La Primavera

SY 2019-2020 The Official Student Publication of the Our Lady of the Snows Institute Issue No. 1

-Revival Edition-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-Inside Cover Front-

Table of Contents:
News…………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…………………...…..1-2
Editorial………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....….3-4
Feature……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….…5-6
Literary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....…7-8
Photo Essay (Intro)………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…....…9
Centerpage/Photo Essay (Body)……………………………………………….………………..………………………………………..…...….10-11
Photo Essay (Close)……………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………...…....…12
Photos
Editorial Staff & Nursery…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..13
Kinder 1 & 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…....…14
Grades 1 & 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..…..…15
Grades 3 & 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……....……16
Grades 5 & 6…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…...17
Grades 7 & 8………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........18
Grades 9 & 10………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…....…..19
Grades 11 & 12……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………20

Message:
“La Primavera” is the name given by the late Ma’am Zenia Macalipay to the OLSI School Publication 18
years ago (2002). By that time, she was our School Publication Adviser and I was its Editor-in-Chief. “La
Primavera” is the Latin word for “Spring Time”. As I can remember, Ma’am Zen wanted that name for our
publication (formerly, OLSI Newsette) because she regarded those times as the season of “Spring” for OLSI.
But in year 2009, after its tragic burning, we have heard of OLSI’s dramatic falling into pieces. Its
devastating decline hovered like a storm in the town. We, Alumni, were shocked and downtrodden for her sad
fate.
A decade after, with my return to OLSI (not anymore as its student, but as one of its teachers), I’m back with
not just the mere purpose of teaching or educating. I’m here to contribute to OLSI’s rising up from its ashes. The
simple little share I can do is to help resurrect some of its glorious aspects in the past (like its school
publication).
Ma’am Rosalie Halaba encouraged the revival of “La Primavera”. And in grateful memory of & recognition
to Ma’am Zen, I (now no longer as its Editor-in-Chief, but as its Adviser) consented without hesitation. With
high hopes & by God’s grace, behold La Primavera’s “Revival Edition” with the tagline/motto of “OLSI 2020:
Bring Back the Glory!” (Jose Radin L. Garduque, OLSI School Publication Adviser)

Editorial Staff:
Arjun M. Allaga………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..Editor-in-Chief
Bea Marie V. Esquerra……………...…………………………………………………………………….…...Associate Editor/News Writer
Kyla H. Villazana………………….……………………………………………………………….…….…Managing Editor/Feature Writer
Khea Lee Halamane…………………………….…………………………………………..…..……Circulation Manager/Feature Writer
Navem D. Alonzo……………………………………………………………...............................................…………………..Feature Writer
Arnie James D. Alalin………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………Photojournalist
RianneJaye O. Hinguillo………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….Cartoonist
Joshua R. Hablero………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………….…Staff Assistant
-i-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-TOP NEWS-

OLSI Initiates Parade of the Saints

in All Saints’ Day

In contrary to the folk tradition of parading and showcasing mythical and monstrous creatures during All Saints’
Day, OLSI this year celebrated Nov. 1 in another way – “The Parade of the Saints”.
To be true to its name, “All Saints’ Day”, Claire (Pre-school), St. Vincent Ferrer (Grade 1), St.
November 1 must not be a day of supernatural beings. John the Baptist (Grade 2), St. Mark the Apostle
It is a day of holy people, particularly the saints. That (Grade 3), St. Anthony of Padua (Grade 4), St.
is why OLSI deviated from the paganistic culture and Augustine of Hippo (Grade 5), St. Francis of
shifted to the real meaning of this commemoration. Assisi(Grade 6), St. Joseph the Worker (Grade 7), St.
Instead of parading myths and monsters, OLSI Lorenzo Ruiz (Grade 8), St. John Paul II (Grade 9), St.
initiated the parading of the holies – in its so-called Therese of the Child Jesus (Grade 10), St. Mary,
“Parade of the Saints” which started at 3:00 PM of Mother of Jesus (Grade 11), and St. Pedro Calungsod
November 1, 2019. With our school’s Drum and Lyre (Grade 12) with a student from every grade/year level
Corps, the Order of Parade is as follows: angels, St. representing their saint, followed by the 12 apostles.
This new religious ceremony was followed by the presentation of each saint, while reading their hagiographies,
inside the Our Lady of Snows Parish. It concluded with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Erwin Bombaes(Bea
Marie V. Esquerra).
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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera
-NEWS-
OLSI Solemnizes the
Month of the Holy Rosary
For every Catholic, October is the “Month of the Holy
Rosary”. This year, OLSI launched the said solemnity
in October 7 at the Our Lady of Snows Parish.
On that day, OLSIANS knelt down and prayed the
Holy Rosary, led by Justine Gajo and Kyla Orpilla,
both Grade 10 students. The following days after the
launching, each grade/year level prayed the Holy
Rosary in their classrooms daily until October 31.
Ofcourse, OLSI did not forget to join the nationwide
Catholic movement called, “The One Million Children
Praying the Rosary for Unity and Peace” that was
done in October 19 inside our parish church.
This month-long religious solemnity terminated with a
Culminating Activity called the “Living Rosary”,
wherein a living person (in our case, a selected OLSI
pupil/student) represented each rosary bead while
praying the Holy Rosary(Esquerra).
OLSI Spearheads Religious
Activities in Dumarao Town Fiesta
Annually, Dumarao celebrates its Town Fiesta in
honor of the Our Lady of Snows. This municipal and
religious activity runs from August 1-5 of every year.
This year, the 5 days of celebration commenced with a
Holy Mass in August 1. It was attended, of course, by
the OLSIANS. In August 2, there was a Grand Parade
of Agricultural Floats by every sector and the Drum
and Lyre Corps by every school. In August 4,
OLSIans spearheaded the holy procession and
attended the vesper mass officiated by the Capiz
Archbishop Jose Advincula. Finally, in August 5, the
fiesta day, OLSINASs once again led the procession.
Selected pupils were wearing angel costumes while
some female students were clothed like Mama Mary.
The religious activities for this year’s fiesta
culminated with a Holy Mass officiated by Msgr. Cyril
Villareal. Of course, OLSIANS were still once again
there(Esquerra).
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Issue No. 1
OLSI Celebrates the
Birthday of Mama Mary
In September 9, 2019, OLSIANS gathered in front of
the statue of Mama Mary to commemorate an annual
event for her – her birthday.
Preschool and elementary pupils brought with them
flowers while highschool students had with them
candles. The celebration began with a reading of
Mama Mary’s hagiography by Justin Gajo (SPC Vice
President in Worship). It was followed by the offering
of prayers starting from pre-school until highschool.
Subsequent to it was the offering of flowers and
candles from the lowest to the highest grade level.
Intermission numbers from student catechists also
graced the program.
The aforementioned religious event finished with the
singing of “Happy Birthday” song to the Blessed
Virgin Mother whose birthday is held on every
September 8, which fell on a Sunday this year
(Esquerra).
OLSI Welcomes S.Y. 2019-2020
with Mass of the Holy Spirit
In the 10th day of July 2019, OLSIANS attended the
mass of the holy spirit which signals the official
opening of the school year.
This year, pupils from St. Anthony de Padua Parochial
School (of Cuartero, Capiz) joined the said event. The
High Mass started at 7:00 AM. It was officiated by
CapizArchbishop JoseAdvincula along with OLSI
School Director Fr. Ryan Barrios and Our Lady of
Snows Parish Priest Fr. Erwin Bombaes. Matthew
10:1-7 was the Gospel Reading and the Homily was
by the archbishop. Somewhere in the middle of the
mass was the Oath-Taking Ceremony of newly-hired
teachers namely: AimePacardo, Sheryl Casimero,
Tiffany Joyce Escalera and Jose RadinGarduque.
The said religious celebration ended at about 11:00
AM with OLSIANS feeling blessed as they enter
another school year of their life in OLSI(Esquerra).
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-EDITORIAL-

Our Faith in Mary

& the Saints
We, Christians, know that the Blessed Virgin Mary or “Mama Mary”
is the Mother of Christ. Yet, not all Christians give much honor to her.
There are actually those who disregard her or even dispose her off from
the circle of holies. In short, they do not include her in their
profession & practice of faith.
That is not the case for us, Catholics. We are the primal
Christians who put so much regard on her (Mama Mary) since time
immemorial. She is not only part of the pantheon of our saints – she is
above them all! As the Theotokos (God-bearer), Mary is not only the Mother
of God the Son (Jesus Christ), she is also the Mother of our Church, the
source of our Christian faith.
As Christ emanates from Mary, so is our faith. Of course, our
highest faith is due only to the highest/supreme being – to God alone. It
is Him alone whom we worship (Latria). But for us, Catholics, there is
nothing wrong if we also give reverence to Mama Mary (Hyperdulia) and
respect to the saints (Dulia). The honor & veneration given to them
actually boosts our godliness… because they are of God. We consider them
not as God, but as instruments of God.
Our faith in Mary & the saints are being questioned, being put
into test, being tried, being challenged and worse, desecrated… but that
faith matters. That faith endures!(Arjun M. Allaga)

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-COLUMN-
2019: Year of the Youth
in the Eyes of an OLSIAN
As a youth, an OLSI student can
relate much to himself/herself when
the Catholic Church of the
Philippines declared 2019 as the
“Year of the Youth”.
For OLSIAN youths, this year is
their appointed moment to actively
participate in the profession &
propagation of their Catholic faith.
It is the time for them to
become God’s active instruments. It
is a time for action! The Catholic
Church calls on its youth to
mobilize. As the logo connotes, they
are both given the “hand & foot” to
spread God’s words & works all
throughout the world! (Allaga)
An OLSIAN View of
The LGBT
Being a known member of the
LGBT, I speak personally in behalf
of myself & my fellow members of
this community.
We, LGBT members, are often
viewed as a “deviation of nature”...
a product of abnormality &
incongruity. Often discriminated, we
are being viewed as lesser creatures
than straight males & females.
But as a Catholic student, let
me remind you of Pope Francis’
regard toward us, homosexuals. For
him, we must neither be condemned
nor judged. We must be shown mercy.
That is also my own personal view
about us.(Allaga)

An OLSIAN View 2020: Year of the Bible

about Suicide in the Eyes of an OLSIAN
Because of the insinuation of Protestants all over the world
our La Primavera adviser, I wrote are celebrating 2020 as the “Year of
about this sensitive topic timely the Bible”, while Catholics
this month of September – “The World announced 2020 as the “Year of
Suicide Month”. Ecumenism”.
As I said, this is a sensitive 2020, indeed is a year of
issue (especially nowadays) because double-double... a double
of the alarming rate of suicide commemoration from both sides!
cases here in our province of Capiz. Whether Catholic or Protestant –
It is even more debilitating that both are Christians... and both
more & more youths are becoming considerations are significant.
involved in this fiasco. We can celebrate both at the
As a Catholic, we are being same time! The Bible is the holy
taught of the sanctity of life. And book of all Christian sects.
no matter what life brings us, Ecumenism is the movement that
suicide must never be an option. We unifies all Christian communities.
have to face life’s adversities with It is a Great Jubilee Year of the
all hope & courage. (Allaga) Christian religion! (Allaga)

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-FEATURE-

Admin, Faculty & Staff

Rev. Fr. Ryan Francis F. Barrios………………………………………………………………...………………..…….School Director
Mrs. Rosaie S.Halaba………………………………………………………………………..….Teacher-in-Charge/School Registrar
Mr. Virgilio M. Hapitan……………………………………………………………………...…………………..…..Prefect of Discipline
Mrs. Brigida P. Patriarca…………………………………………………………………………………………………Finance Officer

Mr. Razel C. Villanueva……………………..Grade 12 Adviser Mrs. Cherry B. Lumio………………..……….Grade 6 Adviser

Mr. Jose Radin L. Garduque……….…..…..Grade 11 Adviser
Ms. Marvie Me D. Distor…………………….Grade 10 Adviser
Ms. Jackelyn C. Castaño…………………….Grade 9 Adviser
Ms. AngelynF. Santos……………….……….Grade 8 Adviser
Ms. Joelyn B. Rubio…………………………..Grade 7 Adviser
Ms. Tiffany Joyce A. Escalera……………….Grade 5 Adviser
Ms. Mary Grace V. Eder…………...…………Grade 4 Adviser
Ms. Sheryl F. Casimero………………..……..Grade 3 Adviser
Mr. Jay-r Faja………………………………….Grade 2 Adviser
Ms. Rienalyn A. Igdanes……………..………Grade 1 Adviser

Mrs. AimePacardo…………………….……Pre-Elem Adviser Sister Angela Suni, OSBS……………...…Spiritual Counselor

Ms. Liezl Domingo…………………….……Volunteer Teacher Sister Giuditta Penuelo………………….…..Religious Studies
Ms. Clairol Joy Damian……………………Volunteer Teacher Sr Emerenziana T. Elecierto, OSBS……….Religious Studies

Mrs. Jennalyn T. Bering……………….…………………………………………………………………………………...…..…..Bursar

Mr. Fernando B. Errabo……………………..…………………………………….…………………………..………………….…Utility
Mr. Joedan Ehiga………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Security Guard
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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera
-PROFILES-
AimePacardo
A native of Bungsuan, Dumarao, Capiz, Ma’amAime “Aim-
Aim”PalomoPacardo was born in 10/27/1992. Her Father is Estanislao
P. Palomo& her mother is Vergenia G. Palomo.
She had her elementary & secondary in Bungsuan Elementary School
&Bungsuan National Highschool, respectively. She graduated her
Bachelor of Elementary Education from Capiz State University in year
2014.
Her 1st& 2nd jobs were in Gaisano Capital as Checker & Verifier,
respectively. A LET Passer, her 3rd& 4th job was being a Volunteer
Teacher first in Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Learning Center, then
in Salcedo Elementary School before becoming a teacher here in
OLSI.
A badminton player, when asked about her motto in life, she
simply answered: “If others can, why can’t I?”(Kyla Villazana)
Tiffany Joyce Escalera
A resident of Tamulalod, Dumarao, Capiz, Ma’am Tiffany Joyce
AbalecioEscalera was born in Iloilo City on Aug. 22, 1996 as the
daughter of Wilfredo Escalera&FlordelizaEscalera.
A graduate of both Catholic Schools in her elementary (IHMCLC)
&highschool (OLSI), she is a graduate of West Visayas State
University-Main in her college with the course, Bachelor of Secondary
Education (BSEd) – Major in Physical Science.
Another LET Passer, she landed her first job as a Call Center
Agent in IQOR before becoming a Science Teacher in her highschool
Alma Mater.
Here once again as a loyal OLSI Alumna, she is giving her
fullcommitment & dedicationas Grade V Adviser & DLC Coordinator.
When asked why she wanted to teach in her highschool Alma Mater,
she simply claimed she just wanted to help her(OLSI). (Khea Lee
Halamane)
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Issue No. 1
Sheryl Casimero
Ma’am Sheryl F. Casimero hails all the way from Dumalag. Born
in Brgy. Consolacion (of the said town) in June 13, 1996, she is a
daughter of Elinito T. Lariosa&Dominga C. Febrada.
She graduated her elementary from Consolacion Elementary
School, her highschool from CCGNHSand her college from
ColegioDelaPurisima Concepcion with the degree, Bachelor of
Secondary Education.
Also a LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) Passer, it is
her 1st job being a Teacher here in OLSI! With “pink” as her favorite
color, the lovely & loving adviser of OLSI Grade 3 pupils,Ma’am “She”
is also being called by her pupils as “Ma’am Gwapa” and by her co-
teachers as “Ma’am Casi” (in reference to the pretty antagonist of
the TV program, “KadenangGinto”). (Navem Alonzo)
Jose RadinGarduqe
Born in Makati City on September 10, 1987, Sir Jose Radin “Rad”
LlorcaGarduque is the son of Wilfredo H. Garduque (a native of
Dumarao) & Leticia R. Llorca (a native of Oas, Albay).
Among the graduates of “Millenium Batch” of Dumarao Central
School in year 2000 (elementary), he was also among the graduates
of OLSI Batch 2004 (secondary). He finished his tertiary education
from the University of the Philippines with double majors: BA
Broadcast Communication & History.
After graduating from college, his 1st job was as a Laborer in
Capiz Provincial Capitol, then as a Tutor in Fermat Academy. He then
became a Teacher in CapSU-Dumarao for 5 years and worked as an
Encoder in the Local Government Unit of Dumarao.
A LET Passer (BSED Social Studies) and having earned 36 units
of Master of Arts in Teaching Social Science from Filamer Christian
University, this OLSI Alumnus was destined to return to his highschool
Alma Mater now as a Teacher.
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-LITERARY-

Distress into Success

Since I was a child, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been part of my prayers everytime before I go to sleep and after I wake up.
There are times my invocations focus only on her. Sometimes, when I am asking for something, I ask it from her…

“…there was one day when I became very weak & exhausted, I cannot forget it when I blamed Mama Mary & spoke a
lot of bad words to her. One night, I felt very tired. I cannot resist to close my eyes & sleep, despite being aware ngawala pa
akonakatuon for our long exam which would be on the following day. As I closed my eyes, I prayed to Mama Mary to wake me
up early (mga 5 AM) so I can study. The next day, I woke up at 7:18!…7:00 AM angamon long exam. Unanganaguwasa heart
koangmgamasakitngasalitasapagbasolkay Mama Mary, kaangaysg: “Walakakaluoy!” Walakapaligo, walakapamahaw,
walakapanghimosmayad, walakatuon, nagdiretsoakosa school. Pag-abotsa classroom, nakapungkonaangtanan. Sir Kevin
Piamonte was fixing something on the TV. Sa CD kunoyaamon test. Moments later, he declared that there was a technical
problem. Walanadayonangamon test! Then, he gave us a perfect score! I looked guiltily & said sorry to the picture of Mama
Mary hanged above the blackboard of that room. Humanities AVR – that was the only room in our department nga may picture
ni Mama Mary!” (Excerpt from the College Memoir/Autobiography of Jose RadinGarduque)

And so… my unforgettable real-life eye opener, wake-up call, realization or learning experience about Mama Mary
happened not during my highschool in OLSI… but during my college in UP.

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-POETRY-

Exaltation to Mary: Adoration to Mary:

Queen of Heavenly Hosts Mother of Virtues

To God be the glory Our Mother in Heaven, we adore you

For enthroning you, Mama Mary Our Mother Mary – Mother of Every Christian Virtue
As Queen of Heavenly Host Receive this adoration from your children
Among all queens– you are the foremost An adoration next to that of our Father in heaven

You are the Most Blessed Queen Oh Mama Mary, source of our Christian Virtues
The Queen of Heavenly Hosts, free of sin Of all the mothers, you are the one we choose
The heavenly hosts bow down to you, oh Queen Mary Your virtuous children will adore you forever
Oh Heavenly Queen, to you also glory be. Glory be to you also, our Heavenly Mother.

Amen. Amen.

Adoration to Mary: Exaltation to Mary:

Mother of Christianity Queen of the Universe

We adore you, our Heavenly Mother Glory to God in the highest

We adore you next to our Heavenly Father For crowning Mama Mary among the rest
Oh Mother of Christianity As Queen of the Universe
You are our Holy Mother, oh Mama Mary Queen of all Catholic/Universal believers

Holy Mary, Mother of Christianity You are the Queen of all terrestrial & celestial entities
Mother of the religion of Christian community The planets, the moons, the stars & the galaxies
You are holy, you are immaculate God bless the Universe for having Mama Mary
Glory be to you also, the Mother we consecrate. Oh Universal Queen, to you also glory be.

Amen. Amen.

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY-

It begins with Mary…

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY-
Just like the children before thee

We are at thy feet

-CENTERPAGE-
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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY
We trudge both rain & heat

Just like a Living Rosary

-CENTERPAGE-
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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY

…and ends with Mary!

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTOS-
Editorial Staff

Nursery

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-PHOTOS-
Kinder 1

Kinder 2

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 1

Grade 2

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 3

Grade 4

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 5

Grade 6

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 7

Grade 8

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 9

Grade 10

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 11

Grade 12

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-Inside Cover Back-

All Saints of OLSI: One Happy Family!

 Cover Story:
With high hopes & by God’s grace, that’s how we are going to bring back OLSI to its former glory…
or much better! Look at the dark clouds… they are going away. The bright ones are coming. No wind
and rain can bring us much pain. No earthquake can prevent our remake. No fire can raze our desire.
Like a phoenix in demise, from the ashes of our past we shall arise. The morning sun’s new glory shall
soon radiate in OLSI! All together, let us shout, “OLSI 2020: Bring Back the Glory!”