Watching the MTAP National Finals has got to be one of the most exciting moments of my life. Like a Game 7 between your favorite basketball team and its closest rival.
It was cold in the Metrobank Plaza Hall where the contest was being held. I wondered about Dave and Jude. They were doing well, holding out against all the other regions. NCR-A and NCR-B had pulled away several questions ago, securing first and second places early in the contest. Region IV-B, represented by Potter’s Place, was running third, but very close on our heels were two other regions. We were down to the final question, worth 5 points. If one of those two other regions got it and our boys did not, we’re not going to make it to third place. I chided myself for being suddenly pessimistic. I shot a short prayer of thanks. Thank you, Lord, for taking the boys this far. We can do this, I whispered to Mommy Bebang (Didal), who was beside me.

Soon, it was over. One of the judges announced the winners. We won third place. Mommy Bebs and I hugged briefly. And then Mommy Rose (Bernal). And then Teacher Nims. We were all in tears. It was a looong way to the finals, but there we were, suddenly onstage with the giants of high school mathematics. Happy does not quite describe it.

It’s been one interesting school year for PPS. With a whole new blend of teachers, programs, and with the introduction of the Student Council, it only seemed fitting to send off this year’s batch of elementary and high school graduates with a high note.

So long to our high school graduates. Godspeed in the big world out there!

Since last school year 2010-2011, PPS would start off its annual sports festival, or “Sportsfest” by having a parade around the El Nido town proper, beginning at the Municipal Covered Court all the way to the campus grounds.

Here are the four teams that contended in the various games, namely, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, scrabble, chess, baseball, and soccer:

After the parade, the students settled down at the basketball court to observe the opening ceremony.

This year also had a Miss Sportsfest, wherein a female student would represent each team. This was also a fun and creative way of raising funds for snacks and drinks for the players.

The Sportsfest was held from January 21 to March 30, 2012. Games were held every Saturday, but the last leg of the event was held on weekdays.

And the trophy goes to…

Check the school’s official Facebook page for more images!

On February 25, 2012, PPS celebrated the most-highlighted event in the high school department: the High School Ball.

PPS celebrates it’s JS-Prom as a ball instead, wherein students of all year levels participate. All students are required to attend, as it is part of their etiquette and fine social skills training.

This year had a “Midnight Masquerade” theme. Students wore  masks, either designed by them  or store-bought. The event was held at the PPS basketball court, for the second time in PPS history.

The program began with a parade of pairs of students, gorgeous in their display of masks, dresses, and suits. Jude Matthew D. Bernal led the opening prayer, followed by the opening remarks, given by school principal and administrator, Mr. Angelo F. Laririt. Students, teachers, school staff, and special guests were then seated for the dinner, which was Italian-style cuisine.

The Turn-over of Responsibilities saw the senior students pass on their legacies to  selected juniors. The Book of Knowledge was bestowed by Dave D. Didal to Kurt Michael L. Acosta; Brush and Palette from Ma. Andrea Perpetua G. Baron to Charles Amiel B. Socrates; the Ball of Wellness from Jeo Albert dela Cruz to Brent Joseph A. dela Cruz; the Flower of Beauty and Character from Kay D. Misajon to Joannie Suzaine T. Lualhati; and the Key of Responsibility from Gijette Kaye R. dela Cruz to Rio M. Reyes. The Class Prophecy was delivered by senior student Dave D. Didal. The ceremony was concluded with a message by Mrs. Mariglo I. Laririt, who lauded the formality and grandeur of the students’ outfits, and mentioned that not only should the students appear beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside.

The event’s highlight was the Cotillion de Honor, a special number that the students practiced for many days. Gowns swished and swayed as the gallant consorts led the ladies around the dance floor. That was quite a sight

The most-awaited part of the program followed, which was the Socialization, which had slow dances and disco themes. As the event continued, the following accolades were given to the following students: Dancing King and Queen, to senior Jude Matthew D. Bernal and sophomore Frances Kate D. Ayopila, Best Couple, to senior Kay D. Misajon and sophomore Jovet C. Rosento, Best Dressed, to senior Tom D. Chesnaud and sophomore Nouvelle T. Dasalla, Darling of the Crowd, to junior John Ceasar R. Pasco and freshman Selene M. Flisi, and the Best Masks, to senior Jeo Albert A. dela Cruz and freshman Jean Louisse E. Monje.

All in all, it was a great night!

In October 2011, chosen PPS high school students competed against different schools in the prestigious Philippine Math Olympiad (PMO). Didal emerged victorious among his peers. He was able to reach the 14th Area Stage round. This feat included him being Rank 1 in  Luzon (NCR excluded), and he was also Palawan’s first-ever contestant to compete in the said Stage. Didal is also PPS’ second UPCAT qualifier, and his feat as Luzon’s PMO 14th Area Stage topnotcher gave him the privilege to be interviewed and featured on ABS-CBN’sTV Patrol Palawan.

This year’s MathTeachers’ Association of the Philippines (MTAP) competition was held on January 17, 2012 at the El Nido National High School. Again, two students per grade and year level were chosen to represent PPS. Only Didal, together with classmate Jude Matthew D. Bernal, are going for the Regional Level (in which they will compete against other schools in the MIMAROPA region). However, Didal will be competing in two contests because his score in the first round allows him to directly compete in the Regional level. The other contest will be oral, and he will be competing together with Bernal. Bernal and Didal also have both achieved the highest  score during the Divisional round of the competition.

And what an interesting week it was! Students learned Math and Science in a whole new light. The week’s main attraction was the Math and Science Exhibit, prepared by the teachers. Facts, trivia, and questions were also posted around the campus for the students to solve and read.

During their lunch breaks, the teachers also prepared games and contests. For Monday, Grades 1-3 had “The Boat is Sinking.” Tuesday, Grades 4-6 and years 1 and 2 had a Math Bingo. Years 3 and 4 had a CheMath Bingo.

For Wednesday, the teachers held a Slogan Making Contest, a Tangram challenge, a Scavenger’s Hunt (high school) and Snakes and Ladders (Grades 4-6).

Thursday, Grades 1-3 played “Face Value.” It was also the high school students’ turn to play Snakes and Ladders. Grade 4-6 enjoyed an Math-and-Science-themed Amazing Race.

For Friday, there were no classes from 9am onward. Grades 1-3 watched “Meet the Robinsons” while Grades 4-6 had a Math-Science Quiz Bee. High school students also participated in separate Math-Science quiz bees.

For the first time again PPS history, the teachers organized the “Math-Sci-Ya Ka Fair,” complete with games, a marriage booth, jail booth, dj’s booth, and many more.

Let us not forget to mention the much-prepared jingle contest. The students worked hard for this event!

The fun and games also provided non-stop enjoyment to the teachers and students!

Throughout October 24-28, 2011, the theme for this year’s English and Hekasi Week was “It’s a Small World, After All!” For one week, the students watched various films, participated in poster-making, poem-writing and essay-writing contests. The final performances on October 28 consisted of various singing, dancing, interpretative dances, movie excerpts, skits, plays and even speech chorale performances by the students.

And what a show itwas indeed!

Plenty of students transformed as they stepped on the stage and sang to their hearts’ content.

The competition was tough. Nevertheless, it was a huge success for the students, teachers, parents, and spectators.

The Winners: