St. Mary's School | sagada.org

The Sagada Postboy

The official publication of the students of St. Mary's School, Sagada, Philippines. Campus and community news, igorot culture and environmental toursim.

53 candidates vie for 11 SGO posts

Fifty-three candidates from five parties are vying for the eleven SGO positions.

They have officially signified their intent last July 5, the last day of filling of candidacy for the elections on July 12.

Eleven are needed to add up with the six class representatives of the six sections to make up this year's new set of SGO officers.

Only fourth year students are allowed to run for presidency. The other slots are open to any interested student.

The other positions are: vice-president, secretary, treasurer, auditor, two business managers and three sergeants-at-arms.

The following parties are as follows:

Ganduyan Party, headed by Ricky Bagni, a senior student and the lineup's president.

Men at Work II, headed by Johnny Cayatoc, also a senior student vying for the presidency.

Nan Tanggewan, headed by Ellis Solang, also a senior and also running for president.

New Generation, headed by Frenzel Sumeg-ang, a junior running for vice president.

Executioners, headed by Dan Sana, also a junior student vying for the vice presidency.

Because the homeroom elections are already finished, the elected class representatives are not allowed to run for the said election. They may not file their candidacy for the SGO elections unless they first resign from their office.

The class representatives are Francine Agpad (I-Red), Barry Piluden (I-White), Lynn Capuyan (II-Blue), Connie Carlin (III-Red), Nova Bagsawen (III-White), and Cheyenne Domanog (IV-Blue).


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NEWS
  • 53 candidates vie for 11 SGO posts
  • Student population up
  • CAT still alive
  • New faculty join SMS
  • Steps to Tangeb cemented
  • New curriculum
  • Elementary studes take over Trinity building

OPINION
  • New faculty again?
  • Have we known?

FEATURES
  • Let the Sagada Postboy live again
  • What else?
  • Back to school
  • Shaky hearts
  • Panaggapas ya panag-ani

Seniors relinquish key of responsibility to Juniors

SMS seniors handed the key of responsibility to the juniors during the Juniors -Seniors Promenade held at the school auditorium last February 15.

In the same event, Janice Amindalan, the guest speaker of the symbolic affair underscored the need for responsible student leaders in her speech.

She emphasized that today there are student leaders who are irresponsible. She cited many instances when student leaders show irresponsibility.

Amindalan is an alumnus of Saint Mary’s school .She now teaches in Trinity College, Sagada. She deemed it her responsibility to share what she could to the SMS juniors and seniors while she was a student.

The promenade began with a procession from the school quadrangle to the auditorium. It was followed by a welcome address delivered by Daniel Cheg-ao, III-White president.

After this, Jerry Abeya read the class prophecy of seniors. Jenelle Doyayag, the senior class president, followed with her speech while handling the key of responsibility to Zsa-zsa Omengan, the junior president.

Doyayag reminded the seniors that handing the key of responsibility to the juniors doesn’t mean that seniors will not help in imposing rules and regulations of the school. On the other hand, Omengan assured the seniors that juniors would do their best to continue what seniors have started and improve their failures.

Candle lighting and pinning of corsages followed the speeches.

Soon after, sashes were pinned to the three ladies of the night. Fr. Charles Buking and Herminia Cadiogan pinned the sash of Miss Junior, Marilou Jacinto with Ellis Solang as his escort.

Steve Dagacan and Serina Palpal pinned the sash of Miss Senior Sandra Tayni, with her escort, George Gewan watching. Meanwhile, Rod Gulian and Amindalan pinned the sash of Miss wisdom, Noreen Malecdan.

Dinner was served after the program. The ball followed afterwards.


Longid donates 6 computers

Frank I.O. Longid Sr., Alumni President, donated six multimedia- and internet-ready computer packages to the school.

Four computers run on Celeron 400 processors while two have Pentium II 333 with Windows 98SE operating system installed in them.

Aside from the computers which were delivered on February 20, Longid also donated two LX-300 printers.

For the past months of this school year, students used two computers and one printer in their THE classes which they have to share simultaneously with the Postboy staff, the SGO, the yearbook committee and the faculty.

The computer laboratory now has five computers for students use, while the Postboy is given one for their exclusive use.

The guidance counselor’s office and the Administrator’s office have one computer each.

All students are now privileged to use the computers especially during this time when book reports and other requirements are rushed.


New curriculum begins in June

A new basic curriculum will be implemented in June next school year for both elementary and secondary schools, as announced by Department of Education Raul Roco.

Subjects to be taken in the New Basic Education (BEC) curriculum include English (1 hour), Math (1 hour), Science (1 hour), Filipino (1 hour), and Makabayan (3 hours).

Makabayan is an integration of Social Studies, THE, and PEHM.

According to some groups, Makabayan will have less emphasis on history and culture and focus mainly on PEHM, THE, and Values Education.

Roco kept the specifics of the 2002 BEC from the education sector’s primary stakeholders who include parents, teachers, and students.


Why Not

They made it!

After enduring the shame and hurt of what others said about them, they have shown that their destructors are wrong.

Every time they made mistakes, hundreds of discouraging words were thrown to them.

Law makers and law breakers...
Shame of the school...
You stained the name of the school...
You will never change because this is not the first time you did it...
Etc...etc... etc...

They just ignored these because they knew that they were just students. They told themselves to do all they can for the glory of the school. They were discouraged. But... they were also challenged. Thanks to the challenges, they made it! They have proven that despite their mistakes, they can catch up with other students of different "colors".

There are times when they find themselves talking about how the school will be without them. Will it become the best school, will it be worse, or will it be the same?

During their "jamming" as others call it, they always talked of improving their failures, changing their bad attitudes, and bringing back the confidence of other people to them.

These students were curfewed in the beginning of the school year. After their punishment, they started realizing their mistakes. That time, they were given the last chance to stay at Saint Mary’s School. If they were caught again, they would be expelled from the school. That was the big thing. They already started building a stronger friendship with a different goal. If their friendship before was centered on going out at night and coming home late, it’s different this time. They were very determined to bring back the confidence that we have lost.

As I’ve said, they endured the hurt and the shame. No matter how they tried to show other people that they have actually changed, they still say things which really raise anger.

They say that the truth hurts, but the lies hurt more. These students cannot bear it anymore and some of them started arguing with their teachers. As they say, water spills when the tank is full.

They maybe the shame of the school, they maybe the worst students the school has ever had. They maybe everything we can call them... but other things should be noted. Let us not look at the mistakes they have done. Let us consider their cooperation in school activities. As a matter of fact, these students have tried to be worthy students of Saint Mary’s School and we maybe unaware of this. Why? We only see their bad side. Why not expand what we know about these students?

If we still think SMS would be better without them,, don’t worry. They are leaving- if we can pass. If they can’t, brace yourselves for another school year with them around the campus.

Bang-i


After All

The worst thing I do not like in a person is interfering with my personal life, It`s okay if they introduce a good way of improving my failures. The case is, they just criticize all the time. But these people should thank me because I just keep quiet despite what they are saying .I will not waste my time arguing with them. After all, they are not worth a minute of my life.

Our class yearbook is now being printed in Baguio. After five busy months of solicitation distribution and follow up of subscription forms, it is now in its final stage of production. Seniors should congratulate themselves for a job well done though the yearbook is not yet here. After all, we exerted much effort on this project.

With a flick of a finger, JSP is over. Well, it was fun. We seniors really enjoyed the first part of the program because we were not able to attend it last year. Frankly, the second part was a little bit, let’s say, the time was not enough. If only we did the pairing of hearts before the second part, it would have been better. Anyway, it was a wonderful evening with the juniors. After all, dancing is not the most important thing in JSP. It is the solemn moment of candle lighting and receiving of the key of the responsibility.

Bang-i



Honor roll
Third Quarter

Saint Mary's School
SY 2001-2002

Seniors

1. Malecdan, Noreen 90.091
2. Abeya, Jerry 89.091
3. Gewan, Elena 88.818
4. Aguilan, Manuel 88.727
5. Anaban, Rose 88.364
6. Likigan, Donna 88.273
7.5. Doyayag, Jenelle 88.091
7.5. Chomawat, Ariane 88.091
9. Bayang, Hilda 87.818
10. Gayagay, Glen 87.182
11. Tayni, Sandra 87.091
12. Apil, Fely 86.818
13. Paleyan, Charity 86.273
14. Daoas, Leo 85.636


Juniors

1. Umaming, Lydia 89.36
2. Cayatoc, Johnny 88.73
3. Gayman, Glynn 88.55
4. Jacinto, Marilou 87.91
5. Andawi, Mira 87.73
6. Banglo, Aldrin 87.27
7. Omengan, Zsa-zsa 87.00
8. Abeya, Jones Rae 86.82
9. Capuyan, Ruby 85.82
10.5. Camfili, Maryknoll 85.73
10.5. Tauli, Elsie 85.73
12. Pecdasen, Roy 85.27
13. Omaweng, Eugene 85.18
14. Bistoguey, Shalee 85.00


Sophomores

1. Likigan, Jaybee 90.818
2. Wangdali, Geovy Rose 89.909
3. Dicdican, Casey 89.727
4. Sia-ed, Harriet 88.273
5. Magalgalit, Reishell 88.000
6. Lizardo, Kachiri 87.812
7. Ap-apid, Alma 87.364
8. Calawen, Emily 87.000
9. Abeya, Flora 86.909
10. Carlin, Connie 86.636
11. Omengan, Wanda 86.363
12. Manalog, Julicia 86.000
13. Sana, Dan 85.545


Freshmen

1. Herman, Audrie 90.00
2. Mantias, Ellen 89.27
3. Malecdan, Benjamin 87.59
4. Likigan, Kimberly 87.36
5. Tawali, Annie 86.90
6. Biag, Melody 86.81
7. Batnag, Brenda 86.45
8. Unos, Irylle 86.27
9.5. Palangchao, Alex 86.18
9.5. Bolinget, Prudence 86.18
" Intelligence does not show it all. Success lies more on what we can do, not what we know."


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News
  • Seniors relinquish key of responsibility to Juniors
  • Longid donates 6 computers
  • New curriculum begins in June

Opinion
  • Why not?
  • Afterall

Issue Number 14

January 29, 1953


According to our files in the office, there are many students who transferred to this school without certified true copies of credentials (Form 137 C - Primary, Form 137 B – Intermediate, Form 137 A – High School.) from the schools where they previously studied. It is requested that Form 138 A and Form 138 B must be submitted to the Office as soon as possible to enable us to secure said permanent credentials from the schools where you came from. Remember that promotion of theses students may be withheld without the proper form supporting their present school records.

This is the last announcement regarding the Dormitory and Tuition Fees. The substance of the resolution of the Council on Advice in their last meeting is reiterated again for your attention. “That students must pay their Dormitory fees and Tuition fees on or before the first day of each month beginning January 1953. Boarders will not be allowed to remain in the Dormitory unless they have paid their fees in advance. Students whose tuition fees have not been paid for the current month will not be permitted to attend classes.

The following students: Manuel Wacan, Eduardo Zabala, both 4th year students and Michael Afidchao, Prep B were given one week suspension. They will report before Vespers on Monday, February 2nd.

Mr. Norton left for Manila with Dr. Gesser last Friday afternoon. He is attending the three days convocation. He will leave Manila right after the termination of the convocation and is expected to arrive on Monday, February 1st.

Fr. Diman is also attending the convocation. The Consecration of Bishop – Elect Ogilby will be held on Monday, February 2nd. He is the choice of Fr. Ogilby to sing the Litany at this solemn service. He is missing the Sagada Town Fiesta.

Hospital News Items: Mrs. Paul Bacdayan gave birth to a baby boy by caesarian delivery last January 22nd at the St. Theodore’s Hospital. Both mother and child are well. The baby weighed six pounds and six ounces at birth.

The outside comfort room of St. Theodore’s Hospital is undergoing construction. It is hoped to be finished soon and shall be of service.

The W.A. of Sagada are busy sewing Fiesta dresses and shirts for the Sunday school pupils. The piece of cloth came from Sister Lioba – The Sister Superior of St. Mary’s Convent.

“Saints’ Rabbits!” – Beginning January 21st, which is St. Agnes’ Day, four cute rabbits were born onto this world. They were named Mopsy, Flopsy, Patsy and Napsy. On January 27th – St. Crisostom’s Day, six rabbits were born, 3 white and 3 black ones. Then today, which is the feast of St. Francis de Sales two were luckily born. How delighted the orphans are to know that even Mother Rabbits have Saints. True, as Miss Tomlin commented that “The Orphans” Rabbits are surrounded by Saints (she means the children who work day after day to look for rabbit’s food as grass and camote leaves) that is why they choose saints’ day as their birthday.

Monthly class meetings of the Seniors – Mr. Manuel Wacan acted as the presiding officer. Several business were taken up. The meeting was especially highlighted by the election of new Class Officers for the second semester. The following are the outgoing and incoming officers, respectively:

President - William Chugsayan - Maria Aligmayo
Vice President - Manuel Wacan - Rosita Equitan
Treasurer - Maria Aligmayo - Dolores Pulido
Secretary - Mercedes Tenorio - Oscar Montoya
Sgt-at-Arms - L. Mangusan - J. Diwayan
Wm Chugsayan Mary Pachao

Except for the first four officers, the rest were appointed by the President as decided by the class. – O. Montoya

Guardians and Parents of Boarders in the Boys’ Dormitory are asked to note that:

In view of lack of funds coming from America to support the Dormitory, as there used to be during the Prewar times, we ask you please to pay the board for your children in order to help or keep the dormitory going. May we reimd you tah unless you pay the board for your children in advance, we shall not be in a position to keep your children in the dormitory. As was written in a previous issue in the Postboy, boarders who fail to pay their fees in advance beginning January 1953 are asked to pack up their things and go to live elsewhere. In the Registrar’s Book, it shows that we have gone very much in debt during the previous two years. Since the financial maintenance of the Dormitory comes from you, we therefore ask you to pay your children’s boarding fees every beginning of each month. Also, please be informed that, to lessen the work of the Registrar, who is also a member of the faculty, the Principal has decided that boarding fees will be paid directly to Miss Tomlin, Boys’ Dormitory Treasurer. Your consideration in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. - L. Mangusan

Sister Teresa, SSMV has designed a new super frontal for the high altar in the church especially for fiesta. It is being woven on the big loom in the convent by the Sisters. They plan to have it finished for this Fiesta. The new frontal is white with bands of Virgin-blue, gold center Cross and pink amaryllis flowers.. The fringe is white and blue. – Sister Kiara, SSMV

The Lyceum for the past month has looked sad and deserted. Tall grass had grown all around the building so that one could hardly find his way to the entrance. But that is all changed since the Gulian’s went to live at the Lyceum. If the grass were wheat, Mr. Gulian would have had a good harvest.. together with Mr. Gulian, Mr. Laus and the Bagnin boys formed a clean-up team which has started cutting up grass and generally cleaning up the surroundings. Now, pupils of the Sagada Central School have also joined in the undertaking. Last Tuesday, they polished the floor of the building making it smooth and slippery for the next dance. All of us who enjoy using the Lyceum should be most grateful to all these people who have so generously given their time and strength to make the Lyceum and its surroundings more beautiful. The Central School pupils should be especially commended for their helpfulness in a project which benefits the whole town. – Inez Killip.

Beginning Tuesday, February 3rd, all books and magazines borrowed for St. Mary’s Library must be returned for check up. The purpose of the checking of books is to see whether there are books lost or missing. Every reader of the Postboy, please help in informing others about the returning of books. – Librarian.

Issue Number 11

January 15, 1953


The Fourth Marking Period ended on December 24th. There were thirteen students who made the honor roll (Average Mark – 90 or above) for this period: - Fourth Year = Estelle Diwayan – 92; Maria Aligmayo – 92; George Tamking – 91; Oscar Montoya – 90; Eduardo Zabala – 90, Third Year = Robert Longid – 95; Cristina Batore – 94; Caroline Buteng – 93; Elizabeth Agpad – 91, 11-A = Inez Killip – 90, 1-A = Rosaline Suloen – 92; Aurora Taguiba – 91, Grade 6 – Maria Antonio – 91

Winners of the pocketbooks for the greatest improvement during the period were: Grade 5 – Rose Chugsayan; Grade 6 – Florence Bangogan and Paul Loyosen, a tie; Prep C – Fernando Akilit; Prep B – Aurea Malidong; Prep A – Jose Siaed; 1-B – Arthur Bacolong; 1-A- Francis Buyagan; 11-B- Julia Lawana, Jose Buclay, a tie; 11-A- Elsie Laeyan; 111- Julia Bing-il; 1V- Lucien Mangusan

Delegates to Convocation from Sagada are: Mr. Teofilo Killip, Mr. Matthias Bawayan and Miss Rosaria Yoshikawa. Fr. Diman will leave on Monday, January 26th. He will stay for the Consecration of Bishop-Elect Ogilby on the 2nd, the Feast of the Purification. Fr. Ogilby has asked him to sing the Litany at this solemn service. Mr. Norton will leave on the 24th and will be back in Sagada on the first. During his absence, Mr. Piluden will be in charge of the school.

On December 26, 1952, an outdoor party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Norton. Almost all of the children of the Mission workers were invited. Miss Weizer, with 2 Brent students joined the party. The children enjoyed the delicious drinks which Mrs. Norton prepared. When they were through eating, they played a game called “The Secret Treasure”. The big ones were selected to play it. Mr. Norton distributed three different colors of cards to each of the three leaders. Each group had a card. The first card gave instructions where to find the second card and the same thing with the rest until the sixth card was found.Each leader with his group searched for his own color. The cards were hidden near the shop, convent, operating room, stable, and home economics building. The pink group found theirs first and won the first prize. After the game, the children went inside and everybody received his gift. Mr. Lucien Mangusan was Santa Claus. The children went out with gleaming eyes full of joy. – by R. Abeya

Sagada Milestone. Awaw-a, 80, the grand old man of the Lusban Dap-ay of Demang died at his home after more than a month’s illness of suspected stomach ache. He died at 2:00 last Tuesday afternoon and was just taken to the caves this afternoon following the pagan burial customs. Surviving are his wife, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great grand children.

Lucien Mangusan celebrated his 25th birthday anniversary which fell on the 15th of January in a simple and quiet party with his dormitory room mates and a visiting friend, Crispo Batnag, a Sagada boy studying in Manila. Let us all wish him the best of everything all through the coming year.

Mrs. M. Dewey announced the birth of a baby girl, born last Friday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock. The baby weighed 5 ½ pounds. Both mother and baby are fine. The Postboy wishes to send the new father who is at present studying in St. andrew’s Seminary, Quezon City, the good news. The hospital reported four other maternity cases during the past week. They are Mrs. Binbinen of Bila who gave birth to a baby girl weighing 7.4 lbs on the 11th; Mrs. Bagongon of Takkong had a baby boy weighing 6.12 lbs on the 13th, Mrs. Lopez of Sagada a boy weighing 7 ½ lbs also on the 13th and Mrs. Atiwag of Antadao who just gave birth to a baby boy weighing 4.9 lbs this morning. All mothers and babies are doing fine. – by R. Longid.

A tremendous amount of service is being rendered by St. Theodore’s Hospital Well Baby Clinic to babies in and around Sagada. The clinic is held every Saturday morning. Mothers bring their babies to the Clinic for check up and for treatment. Three-month old babies receive injections against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus ( a series of three injections). After that they receive a yearly booster dose. Every so often, Mr. Kinsay, the Sanitary inspector vaccinates the babies. Sick babies are brought to the Doctor. Cod liver oil is given out free. The babies are weighed every Saturday. On a sunny Saturday, 70 to 100 babies come. In 1951, a total of 3, 235 babies were brought to the clinic; in 1952 – 3,813. The clinic was opened in December 1950. At the start it was a Sick Baby Clinic because there was much illness among the babies but now it is really a Well Baby clinic. As a result of its work, the number of babies treated at the hospital in 1952 was 2,000 less than the previous year. – by C. Batore

St. Mary’s Intermediate defeated Sagada Central School in a basketball game on the recently improved Civic Center Court, Monday.

The Seniors very much enjoyed a dinner given them by Miss Tomlin and Miss Reiley Sunday evening. The radio furnished music. To be remembered was William and Estelle’s exhibition waltzing, the blindfold pinning of the donkey’s tail and presents for everybody. -By M. Tenorio

The Physics Class had an evening laboratory experiment to test the candle power of a lamp and a lantern. Then the working of the film projector lantern was studied. We really enjoyed the evening class because while we were studying the mechanism, we were also viewing some beauty spots of Sagada filmed by Franklin Aben. – by O. Montoya

O Buster, Buster Brown
Who’s stupid as a clown
You don’t even know the meaning
Of the order – “Buster, Down!”
You watch for rats that rush
Off into the tangled bush
But you can never catch them.

Day by day you keep on barking
At visitors who come a-knocking
Upon Miss Tomlin’s door
Day by day you go to school
But you haven’t learned a single rule
You only sleep upon the floor.

Oh Buster, Buster Brown
Why wont you learn to mind?
When your kind friends are away
Will you go to church and pray
No, you wont, Buster Brown
For you’re stupid as a clown.
- by R. Abeya

Issue Number 10

January 8, 1953


The Sagada Teachers’ Association fourth meeting of 1952 – 1953 will be held in the Sagada library, Saturday, January 10th, promptly at 3:00 pm. Coffee, doughnuts and pancakes will be served during the meeting. Questions to be discussed: The Fiesta. Should the STA support the Namfrel Community Center for Sagada Project? Should the STA initiate adult education classes? Can anything be done to establish practical arts and teachers’ training college in this section of the Mountain Province? This year’s meetings of the STA so far have been rather dull and uninteresting for each of vital topics to talk about and because of four attendance. All members please come to this informal meeting and be prepared to express your ideas.

A beautiful place planted in the core of Eastern Cordillera mountains is the town of Sagada. Anyone who is a stranger to the place could not help but murmur some _expression of admiration for this scenic place. The cool, hospitable breeze that sweeps along the whistling pines is always ready to refresh the weary traveller. A little to the east of the town are castle-like rocks which to many are among the wonders of the world. The basement of these rocks are caves which seem impenetrable. Many a tourist has come to Sagada just to take a look at these so-called beauties. The Mission Compound, which is situated at the eastern part of the town contributes much to the natural beauty of Sagada. A stranger may not know the compound, but upon entering the gate he might as well focus his eyes to the left and there he is met by a very pleasant view. The hospital, convent, church, the school and the residences of the Americans which are among the few painted buildings in the town, make Sagada more picturesque with their painted roofs and walls shining against the green of the pine trees. A gully separates the Mission Compound from the “poblacion”. In looking from either side it seems a narrow gully, but actually it is so steep as to be almost impassable, except to school boys. In the morning, the sun rises in Sagada than in other places in the district because the mountains east of the town are not so tall as to barricade the kind rays of the sun to whose rising everyone looks forward to. But in the evening, the sun always sets early because of the lofty mountains west of the town which deprives us of seeing the sun set in the sea. Sagada has such a rare magnificence that the natives of the town are very proud that they live in such a beautiful, secure and happy town. – by E. Zabala

Tabuk Trip. The days just after Christmas Day, a group of students and teachers of St. Mary’s School, together with several town folks packed up on Mr. Aben’s Tabuk-bound ford which started at 8:00 that morning. It was a joyous trip though in spite of the travel distress that pinned down most of the weaker sex passengers. At 12:00 we stopped beside a cool stream of drinking water and had our lunch. The best treat was a big pot full of deliciously cooked chicken right from the lunch box of Mrs. Aben, in which everyone had a piece. The lunch took us about an hour. From there we passed through the panoramic view of the Lubuagan Valley and journeyed on, passing through strings of small roadside villages. With no rest at all, we proceeded on, passed through the Pasil River and on and on until we reached Naneng. And then from there commences those rugged roads, overlooking the endless Chico River, with those demon-filled precipices and suicide cliffs. These we had to pass through patiently until the sight of the distant plateaus cheered us. Came Bantay, the Bontoc colony, the newcomers were attracted by the giant guavas, a number one unavoidable delay which they had to gather from time to time. About 4:00 that same afternoon, we reached Calanan, the crossraods. From there, The party was divided, the others going North, going East. (Tabuk being divided by the great Chico River). Those taking the Eastern route had to cross the river on ferry boat. While in Tabuk, we had a grand time, despite the stormy weather brought by typhoon Hester. Parties, excursions and hiking were our business while in Tabuk. There was the blazing sun that turned us into coffee brown, there was the kilometers and kilometers of muddy road we had to hike, the lost road back to the farm, the barn dance atop the ferry boat, the benighted hike from a visit to another farm, and then a night among the natives of Naneng, on return trip due to engineering trouble. These we cant forget, these we will cherish and these we want to try again some other time. – by M. Piluden

Biology Class Activities: Due to lack of adequate zoological and botanical specimens, we had to spend time looking for them. The Junior students about two weeks before Christmas, spent their two periods of Biology class, collecting insects and varied plants for completing a project on the different kinds of reproduction. The river dividing Dagdag and Demng was the nearest possible place to find water insects, so that we had to go down there ourselves. We are lucky living in such an environment wherein plants of various kinds, both simple and complex, can be found in the compound. Therefore a need for these things doesn’t worry us. Sister Kiara came with us. She illustrated each and everyone of the articles, differentiating the methods of reproduction involved. It was almost midday when we were back at school. This brief excursion meant much to us since it was a chance for outdoor exercise as well as study. – by E. Agpad

Holidays in Sagada. Though almost all teachers and school boys and girls from the Central and St. Mary’s schools left for vacation, Sagada was not as lonesome as it was supposed to be during the two-weeks holidays, for some of our town mates staying in Manila, Baguio and other places came and were glad to have spent their Christmas vacation with us, as most of the students were in their own homes. There were few visitors but we were grateful to have them help in the singing on Sundays. – by M. Aligmayo

The 302 students of Sagada Central School are divided into nine sections:

Grade VI - A 24 - Mr. Pio Dacumos
Grade VI - B 22 - Mr. Ignacio Muting
Grade V 37 - Miss Luz J. Cruz
Grade IV - A 31 - Miss Jane Calaoa
Grade IV - B 27 - Miss Josefina S. Alejandro
Grade III - A 39 - Mrs. Alice E. Dacumos
Grade II 49 - Miss Semina Bioyo
Grade I 36 - Miss Amalia Lardizabal

The two lowest grades are taught in the building next to the Civic Center. The other classes are in the main building which has a very commending view of the valley – by B. Daoas

The night is dark and long,
The crickets sing their song.
The child is sleepless, all alone,
Because of the crickets song.
- by E. Calaoa

Issue Number 9

January 1, 1953


A H A P P Y N E W Y E A R T O E V E R Y B O D Y



Julian Magalgalit and Leonard M. Aclop are doing the work for this special issue of the Postboy as Mr. Piluden is in Tabuk and Lucien is in Abra.

The thirty-fifth Annual Convocation of the Missionary District of the Philippines will be held at St. Luke’s Compound, Wednesday through Friday, January 28 – 30, 1953.

The Consecration of the Reverend Lyman Cunningham Ogilby as the Second Suffragan of the Missionary District, will take place at St. Luke’s Pro-Cathedral on the Feast of the Purification, Monday, February 2, at 9:30 am. This is the same date as the fiesta in Sagada, which makes it rather difficult for delegates from this place to attend.

Christmas at Sagada begins with the solemn midnight mass at which most people made their Christmas communions. The other services on Christmas day were low mass at 6:30 am, sung mass at 8:30 am and Vespers and Benediction at five in the afternoon.

St. Theodore’s Hospital had their pageant Christmas morning. From the announcement to the flight to Egypt the story was shown beautifully. The packed social hall of the hospital was a very appreciative audience. Then Santa Claus came for the children and other patients.

St. Mary’s School Christmas program was held in the Lyceum in the evening of Christmas Day. Nearly every section in the school had a part and all the items on the program showed the result of the careful preparation of Miss Tomlin and others on the Committee. Especially good were the fifth grade play “Welcome the New Year” and the Tagalog play coached by Mr Ullocan. The hit of the evening was the “Night before Christmas” translated into Igorot by Mrs. Killip and recited by Roberto Omengan who showed remarkable skill as an actor. Then came Santa Claus with bags of peanuts and candy for 700 guests. The dance which followed completed most enjoyably the celebration of Christmas day.

Clean-up. When the students of St. Mary’s School left for their Christmas vacation on the twenty-sixth, the boys in the dormitory cleaned the classrooms and the boys’ dormitory. The bell rang and it was twelve. We had not yet finished our work. One boy went to cook our food and others continued the work until it was time for dinner. When other students of this school come back, your classrooms will be ready for class work.

The orphans had a good time during the holidays and also gave a large group of Sagada children much pleasure. This year, for the first time, their pageant was given out-of-doors. After the program, Santa Claus was seen his wobbling way down the hillside, and presents were distributed to all. Sunday evening, a repeat performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was given for the benefit of the Mission staff and other guests. Today, the orphans are being treated to a party in Besao by Mr. and Mrs. Henton.

Picnics. On December 28th, ten girls and six boys left in the dormitory, picnicked under the pine trees above the girls’ dormitory. We enjoyed it very much especially as David Bacayan of St. Andrew’s Seminary was with us. Today, we had another picnic at the Latang River where it comes from under the rocks. We sat around the fire and roasted Vienna sausages. Having finished lunch, we played different games.

Many guests visited Sagada during the holidays. Sam Diman, home for his last Christmas vacation before entering college in America, brought a couple of boys with him. Also from Brent were Miss Weizer with Florence and Raymond Loh. From the National Council of the Church, there was a photographer taking pictures of the people coming out from church and of village scenes. From the University of the Philippines came Miss Hassel and the McIntyres. Professor McIntyre is a Fullbright lecturer on geography. Ruth Dale, a recently appointed nurse at St. Luke’s was much impressed by the fine work the hospital here is doing. Today, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Admiral Spruance and Mrs. Spruance are expected and will stay with the Diman’s. Mr. Pacyaya from Baguio Colleges and Mr. Busacay from UP were among the many Sagada people returning to be with their families for the holidays.

Some of the landscapers have been doing useful word and earning a little money since school closed. They graded the town basket ball court and built a grass covered seat on the far side of the court, and under Mr. Daoas’ supervision, rearranged the library. They also made good paths to the graves at the foot of the Mission gardens.

The Christmas program of the Sagada Central Elementary School was held on Friday evening, December 19, at the Civic Center. All the grades had a part. Particularly good was the Pageant of the Nativity by the Grade V1 and Grade 111 pupils. The many carols that accompanied this pageant were sung in parts. Ambasing Elementary School had an equally elaborate program at the same time in their school building.

Issue Number 3

November 20, 1952

The Third Marking Period ended on November 14th. Nearly all teachers had their marks on the cards on time and the averaging was completed on the following day. Announcement of results were made before Chapel on Monday morning. A list of Honor Roll students (those whose average was 90 or over) was read as well as the winners of the Pocketbooks.

Honor Roll for the third marking period = Fourth Year: Oscar Montoya – 90; Maria Aligmayo – 90; Estelle Diwayan – 92; Third Year: Elizabeth Agpad – 90; Caroline Buteng – 92; Robert Longid – 94; Cristina Batore – 95. First Year A: Aurora Taguiba –90. None of the other sections had honor students, although there were a number with an 89 average.

Winners of the Pocketbooks
were: 1V- Lucien Mangusan and Maria Aligmayo tied for greatest improvement during the period; 111- Also a tie between Julian Magalgalit and Bernard Umangil; 11A- John Alipit; 11B- Alice Egsaen; 1A- Melchora Capuyan; 1B- Franklin Aben; Prep A – Cristina Sapat; Prep B – Benjamin Botengan; Prep C – Ana Pulao; Grade 6- Harry Dageo-a; Grade 5 – Anselmo Pekas.

The Christmas vacation has been changed by a vote of the Faculty in their meeting of November 17th. Instead of closing on the 22nd as given in the calendar, classes will be continued until December 24th. As no school Christmas entertainment can be held until after the midnight mass, the Entertainment committee plans to have the school party in the evening of Christmas Day. According to custom, St. Theodore’s Hospital will have its pageant on Christmas morning, the Orphanage will have theirs in afternoon. Classes will be resumed on Thursday, January 8th. Dormitory students should be back before Vespers on the 7th.

Half around the World is a long way, but almost half around the world is just how far we came. It took us 1 month and ten days, by car and train, boat and bus, with a few stops here and there to break the journey. One unusual and amusing thing about our Norwegian ship, was having cheese on the table for breakfast. But some of us enjoyed more the good apples. They saved the days, when instead of climbing up and down mountains, the mountainous waves moved up and down under us. To me, the most beautiful part of the whole thousands of miles was the sight of the rice terraces around Sabangan. And the most welcome part was the sight of the hundreds of loving faces meeting us outside our Convent home. We are grateful to the prayers sent up the world over for being safely and happily here. – Sister Kiara, CSM

St. Gregory the Great – Bagnen celebrated its 23rd Church dedication on November 15-16. 1952 by having athletic games. St. Gregory's team beat the St. James Besao team in basketball and in softball. St. Mary's teams won in all the games they participated in. Softball against St. Gregory’s 15-33 plus 1 inning. Volleyball versus Bagnen Elementary School with straight sets of 10-21 and 8-21. Basketball Data’s team was highest in the high jump and Matias Ateoan and Barnabas Omengan ran first and second respectively in the 200 meter dash.

The boys of St. Mary's School supplied the day’s and evening’s activities with music under the leadership of Lucien Mangusan and Mr. Manuel Wacan. St. Mary’s delegation wish to express their thanks for the kindness, respectfulness and generous hospitality of the pupils, people and teachers of Bagnen.

Improvement of St. Gregory the Great – Bagnen is wonderful. The classrooms are well-lighted and ventilated due to the suggestions and generosity of Mr. Norton who had given the glassed windows that replaced the former GI windows. Its library has hundreds of books that are inducive and conducive to learning, has nice ball grounds with well kept track leading to them and a garden that looks like the wonderful rice terraces of Ifugao. It is not a wonder why pupils of St. Gregory’s School are doing fine in the classroom, athletic-minded and industrious. Improvements are still progressing and that in the future it will be a little hidden city of the north worth visiting. – A. Batnag.

From the Midland Courier – “To the Editor and Staff of the Sagada Postboy: Thank you for sending us your first issue. It was very well done, in the best tradition of Sagada. Welcome to the fraternity.” Signed by Mr. S.R. Afable

Mr. Knoles last Monday visited our school. Our principal invited him to the Physics class and he gave us a nice talk about his work. He told the class that before he came to the Philippines, he stayed in Java. His firm worked on Malay palm fruits. He said they extracted the oil of these palm fruits which is used for many purposes. After his stay in Java, he came to Manila. He is at present working in the Philipine Refining Company. He told us that they extract oil from copra and make many things out of it such as Covo shortenings and soaps. Two of the products are Lux and Lifebouy. He also told us that his wife sings with the Holy Trinity choir in Manila, and both of them go to church there. – Juliet Diwayan.

The Physics Class went to Latang where the brook comes out from under the road. Their main objective was to figure out how much water power could be developed there. As soon as the gang reached the river, they divided themselves into pairs and went on with their problem. Most of the measurements were done by calculation. Results of the study will be reported later.

Mrs. Diman returned from Baguio Tuesday. Fr. Diman is expected back from Manila the last of this week or early next week.

Mr. and Mrs. Henton of Besao are taking the classes for Mr. and Mrs. Norton who leave for Manila tomorrow morning. Mr. Norton is attending a Conference of Principals of High Schools to be held at the University of the Philippines.

Flash: Thanksgiving Day has been declared a National Holiday by the President. This was heard by Miss Tomlin over the radio this morning.




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Besao

Issue Number 2

November 13, 1952

Typhoon Bess hitting Sagada this morning caused the suspension of classes today. There had been light continuous rain during the night, which became very heavy before 8:00 am, when schoolwork was supposed to start. Winds were light and caused little damage in Sagada.

The Council of Advice first meeting of the year was held on Tuesday, November 11th. Present were Bishop Wilner, Fr. Diman, Fr. Longid, Mrs. Diman, Miss Tomlin, Mr. Yodong, Mr. Piluden and Mr. Norton. Fr. Pekas was invited to attend in place of Fr. Masferre. Fr. Diman’s financial report showed a large deficit, chiefly due to Boy’s Dormitory and school fees not being paid. Among resolutions passed to meet their situation were these two:

Dormitory students beginning with January 1953 are not to be allowed to remain in the dormitory unless their fees have been paid on or before the first day of the month. (For January 1953, the first school day after the holidays is January 6th.)

School tuition fees must also be paid on or before the first day of the month. Students whose fees have not been paid will not be permitted to attend class.

The third faculty meeting of 1952-1953 will be held at Mr. Norton’s residence on Monday, November 17th. (This was wrongly announced for the 10th in the 1st issue of the Postboy.)

Four pigs are being fed in the pleasant yard between the basketball court and Mr. Tade’s cottage. Scraps from the Boys’ Dorm are used so no expense for food are involved. L. Mangusan, the well-liked senior student of the Boys’ Dorm is in charge. Across the path on unused rocky land of the Dormitory gardens, a small hen house and chicken yard is being built. The boys will start with one cock and four hens. With Lucien’s moderate and efficient management, the Dorm boys are living happily and peacefully and considering themselves as brothers. (Leonard Aclop, Chairman of Section 11B)

The Student Council was organized under the initiative of Mr. Norton and with the cooperation of the students. Members of the Council were taken from the different sections:
George Tamking IV - Chairman
Betty Batnag I - Member
Robert Longid III - Vice Chairman
Francis Tade I - Member
Dencio Comafay IV - Secretary
Richard Abeya PA - Member
Eduardo Biag III - Sgt-at-Arms
Jude Ofoob PB - Member
Jose Puclay IIB - Sgt-at-Arms
Mary Lumaban - Gr 6 - Member
Inez Killip - IIA - Member
Emily Arciso - Gr 5 - Member

Boy Scouts of St. Mary’s School Troop 56 went to Danum after mass last Saturday, November 9th. James impac, first class and Alfredo Zabala, first class passed their requirements for Merit Badge on swimming. James Yodong, Paulino Gayagay, Alban Tade and Paul Loyosen made advancements in scouting. (G. Tamking - Sr. Student)

Fr. and Mrs. Diman went with Bishop Wilner to Bontoc after the Hospital and School Council of Advice meetings Tuseday noon. They left Wednesday morning for Baguio. Mrs. Diman will stay a few days in Brent School. Sam graduates this coming June. Fr. Diman goes to Manila and he is expected back in about ten days.

Boy’s Scout Week of 1952 was very successfully carried out Besides the Court of Honor held on November 5th as was reported last week, other events drew large crowds of spectators. On Friday, October 31st, a torch parade drew the people to the Olympic Theater where camfires and various programs were held, On Saturday, scouts cleaned the Campo Santo and the paths leading to it. Sunday, scouts in uniform attended the Sung Mass after which scout contests were held. St. Mary’s scouts were first in Knot tying and verbal relay. Ambasing won the signaling. A mass investiture of newly registered scouts was held in front of the public library on Monday. On Thursday afternoon, handicraft exhibits in the Public Library preceded the Court of Honor in the evening. The theme of the week was "For Greater Service" (Robert Longid)

Welcome and Farewell - Sisters Mary Oliva, Lioba and Kiara arrived as scheduled on Monday’s first bus. They were met with a very happy gathering of students and friends.. At. Vespers immediately following their arrival, a Te Deum of thanksgiving was said in the church. Deaconess Ashcroft left for Manila on a vacation this morning.In spite of the rain, the dorm girls were present to wave goodbye. She will be stationed in Tadian as soon as her residence is built. The third year students are looking forward to having Sister Kiara for their Biology teacher. Mr. Killip had to shoulder the responsibility and did a fine job during the absence of Sister Lioba.

St. Mary the Virgin Parish, New York City, not Sagada, will make the first gift magazine subscription to the Sagada Library. At their October meeting of their Women’s Auxiliary, Mrs. Nancy Yao, delegate of the Philippine WA to the triennial meeting in Boston, spoke about the church’s work in the Philippines. Her hearers voted to send magazines and asked for suggestions as to what would be most acceptable.

The St. Mary’s Library thanks Miss Mary Baxter, a recent visitor to Sagada for a gift of about thirty copies of for a gift of about 30 copies of various magazines. Non-current magazines are in great demand for home reading by the Sagada Community; there is a big turnover.

Agusto Cunning writes from Fort William McKinley, Rizal. "We have just finished infantry training and started real artillery training... it is very hard and needs geometry, physics, etc. We mountaineers are not behind, we are even ahead of others. Basilio and I are gunners, sometimes we act as firers and loaders. Our graduation is in December." When called by the army, Agusto was a senior and Basilio was a junior.

First Issue

November 6, 1952

A St. Mary’s School Weekly has long been needed. At the meeting of the Student council with the Registrar and Headmaster it was decided to start one at once. It was agreed that the name should be the Sagada Postboy, that the paper should be issued before the Vespers every Thursday, that the paper should be the joint responsibility of the school Administration and the Student Council, and that it should be a type of publication of interest to the whole Sagada community.

Announcement, news items, and other material must be submitted to the Office before 3:00 P.M. Thursday – the paper’s "dead line". To ensure publication material should be sent in earlier, as soon as it is ready.

The School’s Council of Advice’s first meeting of the year, will be held on Tuesday, November 11th, immediately after St. Theodore’s Hospital’s Council of Advice Meeting.

Sister Lioba, Sister Mary Oliva, and Sister Kiara arrived in Manila at noon on November 5th on the M. S. Taiwan, a Norwegian Freighter They are expected in Sagada the end of this week or early next week.

The Third Marking Period Ends November 14th. Teachers will please have all marks written on the cards before noon of that day, so that averaging for the Pocket Book prizes for the student of each section who makes the most improvement can be done Friday afternoon.

The next meeting of the Faculty will at the headmaster’s house on Monday, November 10th, at 3:30 P.M. As in the least meeting the next important business will be the check up of the deficient students’ marks ad consideration of what can be done to help them.

Christmas Entertainment Planning has already started. The Faculty Committee appointed by the School:- Miss Tomlin-Chairman, Miss Busacay, Miss Piluden, Mrs. Killip. Mr. and Mrs. Gulian. Mr. Ullocan. Mr. Batnag, and Mr. Basco.

The Carpenters’ Activities. Since the opening of the school shop, the student carpenters under the guidance of Mr. Basco made various community improvements. They made seats, pingpong tables, office desks and other furniture for St. Mary’s School materials, some of he carpenters are given projects to do which are to be sold to interested buyers.

Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts Activities. The Boy Scout Week began October 31st and ended November 6, 1952. On foundation Day, members of Post 11 and Troop –56 participated in all events of the whole Sagada composite affairs, such as campfire, cleaning the town cemetery, and attending church services. There were various exhibitions shown at the Amphitheater. The court of Honor was held on November 5th in which some of the scouts received their pins signifying their advancement in scouting.

Home Economics. Home Economics is divided into different groups. They are sewing, knitting, cooking, crocheting and drawing. After every six weeks these groups rotate to give every girl a chance to find out for herself which of there is fir for her. Mrs. Norton teaches drawing so that some girls may develop their love for art. Under Mrs. Gulian cooking is taken up to prepare girls for their future life. Crocheting is taken under Miss Piluden and girls learn how to make use of odds and ends for something useful. All things learned in home Economics are supposed to be of used to the girls for their lives after leaving school. They should take advantae of these opportunities while they are here.

Flash. His telegam just received by Deaconess Ashcroft.
"Will arrive Sagada Monday. Love to all." – Sister Lioba.

St. Mary’s Library has started a new service for making possible fuller use of reference books needed by many students of different classes. The books can be borrowed after 1:50 P.M., and must be returned before 8:00 A.M. of the next school day. At present the books are placed in a Closet C near the library. A new library l\desk is to be made to contain overnight reference books.

The Bagnen Fiesta will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 15th and 16th. St. Mary’s teams are invited to participate. Dormitory boys are permitted to leave after 2:30 P.M., Friday, November 14th and must be back on Sunday before Vespers. The full schedule of the Fiesta is posted on the St. Mary’s bulletin board.

Manuel Wacan, Scout master of Troop 56, received a special award from the Philippine National Scout Association for good work done in an accident. A weapon carrier between Sabangan and Bauko fell off the road. Manuel was not injured; he did good first aid work for a number of passengers who were badly hurt.

Wildren Piluden and Albert Bangsail are planning to raise pigs and chickens on ten hectares of land in Tabuk. They have already cleaned one hectare for crops. The first to be put in was papaya. They are also planning to plant popcorn. A head of cabbage cost eighty centavos in Tabuk. It is a pioneering community were hard work offers many opportunities.

The Postboy will be distributed to each of the eleven sections of St. Mary’s for posting in the classrooms. Copies will also be given to neighboring elementary schools. Other schools that are sending their publications to the St. Mary’s Library will receive the Postboy in exchange. Mission stations of the Diocese and individuals supporting the school will be on the free mailing list.

The yearly subscription will be One Peso. Price per issue will be three copies for ten centavos. These prices do not include postage.