The Quantum

The Quantum The Official English Publication of Pasay City National Science High School

The Office of the President has released Memorandum Circular No. 76, announcing the suspension of government work and cl...
11/01/2025

The Office of the President has released Memorandum Circular No. 76, announcing the suspension of government work and classes at all levels in the cities of Manila and Pasay on January 13, 2025. The directive was issued in light of the anticipated influx of participants attending the “National Rally for Peace” organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The suspension aims to ensure the orderly conduct of the event, accommodating the large volume of attendees expected to travel to these areas. However, the memorandum specifies that agencies involved in health services, disaster preparedness, and other essential functions will remain operational to ensure the continuity of vital services.

Private companies and offices are given the discretion to decide whether to suspend operations.

Pasay City National Science High School commenced the year with its First Friday Mass for 2025, held at the school’s gym...
11/01/2025

Pasay City National Science High School commenced the year with its First Friday Mass for 2025, held at the school’s gymnasium. Students, faculty, and staff gathered on January 10 to reflect on the past year and seek blessings for the year ahead.

Correspondent: Pearl Belena, Gabrielle Ayesha Nicolas, Juan Carlos Llames, Santine Mauritius Susa, Jezreel Samantha Diosa, Maria V. Pascual, Ali Lopez, and Daniel Jefferson Quintin

Something exciting is back—are you thinking of the right thing? The Division Schools Press Conference 2025 season has fi...
10/01/2025

Something exciting is back—are you thinking of the right thing?

The Division Schools Press Conference 2025 season has finally arrived, and The Quantum journalists are ready to conquer the competition once again to show the signature banner. After weeks of rigorous training, they are fully prepared to represent our alma mater.

Before the big day, let’s take a moment to spotlight our outstanding journalists who are set to shine on the journalism stage.

Beginning with the individual category contestants. Meet the lucky 9—our fierce competitors who are ready to set the stage on fire! After weeks of relentless training, they’re primed to showcase their talent and leave a lasting impression on stage.

Pasay City National Science High School officially welcomed its new Assistant School Principal, Mrs. Sara Jane T. Delos ...
06/01/2025

Pasay City National Science High School officially welcomed its new Assistant School Principal, Mrs. Sara Jane T. Delos Santos, earlier today at the school grounds.

Ms. Delos Santos, who brings with her years of experience in educational leadership, is set to fill the position that has been vacant for an extended period.

A brief turnover ceremony marked the official start of Ms. Delos Santos’ tenure. The event was attended by key members of the faculty and representatives from the Pasay City Schools Division Office.

Correspondent: Jed Palonpon

Commercial building in Pasay aflamesA commercial building along Libertad, Pasay City was hit with fire on Monday afterno...
06/01/2025

Commercial building in Pasay aflames

A commercial building along Libertad, Pasay City was hit with fire on Monday afternoon.

According to local bystanders, an explosion was first heard around 12:55 p.m., followed by smoke.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the first alarm at 1:00 p.m., then the third alarm at 1:19 p.m.

Local fire trucks, including those of Manila and Makati City, responded before the fire was declared under control at 1:36 p.m.

Further investigations are currently underway.

Correspondents: Jedrick Palonpon, Reisha Uy, and Zyriel Coronel

Rockwell rocked the New Year countdown in style earlier today, bringing people together for a breathtaking display. Fire...
01/01/2025

Rockwell rocked the New Year countdown in style earlier today, bringing people together for a breathtaking display. Fireworks lit up the Makati skyline while families, friends, and strangers stood side by side, soaking in the moment, as the golden lights of the buildings framed the night.

Correspondent: Jed Palonpon

For through it all, we thank you for walking this journey with us at The Quantum—sharing, engaging, and amplifying the s...
31/12/2024

For through it all, we thank you for walking this journey with us at The Quantum—sharing, engaging, and amplifying the stories that matter.

With the help of Facebook Analytics, we saw the numbers, but more importantly, we felt the voices behind them. Behind every like, share, or view is a student who paused their scrolling to listen, engage, and reflect. Behind every publication was a team that believed in the stories we told and the change they could ignite.

As we turn the page to 2025, we remain steadfast—grateful for the milestones we’ve hit and humbled by the trust you’ve placed in us. We promise to keep chasing the truth, to amplify your voices, and to never shy away from the stories that matter.

The Quantum will always be here, recording today, shaping tomorrow, and building a future where every student knows their voice is a spark that can ignite a revolution.

Here’s to another year of courage, creativity, and commitment to the truth. Let’s write it together.

Wrapped by: Chloe Cristobal
Publication: Yelena Fabricante

True freedom demands struggle, and redemption is forged through sacrifice. As we commemorate the 128th Rizal Day, let us...
30/12/2024

True freedom demands struggle, and redemption is forged through sacrifice. As we commemorate the 128th Rizal Day, let us remember the legacy of a hero who dared to dream and fight for a better nation.

In the Spirit of GivingBy: Chloe Arabella D. CristobalPublication: Sofia DivinagraciaChristmas lights twinkling. Choirs ...
29/12/2024

In the Spirit of Giving

By: Chloe Arabella D. Cristobal
Publication: Sofia Divinagracia

Christmas lights twinkling. Choirs of children outside singing. Each family gets together to do their different ways of bonding. The holiday spirit ‘round the neighborhood is clearly brewing.

The passing of research papers nearing. A mountain of backlogs that I should be doing. Competitions and tasks; I spend the majority of the break planning. The excitement I had during the start of the festive season is slowly dwindling.

I was once a confused kid whose eyebrows furrowed whenever I saw my older cousins who were in high school at that time worrying about the pending work they have greeting their return to school after New Year’s. My pupils were once full of curiosity whenever I saw them from afar preparing for group projects with their classmates, right around the exact same time when my Titas and Titos were preparing for Noche Buena.

I used to look at the situation with orbs full of wonder. My mouth would stay agape at the vibrant colors and intricate patterns they used for their Parol design. I would even offer to help them look for recyclable materials they could use for their project, but they would always deny my help. I always wondered why they did, and I always felt rejected when they would say I should enjoy the time I had with my younger cousins when I still can.

Now, I look at the situation with eyes full of sympathy. I can now understand why they chose to deny my offer instead of letting me join in. It’s hard to admit, but everything really does get ten times more complicated when you start to grow up. Nostalgia overpowers the present, and the longing for the coziness of Christmas turns into a yearning for the warmth you felt in the past.

There is no doubt that being a Science High School student during times like these prove to be a challenge. Maintaining balance between academics, extracurriculars, friends, family, and alone time can be a tedious task to do. More often than not, even with weeks of school off, the things that make you a student still take hold of you even if you want to be free from its grip. But I learned that this doesn’t mean all hope is lost, this doesn’t mean that the warmth I once felt can never be experienced again. After all, the Christmas spirit can still live on.

They say that Christmas is the season of giving, but I think most of us misinterpret that saying. Giving does not only entail presents, big or small. It doesn’t simply stop at material things, from new clothes to heartfelt letters. It does not only refer to giving to others, but also to yourself and well-being.

Christmas is the season of giving time. It is the only period of the year where the family gets together and celebrates the momentous occasion of all. Besides that, with the end of 2024 nearing, it proposes an opportunity for us to take a moment and breathe. Giving time for yourself to relax and rewind can do wonders for the upcoming year.

This holiday season, I will be sure to appreciate the twinkling lights and sparkling decor. I’ll take a step back from my desk and spend moments with my family that I am sure will someday be part of tradition. In the spirit of giving, I will give myself memories worthy of remembering.

The Schools Division of Pasay bares Memorandum No. 2478, s.2024, or the Conduct of 2025 Division School Press Conference...
27/12/2024

The Schools Division of Pasay bares Memorandum No. 2478, s.2024, or the Conduct of 2025 Division School Press Conference and Contests today, set to run from January 17 to 24, 2025.

Pasay City National Science High School's Official Publications The Quantum and Ang Liwanag are set to put of its campaign to show off .

Visit the link here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EycWawz4M/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and of course, food! But staying merry doesn’t mean sacrificing your healt...
27/12/2024

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and of course, food!

But staying merry doesn’t mean sacrificing your health.

Discover The Quantum’s top tips for maintaining balance while savoring every festive bite.

By: Caleb Li
Publication: Yelena Kazmier Fabricante

Spreading love and truth this holiday season. May we continue to inspire understanding, stand for others, and foster a w...
25/12/2024

Spreading love and truth this holiday season. May we continue to inspire understanding, stand for others, and foster a world built on kindness.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

– The Quantum

Metro Manila and the Breezy and Wet ChristmasBy: Maria Ghianella TuqueroPublication: Angelique InlongTo every student, p...
25/12/2024

Metro Manila and the Breezy and Wet Christmas

By: Maria Ghianella Tuquero
Publication: Angelique Inlong

To every student, parent, and citizen of Metro Manila buzzing in the anticipation of holidays, we might want to reconsider new gift items to wrap and give our loved ones: an umbrella, a blanket, and perhaps a jacket. We are facing a crucial moment where gifts must not be the only one we’re excited to foresee—but the weather too.

As the year 2024 paces and reaches its final weeks, Metro Manila must expect rainy and cooler days as La Niña continues to persist. La Niña is the cooler-than-usual temperature in the Equatorial Pacific, and has a 74% chance to persist throughout this season, which may lead to intensified precipitation and wet conditions in the region. According to a specialized forecast released by The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the regional climate outlook for the National Capital Region projects the northeast monsoon or the amihan may accentuate the effects of La Niña. It is predicted that precipitation will be 211.9 mm, which is above-normal of conventional rainfall levels. Consequently, the above normal-rainfall may bring localized flooding and interruptions to holiday plans.

Weather disturbances such as low-pressure area (LPA), and localized thunderstorms are also expected to contribute to unpredictable rainfall, which PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to be prepared for. Additionally, several key weather stations such as the northeast monsoon/amihan, localized thunderstorm, low-pressure areas, and tropical cyclones may impact the region. In order to prepare for weather occurrences during these last weeks, PAGASA advises Metro Manila residents to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories, prepare for possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and adjust holiday travel plans to accommodate potential rainy conditions.

The weather agency prompts Metro Manila residents to embrace the cool season while remaining conscious during instances of heavy rainfall. Bracing for the forecasted conditions, preparation also serves as our most valuable gift. While the cooler temperatures offer respite from the whirlwind weather conditions experienced for this year, preparedness remains a vital key to manage and prevent disruptions caused by the rainy weather.

For many, the joy of Christmas is a privilege, not a given. At the Pasay City Public Market, this truth is evident. The ...
24/12/2024

For many, the joy of Christmas is a privilege, not a given. At the Pasay City Public Market, this truth is evident. The cart pusher, hands red from the cold, labors to earn just enough to bring home a modest meal. Sellers, burdened by poverty, exchange goods with dreams of providing a better holiday for their families.

These stories remind us that while Christmas is a time of joy for some, it remains a challenge for many. As we celebrate, let us also reflect on how we can extend compassion to those for whom this season is a struggle.

Community Feature of Reisha Uy

Faith, culture, and community converge in Baclaran tonight at Christmas Eve. Near the church, stalls display religious w...
24/12/2024

Faith, culture, and community converge in Baclaran tonight at Christmas Eve. Near the church, stalls display religious wares that reflect the nation’s enduring devotion. Late-night vendors stay open, offering bargains that speak of resilience.

Yet, amidst the energy, the question remains: can one navigate its lively chaos with vigilance intact?

Community Feature of Daniel Jefferson Quintin

Where the Music EndsBy: Chelsie Rain PalimaPublication: Nyasia CarimMy throat stings as I breathe in the icy air of the ...
23/12/2024

Where the Music Ends

By: Chelsie Rain Palima
Publication: Nyasia Carim

My throat stings as I breathe in the icy air of the winter, a cold lingering just a few breaths beyond the next. I could’ve sworn I heard my mother’s high-pitched voice, scolding me as a trickle of mucus dripped down my now red nose. I almost smiled at the memory, surely—she’d be wiping my nose right now, drawing out evidence of childish neglect left on it. Instead, I bring up my arm and use the sleeve of my sweater to wipe it, reminding me of what I’ve lost.

When I was younger, relatives from both sides of my parents would gather at our place, drawn to its spacious warmth. There is some sort of tradition that runs in the family, where my mother, every Christmas Eve, would sit before the piano during dinner, her fingers dancing along the monochrome keys of the instrument.

I would watch in awe as she did so. It was a silly dream of 5-year old me to become a pianist like she was. Maybe in a few years, I’d be the one playing before the piano during Christmas Eve dinner. I remember the way her face contorted in horror when I told her about it—screaming at me, saying that such a career won’t do me no good and that I should be more practical with my choices. Ever since then, I refused to speak with her when it concerns my passion and interests.

Even so, I never stopped watching her. Even as the gap between us widened, I continued to watch her in my seat at the table during Christmas dinner. Even as I stopped involving her in my dreams, I still found myself being mesmerized as she struck each chord on the keyboard. Each drop of every note her fingers released clinging to the hearts of her audience—our family. I wanted to believe that in at least one of those notes— she was trying to speak to me or give me a message, one I was desperate to decode. Perhaps, it was her way of showing she still cared, speaking in a language that only the two of us can understand—music.

As the clock continued to rotate, as the Christmas dinners kept on coming, the notes she released grew faint, fading into a whisper in stillness. Until there was nothing— it was in that silence that I realized; the music had gone with her.

It had been years since I’ve stepped foot in the house I grew up in. The place was dusty and dull. Dull as in nothing vibrant remained; the fireplace was burnt out, the plates and glasses still inside the cabinet, as though waiting for hands that would never come. There were no loud thuds of hurried footsteps from upstairs where me and my cousins would play chase. The air held no flavor of lola’s food that she would prepare before every Noche buena— Haunting me the most was the empty sound of the hallways, not a single sound of a piano. No melodies were threaded into the fabric of holidays glee and warmth.

The instrument sat untouched, alone in the corner of the dining room. Its once-polished keys now dulled by a thin layer of dust, yellowing within time. I approached it slowly and carefully, as though fearing the fragile ambiance in my old home would shatter if I wasn’t too careful. I run my trembling fingers along the dusted keys, to which it responded—a ghost of its former voice, trembling like a sigh, as if it, too, remembered the songs it once carried and longed to sing them again. The note hung in the air for a while, until it dissolved with the memories that were made within the house. It reminded me once again of what I’ve lost.

My mother would always play the same songs over and over again every year at Christmas dinner. But one night, it was different. As I watched her unusually trembling hands dance over the keys. The melody was unfamiliar, rather carrying a heavier weight and a slower rhythm than the songs she would usually play. Had she composed this melody by herself? I remember looking around the dining room to watch the expressions of the people around the table, but they have not seemed to have noticed even the slightest bit of change. Her face remained stoic, like always, her heart deciphering notes our ears could not. It was as if she was trying to fight a battle only she could hear.

My relatives applaud as the last note lingered in the air. My hands felt like they were stuck resting on my thighs, I couldn’t even smile as I watched her get up from the piano and join us to eat. I didn’t know that it would be the last time I would hear her play. I didn’t know it would be the last time I would feel Christmas as well.
I now stand where she stood, my hands travelling across the same path hers did on the keys of the piano. I played much more clumsily compared to her that's for certain—the notes stumbled, almost hesitant, as if the instrument was longing for its previous owner. I felt my fingers getting heavier the longer I played, but at the same time, so did the piano respond to me—as if remembering her touch through mine. I looked ahead at the dusty mirror across the room. I did not see my mother, I did not see myself right now either.
I saw a little girl, laughing and giggling with her family around a dining table that was too familiar for me not to recognize. Sat in the air was the aroma of lola’s cooking, and in the background were hyper kids the same age as her.

The scene in the mirror faded as I was once again staring into my reflection. I didn’t see my mother. I felt my fingers move on their own as they slid across the keys of the piano, but the melody was fractured—incomplete rather, but it felt alive. My fingers carrying the weight of each note I played that was accompanied with the laughter in Christmas dinners, the loud thuds from playing chase upstairs, the sizzling oil by the kitchen area, and the still notes from the melody that my mother would play.

As I retrieve my hand from the piano, the final note lingered in the atmosphere, drifting off to find where it came from, connecting the fragile thread of the present to the past. I had a strange feeling in my stomach, it wasn’t the emptiness I had feared when I could no longer hear the melody my mother used to play—it was solitude.

It took everything within me to bring my feet to walk away. My mother—the familiar feeling of family and music had left with her. But even for a brief moment, I had brought it back, and with that, it was like I brought a piece of her back as well.

As I left the place that cradled my childhood, I knew the silence would haunt me. But as it does, I realized that the music never really left. It was within me, and as long as I carried it, so would she.

Wish Upon A StarBy: Angel Mae SePublication: Cassandra FallenaAs I stare into this sheet of paper full of equations, I f...
23/12/2024

Wish Upon A Star

By: Angel Mae Se
Publication: Cassandra Fallena

As I stare into this sheet of paper full of equations, I feel like my head is going to explode in any second. A voice arose as it was time to pass the test, I haven’t answered the last two problems yet. This is horrible to say the least, my seatmates would chatter behind and beside me as they discussed certain things about the examination a while ago. I could only lay my head down and wish that I, myself, wanted to have minds like them. A mind that can solve as fast as flash and process those faster than ever. I ask myself, “where even is my gift?” it’s unfair that they received it while I don’t.

The next class began, my question still lingers in my mind as if it was starting to be imprinted on me. Before I could even think of another, a friend of mine approached me, asking if I’m okay. She is very thoughtful to even ask me, I just nodded my head and smiled. Although I wasn’t very okay, the teacher came in and started discussing our lecture. To make it clear, the lesson was not even hard, I could answer it with full confidence, I do not know why others would find it difficult to process.

After everything about the lessons, it was our lunch time. I spotted an acquaintance of mine giving out papers, it seems like it was the test yesterday. As he handed it to me, I was in a bit of shock since he was giving me a look of confusion. Turns out, the score was low, no wonder he looked at me like that, I was hurt but I chose to hide it. After he disappeared in my sight, I lay my head down, wanting to be mad and to blame myself for it. Just why haven’t I received my gift yet? Am I not worthy of that gift?

Weeks passed and days flew by, it was almost that time of the year. Yet, I still felt sad and disappointed in myself as those failures still haunt me, day and night. I came into our classroom in the morning, eyes all puffy and swollen cheeks with a red nose to top that. No one bothered to ask what was wrong with me nor what happened to me, or so I thought. Before I could even sulk in my desk, my cheerful seatmate decided to talk to me with a voice loud as a speaker. Sometimes, I even thought she swallowed a whole microphone because of her loud tone.

She knew something was wrong because I kept looking down and not making eye contact with her like I usually do. I felt a warm embrace surrounding me, two arms that made their way around my shoulders and a head leaning beside mine. Tears suddenly came out of my eyes as I finally felt at ease with that warmth she gave, why haven’t I realized this sooner. All this time, a gift has already been given to me but I was blinded by pure sadness. Looking at me with those eyes full of care and concern, advice was given to my heart and mind.

As I finally processed everything, I realized that wishing upon a star was never a waste of time. Asking for your gift was never wrong, questioning yourself for those failures wasn’t either. It was those questions and self-blaming that was not acceptable. Because, each and one of us have our own kind of gifts. As the tree was being decorated, lights are turned on and Christmas starts to fall. This is the time I realize that before Christmas, I have already been given a gift. A gift that I will forever cherish, and no matter what happens it will always be mine, because gifts do not always have to be wrapped in boxes. Sometimes, it is that person or family you have that are the presents. Perhaps it is the part of you that is actually the real gift you have been seeking for.

Homesick HolidaysBy: Shaun Mustang JacintoGraphics: Caitlin Beatrice MutasThe Yuletide season in the Philippines begins ...
23/12/2024

Homesick Holidays

By: Shaun Mustang Jacinto
Graphics: Caitlin Beatrice Mutas

The Yuletide season in the Philippines begins as soon as the “ber months” arrive on our already marked calendars. Festive decorations start to grace the streets, houses, shopping malls, and the musically immortalized lyrics of José Mari Chan, “Whenever I see girls and boys selling lanterns on the street,” echoing everywhere. It would be an understatement to say that Christmas is a long-awaited holiday. For many, this season is characterized by family get-togethers, school or work Christmas parties, the devotional Simbang Gabi, and the simmering of bibingka and p**o bumbong. All these joyful festivities are so deeply etched in our culture that it’s nearly impossible to separate Christmas from the Filipino spirit, no matter where they may be.

Yet, for an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) separated from their loved ones, the so-called ‘most wonderful time of the year’ has a bittersweet weight, as connections are tempered by the distance that remains.

Hence, to deviate from my usual columns, I dedicate this to my mother, who is part of the group of unsung heroes—the OFWs. They sacrifice way more than just their presence, often missing important milestones and events in their families’ lives to provide a better future for their loved ones.

Christmas, for me, has always been a Russian roulette, wondering whether or not my mother could go home. For most part of my life, to be precise, almost 13 years already, she had been working abroad; the holidays were never quite the same. In some years, while the world around me was abuzzed with the excitement of sharing meals and presents, there was always an empty seat at the dining table that no amount of video calls or chats could mend.

Her absence remains a constant reminder of the steep price we pay for the opportunities her sacrifices brought. An excruciating tradeoff that is only tainted by our distance apart.

Albeit the early days that we were separated due to her being an OFW, those Skype or FaceTime calls were filled with her words of love and encouragement. As technology improved, of course, so did the modes of communication, which became our lifeline during special events like the holidays or even Mother’s Day. As a child of an OFW, you will never forget the fleeting moments where you gather your family around a small screen, an attempt to duplicate the warmth of a family celebration wherein you are all complete. My mother smiling through a pixelated video would ask about my day in school, laugh at my stories, and remind me of her care in spite of being hundreds of miles away.

For transnational families like ours, Christmas is all about holding on to the bonds that matter. It was about me wearing my “big boy pants” and wearing rose-tinted glasses to find joy in the little things my mom did, like a simple video call or the well-known Balikbayan boxes. Little moments like these during this season of togetherness and family can sustain one’s drive to continue working overseas for their loved ones.

Our modern world demands sacrifices, with OFWs trading time with their families and loved ones to provide from afar. Each of these transnational families cope with their absence. Every shared moment, whether in person or through virtually, embodies the true Christmas spirit of enduring love and connection alive across any barriers.

Until then, I carry my mother's love, knowing that no distance can dim the light of the Yuletide season. Come Christmas day, let's honor the sacrifices made by those away from home and strengthen their love burning ever brightly in our spirits and hearts.

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