THE MONITOR (2026)

07/01/2026

𝗘𝗬𝗘 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 👁

Muntinlupa Science High School (MSHS) principal Dr. Ador B. Querubin, along with other Grade 10 teachers, oriented Grade 10 students for their upcoming National Career Assessment Exam (NCAE), emphasizing key reminders to help them achieve better results and uphold the pride of MSHS.

He also announced upcoming school renovations, highlighting the construction of a new cafeteria featuring tables with built-in trash bins to promote better waste management, set to be implemented this February.

| Photo courtesy of Brianne Uy, Frances Sunico, Amanda Bundalian

01/01/2026

A New Chapter Begins. ✨

As the clock strikes midnight, we turn the page on yesterday and step into a year filled with fresh chances, bold dreams, and quiet hopes waiting to unfold. The New Year isn’t just about fireworks in the sky—it’s about the light we choose to carry forward.

Here’s to new beginnings, lessons kept, and possibilities yet to be written. May this year meet us kinder, braver, and ready to grow. Cheers to starting again.

| Visual Asset by: Sabina Blair Eleazar

30/12/2025

Rizal Remembered. 🇵🇭

On December 30, the nation commemorates the death anniversary of Dr. José Rizal—honoring the life, sacrifice, and ideals of a hero whose pen awakened Filipino consciousness and ignited the fight for freedom.

More than a remembrance of his sacrifice, this day calls Filipinos to reflect on his legacy of courage, patriotism, and love for country—values that continue to shape our identity as a nation.

| Visual Asset by: Amanda Bundalian

28/12/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | MunSci celebs season with first-ever paskuhan

Muntinlupa Science High School marked a milestone as it hosted its first-ever Paskuhan on December 16, 2025, at the school gymnasium, bringing together students, teachers, and staff in a festive celebration that strengthened school spirit and showcased creativity.

One highlight was the Mr. and Ms. Paskuhan competition, where selected students confidently took the stage to represent their groups. The contestants impressed the audience with their poise, charm, and festive attire, capturing the joy of the holiday season.

The Paskuhan also included a Chorale Competition, where different groups performed Christmas songs filled with harmony and emotion. Each performance showed dedication and teamwork, filling the venue with warmth and holiday cheer. The competition focused on musical talent and unity among students.

Additionally, a Parol-Making Activity allowed students to express their creativity by making traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns. The colorful and thoughtfully designed parols symbolized hope, light, and the true spirit of Christmas, adding bright decorations to the school grounds.

Overall, the first Paskuhan at Muntinlupa Science High School brought the MunSci community together through the Christmas season. It celebrated culture, talent, and unity, establishing a joyful tradition that the school looks forward to continuing in the years ahead.

| Article by: Meizelle Delos Santos
| Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Chavez & Brianne Uy

27/12/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | JHS nabs Tobu Real Estate award at SCW ‘25

By demonstrating passion, creativity and a solid research cycle, Muntinlupa Science High School's (MSHS) junior high school (JHS) delegates Mac Rabang and Joaqin Bernabe bag the Tobu Real Estate award at the Science Castle World 2025 (SCW) at the Science Institute of Tokyo, Japan on December 13-14, 2025.

A total of eight research studies from MSHS were represented by posters with one oral presentation by Juliana Celestina Argana Ventura, explained on the first day along with other oral presenters.

Joaquin Carlo Bernabe and Marc Conrad Rabang presented their research, VANGUARDS: Vector-Mapping Alert Navigator with Gas Detection for Urgent Aid, Rescue, Delivery and Search, guided by their consultant, Mr. Fritz San Pedro.

They presented their work with eagerness and dedication—showing their hard work along with their members and leader, Christian Jake Zipagan, supporting them.

Their winning research study was about a robot whose function relates to a search-rescue approach that is applicable after disasters such as earthquakes.

Tobu Real Estate award was given to them by the TOBU REAL ESTATE CO. LTD president, Hiroshi Tanaka.

“This experience made me realize that research is something I want to continue improving in, and it motivated me to participate in more research activities in the future and work harder to grow my skills,” Bernabe stated as they reward themselves with their recognition.

| Article by: Georgina Tubo
| Photo courtesy of Rosa Navarro, Seth Karunungan, and Sharee Abrantes

25/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | The Seat at the Table

I am part of the sixty-eight percent Filipinos this year who are considered ‘happy’ today. Adorned in a uniform of consistent color and smelling of sanitiser–I calculated that I have three hours left of my shift, then I can leave. As I observed the hall, the faint sounds of families gathering—filling their stomachs with food and laughter—lingered. Despite the cold, isolated, walled partitions of this place, their spirits contradict the area. With this in mind, I wondered, what makes the other thirty-two percent think opposingly of today?

My mind immediately went back to the people who were struck multiple times with ground-shaking and flood-rich calamities–so strong that nothing was standing firm. For some, a celebration inside a warm and comfortable place is not possible. No wonder they would not feel too ecstatic about today. I told my co-worker about it, and they happily sent me a post they recently shared. A Christmas tree, made from materials discarded from the recent typhoon, mainly roofs. Lights wrapped around the tree, twinkling in hope.

That wonder lingered on me as I left, and took the commute back to my apartment. The moment I entered, I took out my phone and read my messages. Maybe people are not happy because today is not celebrated in their religion? Religion may be the reason, with traditions such as decorating homes, giving gifts, going out to church at night a few nights prior, or vigil masses before today. The feeling of being left out of something celebrated so globally, it can affect one’s sense of belonging. Still, many of my friends who share a different religion from mine, or who are completely non-religious, greeted me with a “Happy Holidays” or a “Season’s Greetings.” And I, too, greeted them with that.

I situated myself on my mattress on the floor and called my family. Working while being countries away from home, stings. Working overseas is the choice I made to see them smile brighter during Christmas. The place back home was loud, crowded, and almost incoherent. Still, the laughter, the smiles, the gratitude made everything worth it. It was a good thing that my ‘padala’ finally arrived. That box, along with almost 130,000 more, were stuck in ports for so long. It surprised me how happy they are. This year is especially difficult, as it is the first Christmas we celebrate without my father, who passed away earlier this year. That lingering grief made things teary-eyed as we recalled the times with him. As I ended the call, I looked by my window and cried silently. Thinking about my father, maybe I am not part of the sixty-eight, but the thirty-two percent.

Just then, a twinkling star by the North flashed my eyes. As it lingered in pupils, my ears picked up the sound of church bells from the distance. Those bells came from a nearby church I rarely went to. I know to myself that I am not the perfect person, and that wonder made me think if I would still be accepted into his kingdom. But that star twinkled some more, and made me realise that I am saved. At the table of his love, he has a seat spared for me. No matter how many times I have left that table, he is still waiting for me to sit at that seat at the table. It dawned on me that Christmas is not about being happy today, it is all about celebrating this day so special for us. Thousands of years ago, in a world enveloped in sin, an infant laid in a manger. That same infant would wash the world away from evil years later by dying on the cross, asking the Father to forgive us.

Today is Christmas. And celebrating it is not just out of tradition, but it is the reminder that we should rejoice, for our saviour is born today.

| Article by: Ayiesha Agustin
| Illustrated by: Yhobel De Mesa

24/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | With Love, From Home: Art of Filipino Gift-Giving

Love. Joy. Hope.

These values echo through Filipino gatherings long before any gift is opened. They sit in red envelopes tucked into eager hands, in playful Monito-Monita exchanges, in small thoughtful presents chosen with care. They live in kitchens filled with laughter, in living rooms warmed by the everlasting warmth of stories, in families bound not only by wealth, but by generosity of heart.

In Filipino culture, every act of giving imbues these three powerful values—reminding us that a gift is never just a gift; it is a promise of connection, a celebration of togetherness, and a subtle yet powerful assurance that love will always find its way back home.

Gift-giving has an affinity with Filipino concepts such as pakikipagkapwa, the recognition of shared humanity, and utang na loob, a heartfelt sense of gratitude and reciprocity. A gift is rarely a mere object; it is an extension of the giver, both financial and emotional, a sign of thoughtfulness, respect, and affection. Through these gestures, families maintain closeness, friendships deepen, and connections that brave across time and distance. Giving becomes a language of care, silently strengthening relationships and nurturing a sense of belonging.

Traditional Filipino practices show how culture, meaning, and emotion come together in every exchange. The ampao, a red envelope often given during New Year, birthdays, and milestones—carries not just money but wishes for fortune, safety, and blessing. During Christmas, Monito-Monita fills classrooms, workplaces, and communities with playful excitement and anticipation, reminding everyone that generosity can be lighthearted and joyful. These traditions do more than celebrate occasions; they strengthen unity, bridge generations, and keep the Filipino spirit of giving alive.

Today, Filipino gift-giving continues to evolve, yet the intent behind it remains the same. Thoughtful gifts; pasalubong from travels, practical presents for loved ones, personalized tokens chosen with care show that sincerity still matters most. Even modern gestures, from digital transfers to simple surprise treats, carry warmth when they are given with genuine intention. Filipinos give not to impress, but to express care, appreciation, and connection.

In the end, Filipino gift-giving endures because it is rooted in love, sustained by gratitude, and fueled by hope. It is a powerful reminder that giving is never just about possessions; it is about relationships, heritage, and the joy of sharing life with others. As traditions continue and new expressions emerge, one thing remains certain: the spirit of giving will always be at the heart of Filipino culture, weaving families closer, strengthening communities, and keeping the warmth of generosity alive.

| Article by: JM Holifeña
| Illustrated by: Mikaella Mendoza

23/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Christmas Wrapped in Candlelight

The sky was still dark when the church bells began to ring. The streets were quiet, wrapped in sleep, yet footsteps slowly gathered—soft, steady, and purposeful. From small alleys footsteps begin to gather—unhurried, familiar, and faithful. Slippers tap softly against concrete, rosaries slip into pockets, and tricycles pass with muted engines. This is not just another morning. This is Simbang Gabi.

Long before the sun rises, the church comes alive. Candles glow beside well-worn images of saints, their light dancing across wooden pews and sleepy but hopeful faces. Children lean close to their parents and families sit shoulder to shoulder—elders bow their heads in prayer. The air is filled with hymns sung in gentle voices, prayers offered in unison, and a stillness that feels deeply Filipino—quiet, reverent, and full of meaning.

Simbang Gabi began during the Spanish era. Filipino farmers gathered for Mass before sunrise, allowing them to honor their faith before returning to the fields. What started as a practical devotion slowly became a sacred tradition—a nine-day novena leading to Christmas. In every early rising, Filipinos learned that faith was something lived, not just believed.

In Simbang Gabi, sleep is shortened, comfort is set aside, and the body moves while the world remains at rest. Still, people come—carrying silent intentions—prayers for family, gratitude for blessings, hopes whispered only in the heart. In these early hours, devotion is tested and strengthened, turning each morning into a personal offering of faith.

But Simbang Gabi does not end with the final prayer. Outside the church, the familiar scent of bibingka and p**o bumbong drifts through the air, smoke curling into the dawn. Vendors call out softly, coins exchange hands, and neighbors greet one another with warm smiles. Laughter replaces silence, and the churchyard becomes a place of sharing. Here, community is felt not just in prayer, but in presence.

Today, Simbang Gabi carries a new rhythm alongside its age-old devotion. Families arrive together, some quietly sharing stories, others capturing the glow of candlelight on their phones to remember the moment. Church choirs blend timeless hymns with soft modern carols, and some parishes even livestream Masses for devotees abroad, connecting households across oceans.

Even as phones light up and routines shift, the mornings still hold the same quiet magic. The heart of Simbang Gabi remains—waking before the sun to pray, to hope, and to celebrate faith together. In this delicate dance of old and new, the tradition endures—resilient, meaningful, and unmistakably Filipino.

As morning finally breaks, sunlight spills across the church steps and nearby streets. The day feels gentler, as if blessed by the devotion that came before it. Simbang Gabi reminds us that Christmas is not rushed—it is prepared for. In the quiet hours of dawn, Filipino faith is renewed, devotion is deepened, and community stands strong, welcoming Christmas with open hearts.

| Article by: Jerie Garcia
| Illustrated by: Francheska Aguinaldo

22/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | When Christmas Knocks in Song

In the Philippines, Christmas often arrives not with lights or ornaments, but with voices. Before homes are fully decorated or the streets glow with parols—the sound of children singing outside gates and windows quietly announces the season. ‘Pangangaroling’ is one of the long-standing Filipino traditions that serves as one of the earliest signs that Christmas has begun.

Pangangaroling traces its roots back to the Spanish colonization, later adapting into Filipino culture. Over time, it became a community-centered practice—commonly led by children who go from house-to-house, sharing songs in exchange for small tokens. It is more than just a festive activity; it reflects values of generosity, togetherness, and shared celebration within neighborhoods.

The songs sung during pangangaroling are simple, familiar, and easy to remember. Traditional favorites such as “We Wish You A Merry Christmas" and “Jingle Bell Rock” are staples, often accompanied by improvised instruments made from recycled cans or bottle caps. These melodies carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding listeners of childhood Christmases and years gone by. Even livelier tunes like “Star ng Pasko” by ABS CBN have found their way into caroling repertoires, showing how the tradition embraces both old and new influences.

As time passed, pangangaroling has evolved alongside Filipino music. Exposure to radio, television, and digital platforms expanded the range of songs performed during the season. While traditional carols remain central, elements of OPM Christmas music and modern holiday anthems have influenced how caroling sounds today. This evolution reflects how Filipino culture adapts to change while preserving its core traditions.

Despite these changes, the essence of pangangaroling remains the same. Music continues to shape the emotions tied to the tradition—joy from singing together, hope sparked by familiar melodies, and neighbourly love shared between carolers and households. Whether heard in quiet neighborhoods or busy streets, these songs create moments of connection during the holiday season.

Ultimately, pangangaroling is more than a musical practice; it is a shared language of Christmas, passed down through generations. Through every verse sung and every door opened, the tradition continues to unite communities, proving that Christmas in the Philippines is not only seen—it is heard, remembered, and shared.

| Article by: JM Verzola
| Illustrated by: Johanna Elixyveth

21/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | Christmas Fragrance

I never first noticed Christmas through lights or songs. I noticed it through the smell. It drifts quietly from the kitchen, unannounced but familiar, wrapping itself around the house like a memory returning home. Before the tree is complete and before gifts are placed under it, the scent of bibingka, p**o bumbong, and ham begins to settle in the air. At that moment, I knew that Christmas was near.

In the Philippines, Christmas reveals itself through food. It arrives gently—not demanding attention but impossible to ignore.

After Simbang Gabi, when the night still clings to the sky and the morning has yet to wake, warmth gathers outside the church. Small stalls line the streets, steam rising as vendors prepare bibingka and p**o bumbong for tired churchgoers. Butter melts over freshly baked rice cakes, and sugar sticks to fingers no matter how careful one tries to be.

Despite the late hours and early mornings, people stay. These treats offer comfort after prayer and rest after long walks home. In the quiet hours before dawn, food becomes a shared warmth—a symbol of faith, community, and togetherness. Even in silence, everyone understands the feeling.

As Christmas Eve approaches, that warmth moves from the streets into Filipino homes. Kitchens buzz with preparation, and the dining tables slowly fill. Lechon takes its place at the center, surrounded by hamon, queso de bola, pancit, and fruit salad. Each dish is prepared with intention, meant to be shared and never kept.

The Noche Buena table reflects what Filipinos value most. It is not about how much there is—but about who it is shared with. Plates are passed, laughter flows freely, and time seems to slow, even just for a night.

Beyond taste, these dishes carry stories. Recipes are passed down not through written instructions, but through watching, helping, and remembering. Cooking becomes a way for generations to connect—parents teaching children, and grandparents guiding from memory. Even those who are far away are present in these meals, remembered in every familiar flavor.

Food, in this way, becomes a bridge. It connects the past to the present, and homes near to those miles away.

In the end, Filipino Christmas food is not just eaten—it is felt. It reminds us that home is found in shared meals and familiar scents. Christmas lives in every bite, every memory, and every table where people gather. And sometimes, it begins with nothing more than a smell that feels like home.

| Article by: Sarih Lumba
| Illustrated by: Shanelle Bilango

20/12/2025

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | When Christmas stretched its arms

I noticed it on the first morning of September. The sun had barely stretched across the rooftops, but the air already felt different—lighter, warmer, tinged with a hum of something familiar. Somewhere in the distance, from a neighbor’s radio or perhaps from the wind itself—Jose Mari Chan’s voice appeared, warm and glowing, singing “Christmas in Our Hearts.”

It wasn’t just a song. It was a spark, a ripple that stirred the season from its long slumber. I felt it in my chest, a gentle nudge reminding me: Christmas had awakened. Not on the calendar. Not in December. But here, alive and stretching its arms across September.

I stepped outside. The first parols were glowing in windows and fences, little stars of bamboo and paper twinkling like they had secrets to share. I imagined San Fernando, far away, where thousands of lanterns would soon paint the night sky with magic. Even our quiet streets seemed stitched with light, a prelude to a celebration that would last for months.

September passed like a whispered promise. October followed, and I watched as every evening shimmered and every parol grew bolder. Carols echoed softly from homes as children hummed along, their voices small but insistent, carrying joy down every alley. Music floated over rooftops, wrapping around houses, tugging smiles from people who hadn’t noticed the season awakening until it found them.

And then I thought of the families who were waiting for their loved ones from far away—the OFWs returning from distant shores. For them, the Ber months were not just a stretch of time but a bridge of longing and hope. Every lantern, every hum of a carol, every little preparation in homes across the country became a beacon, a way of keeping the distance small, of holding the season in their hearts until they could all be together again. Anticipation, I realized, was not empty—it was full of its own joy.

By the time November began to fold into December, the season had already taken hold. Christmas was alive in the streets, the homes, the songs, and the hearts of everyone who had waited. It was not a single day marked on a calendar. It was weeks of light, music, and shared longing, a festival that stretched across months.

In the Philippines, Christmas does not wait. It wakes early, glimmers in parols, hums in familiar songs, and lingers in the hearts of those waiting for family to return. It is a season of stretching joy, of turning anticipation into celebration, and of keeping the magic alive long before December even arrives.

Here, I have learned, Christmas is not measured by a date. It is measured by the months we let it live, by the music, the light, the laughter, and the love that fills the long, unforgettable season.

| Article by: Elijah Brocoy
| Illustrated by: Megan Tonducan

12/12/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | G9 named best group presentation, best speaker award

To foster cross-cultural collaboration in the field of innovation and sustainability, Grade 9 representatives from Muntinlupa Science High School (MSHS) represented the Philippines at the Global Classroom Activity and were honored Best Group Presentation and Best Speaker awards on December 4, 2025 at the online platform Zoom.

Led by the Sunflower Trilingual School (STS) in Thailand, the activity–attended by the host country, Taiwan, and Philippines, centered around the theme “World of Innovation” specifically “Innovation for sustainability.”

The MSHS representatives–guided by Dr. Peachy Ann Malacaman presented in the first session all about their initiatives in sustainability, at home, school, and the community.

Afterwards, the second session entailed a discussion about ways in being sustainable, and focused problems on certain sustainability issues–all by group.

The second session was then followed by an awarding, in which Best Presentation was awarded to Group 3–with random participants from the participating schools.

Among these participants was Margarette Faith Realino, an MSHS student who was awarded the Best Speaker award.

“Global classroom activities such as these are essential to encourage more learners to think outside the box and participate in more eco-friendly practices. By starting at school, students can develop habits that they can share with others, helping our society become more sustainable,” said awardee, Margarette Realino.

She also added that global classroom activities can further gather students from all around the world to build a greater society—set on saving our environment.

According to the STS the topic of the activity reflected the core purpose of the global classroom–which is to explore how sustainability can be innovated at various levels (home, school, community) and to brainstorm future innovations with a global perspective.

| Article by: Ayiesha Agustin
| Photo courtesy of Peach Ann Malacaman

THE MONITOR

07/01/2026

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