Monthly Archives: August 2014

Doubling and Halving When Buying T-Shirts

By Ike Prudente

During the Philippine Science High School’s ANAC I (A National Alumni Convention I) where I represented Pisay Dos (Batch ’70)  I saw a booth selling Pisay T-Shirts. I was attracted to a nice red colored shirt. So I thought of buying one for myself. But then, I thought of my 5 children who are all Pisay alumni, Rose (class of 1990), Toto (class of 1992), Tata (class of 1995), Lelay (class of 1997) and Nica (class of 1999). I selected 5 more to fit their sizes. Oh, I almost forgot Toto’s wife Rheea, who is his batchmate. And so I chose another shirt for her.

When I asked the ladies manning the booth (who are both Pisay alumni) the cost of a shirt, they told me that it is P350.

“Wow, mahal pala! Baka wala akong dalang perang pambayad” I thought.

As one of the ladies took her calculator, I blurted out “4900 divided by two is 2450.” They were amazed that when she punched in 350 x 7 in her calculator, she got 2450.

“How did you do that?” she asked me.

“I doubled P350 to get  7 hundred which when you multiply by 7 will give you 49 hundred. Now dividing this by two will give you P2450.”

By mastering doubling and halving, I expanded my multiplication tables.

VYPrudente family

The First One-Stop Computer Shop in San Pablo – MSC Data Exchange

On its  4th anniversary on December 4, 1993, MSC established the MSC Data Exchange Co.  a one-stop-computer-shop.  It was probably the first company in San Pablo City to offer customized computer software.  There were very few programmers in the city during those days but MSC had some of the best.

During those days, too, there was also a growing demand for personal computers.  But there were no stores that sell them, there was no SM San Pablo yet, the nearest SM was in Makati.  If anyone in San Pablo or nearby towns wanted a personal computer, they had to go to Metro Manila to buy one.

MSC Data Exchange Co. was one of the first companies to sell computers (desktop PCs, laptops were rare those days!) in San Pablo.  It sold what were called “Apple compatibles” which were cloned copies of the popular Apple II personal computer.  The compatibles had clever names like “Star Apple.”

The computer sales department of MSC partnered with the computer repair and service center to cater to the growing number of PC users.  People who bought Apple compatibles in Manila had to go there to avail of the warranty.  Buying computers at MSC meant one did not have to leave San Pablo for their units to be repaired or replaced.  MSC technicians were available on call! Computer tutorials, printing, desktop publishing and other services were available under one roof – the MSC Data Exchange Co. Today your fingers (and toes) will not be enough to count the computer shops in San Pablo, but during those days, MSC Data Exchange was the place to go.

 

MSC Data Exchange Co. on its opening Day   data invite data4 data1 data3 data2

 

The first batch of MSC High School – class 1998

In this issue, we feature the first batch of graduates from MSC High School, the class of 1998.

Composed of 23 students, most of the members of the class spent only two years at MSC since MSC High School started operation only in 1996.

Class Valedictorian was Hannah Pearl “Happy” U. Isleta. Happy is now a Flight Attendant at Emirates Airlines, and she now lives at Dubai, UAE.  After graduating from MSC High School, she went to Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines in Diliman.  Coincidentally, she is married to another MSC graduate – Eric Sangcap.

Second Honor was awarded to Zarina E. Doria-Bautista who is now a teacher at Blue Danube School.

Third Honor was Brian Russel Santos who also finished Computer Programming at MSC and then worked at the Software division of MSC.

honors

Among this group was Sheryl A. Uba, regional champion and national qualifier in the Association of Water Districts’ Oratorical contest.

Sheryl Uba receiving her trophy for winning in the oratorical contest sponsored by the association of water districts.

Sheryl Uba receiving her trophy for winning in the oratorical contest sponsored by the association of water districts.

Here is their class picture and a complete list of MSC High School class of 1998:

Class picture of MSC High Schools first batch of graduates, the class of 1998.

Class picture of MSC High Schools first batch of graduates, the class of 1998.

The following are members to the first batch of graduates of MSC High School in 1998

  1. Abril, Ayesha K.
  2. Alcones, Arny Joy B.
  3. Alejandro, Eraño F.
  4. Amante, Chris Dan C.
  5. Aquino, Mary Grace C.
  6. Arada, Reynante H.
  7. Bandalaria, Ann Rose G.
  8. Belda, Maria Fe. B.
  9. Blanco, Luisa Adora A.
  10. Bruegas, Ronald F.
  11. Cruz, Mary Rose
  12. Danila, Hasmin D.
  13. De Leon, Madelon C.
  14. Dioso, Rhodielon G.
  15. Doria, Zarina E.
  16. Infante, Rodel V.
  17. Isleta, Hannah Pearl U.
  18. Laroza, Maricar F.
  19. inor, Neil Bryan A.
  20. Sabal, Mark Chester E.
  21. Santos, Brian Russell N.
  22. Sarzadilla, Noel E.
  23. Uba, Sheryl A.

grads2 grads1

 

Notes from alumni

By Lea Capule

After finishing high school, I opted to look for a job because my family could not afford to send me to college. I felt that my dream of becoming a professional just ended right there and then.  I worked as a saleslady in a pharmacy.

After a few months, my aunt offered to pay for my tuition provided it would be within budget.  The only school I knew then were Laguna College, San Pablo Colleges, Canossa and Trade.  I had no idea about other institutions that offered vocational courses. Then my high school friend introduced me to MSC and encouraged me to take their scholarship exam.

I got the scholarship so  I enrolled in MSC Computer Training Center, with the thought that after two years, I could land in a much better job.  I finished the 2-yrs Office Management Course and was awarded as the Most Outstanding Student (Batch ’96).  After graduation, MSC offered me a student assistant position and encouraged me to finish the 3-yr course which luckily I did.

During those times MSC tied-up with private and public elementary and secondary high schools and MSC provided computers and computer instructor for their students’ computer lessons.  I became a computer instructor in several institutions, like Del Remedio Elementary School and DLSP.  Having experienced the joys of teaching and having developed fondness for students eager to learn, I finally chose to take up Bachelor of Secondary Education and successfully graduated in 2004.

True to its principles, MSC welcomed me again, this time, as a high school teacher.  I believe MSC was as proud as I was when I passed the licensure exam for teachers!  I am really grateful that MSC had been my stepping stone in realizing my full potential and it developed me to be the educator I am today.

Dream big…MSC will help and encourage you achieve your dreams =)

Lea B. Capule
Secondary Teacher

 

MSC Celebrates 2014 Nutrition Month

Every year, MSC High School celebrates the month of July as Nutrition Month as enjoined by the Department of Education. The 2014 theme is very timely as the National Nutrition Council has selected “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!” which aims to promote awareness and intervention strategies to address nutritional needs in emergencies and disasters.

The 2014 MSC Nutrition Month Program held July 28 was highlighted by an Adobo Cooking Festival and Dessert Food Art exhibit, contests in poster –making , essay writing, poetry writing, table skirting and napkin folding, and jingle singing contest participated in by all grade levels.

Grade 10 (4th year) – Diamond, 1st place winners in Table Skirting and Adobo Cooking contest
Food Art – Fish Bloom (cucumber and oranges)
Adobo is sometimes considered as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines
Tokwa Fritters
Judges enjoy their food tasting chores
Food Art – Watermelon witH lollipop
Tropical Philippines with kiwi and ponkan
Pork Adobo with veggies
Grade 9 – Narra, 3rd place,Chicken Adobo

Adobo is sometimes considered as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. It is a popular dish and cooking process which involves meat, seafood, and vegetables stewed in vinegar. Adobo recipes last long even without refrigeration, thus suitable in times when there is no electricity during calamities such as typhoons. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_adobo)

Meal preparation is also an art. Food art makes eating fruits or vegetables more interesting and appetizing especially for children. 

The whole day activity served as the climax of the Nutrition Month celebration. It was a fun experience for the students as they learn through practice the importance of proper nutrition and how to prepare food in times of emergencies. 

In her message to the students, MSC Principal Ms. Lerma S. Prudente said that proper nutrition helps the young people grow to become healthy citizens of the country and awareness of food cooking strategies in times of calamities will ensure that there will still be food for the family to enjoy on the table, and applying food art in meal preparations makes even the simplest meal appetizing. 

The contest winners were judged by MSC faculty members ( Ms. Gemma Dimaano, Ms. Baby Magkawas, Mr. Alfritz Ivan Labo, Ms. Mary Rose Cleofe, Ms. Krizzalyn Barrios, Ms. Jinky Artillero, Ms. Jennry Rose Gonzales) and organized by Health teacher Mr. Rene Antiporda.
Winners of Poster-Making Contest are:

  • (Grade 7) Decerie U. Tulipan, 1st place; Linzi P. Penales, 2nd place; Liane Jane V. Sarmiento, 3rd place ;
  • (Grade 8) Allyzon D. Reyes, 1st place; Karl Stephen Buedad, 2nd place;
  • (Grade 9) Alliah Josiel Patulot, 1st place; Ryan Emmanuel Matuto, 2nd place; Adhie Jhane Faye Banayo, 3rd place;
  • (Grade 10) Nicole Algenio, 1st place; Rica Mae S. Comia, 2nd place; Lovynel Cortez, 3rd place.

Winners of the Essay-Writing Contest are:

  • (Grade 7) Decerie U. Tulipan, 1st place; Shekinah Diangkinay, 2nd place; Linzi P. Penales, 3rd place ;
  • (Grade 8) Mikkel Franz Angeles, 1st place; Allyzon D. Reyes, 2nd place, Aeron John Axelle Banayo, 3rd place;
  • (Grade 9) Sean Allan Martin E. Reyes, 1st place; Lady Chanel Millares, 2nd place; Alliah Josiel Patulot, 3rd place;
  • (4th Year) Rica Mae S. Comia, 1st place; Lovynel Cortez, 2nd place; Rachel Gutierrez, 3rd place.

Winners of the Poetry-Writing Contest are:

  • (Grade 7) Jerick Bonilla, 1st place; Jhon Mark Manalo, 2nd place; Linzi P. Penales, 3rd place ;
  • (Grade 8) Elton Escondo, 1st place; Karl Stephen Buedad, 2nd place, Mikkel Franz Angeles, 3rd place ;
  • (Grade 9) Lady Chanel Millares, 1st place; Ryan Emmanuel Matuto, 2nd place; Alliah Josiel Patulot, 3rd place ;
  • (4th Year) Jan Ezra Panganiban, 1st place; Elyza Mendoza, 2nd place; Lovynel Cortez, 3rd place (4th Year).

Winners of the Napkin Folding contest are: Grade 8, 1st place; Grade 7, 2nd place; Grade 9, 3rd place; 4th year, 4th place.

Winners of the Table Skirting contest are: 4th year, 1st place; Grade 8, 2nd place; Grade 7, 3rd place; Grade 9, 4th place.

Winners of the Adobo Cooking Contest are: 4th year, 1st place; Grade 8, 2nd place; Grade 9, 3rd place; Grade 7, 4th place.

Winners of the Nutrition Month Jingle Contest are: 4th year, 1st place; Grade 9, 2nd place; Grade 7, 3rd place; Grade 8, 4th place.

The MSC Performing Arts Club also presented their “Bahay Kubo” acapella opening number.

Carabao Fractions

Note from the author, Ike Prudente:
I made-up this story to serve as introduction for students to fractions.

Before founding the MSC Institute of Technology, I was a hog raiser and plant propagator at Brgy. San Miguel, San Pablo City. I had a neighbor who rented out work carabaos. He thought that female carabaos are poor work animals.

“Mahinang humila ang babaeng kalabaw”, he told me.   So all his carabaos were males. And he had lots of them. Many were with caretakers who shared the income with him. Whatever savings he had, he used to buy more carabulls.

One day he told me that he feared that when he dies, his three sons will quarrel over his estate. He said: “Ike, lahat sila ay umaasa lang sa akin. Baka mag away-away pa sa partihan ng mana pag ako namatay.” So he prepared a will which he entrusted to me in a sealed envelope, saying “Pareng Ike, bahala ka na ipaalam sa mga anak ko kung papano nila hahatiin ang mamanahin nila sa akin.”

Maybe he had a premonition because shortly after that, he suffered a fatal heart attack. After his interment, I called on his three sons and together we read the contents of his will, which is very short but concise:

“Sa inyong mga anak ko, sa lamesita sa tabi ng kama ko ay may makikita kayong notebook na listahan ng lahat mg mga magaalaga ko ng kalabaw. Tipunin ninyo ang aking mga kalabaw at hatiin ninyo ayon sa aking ipinagbilin. Huwag na huwag lang kayo na magbibili o kakatay ng kahit isa sa mga hayop ko. Isipin nyo lagi na yang mga hayop na yan ang bumuhay sa atin.

“Sa iyo Tomas, dahil marami kang anak iiwan ko sa iyo ang kalahati ng aking mga kalabaw.

“Sa iyo Federico, dahil nag iisa naman ang iyong anak, ipapamana ko sa iyo ang ikatlo nang aking mga hayop.

“At sa iyo naman Horacio, dahil alam kong di ka naman magkakapamilya, ay tama na sa iyo ang ikasiyam na parte ng lahat ng aking mga kalabaw.

“Pinakiusapan ko na si Pareng Ike na pangasiwaan ang partihan ninyo. Paalam at nawa’y pagyamanin ninyo ang aking naiwan sa inyo.”

After reading the will, we all agreed that we will meet again after one week and all will help gather the carabaos so that we can proceed with the partition. On that day, we were all overwhelmed by the number of animals my friend owned.  All the sons were very happy when they realized that they are all going to be rich. We counted a total of 179 carabaos!

But then the sons realized almost simultaneously that they cannot execute the will be cause 179 is not divisible by 2, 3 or 9. And they cannot sell or slaughter any carabao. So they asked for my advice.

I told them that because their late father is like a brother to me, I am willing to give them my only carabao. That wil give them a total of 180 carabaos which they can easily divide.

They let the youngest Horacio pick first. He selected the largest 20 which is  1/9 of 180. Then Federico chose his share of 60 heads which is 1/3 of 180. Finally, Tomas counted his share of 90 carabulls which is half of 180. After the sons have taken their rightful share ( 20 + 60 + 90), there were still 10 carabaos left! They were sure they counted their rightful share accurately but why were there 10 left?  I quickly calculated that 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/9 = 17/18 not 1.

Then we realized that my friend, although a very good carabao farmer, was not very good in carabao fractions. Then the sons agreed to entrust the remaining carabulls with me:

“Use them to make sure that our children will not be poor in Math.”

I later sold the carabaos, bought several personal computers and established the MSC Computer Training Center.

So if you ask me why we choose the name MSC? To remind us that it came from “Math Sa Carabaos”!

This story is adapted from the 17 camels story which I remember from my 0-year days at the Philippine Science High School