Table of Contents

From Struggle to Strength

Epilogue: The Better Future Awaits

Entering high school felt like embarking on a journey far from the familiar comforts of home. It was a daunting yet exhilarating transition, the beginning of a new chapter brimming with possibilities. Here lay the chance to broaden my horizons, expand my knowledge, and forge new connections. My parents often reminisced that high school would be the most memorable part of my educational voyage. Yet, the unexpected blow of a global pandemic stole the traditional rites of passage, denying me the proud moment of receiving my diploma on stage and turning my first day at APEC into a virtual experience. Still, it brought its own kind of refreshment.

Academically, I held my ground. Consistently a merit awardee, though never at the pinnacle, I considered myself a jack of all trades. When asked about my strongest subject, I might deflect, not from lack of awareness but from a preference for balance. However, one strength stood out unmistakably: public speaking. The stage never intimidated me; it was where I felt most at home, articulating thoughts with ease and confidence.

Navigating friendships was a journey in itself, evolving with each school year. My social landscape shifted, presenting both pleasant times and inevitable challenges. Initially, I believed in clinging to a single circle of friends, but I learned that it’s natural and healthy to grow apart. Changing interests and evolving mindsets are signs of growth. Embracing new friendships and stepping out of my comfort zone became a vital part of my high school experience.

Among the friends I hold dear, Marsha stands as my sanctuary, a place where I can be my true self without fear. Elisha, my guardian angel, was there in my lowest moments, her presence a comforting embrace. Kathleen’s candidness, akin to a forthright armor, revealed a soul as tender as mine once touched. Alex is the embodiment of joy, her genuine heart lighting up my life.

Kovan is a brother in spirit, a familiar and joyful presence. The Backstreet Boys, initially a source of noise and disruption, eventually became like boisterous cousins – annoying yet indispensable. And James, my other half, completes me, his presence the light at the end of the tunnel.

As I face the uncertainty of the next school year, it feels like leaving home once more. Yet, I step forward with confidence, ready to embrace new challenges. APEC Schools have been my home for four years, adding weight to my shoulders but also shaping my growth. I wouldn’t trade those challenges for anything, for they made me stronger and better each day. With the strength and resilience I've gained, I look forward to the next chapter, ready to embrace whatever comes my way, carrying with me the invaluable lessons and cherished memories from my time at APEC Schools.

Discovering Magic at APEC: An unexpected Fairytale

I would describe my journey in APEC as a fairytale. It feels like a children's story—implausible, ideal, and romantic—as if the story took place in a magical land. But how did a 4-year journey that's not even half my lifespan affect me this much? How does it bring me to tears? It was only 4 short years; it's like a small side quest in my life. It felt like a blink of an eye, and before I knew it, we were approaching our one last tiny adventure, watching our time spent together slowly turn into memories. 

As the school year ends, I took this lightly at first. After all, we are ending it together and happy. But suddenly, regret kicks in. We only had four years together, and I knew our time was short. Why didn’t I try to get to know everyone better? Why does everything have to end just when it feels so perfect?

There's always someone you wish you could’ve had a second chance with. For me, those people are my peers, but peers is not the right word because they are my family. Without them, this school year would have felt like a bad dream instead of a fairytale.

No one could have prepared me for how hard it is going to be to say goodbye to all the people who helped make this school year complete: Richan who became one of my first friend during online class, Reine and Justin who goes an extra mile to talk to me on the start of the face to face classes without them i don't think i would be as loud as i am right now, The boyz who says the most out of pocket things that would normally get us canceled, The volleyball 10-1 group who does the most random things, The CC girliez our Independent Womens but is the most childish soft and vulnerable friends once comfortable, Jakulitus once the most problematic group but are actually a good friends and i know they would exchange me for a bottle of coke and bread but god bless you if you ever try to do anything to one of us, marixel dogi who always gets bullied and makes fun of but everyone actually loves “Prank lang wag gagalit”, there's so much more that it would take forever to mention every single one. But we can't forget Kuya Guard, who always greets us good morning every day with a matching smile on his face, and last but not least, our learning facilitators, who act as our teacher but also our parents and best friends at the same time. Each and everyone of these people played a crucial role in my journey and I could not wish for better people to be surrounded with. 

But unlike fairytale stories, it doesn't always end in a happy ending; time and death are inevitable, and it’s easy to coldly grow apart because then you won’t get hurt that way. But as my favorite character, Eisen, said, that’s not how relationships work. The purest form of love is remembering these moments and people for as long as we can.

I am sharing all these memories with everyone, even after they're all gone. To show all the love these people gave me—a pure love of sharing moments together by simply standing next to each other and remembering each other's faces—a love that defies time despite knowing it can't hold out forever. All these memories will soon fade into existence along with all of us, but at this very moment, it doesn't matter. This moment is still beautiful.

This article isn't about making you remember me; I guess the biggest reason is that you won't have to be alone in the future, and we're not just some kind of fairy tale story. We really existed, and our shared moment will forever be part of our story.

Lessons Learned, Memories Made..

There’s no more painful of knowing that something beautiful is coming to an end, and no matter how long the preparation is, yet there’s nothing that has really prepared you to leave. Honestly, I don’t know what to feel and I’m still in disbelief that APEC Schools #KalumFam are now closing its doors. However, I am still grateful to the amazing organization, the APEC Schools, and the people behind it. Finding a workplace that is supportive and appreciative is hard to find these days, but I’m lucky enough to find one. It was such an amazing journey of exploring the world of academia with such genuine and impeccable colleagues and students. I’m really happy to experience the greatness that you can only find in APEC Schools Kalumpang. Thank you, APEC Schools #KalumFam for accepting me, the first school that allows me to venture into teaching, helps me hone my skills, and improves what I already know. I will always treasure the memories, and experiences I had with you, but with a heavy heart, I say, goodbye.

I still clearly remember my first day, it was in the middle of Q3 SY22-23, despite not knowing my name, and what type of person I am, the LFs, gave me a warm welcome, something I didn’t expect, something I found unusual, because how could you trust someone and treat them like you know them for so long even you just met the first time? Right? It was then I realized, my decision was right, I am here because this is where I belong. Little did we know, it was the moment that sealed our friendship. Sir Josh, Sir JM, Sir JC, Sir Angelo, Sir Calolot, Sir Greg, Miss Cams, Miss Erika, Miss Dana, Miss Je, Miss Mayve, Miss Shena, Miss Real, Miss Michelle, Miss Elaine, and especially Miss Lin, thank you for being a part of the first year in my teaching career, you may not know it, but you immensely influence me to be better, to challenge myself, and learn to stand-up every setback, your greatness, and unique qualities will be forever etched in my mind that will give me inspiration to continue educating young minds and help young Filipino people shape their future.

Time passed by, people come and go, and things happened and took unexpected turns, who would have thought that a MAPEH LF would become an English LF and would be assigned as a Students News and Publication Team Adviser? Not even me. It was a big challenge for me, but I didn’t regret being a part of it. Nervous, skeptical, and insecure, that’s how I could describe what I felt when I had the first meeting with the AMPLIFY Members because I was there when they were being selected, and they underwent tests, and interviews before they became an official member. I was afraid of their stares, it made me uncomfortable, I thought that I was not qualified to lead these competent and creative young people and that I should be the last person they could resort to in terms of doing this stuff but I was wrong, it was just all in my mind. The thing that I was scared of, became one of the most memorable parts of my APEC Journey. Justin, Jaycy, Chloie, Kath, Marga, Genina, Marsha, Agatha, Venus, and especially Carl, thank you for being the best student you could be, thank you for taking the extra mile and complying with the requirements, I deeply understand how hard to keep-up and carry out your duties as a student, and as an AMPLIFY Member sometimes. Your diligence and acuity inspire me to do more and to believe that there are endless hopes and possibilities our generation could bring. As we part ways, I hope you won’t settle for being ordinary, spread your wings don’t be afraid to do new things, enhance your talents, and continue doing what you’re good at. I hope you will always uphold what our organization instills in us, to be a voice to those who can’t speak, to be an ear to those who want to be heard, and most importantly to ignite sound not to create a noise but to empower every people you’ll encounter. 

To my first advisory class, B10 Service-08-S1-1, I’m glad to be assigned as your adviser, our companionship might not be perfect but I appreciate all of it, thank you for allowing me to discover a part of me, for making me more understanding, compassionate, and caring, without you I might not be able to achieve the growth and fruition of my effort in my profession I have now. To the students who left a remarkable impression on me, Neriza from G7, Nicole, Sean, Victor, and Yumi from G8, Vincent, Raibert, Elijah, Jose, Khamael, Nina, Miyah, and Shanaia from G9, Elisha, Angel, Audrey, Ace, and Orlando from G10-S1, Leshean, Jonah, Zoe, Gab, Rachel, Janrey, and Jakub from G10-S2, Hannah, Maen, Sofia, Jade, Mekyla, Hyung Sun, Julliana, Irish, Elysa, and Marhon from G11, Dhale, Hannah, Min, Myrtle, Gerald, Mary Rose, and Juliana From G12ABM, and Dyan, Weslyn, Miaka, Khrystel, and Ghio from G12HUMSS, I would like to acknowledge you in showing great interest to learn, I hope you continue to show effort in everything that you do, not settling with average work, and always aim to excel. You may always find a spark to ignite your curiosity, make informed decisions, live what you’ve envisioned, and most importantly, enjoy your journey and never forget to have fun.

APEC Schools Kalumpang became my second home for a year, my stay might be short but it was indeed full of meaningful experiences and memories I’ll bring wherever I go. This is Sir Aries, I was once your MAPEH LF, became your English LF and AMPLIFY Moderator is now signing off. 

Exceptional Memories Created In an Instant

The LFs’ were gentle and friendly, especially Sir John Carl, who was my adviser during my first year. I was not used to a teacher who has a friendly demeanor and not overly harsh.

I'm not the kind of person who initiates a conversation to start a close connection because I'm quite shy. So when it was announced that our class would start meeting onsite, I was anxious because I didn't know anyone. In the first face-to-face the lesson continued as normal, but I was still familiarizing myself with the class. As I was leaving for that day's dismissal, I noticed this group of friends. They had been laughing and joking with each other since the start of the class, and they were still together until we got out of school, so I thought to myself that it must be fun having them as your friends. 

I was correct, never once did I stop laughing with these people. Genina with her remarkable sense of humor; she is the one who's always up for my goofiness and never fails to make others laugh with her jokes. She’s the mom of the group, this is because of her unbelievable instincts. She also isn’t afraid of telling you when you did something wrong. The girl who I describe as the ray of sunshine is Elisha. This is because when she shares a story or simply just because she’s being herself, it never fails to make someone feel better. The person that helped me build confidence was JB, who also became my first friend. JB for me is the joker of the group, even though he’s down, he will always be there for us to make us smile. And how could I forget, Lesean, the main reason why I have this one of a kind circle of friends. He is the type of person who will gladly help you without even asking for a return. I would say he is the dad of the group, this is because of how well he gives us advice about different things. 

One of the memorable experiences I had with them inside APEC was Funweek in 2023. It was then that I met Kath, the book and romcom movie enthusiast. She is the "bunso" of our group because of her outgoing demeanor paired with her endearing charisma. And lastly, the Backstreet Boys are the people I never would have thought I would be friends with. I find obstreperous people very annoying. But with them, I see myself smiling. I also have a memory from the trade fair that was done by the Grade 11 students which I believe I'll never forget wherein Elisha and I decided to walk up to the child at the faculty and play with him. Then Genina and Kath also joined us. With this kid, we watched cartoons, played cars, and hide-and-seek. Writing this article has made me realize that, during that moment, we were just teens enjoying life the way kids do and going back, I can still recall the amount of laughter and enjoyment we were having, to the point where I didn't know I was unable to capture that moment. But the best kind of memories are those that only exist in our minds, right? We’ll just have to remember it.

Even though these used to be strangers I call my "classmates" can be really irritating and stubborn at times, I found comfort in them. Although I hate to admit it, I know that when this year ends, I will be looking back on all the pictures and videos I was able to take since Grade 9 whenever I need something to cheer me up or make me laugh when I'm having a bad day. My aunt told me in 5th grade that even though high school will be stressful, it will also be the most enjoyable year of your life. First, I was skeptical that it was true. However, as I'm about to move into the next chapter of my life, I have witnessed the reality that although high school can be challenging, there are many people who will support you, offer advice, and guarantee that you are enjoying yourselves. Us class officers are going through it all together, despite the fact that handling the events, IPBAs, and OAs is already difficult. 

My mother stated, "I noticed that you became more confident and outspoken when you started studying at APEC," a point of view I hear her express often. This is because of the fact that, besides having a unique circle of friends, I encountered extremely patient and easygoing learning facilitators. I can't recall a moment from the first quarter of this A.Y. 2023–2024 where I experienced discomfort in class. When I meet new teachers, I usually become anxious. But for some reason, I found myself excited. In my short years here at APEC Kalumpang, I've learned how to push myself beyond my comfort zone and explore new possibilities. I was also able to get better at communicating. Now that this era will be over,to all learning facilitators, thank you for making sure that we are comfortable and joyful in each lesson we have. For creating a space where everyone feels safe and welcome. And most importantly, to all APEC staff for making sure that each and everyone of us are safe, thank you for creating an environment where everyone is free to be themselves. 

I've only been at APEC Schools Kalumpang for only two years, but in that time, I collected a box full of memories. Every time I think back on these moments, I will find myself wishing I could go back, which is why I constantly take pictures so I am able to look back and remember how much fun we had. I've created such moments with these strangers that I know will give me solace in the future.

Unpaid Therapist

Dear diary,

They are right. High school life is the best part of our lives. In my first year of being a high school student, I only felt tired and didn't want to go to school anymore. As time passes in my second year of high school, I feel more connected to people, and I want them to be my classmates next year. Next, in my third year of high school, I want to learn with these people and create memorable memories that we will never forget. Good news: it did happen. Today, in my fourth year of high school, I've learned that not all goodbyes are sad. Sometimes, for you to grow independently, you need to grow apart. One of my favorite lines from the book “Rain in España”. It was also one of the books we loved and obsessed over.

The more I look into it, all I can say to them is thank you and I'm sorry. They've always been part of my life, because who can forget the memories we've created? It's too many to forget. I might forget their names, but not the memories of the moment when we first saw each other on Ayala Feliz. The moment of the first hug, laughter, chikas, and having lunch together at one table. It's so wonderful to remember those moments. However, this is not the only memory I have of my high school journey. I also created connections with our dear learning facilitator, also known as a teacher. Thank you for your patience and support so that we can overcome challenges. Thank you for the excitement and fun you bring to the classroom, just to make us focus and learn. With those hardships you put in for us, I hope someday you can achieve your goals just like you like to achieve ours. 

These people I've connected with, words can't even explain how much I am grateful that they've been part of my life. They become my unpaid therapists who give me advice and become my safe space. Funny, one might say, but it is indeed funny that I used to hate this section because of how chaotic it was in the beginning, but now I couldn't even imagine a day without a class with them. I'll surely miss those laughs and our spontaneous trips after class. Then, realizing as the moon appears, the time clock moves faster, some other day now. You will be taking your own path, you will make new friends, and you will rarely see each other after graduating. To end this, for people who will enter high school this year, high school is where you can find temporary people with permanent memories. Always be humble and enjoy the time you're with them ‘til it lasts. 

Freeing a Heart

I have been going through life with a strong-willed heart, armed with forces that push any kind of softness away. 

I would consider my three years in APEC as a battlefield. With me having a land I own that I needed to protect. Guarded by the most skilled warriors that fights whoever it is that tries to knock. Inside the high and sturdy gates full of locks my guards have built, is a heart equipped with skills that stabs any form of love in a span of seconds. She kills anyone who tries to bring her walls down.

A day came with a group of loud and annoying people whose laughs were like sirens to the guards. They barged in and disturbed the systematic ways of my workers. And I began to worry.

Someone named Chloie distracted my guards, she told stories about the books she read until the guards were knocked out, and asleep. While she was doing this, the rest were fighting with my warriors. But among the rest of the people who tried coming in my gates, they had a different approach. Instead of bringing harm to my warriors, they befriended them. They brought gifts and foods, and they filled my battlefield with roaring laughter.

Then, Genina made her way to unlock my gates. She found out that jokes were the way to unseal the locks. She bombarded my system – joke after joke until my gates were open wide.

I was baffled. No one has ever been this close to me before. No one had ever opened my doors before. I was panicking, making my way through the cabinets of firearms – trying to ascertain the best way to defend and attack.

They made their way inside the system and Felisha ran and hugged my armed body. She did not care how I had hands filled with guns and swords, looking for ways to defend myself. Nonetheless, she made the armor melt. Like an ice cream on a hot and sunny day. 

I was immediately brought down to my knees, surrendering to the peace and warmth they gave me. And Kath helped my frail body stand up. Step by step, she held my hands until I was upright. They did not care how bruised I was from fighting everyone who tried to get in my walls. They looked at me with adoration and admiration, making me prone to weakness. They smiled, dissolving my worries.

Marsha told me that even the bravest and strongest person alive has weaknesses. She helped me cry until I had no tears to let out. They listened like a mother to me, complaining and screaming like a child. They held me like a baby, making sure I was getting all the love, care, and attention I needed.

Janrey had his first aid kit ready. He healed my wounds with tenderness and he made sure I wasn’t feeling any kind of pain. He held my gates open like the gentleman that he is until all of us were outside. 

Jaycy gave me a jacket, making sure I wasn’t cold when I got out. He was gentle with me and he made me laugh. He held my hand tight and told me that from now on, everything will be okay.

We then met a group of guys who caused havoc in the area. They were frantic and they were running around like nobody could see them. I admired them as they seemed free. They saw us and immediately, they decided to take care of us, as if they had already known us for a while. 

I did not know life could be like this. That simple warmth could change my whole view of life. And being soft isn’t really as bad as I thought it could be. We laughed loudly, in neighbourhoods we’re not from. We danced throughout the night as if we were in a never-ending ball. We sang through our lows, with each of us wiping each other's tears. And we screamed altogether, making sure everyone could hear how happy and content we were with each other.

Finally, I was free from my armoured heart. I release myself from my armored heart, with the help of the friends I love the most.

In APEC, I was able to conclude that love finally came back from its cold death - No. Love has always been alive, it just needs a little touch of warmth and softness. And from then on, they made sure I wasn’t alone battling. Their love keeps me alive.

End of Beginning

Not only the building I will miss, it’s also the people who teach us how to be confident and to be proactive. Those reassurance na “Wag kayo mahiya” o di kaya “Walang tamang sagot”, marami rin akong natutunan na mga salita kagaya ng “Chicken? Nuggets” o di kaya kung walang nagtataas ng kamay “Volunturo” ang sinasabi namin. Ang saya sobra! 

Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala, dati sinasabi ko lang “Gusto ko na magbakasyon, ayoko na pumasok” pero ngayon parang gusto ko pang pumasok, hays. Ganun talaga, Maraming salamat kalumpang because you are painful and fun to love at the same time.