Newsletter Vol 1 Issue 1

Senior Eye
Vol. 1, issue no. 1 august - september 2020
SHS ORIENTATION:
Beginning of the New
Normal in Education
by Jana Julianne Laurie Escara & Abigail Tan
The entire Senior High School (SHS) Department
prepared for the upcoming opening of classes for the
School Year 2020-2021 with an Online Orientation
organized by the Trinity University of Asia (TUA)
and SHS Department last August 20, from 8 am to 4
pm.
To welcome the new batch of Grade 12 students,
Mrs. Cecile F. Baniqued, SHS Officer in Charge (OIC),
read the welcoming remarks from the top management
University President, Dr. Wilfred U. Tiu, describing
how these times can post a challenging experience for
the learners and teachers but guaranteed an assurance
that they are to work hand in hand to provide quality
education aimed for everyone so that no student will be
left behind.
Another message delivered by Mrs. Baniqued is from
Dr. Gisela D.A Luna, TUA Vice President for Academic
Affairs (VPAA), mentioned that this is the university’s
new journey which everyone will be part of, “...amidst
the uncertainties of the global pandemic there is always
a reassuring journey towards the light at the end of the
tunnel.”
The students were given a sneak peek on the TUA
Learning Cloud (TLC), the university’s virtual learning
platform which contains all the materials that the students
may need for class, were introduced to the different
Flexible Learning Options available, were given tips on
setting up their workspaces, and were reminded of the
new and previous rules and regulations or “netiquette”
of the school for the oncoming online classes.
The grading system and policies for the coming
academic year was discussed in the said program and it
was mentioned that Periodical Tests will not be given as
Quarterly Assessment.
Attendees were also introduced to the new and old
faculty members, and were led on a virtual tour of the
school’s facilities.
The preparation of opening of classes was deemed
successful by its participants, a current Grade 12 student,
Ms. Shecainah Palomares stated, “The orientation was
entertaining and informative...[it] sparked excitement for
the upcoming online classes.”
Another participant, Ms. Angeline Mae Lim, stated
that the event was very helpful for her as she is still
adjusting to the new normal. “The orientation was the
first step for me to be ready for this new school year,”
Ms. Lim explained.
The program served as a prelude to the transition of
SHS students to the new normal learning methods for
the oncoming school year.
Guidance Center Promotes
Awareness on Mental Health
Trinity University of Asia (TUA) Senior
High School (SHS), together with the Guidance
Department, hosted an online Mental Health
Awareness and Psychosocial Support Program
entitled, “Youth Talk: Flourishing Trinitian’s
Mental Health & Well-Being,” last Thursday,
August 13, 2020, 8 am for Grade 11 enrollees and
1 pm for Grade 12 enrollees, via Google Meets.
Lectures were given by two of TUA’s Guidance
Counselors. Mrs. Katherine Garcia, College of
Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) and SHS
Guidance Counselor, tackled the topic of being
mentally resilient amidst the pandemic (Nourishing
YOU: Resiliency amidst Adversity).
Ms. Mikhaela Manalastas, Basic Education
Guidance Counselor, discussed the topic of selfawareness
(Talking about YOU: Self-awareness and
Finding Strength). She mentioned that during this
pandemic, talking about the students’ strengths can
be very helpful for them. “Knowing one’s strengths
could help us gear up in everyday life challenges,”
Ms. Manalastas stated, “we in the Guidance Center
are always willing to help, and remind them (the
students) to always believe in their selves [sic].”
The Youth talk gained positive feedback from
the participants who attended, “….It was also very
by Jana Julianne Laurie Escara
educational. We learned about ourselves more and
how we can cope with the situation,” said Mr. Ben
Ngaya-an, a Grade 12 participant. He mentioned
that the talk was a nice way to connect with other
people, where he and others got the chance to share
their thoughts regarding the topics that were tackled.
Another participant from Grade 12, Mr. Joseph
Padla, stated that the speakers of the seminar were
“really great” as they gave “good advice,” and he
also enjoyed being able to interact with them. “I
hope that another seminar like this will happen in
the future,” Mr. Padla said.
The seminars were commenced by Mrs. Cecile
Baniqued, Officer-in-Charge and were moderated
by Mr. Ian Galman and Ms. Rosary Quiling, SHS
Faculty Members. The end of the programs were
marked by closing remarks from Mr. Ching Framo
(Grade 11 coordinator) for the morning program,
and Mrs. Linda Menegon (Grade 12 coordinator)
for the afternoon program.
The event aims to encourage SHS Students to
be aware of their mental health and well-being, find
a coping strategy that works for them during this
pandemic, know their strengths and how to use it
to their advantage in the coming academic year, and
boost their mental resilience.
TUA SHS Celebrates
Buwan ng Wikang
Pambansa
by Jana Julianne Laurie Escara & Abigail Tan
Trinity University of Asia (TUA) Senior
High School (SHS) hosted and online Facebook
Live session as part of the Department’s annual
Buwan ng Wika celebration, with the theme:
“Wika ng Kasaysayan, Kasaysayan ng Wika
— Ang Katutubong Wika sa Maka-Filipinong
Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya” with Tiktok and
Infographics presentations by grades 11 and 12
students from the University, last September 1,
2020 from 8-11 am.
The said competition showcased the talents, skills,
and creativity of Trinitian SHS students all the all the
while giving useful information to its viewers; with
Tiktok videos from all the sections, about tips on
how to stay safe from COVID-19 and infographics
on how they can help stop the spread of fake...
continuation on page 2
the first virtual
salubong on page 3
shs community speaks
about online classses
on page 2

2 News AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
TUA SHS Celebrates
from Page 1
news on the internet amidst the pandemic. This program was done in order to emphasize
the importance of the national language, not just for
communication, but also for the advancement of
the country. “Ang isang katutubong wikang panlahat
ay mahalagang kasangkapan sa komunikasyon,
unawaan kaisahan at kaunlaran ng bansa,” the
proclamation states.
TUA Chaplain’s Office
Hosts Opening Mass
for SHS Students
by Champaine Lagrimas
As one of the first online programs organized
by the department, the viewers experienced some
technical difficulties while watching the program.
One of them, Ms. Bea Babida, a Grade 12
participant, commented that she felt like the event
was not well prepared for but nonetheless, she still
enjoyed and learned a lot from it.
Buwan ng Wika featuring Ms. Anne Francine
Quinito. Photo Courtesy: TUA SHS facebook page
TUA SHS SE Logo with a megaphone icon.
Mr John Paul Panol and Mr. Jerome Angelo
Roxas, SHS Faculty members, served as the
Masters of Ceremonies and facilitated the flow of
the said program.
OPINION: SHS Community
Speaks About Online Classses
by Jana Julianne Laurie Escara & Abigail Tan
Trinity University of Asia (TUA) Senior High
School (SHS) officially began online classes for the
Academic Year 2020-2021 with virtual subject
orientations for Grades 11 and 12 as part of the
Department’s 2 week-long welcoming programs,
which started last August 24 until September 4,
2020.
Different opinions were voiced out regarding
online classes and whether or not everyone can
keep up. Ms. Nekeisha Chua, student from grade
11, mentioned that students being able to learn in
their own pace is an advantage of online classes.
“Virtual class enhances the collaboration, focus, and
communication of students through the internet,”
stated Ms. Chua.
In contrary, Mr. Chadson Redondo, grade 12
student, said that despite personally being able to
afford a stable internet connection, he thinks that not
everyone can keep up with online classes, especially
those below the poverty line. “They are the ones most
affected by this pandemic, so it is just fitting to say
that their opinions matter, and that the Department
of Education should hear them out and consider
them when they make decisions like implementing
online classes,” Mr. Redondo voiced.
In relation to this, according to a grade 11 student,
Mr. Joshua Antonio Andres, despite being a “firsttimer”
in the new learning method, he thought
that there is no guaranteed effectiveness by the
government itself, there are many flaws. For him, not
everyone can catch up with the lessons such as due
to the slow Internet connection here in our country,
Philippines. Given the current situation he stated, “I
had a hard time coping up with the current situation,
it feels stressful. And I honestly don’t know if I’ll be
able to learn with this kind of system”.
As for another grade 11 student, Mr. Mark Martin
Sarto, this current learning setup will be better if
the teachers themselves use the video strategy to
film their lessons given the intermittent connection
condition for the convenience of the students. Similar
to what Mr. Redondo and Mr. Andres mentioned,
he said that, “I find this online classes terrible since
not all out us have stable and fast internet connection
and even our teachers are affected too.” Mr. Sarto
also added that the mental health condition of
the students might as well be compromised from
the stress brought about by the academic
requirements. His coping strategies however,
include an online interaction with his friends as well
just like his same old routine.
Parallel to this, according to Mrs. Agnes Ferrer,
TUA SHS Faculty member, this alternative way of
learning would be more effective if students as well
as educators had more time to prepare. “I believe we
still have a long way to go before online instruction
becomes a good substitute for conventional
classrooms,” said Mrs. Ferrer. Nevertheless, mentioned
that despite the change in the modality of teaching
and learning, the institution’s priority and guided
principle is still to help its learners succeed, “Such
principle guides how we think about faculty support,
supporting remote learning tools and providing
students the necessary hardware to support their
educational goals.”
This new way of learning was perceived by
both SHS students and teachers as “different” and
“challenging,” nonetheless, all of them are finding their
own ways to adapt to the current situation. Another
student from grade 11, Ms. Yvonne Hibionada stated,
“There will be a lot of adjustments and challenges,
but it all boils down to having the excitement for
new opportunities to constantly grow despite of a
pandemic.”
TUA SHS Thanksgiving Mass. Photo Courtesy: TUA
SHS facebook page
In line with this year’s opening of classes,
Trinity University of Asia Senior High
School held its Annual Thanksgiving with
the theme “In all things… Give thanks,” which
was held through Google Meet last September
8 to 9.
The said thanksgiving mass was divided into
two parts, participated by all Grade 11 and 12
students, respectively.
The message was given by the University
Chaplain, Fr. Echanes Cadiogan, who gave
reflections about the topic and its relevance to
the current pandemic. He emphasized God’s
provision and grace amidst the trials that
everyone is experiencing, as God also reveals
Himself to us. The Chaplain quoted a passage
in the book of Corinthians, where it was
highlighted that God’s love is kind and patient
and without it, everything will cease to exist.
Moreover, selected students shared
testimonies as well, Desiree Lacson Abrenica
from Grade 11- STEM 2 and Mark Tecson
from 12- HUMSS, the message of the service
was emphasized throughout the thanksgiving
mass.
The program was deemed inspirational by
some Grade 11 participants, Yvonne Claire
Hibionada, from ABM, stated that she thinks
this program was done in order to encourage the
students, more so during this tough transition
to a new way of learning. “I felt delighted as
they include spiritual motivation to help us be
guided and acknowledge the Lord in everything
we do in school,” said Ms. Hibionada.
The first reading for the Grade 11 program
was read by Denise Anne Melegrito from
11-HUMSS and the second reading by Angela
Joy Babida from 11-STEM 2. Additionally,
Lawrelyn Limpiada from 12-ABM delivered
the first reading for the program for Grade 12
students and Aubrey Co from 12- STEM 3 for
the second reading.
The annual mass is done by the university
to give thanks, and to serve as guidance for
a fruitful and successful school year, both for
the students and teachers.

3 News Feature AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
the first virtual salubong
by Schaer Chantal Abadier and Clare Trinidad
. ‘Salubong’ is an annual event for the
Senior High School (SHS) department of
Trinity University of Asia (TUA) organized
by the students and the faculty to warmly
welcome the SHS community, especially the
new students, into the new school year.. This
year, the ongoing pandemic made it a challenge
for the different members of the SHS community
to warmly welcome one another. However,
despite the ongoing circumstances, the event
was successfully held on the 4th of September
with everyone’s active participation. Using
this generation’s knowledge on modern
technology, the celebration of this annual event
was administered online for the first time. The
Student Leader’s Council (SLC), along with
the support of the Senior Eye (SE) and the
different faculty members of the SHS department,
organized the event which allowed the celebration
of ‘Salubong’ to make its way to the online platform
Different activities were organized to show the
spirit of the SHS community and to greet each other
warmly as the new school year begins. The program
began with Ma’am Cecile Baniqued, the Officer-in-
Charge (OIC) for the SHS department, in giving her
opening remarks, and her warm welcome to everyone
attending the event despite the ongoing pandemic.
One of the many different surprises planned by the
event’s facilitators was a special number done by
alumni of TUA-SHS. Samantha Laong, Ryan Felias,
and Vico Cortez, who allotted time from their busy
college schedules to perform for the SHS community.
They were more than willing to showcase their talents
and serenaded everyone with Ben & Ben’s song
named “Ride Home.” After their special number,
Sir Jerome Roxas, the new MAPEH teacher of the
SHS department, introduced another important
and special event. Normally, students would be
heard loudly cheering in the school gymnasium.
However, this year, that was made possible through
the online platform as the different classes of SHS
each put together a video presentation of their
classroom chant. The muse and escort of each class
were also given the spotlight as they portrayed the
different frontliners of the pandemic. Despite the
challenge of it being done through a video rather
than in an area where all students were present, the
creative chants and presentations still showed the
spirit and talents of the SHS students. Different
teachers, specifically the judges of the event who
were Ma’am Cecile Baniqued, Sir Rodrigo Lofredo,
and Ma’am Rosary Quiling, also commented on
the event and the presentation of the students. Sir
Rodrigo Lofredo, who students call ‘Sir Dong’, said,
TUA SHS Virtual Salubong 2020. Photo Courtesy: TUA
SHS facebook page
“Kagabi pa lang hindi na ako makatulog kakaisip
kung ano yung presentation ng mga ito (students).
Go, go, go Senior High! Panalo ito!” Sir Jerome
also commented, “Even though we aren’t together
physically, nararamdaman natin ang spirit ng Senior
High School.”
With a jam-packed morning filled with
different events and surprises, the celebration of the
Virtual Salubong did not end there. The SLC, with the
support of the Senior Eye, prepared different games
for the students to enjoy together despite them not
being able to interact with each other face-to-face.
The different games planned were Bring Me, Family
Feud, Deal or No Deal, and Guess the Word, all
of which still showed the students what it is like to
be a TUA-SHS student. Despite it only being done
online, the students still enjoyed the different games
planned and their unity as a section was still seen as
they played along.
The SHS students also shared their experiences
on the first Virtual Salubong.
Samantha Laong, a TUA-SHS alumni and the
former president of the SLC, still attended and
helped organize the event despite her hectic schedule
as a college student. She shares, “I almost backed
out like 2 days before the big day of SHS because
my schedule got mixed up and I had only attended
meetings twice but I do not want to disappoint my
SHS fam. I’m very much relieved and grateful that
the very first virtual SHS Salubong succeeded.”
As for Moira Precones, a former SLC officer,
shared that her experience organizing an online event
for the TUA SHS was both exciting and thrilling. “I
didn’t know what to expect since it’s my first time
with these kinds of functions. Usually, we would do
it the traditional way, but I realized that it was also a
fun moment because you can still feel the energy of
your fellow SHS Members,” Moira shares.
Ben Ngaya-an, currently a Grade 12 student,
shared his experience as well saying, “It’s a bit
disappointing. Though the online salubong was also
fun, having a physical celebration with your friends
and classmates is still a different thing. Still, efforts
should be praised for making it possible for the SHS
students to enjoy the event.”
A current Grade 11 student named Isabella
Coruna shared, “I feel like it will be challenging to
transition into this new normal set-up, because it is
my first time doing online classes. In the first two
weeks of opening and welcoming here at TUA, the
school somehow made me feel excited to face the
school year even if it’s just online.”
This year’s ‘Salubong’ is yet again another
successful event that brought the SHS community
together, even though it was only held using the
virtual platform. Despite everything, it was
heartwarming to see everyone come together to
celebrate the beginning of a new school year. Surely,
this event will be a memorable one for everyone.
NEWS
TUA SHS Begins Their Online Classes
by Schaer Chantal Abadier
August 24, 2020 marks the beginning of a new
school year for Trinity University of Asia, Senior
High School students. On the first day of their
online classes, the Grade 11 and Grade 12 batches,
along with their teachers, met virtually. During
the morning session, the SHS family warmly
welcomed the incoming Grade 11 students. As for
the afternoon session, the Grade 12 students met
with both familiar and new faces.
The first day of the SHS department was filled
with a series of orientations to begin the new
school year. During the plenary session as a batch,
the students were oriented once again on the TUA
Learning Cloud (TLC), which would be their mode
of learning during the online classes for the first
semester. Other things that were discussed were the
Buwan ng Wika celebration. The TUA SHS students
were encouraged to join two different contests, the
Tiktok contest and infographics contest, with the
theme of “Ang mga Katutubong Wika sa Maka-
Filipinong Bayanihan Kontra Pandemya.” Through
Tiktok videos, students were encouraged to show
different ways to take care of one’s health amidst
the pandemic. As for the infographics, the students
were asked to raise awareness on the prevalence of
fake news on social media pertaining to updates on
COVID-19. The SHS students were also invited
to a conference on Friday named “Pambansang
Kumperensya sa Filipino 2020” with the theme
“Paglinang sa Wika, Panitikan at Pamamahayag sa
Filipino.” Other than the announcement of the
different Buwan ng Wika celebrations, the SHS
faculty also addressed the concerns of the students
as the plenary session ended. After the two plenary
sessions, the students met with their classmates and
their advisers and greeted each other with warm
smiles despite the new mode of education.

4 News Feature AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
TUA Holds Virtual Orgs Day
by Jana Julianne Laurie Escara and Danielle Fernandez
Trinity University of Asia (TUA) Senior High
School (SHS) held its first virtual Organizations
Day through a synchronous online meeting via
Google Meet last September 3, 2020 to showcase
the different groups in the department and ensure
that SHS students can be developed holistically
by not only excelling in academics, but also in
various extracurricular activities.
The four official organizations of the
university’s SHS department, Student Leaders
Council (SLC), Senior Eye (SE), TUA Peers, and
Project D.R.E.A.M., gave their own presentations
regarding the background and achievements of the
different groups so as to encourage the students
to join.
SLC
SLC Officers explained that the work of this
organization is purely dedicated to the students
of TUA SHS.
They described the different characteristics of
a good leader so as to give the students an idea
of the qualities they already possess as well as the
ones they could gain by joining the council.
Future activities of the organization were also
discussed, this includes the Best Class Award, One
dot, like and share, and a Webinar about being a
leader.
SE
Senior Eye (SE), the official SHS media and news
publication of TUA, was led by Mr. Ian Galman,
SE Adviser and TUA SHS Faculty member, and
the organization’s Editorial Board.
Different departments on the team – writing,
graphics, video editing, and production - gave
presentations on what they do.
The team also explained the planned release of
a Mini Series, as well as newsletters and magazines.
The group aims to deliver reliable information
TUA SHS SLC Logo. Photo Courtesy: TUA - SHS SLC
Facebook Page.
TUA SHS SE Logo.
TUA PEERS Logo. Photo Courtesy: TUA Peers
Facebook Page
Project DREAM Logo. Photo Courtesy: Project DREAM
Facebook Page
and “All things SHS” to the TUA SHS community,
all the while molding its members in being better
at their craft.
PEERS
TUA Peers, established in 1979 and one of the
pioneer and an active member of Peer Organization
in the Philippines, was represented by Mr. Jobel
Palomo and Ms. Janelle Bagtang.
They explained that the organization consists of
trained volunteers who promote self-empowerment
and awareness and provide a support system for
the betterment of Trinitians.
Mr. Palomo shared the different programs of
TUA Peers such as the Peer Facilitators Training
Program, Personal Awareness through Collective
Encounter 1 and 2, outreach programs, and
their online webinars entitled KwenTUAhan at
KaTUAhan Webinar Series, where they discuss
mental health issues and solutions.
DREAM
Project D.R.E.A.M. led by Mr. Rodrigo
Lofredo, TUA SHS Faculty member, and Ms.
Claudine Resurreccion, a TUA SHS alumna,
explained the meaning behind the organization’s
name, D.R.E.A.M, which stands for Developing,
Responsible, Excellent, Action-driven,
Magnanimous, the expected qualities of a Project
D.R.E.A.M. member.
According to them, the group’s goal is to help
and serve the community.
Mr. Lofredo also stated that being a member of
this organization will result in an individual who
“displays personal responsibility and participates
actively in actions for social development, and
demonstrate excellence in character in their
personal and social life.”
The said program allowed the students to
explore their potentials, especially those outside of
academics, and motivated them to try new things
and step out of their comfort zones.
Editorial Board
The team
Staffers
Isabella Menegon
Editor-in-Chief
Victor Cortez
Senior Member
Jana Escara
News Editor
Abigail Tan
Associate News Editor
Chloie Rivera
Graphics Head
Justine Aubrey Co
Layout Head
Mr. Ian Galman
Adviser
Sasha Leigh Botengan
Associate Editor-in-Chief
John Ver Zuniega
Senior Member, Production Head
Schaer Chantal Abadier
Feature Editor
Judah Jethro Cantoria
Video Head, Managing Head
Pauline Sy
Associate Managing Head
Jasha Villanueva
Magazine Head
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