The 59th Founding Anniversary of The High School Student Publication of LSM—September 1, 2025
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The Link and a Glimpse of Its Past
The Link and a Glimpse of Its Past
The Link is the official high school publication of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM). From publishing newspapers to releasing The Linkage magazine, the school’s special literary folio, The Link has carried six decades of history. Its enduring legacy rests on the dedication of generations of staff members who made sure the publication thrived through the years. Remarkably, the organization is even older than the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which started in 1985.
The Roots of the Organization
Interest clubs were established in LSM in July 1966. At the same time, the first high school student publication of LSM, “LSM Hi-Lites,” was released. By September 26, 1966, LSM Hi-Lites was renamed to “The Courier” to serve as the school publication. On November 1, 1966, the first volume of the paper was released carrying the headline, “LSM Joins Editors Guild.”
The picture from the 60th anniversary LSM coffee table book entitled, “Fructus Ventris Tui,” lists the 1966 timeline with LSM Hi-Lites and The Courier. It features how LSM was part of the Editors Guild, hence, signifying how campus journalism in the school was strong at its roots. In its formative years, the organization was free and independent to support the causes of students.
In 1975, The Courier was renamed “The Link” and became the official publication of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. Since then, issues have generally followed the 1975 timeline as shown by the numbering of the school paper.
From the same coffee table book, the organization name was changed to The Link. In the coffee table book, the Kantahan was a banner headline, which meant that it was an important article at the time. Kantahan started only on December 13, 1978 at St. Francis Theater. Thus, with the 1975 timeline, The Link witnessed the history of Kantahan in its earliest roots.
Hence, there are actually competing timelines in the history of the organization. If the 1966 timeline is to be followed, it would be under the premise that there is continuity between LSM Hi-Lites, The Courier, and The Link as the names for the official publication of LSM. Hence, the organization would be in its 59th year by September 1, 2025, and at its “diamond” or 60th anniversary by September 1, 2026. Otherwise, following the 1975 timeline because of the succeeding publications would make the organization 50 years old this year. In any case, both timelines are still older than the Philippine Daily Inquirer ranging from between a decade or two.
During that scenario of 1966 to 1975, the organization may be considered a vintage organization due to its existence with norms that were prevalent during that era. This included the Spanish language coexisting with English and Filipino. The old form (Vetus Ordo) of the Mass, where the priest faced the altar, and traditional Catholic standards were epitomized in the Lourdesian gentleman. With such historical presence, The Link still lives as a “link” between past and present.
Changing Mottos, Changing Logos
Throughout the times, The Link constantly changed its logo and motto. The logo and motto of an organization characterizes the unique identity of a publication. It serves as a basis for all headlines, opinion articles, and other articles or works of the publication. During volume 31, issue 2 from January to March 2007 of the newspaper, the motto of the organization was “Here Lies the Truth.” Andrew Nieto was the editor-in-chief at that time, while Ms. Renalyn S. Bay or, now, Mrs. Renalyn B. Iporac was the adviser. By volume 32, issue 1 from July to December 2007, it was under Joseph Casimiro, the succeeding editor-in-chief, with Mrs. Iporac as adviser that the organization changed the motto to “Speak Out Lourdesians Change The World.” This motto was maintained in volume 33, issue 1 from June to December 2008.
This is volume 31 and 32 of The Link. These articles show multiple things: The Link possibly followed the 1975 timeline of issuing the publication. Though it has continuity with The Courier, the volumes possibly followed 1975. If the volumes were the same, yet followed the 1966 timeline, it would mean that the organization had deep pauses in its publication. However, the publication has been continuous in publishing the newspaper, with evidence of at least two to three issues being published within a year. Likewise, the motto and the logo changed within a year of the publication.
One would also see in volume 32 a mention of LSM celebrating the Living Rosary. Hence, the celebration is already a part of LSM tradition and not only a new occurrence. As the keeper of LSM’s history, volume 32 of The Link features the first Math, Science, and TLE month celebration or MST, with Joseph Casimiro, a then speechwriter to President Benigno Aquino III, writing the article showing that MST month was a success.
During the years of Mr. Andrew Earnshaw as the adviser, the organization motto that existed was “Think. Write. Inspire.” By A.Y. 2024-2025, under Calix del Mundo as editor-in-chief and Ms. Queenie Ann Ku as adviser, the organization motto changed to “Bridging You To The Whole Lourdesian Story” and would be maintained for A.Y. 2025-2026.
The logos of the organization also changed. Volumes 31, 32, and 33 had different logo designs reflecting changes in the publication. Now, the issue of the newspaper for A.Y. 2024-2025 reflects a logo aligned with the 65th anniversary of LSM.
This shows how the logo was changed in volume 33, though the motto was retained from the previous year. It showed a new Campus Minister, Fr. Poblete, OFMCap., who would become important in LSM administration by then.
Catholic Identity of the Publication
The Link, as an organization in LSM, has displayed its Lourdesian character in obeying the precepts of Christ and being loyal to the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. Being rooted in St. Francis of Assisi’s influence on Catholic action, its history is always tied with religion. On October 22, 2002, the Catholic Mass Media Awards gave The Linkage, the special literary magazine of The Link, the distinction of being the “Best Student Literary Publication.” Supplement to that, The Linkage reflected the Catholic values of the school with the following writing in one cover,
“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body,
though many, are one body—so is Christ. - 1 Corinthians 12:12
Let us strive to be worthy of God’s LINKAGE.”
The Linkage, a special edition of The Link, won the Catholic Mass Media Awards distinction in 2002 for the “Best Literary Publication.” Likewise, The Linkage has had a Catholic identity from its roots.
A news article by Len Patrick Garces on volume 33, issue 1 of The Link, was entitled, “Lourdesians support Humanae Vitae.” Humanae Vitae was the special encyclical of Pope Paul VI, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the family over contraception. It was the 40th anniversary of the encyclical. This was especially against House Bill 4110 or the Reproductive Health Bill. The article was published under Alvaro Alfaro as editor-in-chief and Mrs. Iporac as adviser.
Volume 33 showed how Lourdesians supported Humanae Vitae, an important encyclical on life and family in 2008. This presented the Catholic history of the publication. Lourdesians did not support the RH bill at the time.
Aside from these, The Link has always reported and covered Catholic events in its publication. It has covered the Living Rosary and the Greccio Mass. The Link is close to Christ, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St. Francis of Assisi, and has adhered to the school’s core thrusts, Gospel Brotherhood, Marian Spirituality (Minority), and Christian Leadership.
Upholding Press Freedom
From the 1966 timeline, The Courier had the banner headline, “LSM Joins Editors Guild.” This meant that at the formative years of the organization, it was already meant to be a free and independent organization that supports the causes of students, since LSM joining the Editors Guild signifies the strength of campus journalism in the school.
At one point, The Link, under editor-in-chief Leo Francis Abot, associate editor Colin Yngwie Aboy, and moderator Mr. Lincoln Ariz, currently serving as grade school principal, published an article entitled “Damaso and P-Noy” in the newspaper, volume 35, issue 1 from June to December 2010. The report was again about the Reproductive Health Bill. This time, it was about the tug of war between the Aquino administration and the Church hierarchy on the release of artificial contraceptives and the propagation of birth control. The editorial cartoon is more controversial than the article itself with eyes that would roll over a priest being associated with Padre Damaso, the villain of Dr. Jose Rizal’s famous novel, Noli Me Tangere.
In an editorial regarding the RH bill, the board deviated from the 2008 publication, by associating the Church to Padre Damaso on the issue of contraception and birth control. The publication called the Church hierarchy for 'cooking' up a "conspiracy." The editorial also called out Church and State for the lack of dialogue. Still, as a Catholic publication, The Link exercised prudence keeping true to the faith and being loyal to the country.
If association with Padre Damaso was not enough, the editorial wrote “... Another conspiracy that the Church has cooked up is that large scale pharmaceutical companies are backing P-Noy and the RH Bill.” It in fact said that excommunication of President Aquino would be futile. Though the board believed that the issue stems from a lack of dialogue from Church and State and that calling the Church Damaso over the faithful would be futile, the editorial cartoon and the ending paragraph shows otherwise. Now, an editorial shows the official position of an editorial board at that time. The editorial board may have deviated from the official position of the Church regarding the matters of social doctrine.
Nevertheless, agree or disagree with the position of the board at that time, The Link has shown itself capable of defending its freedom of the press and that it is a publication for Lourdesians. It is guaranteed by the Constitution, implemented under Republic Act Number 7079. The Link has the capacity for fearlessness and has a say on social issues.
In any case, the article still upheld the importance of Filipinos, especially the family, remaining true to their faith, being loyal to the country, and exercising vigilance and great judgment. The Link still understood itself to be a Catholic publication. Even with the disagreements of the board with the Church hierarchy, the organization still has an identity as a religious and moral organization in the noble pursuit of being transformed in the Crucified Christ through the holy example of St. Francis of Assisi. The Link still upholds the need to choose what is good and just.
Competitiveness of the Publication
Over the years, The Link has stood as a testament to the Lourdesian tradition of excellence in campus journalism. Beyond its literary merit, the publication has consistently brought honor to the school through remarkable performances in various journalism competitions—most notably the District Schools Press Conference (DSPC) in Mandaluyong City, the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in the National Capital Region (NCR), and the prestigious National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).
In School Year 2009-2010, then editor-in-chief Jose Ma. Angelo Zaldarriaga, under the mentorship of Mr. Lincoln Ariz, distinguished himself by ranking First in both the Division of Mandaluyong and the NCR in the editorial writing category. This outstanding performance earned Zaldarriaga a coveted slot in the NSPC. In the same year, The Link itself achieved national acclaim when it was adjudged Third Place in the Editorial Page category during the NSPC held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Zaldarriaga also fondly recalled that a decade earlier, Jose Mari Cagalingan had also represented the school in the NSPC, competing in the sports writing category—an early testament to the long-standing strength of the publication. Cagalingan was under the guidance of Ms. Aloha Jamero, who served as moderator of The Link during that period.
The Link won national acclaim when it bagged Third Place in the Editorial Page, English category (Secondary Level) during the NSPC in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The trophy is patterned after the durian, which is symbolic of where the event took place.
This article in The Linkage shows how the editor-in-chief, Joseph Ma. Zaldarriaga, was able to enter the NSPC. The article recounted the different experiences with a feature style.
The succeeding year, School Year 2010-2011, witnessed another milestone. Leo Francis Abot, then serving as editor-in-chief, likewise represented the NCR in the editorial writing category at the NSPC held in Butuan City. Shortly thereafter, Abot’s essay entitled, “Gods of Internet” was adjudged Third Prize in the Kabataan Essay category of the highly esteemed Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. His Palanca recognition—one of the nation’s most prestigious literary distinctions—remains a proud moment for the entire Lourdesian community.
Following the tenure of Mr. Ariz as moderator of The Link, Mr. Davis Acedera assumed the role and continued to steer the publication toward excellence. Through his leadership and steadfast commitment, the paper sustained its strong presence in both division and regional press conferences, further solidifying its reputation as a competitive and respected school publication.
In more recent years, The Link has continued to produce exceptional young journalists. John Nickholai Echevarria, news editor and Son of Lourdes Batch 2024, won Second Place in the RSPC Filipino Column Writing category, under the guidance of Ms. Andrea Geil Tuibeo as adviser and Mr. Patrick Keio Llabres as co-adviser. Most recently, in Academic Year 2024-2025, Leocas Samoel Encarnacion, now associate editor in Academic Year 2025-2026, brought further distinction by placing Fifth in the RSPC Filipino Writing category. His success was made possible through the mentorship of Ms. Queenie Ann Ku (adviser) and Mr. Layton Jan Tee (co-adviser).
Through the dedication of its moderators, the mentorship of its advisers, and the talent of its student-journalists, The Link has consistently embodied the ideals of excellence, integrity, and service—continuing to bring pride and honor to Lourdes School of Mandaluyong.
Keeper of Lourdesian History
Living the new motto, “Bridging You To The Whole Lourdesian Story,” The Link has served as a witness and keeper of LSM’s history. It has witnessed different school events. In volume 32, issue 1 from July to December 2007 of the publication, The Link published the article, “First MST Celebration,” written by Joseph Casimiro. The Link archived the first month celebration of the Mathematics, Science, and Technology and Livelihood Education (MST) and determined its success. Aside from that, The Link has showcased different events from spiritual to culminating activities. Indeed, the organization is the keeper of Lourdesian history.
In volume 33, the paper showed that Mr. Renz Alfonso, a SOL and now a computer teacher in LSM, was once a member of the organization. He wrote an article about Buwan ng Wika. The other articles also consider how LSM displayed excellence in other competitions. An article by Leo Francis Abot showed how the elected officers took their oath during a Community Mass.
What Happens Next
This year, with the editor-in-chief yours truly and Ms. Queenie Ann Ku as the adviser, The Link has already released the official website at its Facebook page on July 12, 2025. It includes different articles from news, opinion, features, spotlight, science and technology, sports, and more. It was an agenda from A.Y. 2024-2025, which was completed in A.Y. 2025-2026.
Likewise, the organization is currently drafting the Constitution and Bylaws, reminding itself of its history, identity, and freedom. The goals of, yours truly, the editor-in-chief include the professionalization of The Link and the return of The Linkage whether it be under this school year or next school year, Academic Year 2026-2027. With the current editorial board, editors, heads, and staff, there is confidence that this will be achieved.
In continuation with the legacy of The Link within LSM, the words of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, certified by the historian Ambeth Ocampo as true, would echo in this year’s organization,
“Con el recuerdo del pasado, entro en el porvenir,”
which translates to, “I enter the future with the memory of the past.”
Here is The Link—Bridging You to The Whole Lourdesian Story.
Contributors:
Written and Documented by:
Hanz Efren Abantao,
Editor-in-Chief A.Y. 2025-2026
Documented by:
Leocas Samoel Encarnacion,
Associate Editor A.Y. 2025-2026
Supervised by:
Ms. Queenie Ann Ku,
School Paper Adviser A.Y. 2024-2025, 2025-2026
Approved by:
Mrs. Melanie Jane Santos,
LSM Instructional Media Center (IMC) Coordinator
Assisted by:
Mrs. Julie-Ann Tacgos,
LSM Registrar
Ms. Nicrielle Vidal,
High School (HS) Secretary
Ms. Lara Cabinbin,
Grade School (GS) Secretary
Mr. Marvin Atencia,
Library Support Staff
Communication with:
Mrs. Loretes Lumabi,
Senior High School (SHS) Librarian
Ms. Lordincel Ann Tagle,
Junior High School (JHS) Librarian
Ms. Richelle Tilla-In,
Grade School (GS) Librarian
Mrs. Wendyrica Torreda,
Institutional Audio-Visual (AV) Librarian
Special acknowledgements to the former The Link adviser and current Grade School Principal, Mr. Lincoln Ariz, for reviewing the content of the article and providing additional information.
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