The Frontliners

Top 10 Recipes to Bake While Stuck in Quarantine

Marijn R.

Are you sick of being stuck at home, having almost nothing to do for over a year now? Having some fun in the kitchen will not only serve as a distraction but can also help you unwind from any stress you may be experiencing during these unprecedented times. Continue reading to find a plethora of recipe ideas that satisfy your sweet tooth and can serve as a gift to send one of your friends the pandemic may have caused you to lose contact with!

These recipes will satisfy all kinds of readers. They will cover readers craving fudgy, warm, chocolatey brownies on a rainy day, or those looking to experiment with new ingredients such as zucchini and sweet potato!

Are you ready for the top ten best recipes to cook while stuck at home? 

3...2...1…

Let’s bake! 

1. Tasty’s Classic Fudgy Brownies

These brownies are dangerously rich and gooey. A recipe by Tasty, the world’s largest food network, is guaranteed to provide you with both satisfaction and happiness on a gloomy day. This recipe serves nine, can be prepared within a short fifteen minutes, and requires only fifteen more minutes to cook.

2. Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls

Ever wondered what the perfectly cooked maple-tasting cinnamon rolls taste like? In this recipe, you’ll find out just that. The recipe will provide you with 12 cinnamon rolls, perfect to share with both friends and family. It calls for a short bake and prep time, which totals to less than an hour.

3. Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

For those willing to go the experimental route, chocolate chip zucchini bread is perfect for you. It is a moist and gooey baked treat packed with both nutrients and irresistible flavor. The chocolate melts in the loaf as it bakes, enticing even the pickiest eaters. This is the perfect easy recipe, and is also experimental, fun, and delicious!

4. Lemon Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Buttercream

This recipe may call for more experienced bakers. However, it is perfectly simple enough to bake for any occasion. Is your friend or family member’s birthday coming up, or are you baking a cake to celebrate the end of the school year? Try this recipe! Lemony, tart, and sweet, there is no doubt that this recipe will satisfy your taste buds!

5. Homemade Strawberries n’ Cream Poptart

We all love a freshly warmed packaged pop tart. However, have you ever wondered how to make this delicious treat at home? Here is a recipe that may inspire you to do so. It calls for only a few ingredients, and this step-by-step recipe with pictures will take you through the simple process of making your favorite snack freshly at home.

6. The Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie

There’s no denying that we all love a warm chocolate chip cookie with some milk. Are you looking for a way to perfect your own recipe? Or perhaps a new recipe with new ingredient ratios to try? Well, this is the perfect recipe for you!

7. Baked Oats

Ever considered going beyond a plain bowl of oats? Try these five different creative ways of making baked oats, or a blended oat cake. Who knows, you might find your new favorite breakfast!

8. Sweet Potato Cookie

Do you want to experiment and move away from your usual cookie recipe? This is the recipe for you! The sweet potato in this recipe creates the perfect cakey cookie and compliments the chocolate that goes along with it.

9. Japanese Fluffy Pancakes

Treat one of your family members with an elevated pancake breakfast in bed over the weekend, with these heavenly fluffy pancakes. This recipe prepares eight pancakes, and is perfect for those who have more experience in the kitchen, and are ready to move away from a simple pancake recipe.

10. Triple Chocolate Cake

We all need the perfect chocolate cake recipe. This fudgy, moist, and light-textured cake is perfect for any occasion. Spend some time baking it with your family, and surprise your friends with a slice! Get ready to indulge in the perfectly rich cake that will leave you wanting more.

All of these recipes are perfect for a well-deserved self-care day, evening, or morning of baking. Be sure to share with family and friends, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself and cheer everyone up who’s feeling hit by the quarantine rut. 

Alexis A.
MTV Movie Award Winners

Movie and TV Awards Winners 2021

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Upcoming Movies and Shows to Watch On Netflix or Disney +

Alexis A.

During quarantine, there isn’t that much to do besides school and as summer approaches, students are going to be looking for something to watch on Netflix or Disney+. So here is an overview of some of the new content that Netflix and Disney+ will have over the next few months. 

Netflix will be releasing several movies throughout the year that will surely be entertaining for everyone. One of them being the Kissing Booth 3 which is set to premiere on August 11, 2021. This movie is the final installment of the popular franchise and will wrap up the story of the main characters, Elle, Lee, and Noah. Another movie coming to Netflix is He’s All That. This film will come out on August 27, 2021, and will be the reimagining of the popular 1999 movie She’s All That. This movie stars the popular Tik Tok star Addison Rae, and Cobra Kai star, Tanner Buchanan. Both movies should be fun and entertaining for teens and young adults.

On the other hand, Disney+ will be releasing several Marvel movies and TV shows coming like Loki. The series takes place after the events of Avengers Endgame which tells the story of what happens after Loki steals the tesseract and creates an alternate timeline. The show premieres on June 9 and each episode will be added to Disney+ every Friday. Marvel is also releasing Black Widow, which also comes out on June 9. Unlike Loki, this movie can only be watched with premiere access. Viewers on Disney+ will have to pay an extra $29.99 to watch the film. Both Loki and Black Widow will be an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and open new doors to stories and characters.

Disney+ will also be releasing Cruella, starring Emma Stone on May 28, 2020. The live-action movie will tell the story of how the beloved villain came to be. There will also be the same cost of $29.99 to watch the movie. Another movie that will be released soon is the Disney Pixar movie, Luca. The story takes place in the wonderful seaside town of Italian Riviera and is a coming of age story. The movie will be released on June 18, with no extra cost to stream it. Finally, one of the series streaming this year will be High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 2. After the success of the first season, the 2nd season premiered on May 14, 2021. Each episode will be added to Disney+ every Friday. The show will surely bring the nostalgia of the iconic High School Musical movies and will bring a whole new take on it.

Overall, both streaming platforms will entertain people during quarantine and over the summer. 

Teaching During a Pandemic: A Day in the Life of an ISM Teacher

Ines L.

As students, we often feel that our lives are like groundhog day. We get up in the morning, have breakfast, and complete our first few classes of the day. Lunch is next on the schedule and followed by our final two classes. We students, however, are not the only people in the ISM community who must follow these day-to-day schedules. Five of our very own ISM teachers were interviewed about what their life has been like over the past few months of distance learning.

How often are you required to go to campus to teach classes?

"During ECQ and for the first week of MECQ we were allowed to work from home every day, but in "normal" times, we can work from home only one day a week of our choice." - Ms. Anna

What new protocols have been introduced to ISM? 

"Mask, face shield, social distancing when interacting with other people. Temperature checks and health forms to fill out every morning as soon as we get to school.  Covid19 PCR test every month/6 weeks, contact tracing, etc." - Ms. Anna

• All members of the ISM community are responsible for conducting daily temperature screenings and checking symptoms before coming to campus. Those with symptoms and/or a temperature of 37.5°C or above should remain at home.

• All visitors entering campus are required to complete a health declaration form.

• All visitors and members of the ISM community entering campus are subject to the following:

1. Temperature check at the gate, if on foot

2. Temperature check at the drop-off points, if onboard a vehicle

3. Vehicle disinfection at Gate 3

• Anybody who is not feeling well should declare so at the security checkpoints.

"Everyone on campus is encouraged to practice good hand hygiene by frequent handwashing with soap and water or through the use of sanitizers available at the hand sanitizing stations located at all entry gates and throughout campus." - Mr. Rodriguez

What does your schedule look like on a typical school day?

"Each day is different for teachers. We have some days where we teach much more than others. My current schedule is quite heavy during Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. However, when we are not teaching classes, our time is spent collaborating on units with our teaching teams, planning units and lessons, responding to emails. Each day definitely presents different challenges. Even on our lighter teaching days, those can sometimes be most challenging as we can be surprised with unexpected messages or problems that need to be addressed right away."- Mr. Respecki

"My alarm clock rings at 5:30 am every weekday. I’m usually on campus by around 6:45 am which means I’m in my classroom eating breakfast before 7 o’clock. I then try to catch up on various administrative tasks before checking documents for the first lesson at 8 am.

At 11:30 am I go down to the Faculty Lounge to warm up my lunch which I then generally eat either on my own or with Senor Pollo. After classes in the afternoon, I then drive home at 3:20." - Mr. Bizley

What do you do in between classes? (15-minute breaks)

"I used to do more walking and pushups...trying to give my eyes a rest from the computer. Lately, I have spent time providing feedback to students (lessons), assessments, and answering emails to prevent myself from working at home."- Mr. Respecki

"I listen to music or I chat with Ms. Cham, the 8th grade ESL TA." - Ms. Anna

"There is actually very little time in between classes. Theoretically, it’s a 15-minute break, but practically it’s maybe half that. You always need a few minutes to finish up at the end of a class and likewise, you need to be online a few minutes before the next lesson starts. So if you need to go to the toilet, and because I drink a lot of water, I invariably have to, then sometimes the break feels more like two or three minutes. I usually spend that time outside my classroom chatting with Mr. V, Mr. Williams, Mr. Pasamba, or Mr. Bushek. If I’m especially lucky, Mr. V and Mr. Williams might entertain us all with an impromptu live performance, which really brightens my day." - Mr. Bizley

Eat a snack or refill my water bottle or coffee cup, stretch, grade, go for a quick walk around campus, go to the bathroom, answer emails, plan lessons for the next day or modify lessons so that they are more interactive. - Mr. Rodriguez

Can you interact with other teachers and members of the ISM community? If so, how?

"Yes, we interact with our colleagues via Zoom for the most part. When we are on campus, we might see one another from a distance (wearing a mask and face shield). Currently, I avoid working with my peers in a room...we tend to meet outdoors and/or go for a walk while having a conversation. Outside of school, we quarantine just the same...no friends come into our home. We don't shop very often in person, rather we rely on deliveries." - Mr. Respecki

"Yes, I can but it is not easy. A lot of people are scared and they stay in their own room. I am also new, so I don't know many people, but I have been able to make a few friends, and when it was possible, we had dinner or coffee together. At school, I sometimes have lunch with a few teachers outside of the Kantina." - Ms. Anna

"It’s very difficult to interact with other teachers for obvious reasons. One thing I do very much enjoy is when Mr. V and I have a free lesson together, we will often wander along the open-air spaces on the third floor (socially distanced and wearing masks and face shields of course). We unwind by sharing our insights into the mysteries and the wonders of life, the world, and the universe in an attempt to try and make sense of everything that has happened in recent months, and continues to happen even now. As a teacher, it is obviously extremely difficult to rationalize working in a classroom without students. I miss the banter and laughter of face-to-face contact, not only with students but also with my colleagues, especially in meetings, during the lunch break, and just walking around the hallways. However, there is not much any of us can do about it right now and so we have to make the best of it." - Mr. Bizley

What are some things students can do to make distance learning easier on teachers?

"Please, please, please complete your classwork and submit final assessments on time for performance tasks. Otherwise, teachers spend loads of extra time, messaging you, sending messages home, and then going back through the entire assessment process again. Students need to remember that they are only doing this once...teachers (like myself) have to assess 20+ works. This includes comparing it to the rubric, looking over your responses/feedback, and gaining perspective from my teaching team. To be ethical, we follow a process.+ - Mr. Respecki

"I am amazed whenever I reflect on the incredible levels of resilience that students continue to show during distance learning. I’m not sure if it wouldn’t be better to phrase the question a little differently, because what I feel is important is what students could do to make online learning easier for themselves. From my perspective it’s always very encouraging and rewarding for me when students contribute in any way to lessons, whether that’s orally or via the chat function. Given the incredible challenges that you are all facing, I think it’s so important for you as students to keep motivating yourselves to carry on attaining the very high level of performance that you have achieved so far. The best way for you to do that is to share your thinking as often as possible. I value every student’s voice in every classroom and the more students who are prepared to share their individual insights, the more rewarding and engaging it is for me when I’m limited to communicating with you through a Zoom screen." - Mr. Bizley

"Be on time, participate in lessons and class discussions, turn in assignments on time, complete assessments to the best of their ability and without the use of external resources not authorized by the teacher, attend tutorials when help is needed." - Mr. Rodriguez

What are some specific measures that ISM is taking in order to ensure everyone stays safe?

The following disinfecting procedures are being implemented on campus:

1. Hourly cleaning of door handles and rails, public areas, and toilets.

2. Thorough cleaning of all areas every evening. 

3. Deep cleaning of all areas every weekend.

4. Face masks should be worn at all times in common areas.

5. Directed foot movement around campus using signages
   (A keep right policy in all corridors and stairways).

6. Seating is positioned and identified to ensure appropriate
   distancing.

7. Restricted elevator use. No more than four (4) occupants. 

- Mr. Rodriguez

Ines L.
A Year in Review

TOP Worldwide Events All During a Year of Isolation

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Why Others May Not Want to Return to Physical Learning

Maddigan S.

As time has gone by, we have experienced the disadvantages of online learning, with the most important one being isolated from people. The virus has caused struggles we now need to face alone. We all complain, whine about how much we miss our friends and family, and how unmotivated we all feel. We all wish we can just live life as if this pandemic never happened and go back to a physical school.

However, what about those students who would rather learn online than go back to physical school?

There may be a couple of students who want to learn online even if the pandemic is over. The adjustments we need to face when having to go back to the normal we were once used to, terrifies us. So, what will schools do about it?

Schools are finding the best solution for learning and their student’s safety. Hybrid learning was seen to be the best solution as students can cope with the change easier, and learning can still be safe and efficient. Hybrid learning is where some days are taught online and some are taught in the physical school. 

This makes the major adjustment happen gradually for those who struggle to adapt easily, which is common. 

Are the Covid Vaccines Safe?

Abee S.

Marijn R.
Quarantine Activities Infographic

Marijn R.
"The Virus": A Photojournalism Story

Vaccines in the Philippines:
Everything You Need to Know

Ines L.

AstraZeneca

The UK’s AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine arrived earlier this year. It has been proven to be 63.09% effective when protecting its host from the virus. The vaccine was recommended for the elderly, which consists of persons 65 and older, and frontline health workers. It is strictly off-limits for people who have a history of and experienced allergic reactions to any vaccines or components of vaccines. The vaccine is yet to be approved for children below the age of 18 and off-limits for that age group as well. After a person’s first shot of AstraZeneca, they must wait for 8 to 12 weeks before they are able to get their second. According to the BBC, “It is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (known as an adenovirus) from chimpanzees. It has been modified to contain genetic material shared by the coronavirus - although it can’t cause the illness. Once injected, it teaches the body’s immune system how to fight the real virus.” 

Although the AstraZeneca vaccine is relatively cheaper than its American counterparts, Pfizer and Moderna, and is much easier to store and transport, it has become quite controversial. Blood clots and the vaccine have been directly linked after a quite few deaths. The vaccine allows the body to produce antibodies, which can activate the platelets of recipients of the vaccines, and platelets are a blood component often involved in clotting. Journalists from the New York Times have found that “Younger people are more susceptible than older ones, but researchers say no pre-existing health conditions are known to predispose people to the rare reaction. That is worrisome, they say because there is no way to tell if an individual is at high risk.”

Sinovac

Many people have been hesitant to take the Sinovac vaccine, as its country of manufacturing and the country where the virus originated are one and the same. Despite these doubts, researchers have found nothing wrong with the vaccine, in fact, some doctors recommend it to their patients. If someone chooses to take the Sinovac vaccine, they will have the killed COVID-19 viral particles injected into their immune system, teaching the body how to fight the virus without the risk of the recipient getting infected. One of Sinovac’s main advantages is that it only needs to be stored at 208 degrees Celsius, which is around the temperature of a standard refrigerator. It is similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine in this way, as they are both much easier to transport and store than their American counterparts which must be kept in the negatives.

Apart from Sinovac being manufactured in China, there is another reason many people are still skeptical about this vaccine. Although it was approved in China for emergency use in July, its efficacy continues to be questioned. While researchers in Turkey claimed that it was 91.25 percent effective, Indonesian researchers say that its efficacy is only 65 percent, and Brazil argues that it is a mere 50.4 percent; which for many, is not enough.

Sputnik V

Although Russia’s Sputnik V arrived here in the Philippines at the beginning of May, its prototype was already being worked on by the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow in early March 2020. This vaccine seeded many doubts, as Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced its approval in August of 2020. Putin allowed it to be used for emergencies before the data of phases I and II were published, and before the phase III trial had even started. According to the New York Times, “Gamaleya published a study in February showing that two doses of the vaccine had an efficacy rate of 91.6 percent.” The Sputnik vaccine is based on the genetic instructions of the coronavirus and builds the spike proteins. It does not inject the virus or something similar to the virus, but rather a replica.

Marijn R.

Online School Study Tips Infographic

Online Shopping: Advantages and Disadvantages

Maddigan S.

The pandemic has forced many people to stay at home and to shift much of their shopping and marketing of food along with other essentials and even nonessentials,  to the digital world. Shopping has become impacted by this situation since many don’t want to risk having physical contact with other people because of the possibility of becoming ill with the pandemic. Online shopping is now seen as essential during this pandemic. Many have learned to love this new very convenient way of shopping even for the daily things needed in life. Online stores will now quickly ship just about anything, from milk to oranges, even meat, and household cleaning products. Even though online shopping is extremely beneficial, there are some disadvantages when shopping online.

One huge advantage of shopping online is its convenience. You can sit on a couch and scroll through your phone or Ipad for items you like whenever you would like. You can take as long as you want and easily use the search tool to find something you particularly want to purchase! In addition, if you are unhappy in crowded places and long lines, online shopping is perfect for you. Another advantage is the price. There are often multiple discounts and sales that can result in good savings.  

Even with the many benefits online shopping has, there are some disadvantages such as the possibility of receiving something you never ordered. Mistakes sometimes happen even with the best online stores and services. Sometimes a product can arrive broken but a reputable shopping service can assure that you will get a refund. You can check the fit of new clothing if you go to a store to buy it, otherwise, you will need to be sure of your size if you buy online.  Another problem with online shopping is that it can sometimes take a very long time for a delivery or the order can just become lost somewhere.  Shopping experience Maybe the waiting and the surprise arrival is part of the online shopping adventure

There is no set way to shop. Online or actual physical shopping both have their benefits and both can provide for your needs. 

Will students take the vaccine?

Survey About Students and Vaccines

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The Importance of Shopping Local During COVID-19 (Opinion)

Marijn R.

The pandemic has confined us into our homes, and many of us, have grown consequently more accustomed to online shopping. Whether it be groceries, clothes, or any presents to yourself or your family: one thing remains clear. We are no strangers to the depths of online shopping. However, have you ever wondered how far these presents may come from? Have you ever thought about our vastly growing consumerist society; and the growingly infectious carbon footprint your newly bot top or skirt may result in when it is shipped overseas? 

This is why I believe in the importance of shopping from local businesses. This does not only help sustain the business and local economy itself, however, also has major impacts on the environment we must all work towards sustaining together.

The first reason of utmost importance regarding the importance of shopping locally is the consequent effects on the local economy. In fact, the economy of the Philippines has suffered greatly due to the pandemic, experiencing a 7.3% contraction in 2020. Buy shopping from a local business, you are more likely to also support other local institutions such as banks, farms, and service providers. 

Other than that, it is evidenced that for every 100 dollars you spend at local businesses, 68 dollars remain in the community. Lastly, in the US, statistics have shown that over the past year, small businesses have accounted for 77 million of employed Americans, and 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years. Overall, the importance of shopping locally on both the people as well as the overall economy is greatly evidenced, outweighing the importance of a new purchase coming from hundreds of miles away,

Did you know that over 1.8 million consumers worldwide bought goods online in 2018? In 2021, this figure is expected to almost have doubled, especially due to the effects of the COVID pandemic. This is extremely concerning, due to the fact that frequency in online purchases is evidenced to produce more waste from packaging, as well as higher emissions by transportation vehicles. Other than that, shopping online or choosing to buy foreign products can lead to a higher amount of greenhouse gas emissions per item, which can be greatly detrimental to our planet. Read: Carbon Dioxide levels are at a record high. Here’s what you need to know.

This shows that not only is retrieving our goods foreignly more harmful to our economy and livelihood, however, its detrimental impacts to the environment can lead to long-lasting changes in both the atmosphere, and the lives of numerous humans, animals, and ecosystems. The argument regarding the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, however, have we come as far as humanity to excuse our laziness that has resulted in continued economic and environmental downfall?

Overall, although it is both a safe, reliable and convenient option during the time of COVID-19, there are numerous reasons why I believe in the importance of shopping from local businesses. We must work to sustain both our environment and our economies, and protect our world from yet another detrimental impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a society, we must learn to steer away from the temptation of a simple click or the foreign produce we so blindly rely on, as little do we know this simple act may save us from a lifetime of destructive impacts to both our local economies and livelihood, as well as the health of our environment.

Marijn Raemaekers 

Sustainability Tips During COVID-19 Infographic

Quarantine and its Effects on Mental Health

Marijn R.