The Lens

31/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |

On October 30, 2025, St. Scholastica’s Academy–Tabunok held a Living Rosary at the school quadrangle to culminate the month-long celebration of the Month of the Holy Rosary. The solemn activity brought together students, faculty, and staff in prayer and reflection. Selected students also portrayed and re-enacted the different apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, including Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, adding a meaningful and visual dimension to the celebration.

Photos | Franchezka Kabalican, Zenith Glaze Cachila, Matt Aaron Ramirez, & Miyabi Kumagai

24/10/2025

𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒: 𝐀 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

On October 24, 2025, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) of St. Scholastica’s Academy–Tabunok, together with their moderator, Ms. Mary Ann Bacus, attended a formation talk titled “Flesh and Bones: A Talk on Human Sexuality and Theology of the Body, Po*******hy, Ma********on, and Chastity.” The event, held at the University of San Carlos, gathered various Catholic schools to reflect on the true meaning of human dignity, respect, and authentic love in today’s modern world.

Before the main talk began, participants joined in a moment of praise and worship led by the Charis Singers. The uplifting music and prayerful atmosphere set the tone for a meaningful and reflective session ahead.

The talk opened with a discussion on the importance of s*x education and the Theology of the Body— a series of teachings by Pope John Paul II that emphasize the sacredness and purpose of the human person. Guest speaker Aijin Joseph shared insights on how these teachings help individuals view their bodies with respect and understand the deep connection between love, responsibility, and self-control.

Throughout the session, the speaker also addressed how modern influences shape young people’s perceptions of themselves and others. He reminded participants of the value of self-awareness, respect, and the call to live a life rooted in dignity.

The event concluded with an inspiring challenge for everyone to embrace purity, kindness, and genuine love—virtues that reflect one’s true worth and identity as a person created in God’s image.

Writer & Photos | Matt Aaron Ramirez

22/10/2025

𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓: 𝐅𝐑. 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐏𝐀 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐄

In line with the celebration of the Feast Day of San Pedro Calungsod on October 21, 2025, the Grade 12 students of St. Scholastica’s Academy–Tabunok gathered at the Audio-Visual Center (AVC) for a meaningful Vocation Talk with Rev. Fr. Romulo R. Maypa, SVD, the Vocation Minister of the Society of the Divine Word. Fr. Maypa, who has visited the school several times before, expressed his hope that this encounter would inspire students who might be interested in following the call of Jesus.

To begin the session, Father Maypa warmly welcomed everyone with his joyful and lively greeting. He centered his message around a simple yet profound invitation from Jesus: “Jesus says: Follow Me.” He explained that Jesus is always calling us to walk with Him, but it remains our choice whether to accept or decline that invitation.

Father then asked the students, “Have you heard the voice of Jesus?” As the atmosphere turned quiet, he gently reminded them that we can hear the voice of Jesus everywhere we go. When we attend Mass, we hear Jesus’ voice through the priest, who serves as His instrument. Even in our daily actions and interactions, Jesus speaks to us through others—the people who guide, love, and correct us.

He followed with another thought-provoking question: “Have you seen Jesus?” Whether we say yes or no, Father reminded everyone that recognizing Jesus means accepting His presence in others.

Fr. Maypa also shared that Christ’s mission is our mission. He introduced the Society of the Divine Word (SVD)—an international religious missionary congregation founded by St. Arnold Janssen in Steyl, Holland, in September 1875. The SVD missionaries now serve in over 79 countries, including the Philippines, where they manage schools such as the University of San Carlos (Cebu), Holy Name University (Tagbilaran), and Liceo del Verbo Divino (Tacloban).

He emphasized that in the eyes of God, the best qualification for serving Him is love. “Only your love is the best qualification,” he said. “Be ready to offer yourself to Him.” Father also shared his personal journey, mentioning that he studied for the priesthood in Poland and has been a priest for 19 years since his ordination on May 21, 2006, in Pieniężno, Poland.

Seminary life, he said, is not only about prayer and study but also includes physical activities and recreation such as basketball, bodybuilding, swimming, and other exercises that nurture both the mind and body. Seminarians also learn and adapt to different languages, preparing them for missionary work in various parts of the world.

On the call to serve, Father highlighted a growing concern: many seminaries in Europe are closing due to a decline in young vocations. He shared that about 5,000 priests retire each year, while fewer young people are entering the priesthood.

Encouraging the youth to deepen their faith, Fr. Maypa said, “If you want to become a priest or a nun, start by reading the Bible every day—starting today. The Bible is the Word of God.” He concluded with a meaningful reminder: “Worthwhile indeed is the life of one who gives his all.” He explained that when we give our best without expecting anything in return and do it all for the glory of God, our lives become noble and meaningful.

During the open forum, a student asked, “Should we follow our heart or our intellect?” Father responded wisely, “A bird needs two wings to fly—one wing represents the heart, and the other represents the mind. You need both to make the right decision.”

To end the talk, Father Maypa led a prayer in both Polish and English, reciting the “Hail Mary.” It was the students’ first time hearing the prayer in Polish, and they also learned how to make the Sign of the Cross in the same language.

The vocation talk with Rev. Fr. Romulo R. Maypa, SVD, was more than just a discussion about vocations—it was a spiritual reminder of our shared mission with Christ: to listen to His voice, to walk in faith, and to live out our calling with balance, love, and purpose.

Let us all continue to spread the Word of God and encourage others to answer His call to serve. For those who feel inspired or wish to learn more about the vocation journey, you may reach out through the following:

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 0926-958-4523
𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: Esperanzamorfe Rosario

Writer | Maryliz Quiamco
Photos | Katrice Lydzustre & Denbert Cabajar

11/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 |

In collaboration with DepEd Region VII, Palm Grass the Cebu Heritage Hotel, and San Carlos School of Cebu Senior High HULMA, we proudly join the celebration of creativity, expression, and Cebuano heritage through the Bansay Balak Poetry Workshop and Contest happening today, October 11, 2025.

We are thrilled to announce that eight Scholasticans made it as finalists and are taking part in the onsite poetry workshop, culminating in the announcement of winners later today!

Scholastican Finalists:

Veah Darlene D. Villa
Marianne J. Socias
Phil Andrei A. Lasula
Nhiño Alexxis A. Orillo
Paulin Yana R. Abacajan
Matt Aaron A. Ramirez
Maryliz R. Quiamco
Shielo Kae V. Toledo

You may watch the live event: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EJCzRyMNh/

Let us all show our full support to our talented Scholasticans as they bring poetry to life!

𝑆𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑃𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑙

10/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |

Students of St. Scholastica's Academy Tabunok immediately evacuated to the school quadrangle after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Mindanao at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025. The school quadrangle was filled with noise, fear, and quick movements as teachers and staff guided students to safety. Despite the confusion, the students stayed alert and helped one another. Parents soon arrived at the campus to fetch their children and ensure their safety.

Just two days earlier, on October 8, 2025, the school had conducted an earthquake drill as part of its training and awareness program. The drill proved to be helpful and effective, allowing students to evacuate quickly and apply what they had learned during the real emergency. The drill emphasized the importance of preparedness and calm response during disasters.

Caption & Photos | Miyabi Kumagai

10/10/2025

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 | 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃

Classes at St. Scholastica’s Academy-Tabunok have been suspended, as per the directive of Sr. Vicenta Anuran, OSB, following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Mindanao at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 62 kilometers southeast of Manay, Davao Oriental, with a depth of 10 kilometers.

Shaking was also felt in Talisay City and other parts of Cebu, prompting the immediate suspension of classes to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Parents are asked to communicate with their respective advisers and are highly encouraged to fetch their children as a precautionary measure.

The school advises everyone to remain calm, stay updated through official channels, and continue observing safety protocols.

09/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |

Following the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Cebu and the continuing aftershocks felt in various areas of the province, St. Scholastica's Academy-Tabunok conducted an earthquake drill on October 8, 2025, to equip students and employees with essential skills and knowledge in responding effectively to such emergencies while in school. This drill marked the second earthquake drill organized by the school this academic year, with another one already being planned to further strengthen disaster preparedness among students and employees.

Photos | Miyabi Kumagai

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦: 𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

St. Scholastica’s Academy - Tabunok came alive with color and creativity as the Supreme Student Government (SSG) hosted a vibrant celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 7, 2025, at the school quadrangle.

This special gathering featured teachers dressed up as Disney characters, showcasing the creativity of their students. Teachers didn’t only shine in the classroom, they also walked the red carpet with full confidence, inspiring their students even more. After the teachers took the stage and showcased their beautiful costumes, the celebration continued with fun games that filled the day with laughter for both students and teachers.

The event highlighted that not every queen and king holds a crown, some rule their classrooms and hold chalk in their hands.

Writer | Beatrice Cabrilles
Photos | Miyabi Kumagai & Katrice Lydzustre

07/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |

A Chain Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament took place today, led by the Campus Ministry Office under Sr. Mechtilde Juntado, OSB. Each section was given time to spend in silent prayer and reflection before the Lord in the school chapel. The adoration was offered for an end to corruption in the Philippine government that integrity, honesty, and justice may prevail; for the victims of the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Northern Cebu; and for healing, peace, and unity in the country and throughout the world.

07/10/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 |

Earlier today, a Holy Mass in Honor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was celebrated. The mass presider, Rev. Fr. Andres “Andy” Guban, SVD, reminded the school community about the significance of praying the Holy Rosary. He then connected this devotion to a profound virtue exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is, becoming great listeners through the "ears of our heart."

Photos | Nicole Gantuangko & Franchezka Kabalican

07/10/2025

“If there is a virtue we could imitate from Mother Mary, it is her listening heart. She did not only listen to the Lord with her ears, but with the ears of her heart.”

- Rev. Fr. Andres “Andy” Guban, SVD in his homily during the Memorial Mass of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, October 07, 2025