Voices That Soared: Singing Their Way
to Another Victory
🖋️ Jherundipe C. Linihan | February 16,2026|
SINGING IS NOT MADE OF PLAIN NOTES ALONE. It has highs and lows, pauses and struggles—much like life itself. Every challenge shapes a performer, bringing them closer to their goal.
Before the Daygon Contest, the Bato National High School choir had been preparing tirelessly. With less than ten days to practice, they faced not only vocal challenges but also props, choreography, and stage presence. The pressure was intense, and doubts often crept in. They feared disappointing those who expected them to win.
” Grabe jud ang pressure namo ato specially gamay ra among time sa practice, and we still have a lot to improve. “Dyril, a tenor choir shared their struggles. “Pero thankful sad mi sa mga supportive students and teachers nga mi help sa among props, ” he added.
After days of preparation, December 20 finally came—the night everyone had been long anticipating.
The Toledo City Food Avenue was alive with excitement. The aroma of food filled the air, and murmurs of laughter and anticipation echoed across the venue. Families, friends, and loved ones gathered to support the talented students performing heartfelt songs for the Christmas season.
Several schools competed, each sharing their talents and bringing joy to the audience. Bato National High School, on the other hand, was set to perform fourth. Excitement and eagerness were evident as supporters waited for the choir to sing.
As the piano began to play, the surroundings fell silent—as if it were the cue everyone had been waiting for. All eyes turned to the stage as the performance unfolded, captivating the audience and leaving them stunned.
“During our performance, it was very nerve-racking and challenging since it was an outdoor venue, and we weren’t sure if our voices were loud or soft enough,” Iannisa recalled. “But we kept our smiles and emotions just as we practiced.”
When they sang, their voices carried hope—hope for tomorrow, reminding everyone that challenges can be faced with faith in God. Every chest clap they made felt like a heartbeat of determination, echoing the spirit of resilience and hope. Every snap and hum sent goosebumps through the crowd. Their voices were so mesmerizing that it felt as if they were calling out, drawing all attention toward them alone.
”Fantastic kaayo ang performance sa BNHS, maka proud! ” cheered Laureen, supporting her classmates. Along with the cheering crowd, everyone was in awe as the choir finished their set
“Nag-pray gyud mi ato, asking God to guide us so we could deliver our performance well,” Iannisa said, smiling as she remembered the moment. Although they felt relieved that their performance had gone smoothly, the pressure lingered, paired with anxious overthinking as the announcement drew near.
Little did they know, they had already won the hearts of the audience.
”Ang performance jud sa Bato during daygon kay well-composed,” Gian whose one of the audience shared his thoughts on the performance. “They really emphasized the message of the songs they sang. Not just that, their intro were so timely. The way they acted was very personal—truly, it resonated the hearts of Toledonhons.”
The choir’s dedication, teamwork, and guidance from their coach, combined with the unwavering support of family and friends, paid off.
In the end, they were crowned champions, claiming back-to-back victories—not just for the title, but for a performance that left a lasting impression.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GaofbkzbY Click link to watch the full performance of the BNHS Choir.
Crossing Guards: The Everyday Hero on the Streets
🖋️ Jherundipe C. Linihan | February 16, 2026
In the early morning, as the sun rises with its radiant shine and the steady rumble of passing vehicles fills the road, a lone shadow moves—unfolding the story of a man who works in silent.
While most of us are still in slumber, Tatay Merriwen, a barangay tanod—the unsung hero of bato national high school— gets up early to meet the golden glow of dawn. Armed not with capes but a caring heart and overflowing determination.
At the age of 69, Tatay Merriwen still has the strength to serve in his community despite his age. His steadfast dedication never waives in every whistle and assist he made. In the morning, he usually works at 7:00-8:00 and then came back at 12:00-1:00 in the afternoon until dusk. His typical day would be witnessing the student’s cheerfulness and even struggles as he helps them cross the roads. That small encounter made him feel motivated as he reminisces his young version. “Usahay ma lingaw usahay ma stress,” (“Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I’m stressed”), he joked. He’s happy seeing students enjoy and has the chance to go to school because in his time, not everyone has the privilege.
However, in his two years of service, roads are never perfectly straight or free from obstacles. Just like in life, we face turns, bumps, and challenges along the way. In some instances, Tatay felt his kindness were ignored and unappreciated. Where some people aren’t aware of his existence, he rarely receives a simple “thank you” as he helps the students crossed. He may be standing along with the crowd but he feels unnoticed amidst his service. “Mo ditso man gud silag labang nga naa raman tako mo assist” (“They tend to cross by their self, even though I’m always here to assist”) he said.
There’s a time, it was raining, a glacial afternoon when an elementary student carelessly crosses the roads without waiting for the Tanod to assist her. “Ni dagan man siya ditso nya wala pagali ko naka gunit niya” (She suddenly run and cross the road and I didn’t get the chance to grab her”), he recalls with regret flickered in his eyes. Everything happened so fast—like a blink of an eye—Tatay Merriwen saw the girl laying on the ground, bleeding. Panicked struck. With a trembling hand, he immediately calls the Barangay secretary and other officials.
While the girl was taken by the ambulance, His heart crushed thinking he failed his duty to protect and ensure the students safety.
“Gi saligan man gud ko ni kapitan nga maoy I assign dri,” (“The barangay captain trust me to assist in this area”) he added. Tatay Merriwen was grateful for the opportunity Capt. gave to him, because despite his age they still trust and believed in him. But because of the accident, he felt that he failed to do his responsibility.
Being a barangay tanod may seem like a simple job a person could do but it takes a lot of courage and strong spirit to handle collisions.
Now that everything is finally breathing fine, the student who got crushed is thankfully back in school, suffered only in minor scratches. Tatay Merriwen on the other hand continue his job by becoming twice alert and careful now than he was before. “Naa man juy uban nga dili pagunit or dimo paabot nako, ako nalang ang mo una ug lakaw para mo sugat nila “(“There are some who won’t let me guide them, so what I did was to walk ahead them”) he even adjusted and do a lot of effort without complaining just so to prevent such accident to happen again.
Despite the obstacles he faces, his commitment was unwavering because for him being a tanod is more than a job offered that can help him sustained his daily needs. It was a calling—a voice whistle in his ears to continue serve: to protect and ensure the safety of the students.
Just like Tatay Merriwen who shows more than service, there are plenty of unsung heroes that symbolizes the pillar of the community. Those who works in the shadows, where applause never reaches, yet their service never ceases. Their perseverance keeps the community grow with peace shines throughout dullness.
Their names may not echo in headlines, but their action speaks louder than fame.
The Pages of Growth
🖋️ Jherundipe C. Linihan | February 18, 2026
The mini press conference was filled with soft hum of the young journalist conversation and quite murmurs. As the microphone clicked and notebooks flipped open, a mission unfolds—” A mission on no children left behind” the speaker started its speech sharing how the light shone amid the difficulties.
Before the grand event of the division press conference (DSPC) a heartbreaking revelation from the Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA) showed that the Philippines are one of the countries whose students struggled with reading comprehension. A painful reality that strikes not only the educator but also crushes the student’s future. It was hard to admit that even the students in the higher level also struggled with the same misery.
There were times when the dreams of the students felt like dust settling on forgotten bookshelves. Sitting in the quiet corner, carrying weight others don’t bother asking. Losing their confidence and feeling insecure not being able to get along with others. Some avoided eye contact, afraid someone might notice how the letters on the page dance and blur.
But those complications didn’t last long because as the school gate opens, it felt different. It felt warmer—almost feels like welcoming you with a gentle hug— the starting of Balik Aral Program.
The implementation of this program gave the students hope to keep dreaming and reminded them that learning is not a race. With the teachers’ care and patience, they can see the students’ struggles clearly and support them as they slowly build their confidence. As the students re-enter the classroom, they rise again—not with insecurity but determination in heart.
However the teachers joggled from teaching the regular students and also those of the Balik Aral Program, usually scheduled after the regular classes or in the weekend.
Driven by genuine passion, the educators and the DepEd officials continue to guide the students little by little, proving their commitment not only to teach but also to extend compassion and empathy to those who need it most. With the student’s eagerness to learn, the program proved meaningful with 68% improved according to the speakers’ statement, making every effort worthwhile.
“Sir mangayo kog basahunon” (“Sir can I have books I can read”) and “ Ako nalay basa ma’am”
(“I volunteer to read ma’am”) it was the students’ message for their respective advisers that once helped them according to the speaker. It shows that if you truly want something and are eager to learn from it, then you can really reach it. They inspire others to take the opportunities given, to learn and to grow.
The Balik Aral Program has become a warm space for the students—because in here, there is no one left behind. Every learner has a story. Every struggle has meaning. And every step–no matter how small–moves them closer to understanding not just the text on the page, but their own strength.