Current Events

September Block D

The School Year Begins

Maddigan S.

International School Manila began its’ new school year on the 10th of August 2021. The first week of school consisted of mostly orientations, lessons, and activities that can be applied throughout the school year.

With the spread of COVID-19 still increasing, students continue to learn online. Virtual learning does not stop ISM from welcoming new students. In the Middle School, there are a total of 75 new arrivals: (G5 = 17, G6 = 25, G7 = 12 and G8 = 21). Last year, there were approximately 540 students in MS with this year having only 519 students.

There are also new teachers in the Middle School, including seven brand new teachers in MS. An additional two teachers who have transferred divisions are now working in MS. In addition. We also have four new TAs/EAs.

A minor change from last year’s distance learning schedule is that this year Wednesday no longer has a late start, but starts at 8 AM like the other days, but ending at 2:00 PM instead of 3:15 PM.

Looking at ISM from the HS field.

Students in Distance Learning

Possibility of Hybrid Learning in ISM's Second Year of Distance Learning?

Maddigan S.

The Balitang Bamboo staff wishes this school year could be more exciting and interactive compared to last years’ experience. The Balitang Bamboo emailed Ms. Harrington and Ms. Pekin, and we are all curious to know, according to them, if it’s possible to have hybrid learning by the end of the year.

“We are hopeful that with the rollout of the vaccine here in the Philippines and with our detailed plans for hybrid learning. We will be able to have our students back on campus at some stage in the school year,” stated Ms. Harrington.

One of the greatest things about the start of this school year compared to last year is that students are familiar with what Distance Learning looks, sounds, and feels like. We also believe that our increased familiarity and understanding of the different tech tools that we use for Distance Learning has really helped everyone to have a smoother start.

We asked both Ms, Harrington and Ms. Pekin what they look forward to most. Ms. Harrington replied, “I am excited for the return to campus. It has been so long since we have been together on campus and I can't wait to gather again in the FAT, the Kantina, and in our play spaces.”

While Mrs. Pekin said, “ I am excited to welcome all the new students who joined us after March 2020 to our campus for the first time.” I hope everyone is looking forward to something and is excited for the school year to start again!”

In the News..

New Bob Ross Documentary Released

Maika L.

On August 25, 2021, a new thrilling documentary on the well-known artist came out on Netflix. ‘Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, and Greed,’ is an all-new exposè on the hidden side of the legendary painter and the not-so-pretty legacy he left behind.

‘He was not perfect, and definitely had some flaws,’ says director Joshua Rofé who also commented that he had much trouble finding people to comment on the controversial topic.

Critics have also commented on the fact that this exposè on the good-hearted artist may and most likely will cause tens of thousands of dollars of lawsuits to Joshua RoféBob Ross Incorporated has dealt with the same issue of keeping Ross’s image as pristine as possible. Bob Ross Inc. has also stated that “were it not for the organization, Ross’ artistic and cultural relevance … would have been lost decades ago with his passing.”

No extended voter registration––COMELEC

Sofia V.

MANILA, Philippines –– The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has decided on August 18 that they will not extend the September 30 deadline on voter registration.

With a little less than two months left before the deadline, voter registration has been left on hold due to the Extended Community Quarantine (ECQ) in several areas of the country. An official from COMELEC has announced that the mentioned deadline will still be maintained.

“It is not possible to extend the registration deadline even for a week as it will affect preparations for the May 9, 2022 polls,” said Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon in an interview. She also added that the COMELEC poll body sees the extension as a disruption to the election timeline.

As a compromise, voter registration hours will be extended until 7 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends. This was released in all Offices of Election Officers (OEOs) nationwide and will be effective after ECQ.

Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Passes Away

Stefano R.

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts - widely regarded as the coolest man in rock - died on Tuesday, August 24, in London, at 80 years old and only three weeks after pulling out of the band’s upcoming US tour for various health reasons.

The BBC said that Watts was treated for throat cancer in 2004. Watts played drums on all performances they held.

No cause of death was given for his passing, but on August 4, there was a statement by the band saying that the drummer was pulling out of its rescheduled "No Filter" US tour because he needed time to recuperate after an unspecified emergency medical procedure.

Among the first British bands to properly crack the American market, and a symbol of 1960s London, are the Rolling Stones- Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, and Bill Wyman- who produced eight number one singles and twelve number one albums.

The Stones also went on multi million-pound global tours to break more records.

Bandmates were expecting Watts to return soon. “We really look forward to welcoming Charlie back as soon as he is fully recovered,” Jagger tweeted on August 4.

Is it Real? (Fake News)*

*Stories below are not true however real they may sound.

Missing Candy Causes Conflict Between Siblings

Szava R.

On August 25th, Szava’s sister stole her candy and is refusing to admit it. Szofia most likely stole her sister's candy around 9am since Szava only noticed her candy being stolen at 10am

Szava’s sister, Szofia stated that she stole Szava’s candy because she did not want to take candy from her own personal supply.

Szofia had stolen candy from Szava previously during Halloween and Christmas. This is why Szava suspected her of being the thief.

“Why do you always think it's me? We have a brother too! Ask him!''Szofia had stated. Szava went to see if it was her brother who ate her candy since he had also stolen candy from her before. Szava determined that it wasn't her brother.

Szava’s sister is angry with Szava and refuses to admit that she took Szava’s candy and ate it. Szava on the other hand doesn't actually have proof that her sister did take her candy which is why she is only relying on her gut feeling.

ISM Students Discover Information of Possible Return to ISM

Mika A.

On August 27, ISM students discovered news that there is a chance they can return to ISM in Manila in October. One of the parents had told their children about the news causing it to spread among the students.

Returning to school has not been announced officially. Parents had known of the news a month ago in July, but the teachers had asked them not to tell their children.

Ms. Harrington stated, “We look forward to seeing you back on campus.”

Around 70% of students surveyed indicated they would like that to happen as well, while 30% of the students would like to continue online classes.

President Duterte has allowed private schools to determine and choose their own return to school guidelines. ISM, a private school, is currently still planning its guidelines.

Icon Ariana Grande Ends Her Music Career

Sophia F.

Ariana Grande has announced this Thursday that she will be ending her music career as she has damaged her vocal cords due to heavy smoking. She made the emotional announcement at 12:30 pm in her Beverly Hills home through a video in which she also thanked her fans for supporting her throughout the many years of her career.

Her smoking addiction and throat surgeries, unknown to the public until now, has affected her tour dates. Grande fans have been suspicious of the singer’s actions.

“After months of thinking about it, I finally decided to publicly announce that my music career is ending due to my irresponsible actions. I’ve been very stressed out lately and I thought that smoking would be a stress reliever,” said the singer herself.

“It’s sad how one’s talent and hard work can be badly affected by just one careless action,” her manager said.

The entertainment world is wondering what the future holds for her.

Alien Abduction and Return to Earth.

Luca T.

For days NASA had been on alert for an unidentified spacecraft heading for the mainland. On August 25 2021 at 2:00 pm, a spherical craft entered the atmosphere and crashed into Los Angeles. At 2:15 pm of the same day, a boy named James Xavier Jimenez Ong III joined the aliens aboard the alien vessel.

Reporters and investigators do not currently know why he was in such a place but do know that he was outside of his house reportedly looking for a bike after crashing into his pool.

On August 26, 2021, James Xavier Jimenez Ong III has returned and has aged considerably confirming that ageing is advanced in space. He is currently 35 now, previously being only 11.

From what we have heard, bought out the stock market of the aliens' planet after tricking them by saying that his earth currency was five times more valuable than theirs.

Reports now say that he is the richest man on said planet.

Terrorist Attack Causes Mass Protests

Angshu K.

On December 12, 2025, a terrorist attack on the Moscow International Airport sprung several large protests against Russia's government because of their inability to properly deal with the attack.

53 people are confirmed dead and 115 are injured.

A trio of armed militants attacked the Airport. They were carrying machine guns and opened fire after entering the arrivals area.

By the time police had been notified, the attackers had already escaped and requests to pursue the vehicle were ignored.

By December 7th, twelve police officers had resigned in protest and mass protests had begun. The Russian government had released a statement saying that they will not rest until the terrorists are found and tried, but many doubt their sincerity.

Influencers and TikTokers to Attend 2021 Met Gala

Met Gala guests include Kin Kardashian, Bella, Hadid, and more. Christopher Sadowski/NY Post photo composite

Sofia V.

It has been confirmed by Anna Wintour on August 23 that influencers and Tiktokers will attend the 2021 Met Gala on September 31, 2021.

The guest list includes celebrities such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift as well as influencers and TikTokers such as Addison Rae, Emma Chamberlain, James Charles, and Charli D'Amelio with her sister Dixie.

“This year’s Met Gala will be different than the ones we’ve had in the past. It’s wonderful having a mix of people in different industries,” said Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The 2019 Met Gala also featured influencers such as James Charles and Lilly Singh. This year’s setup was met with controversy due to the varying names attending. Discourse on social media has also risen since the announcement.

“Personally, I don’t think the Met is cool anymore … It’s gone from super prestigious to [being] full of influencers,” said by an anonymous publicist with A-list clients.

Olivia Rodrigo Quits Her Singing Career

Hannanie A.

On the 25th of August, Olivia Rodrigo, unexpectedly announced that she would quit her singing career. She stated that she would focus more on her acting career. Although Olivia Rodrigo has just started to be a solo singer, she has finally made her decision to move on and be more active with her acting.

Olivia Rodrigo has been pursuing her career as a solo singer since early 2021 with her first song Driver’s License that went viral. as it is related to her past relationships.

Olivia posted her own Tik Tok with the song in the background. It included an in-video caption, “You think you can hurt my feelings? I wrote this song.” It didn’t take long for TikTok users to fill in the emotional meaning behind every single word in the lyrics.

Olivia Rodrigo's song ‘Drivers License’ has become an overnight sensation, with over 9 million views within the space of just a few days.

While talking about her first-ever solo debut, Olivia has finally made her decision to quit her singing career and continue to pursue her acting career because she thought that she could get more attention from the public. Previously she garnered public attention when she was known as Paige Olvera on the Disney Channel Series Bizaardvark and as Nini Salazar-Roberts on Disney+ series High School Musical: The series.

Steamboat Springs Cinema in early 2020. Sturgy Wurgy Photo

Mad Losses Mind and Others Follow

Bexie M.

On October 7th, twenty-four days before Halloween, a mysterious outbreak fell upon the city of Steamboat Springs. An adult male went mad at the screening of The Shining and the crowd then joined him in the unusual behaviour.

Everyone in Steamboat Springs attended the event excited for the classic Thriller. The event was brought to an end due to the actions of one man. Halfway through the film, one of the audience members, Marcus Doppelgänger had a sudden outburst causing him to jump up and run around like a monkey.

Staff members were called by the projectionist to help deal with Marcus. They swiftly moved to the auditorium but they were too late.

Members of the audience had joined the crazed Marcus in his rampage. Everyone was screaming and running around the theatre. Some had started brawls with another. Others were petrified and crying, curling themselves into balls.

“It was terrifying seeing people I know, people that I’ve grown up with go crazy like that, especially knowing that they would never do that before.” Liam, one of the staff members to arrive on the site.

The people of the town council decided to stream “The Shining” in their local movie theatre in honor of its' 41st year anniversary as a good way to start the spooky season.

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