancestors, and deities. "It involves a symbolic dance (Ram Muay) and gestures of respect, often performed before a match or performance," added Palma in an online interview.
Ginemelo, on the other hand, has been training for muay thai for three years now, but he is joining Batang Pinoy '25 for the first time to compete in kickboxing. "Confident po ako to represent the Quezon City Team tsaka manalo," he uttered during a chance interview in the court with The Spear.
Mr. Marc Antoni Escalona, Ginemelo's coach, has been so hands-on with his trainees, especially with the Belarminian kickboxer. Coach Ton, as his trainees fondly call Escalona, approved of Ginemelo's joining the competition because the training would not be that rigorous and exacting. "Sa kickboxing, light kicks lang 'yan," reasoned out Coach Ton.
It must be noted that Barzana, together with Pauleen Savannah R. Enriquez, competed for the Mindanao leg - Juniors of the Philippine Badminton Ranking System or PBAD in Cagayan De Oro, Jun. 18-23.
Barzana and Enriquez made records during the recently concluded regional Palaro, which brought them to join the PBAD, where they qualified for the quarter-finals to compete with top-caliber athletes across the country.
The two badminton players competed under the last category, 18 years old below or under. The other categories were 9 under, 12 under, 14 under, and 16 under.
PBAD can be participated in by any athletes of the country who have made a record in any of the Department of Education (DepEd) and National Sports Association (NSA)-sanctioned tournaments like Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Open.
"The more PBAD points you earn, the closer you approach the national team," disclosed Mr. Elmer B. Ariate Jr., VLBSHS principal who is an international technical official or ITO for badminton, during a courtesy call in his office, Jul. 3.
To encourage the athletes, Ariate quoted the basketball legend, Michael Jordan saying, "If you're an athlete, you're smart, you're intelligent."
The ITO for badminton went on giving tips to the two badminton queens: First, train hard. Then, live that killer instinct. Next, beat the opponent by focusing more on his weakness and avoiding his strength. After that, strategize during the game. Lastly, put extra time and effort. These were the ingredients I applied before I became a national player for the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association or SCUAA.
When asked what advice she could give to the other aspiring athletes, Enriquez encouraged them to stay focused especially during the game. "Avoid distractions. Wala kaming karapatan na pigilan ang audience. Kung gusto mo talaga 'yong isang bagay, gagawin mo ang best mo para makamit ito," she added.
With regard to the support they were receiving, Barzana expressed dissatisfaction with their previous handlers. "Sobrang bagal ng support, sobrang baba ng allowance. Tapos makikita namin 'yong mga taga province, sobra silang pampered ng kanilang mga schools," she calmly stated.
Still on support, Ariate stood to stress that the city gives more incentives to the student-athletes. "Here (at VLBSHS) you get to enjoy the facilities. We have the locker rooms, shower rooms, swimming pool, and the dorm that you don't see in other schools. And soon, we'll also have a tennis court na rin," he concluded.

______________________
Words: Fatima Bhien C. Barzana, news editor
Photos: Pauleen Savannah R. Enriquez, managing editor
Layout: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, layout artist / photojournalist

04/07/2025

J U S T I N | Campus scribes selected, welcomed

THE SPEAR WELCOMED the new staffers for the current school year through a boodle fight in front of the Pumaren Building, Jul. 2.
The get-together was aimed at welcoming the new set of staffers, setting standards and boundaries among the student journalists, and planning for the training and the first issue of the Paper.
After the recently concluded battery writing competition, the following students emerged to be the new staffers of the English publication: Raven Mark P. Quicoy, editor in chief; Einjell Jhelan D. Ducusin, associate editor; Pauleen Savannah Enriquez, managing editor; Fatima Barzona, news editor; Emsie V. Deasis, sports editor; Cliver Jean M. Fernandez, features editor; James Fernando, science and technology editor; and Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, layout artist.
Fernandez, together with Michael D. Gorospe and Marvin Z. Laganzon, were chosen to be cartoonists, while Catubay and Verlyn M. Maglaque, photojournalists. Staff writers included Clint Zarie M. Fajardo, Jedrick P. Galang, and Jenny Rose T. Gadiane.
The new staffers will meet on Tuesdays at 1:00PM until hometime starting next week.
Quicoy, however, missed the welcome event due to his absence from his classes.
"T'was a great springboard for the new staffers to start their respective tasks for this year, " opined Victorino S. Apostol Jr., school paper adviser.
Fernando commented on the event, "It's so fun."
"Sana maulit," expressed the associate editor.

_______________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy
Photos: Fatima Barzona

24/06/2025

H A T S O F F | Class officers elected

ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, a new set of officers for both grade levels for the current academic year was elected, Jun. 18.
Orlando P. Reyes and Mark Kristianne Mojica, a transferee from STI-Cubao, were the Grade 12 president and vice president, respectively.
"Dahil meron akong experience sa ibang subjects, pakokopyahin ko kayo," quipped Mojica when asked what to offer his classmates.
The eleventh graders, on the other hand, chose Pauleen Savannah Enriquez and Einjell Jhelum Ducusin as their president and vice president.
Ducusin promised to provide the class with whatever they needed. "Ako bahala sa inyo," she uttered.
The other officers from the Grade 12 class were Jessel Jaque, secretary; Cyrus Manuel, treasurer; Gabriel dela Torre, public relations officer; and Tyron James Fronda, business manager. Those from the Grade 11 class included Janessa Uriel G. Catubay, secretary; Fatima Bhien C. Barzana, treasurer; Clint Zaire M. Fajardo, public relations officer; and Alexander Pascua, business manager.
"As your secretary, maglilista ako ng mga maingay sa klase at important details," said Jaque in her post-election speech in class.
Dela Torre promised positively with the class, "Sisiguraduhin kong maganda ang patakaran."
Mr. Gilbert M. Pajara, 11-Endurance adviser, challenged the newly elected officers, "Gampanan nila ang tungkulin nila. Mahirap naman kung lalagpas sa boundary ng kanilang tungkulin."
In the absence of Mrs. Joan Marah J. Andaya, Mr. Victorino S. Apostol, Jr. stands as a temporary 12-Agility adviser.

_____________________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy
Photos by: Janessa Uriel G. Catubay and Clint Zaire M. Fajardo

22/06/2025

L O O K | US sports ministry visits VLBSHS

ATHLETES IN ACTION, a sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International (CRU), paid Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School (VLBSHS) a visit through a workshop-seminar held at the campus gym on the value of exercise and first aid, Jun. 19.
As part of the Department of Education's initiative to make every learner a well-rounded individual, the event aimed to develop each schoolchild not only mentally and physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
Forty-three students, together with the teaching and non-teaching personnel, attended the event.
Two American sports figures from Athletes in Action discussed the importance of exercise and first aid during the event. Jim Rumelhart, a strength and conditioning specialist from California State University, Sacramento, and a full-time CRU sports minister, discussed CPR, injuries, first aid, and proper exercise techniques.
Rumelhart demonstrated the application of CPR and first aid for sprained ankles and knees, as well as for burns, to the sports-track students.
On the other hand, Dr. Phil Bishop, a former professor of exercise from the University of Alabama and a visiting scientist at NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Swedish National Winter-Sport Center, shared the essential features of exercise.
"We need to have a daily exercise," claimed Bishop before the 49-strong audience. "Not an ordinary exercise, it's a natural medicine for our body," he explained.
As members of a missionary team that helps educate students, teachers, coaches, and athletes about the Word of God, Rumelhart and Bishop, active sports ministers of CRU, shared some stories and passages from the Bible.
"We are a group of athletes, coaches, and sports scientists active in a Christian ministry," said Cris Arellano, secretary of Athletes in Action, during a chance interview with The Spear.
Arellano pointed out that the sports ministry coordinated with some universities and other campuses in the Metropolis where they could provide seminars absolutely gratis for the week.
Before VLBSHS, the US sports ministry visited the Office of the Vice Mayor (OVM) of Quezon City last Monday; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Tuesday; and De La Salle University (DLSU), Wednesday.
Arellano, through her son Shaquille John A. Arellano of the OVM, coordinated the event.
Athletes in Action is formed not only by American sports enthusiasts like Rumelhart, Bishop, and Alex Caruso; but also Filipino coaches like Jay Futalan of DLSU; Potit De Vera, former TIP head coach but now, UP Maroons Basketball Team coach; Martin Antonio, sportscaster of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League or MPBL; Ryan Elizaga; and professor Ralp Ramos, Floor Ball Philippines president.
It must be noted that our weightlifting champion Hidilyn F. Diaz got her gold under Coach Futalan.
"Students need not only education but spiritual life," uttered Arellano when asked about her initial evaluation of what the Belarminians needed. "We take this opportunity to share the Gospel coming from the Lord," she continued.
The international sports ministry secretary further explained, "We can have a lot of audience, but we have an audience of one. And that's the Lord. He's staring at you all the days of your life."
Asked how she would handle an audience of diverse cultures and beliefs, Arellano opined, "We respect different beliefs, but we share the Gospel. It's the Lord who's going to knock on their hearts and open the door for Christ. The seed that's planted in their hearts will grow."
Mr. Elmer B. Ariate, Jr., principal, had this to say about the event: Very timely. Di lang pang-sports, pang-values formation pa. It comprises everything that sports-track students like the Belarminians would need to become well-rounded individuals - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
___________________________________
By Raven Mark P. Quicoy
Photos by: Dennzel Jim S. Lingasin

18/06/2025

F L A S H | New AY kicks off with BE

ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-'26 kicked off with the traditional Brigada Eskwela (BE), Jun. 9 -13.
With the theme "Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa," this year's BE saw every sector of Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School (VLBSHS) in action. Aside from the students, teaching and non-teaching personnel including security and maintenance staff helped with the preparation for the new school year.
Mr. Elmer B. Ariate Jr., principal, thanked all sectors of the academic community for their presence and help during the BE.
"After trying out for wushu sanda, kickboxing, and muay thai for Batang Pinoy '25 this October, I also joined the team to clean the chairs for the Brigada Eskwela. So exhausting," uttered Franco Ginemelo, an 11-Endurance student.
______________________________________

16/06/2025

LOOK | Gen San to host Batang Pinoy '25 - Pajara

THIS YEAR'S BATANG Pinoy will be hosted by General Santos City, Oct. 26-30.
This was revealed by Mr. Gilbert M. Pajara, technical director for athletics for both Batang Pinoy '25 and the recently concluded 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.
Technical directors (TDs) and representatives from twenty different sports disciplines convened for an on-site inspection of the venue in the home city of the world-renowned boxer, Manny Pacquiao, Jun. 5-7.
"The event is a grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission or PSC wherein young athletes are exposed to different competitions," explained Pajara during a chance interview with The Spear.
A physical education and science teacher at Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School or VLBSHS, the senior technical director for athletics further pointed out that Batang Pinoy athletes somehow have the edge over others from other sports events in the sense that the former don't have to go through levels anymore, but straight to the national event.
When asked about the various events for the Batang Pinoy, Pajara listed the following: boxing, badminton, tennis, wushu, sepak takraw, volleyball, wrestling, and archery.
Since Batang Pinoy caters to teams from local government units or LGUs, the event includes not only students who are currently enrolled but also out-of-school youths.
Meanwhile, an elimination for combative sports athletes to join this year's Batang Pinoy for the Quezon City Team was conducted at the campus gym of VLBSHS, Jun. 13. It was attended by some sports officials and coaches from different schools of Quezon City.
______________________________

The Spear

08/08/2025

07/08/2025

06/08/2025

04/08/2025

21/07/2025

16/07/2025

12/07/2025

04/07/2025

24/06/2025

22/06/2025

18/06/2025

16/06/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category