CSIW 2009
Showing posts with label CSIW 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CSIW 2009. Show all posts

Cherish the Moments

Excitement. Happiness. Sadness.
Everyone was introducing themselves. At first, I felt shy to make friends but I told myself that: "How could I enjoy this camp without making friends?" A beautiful girl named Pau introduced herself to me and then asked my name. The two of us became friends until all of us became like a big family with only one parent and 21 brothers and sisters in squadron 19, ASTROFANTASTICO. During the workshops, we became closer to each other because to succeed, we needed to trust and believe in the skills and abilities of everyone in the group.
The first night with the group was really memorable. Squadrons 1 to 20 participated in the arcade workshops beside the beach. We played wonderful games and we all enjoyed. It was about 11:30 in the evening, almost everyone in the group felt sleepy when the activity ended up. I sat beside the plant with my new friends, when suddenly, my groupmate sat beside me. We talked and talked without knowing that our other groupmates left us because the Pasafest was starting. It’s already 12:15am and we were still together. While going to our room, the judges announced the result of the audition for the Entertainment Night. The top 10 would proceed to the final round of the dance competition. In our great joy, we were able to grab a spot in the finals.
Everyone was getting ready for the finals. We were all pressured because we needed to maintain our throne for three consecutive years as a champion of the dance competition. When we saw the other groups’ performances, we almost lost our hope because they had performed very well; they had wonderful costumes too. We told each other, "our only hope is to get the judges attention, facial expression and as our trainer said: nganga (open your mouth)". I did my best, we all did and gladly it was worth it! The night ended and we maintained the throne. The morning after the Entertainment Night we entered the dining area and everyone was staring. We were like everybody's attention that time. They were all talking while staring.
Having the field trip was the best! We really did learn so many things while enjoying the trip. We learned the process in which the pineapple leaves became textile. We also learned the importance of mangroves and people there taught us how to plant it. It was amazing!
Everybody was wearing all white, we were like angels during the Pledge Night. Everyone was holding candles and making the symbol of the PSYSC. It was wonderful. My closest friends started to say goodbye after the Pledge Night, we were hugging and even crying even though, we became friends for only a short period of time; we became part of each everyone's life.
Tears kept falling in our eyes while saying goodbye, it was so hard for us because it might be the last time we would see each other. When I was already near the gate one of my special friends came, gave his remembrance to me and said "goodbye". Tears just kept falling in my eyes. My PSYSC experience really meant a lot to me, I will always and will forever cherish those moments...
Eva Julia Marie P. Niez
Space Ranger – Squadron 19 CSIW '09
Cor Jesu College
Digos City, Davao del Sur
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Beyond the wonders of space

My experience as a CSIW delegate was really unforgettable. I made a great decision to attend this camp, even if it means shelling out a considerable amount of money from my parents. Knowing that they may be faced with budgetary constraint, my younger sister, who was also joining for the first time, and I devised some plan to help our parents in raising the amount needed for both of us to go. We posted shout-outs in our Facebook profiles for our Titos, Titas, Ninongs and Ninangs that they may already send their Christmas aguinaldos early. So it came pouring in different amounts and we got half of the money we need for CSIW. Our parents were so happy.
I value every single second that I spent on this camp. Beautiful locations, talented speakers, outstanding facilitators and teachers, plus smart students from different parts of the Philippines opened my mind and broadened my knowledge in Science. I learned different topics about Astronomy and the wonders of space from all the “astrovants” especially Fr. Daniel J. Mcnamara, S.J., PhD., because his achievements has inspired me to do the same. Furthermore, I also got to share with various participants and enjoyed the company of our group, Squadron 19 (Astro-Fantastico), with our facilitator Christian Concepcion (Kuya X). I also had a chance to join the essay writing contest. My most unforgettable experience was at the Bakawan Ecopark when we had a hands-on experience on planting mangroves. As a gift and bonus for my hard work, I received three major awards, the Best Squadron (Cepheus Award), Best Sub-camper (Ranger) and the Gallilean Award.
It was a one-of-a-kind 3-day camp that I will cherish because in this camp, I learned to care about myself and others, to embrace differences, and to respect the natural world. I also made lifelong friends along the way. Hopefully, I could share my experiences with my schoolmates and friends and make my life valuable for others.
Marcus Rey S. Custodio

Space Ranger – Squadron 19 CSIW '09
Crisanto Guysayco Memorial Elementary School (CGMES)
Nagcarlan, Laguna
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When the best things in life are not things...

My first trip outside Luzon and first plane ride was really nothing but a wonderful experience. It was fun having some daydreaming, but then, I suddenly realized that it was not the first experience travelling through the midst of the sky but the foremost practice of being a commander in the 2009’s CSIW, Project Astro: Navigating the Interstellar Mystics that thrilled me. It was such an enormous grace that I was one of the 20 commanders who guided 21 minds and hearts through the whole event. At the same time, I was so pressured about the assigned tasks given to me as a facilitator. Yes, great tasks to finish in three short days!
And so came the opening day. My heart started to beat so fast as the opening ceremony commenced, perhaps caused by the excitement and joy I was feeling. To distract myself from the possibility of passing out, I just thought of the responsibility that awaited me as a temporary tatay to my anaks. Questions like, “Paano ko sisimulan ang lahat? Paano kung hindi sila makikinig? Paano kung ayaw nila sa akin? Paano kung... kept on entering my mind. I was really fed up thinking of these “Paano kung...”! “Come what may!” I told myself.
I, together with my co-facilitators was wearing all black outfit with some spice of metallic foils. We had a little presentation and behind our smiles were nervy and anxious hearts for we were about to meet our subcampers.
As the first day came to a close, all my negative thoughts had vanished. The kids were as cheerful as the birds in the sky and happy just like the flowers nourished with utmost care and fresh water. I believe they did their very best in every activity. They seemed to know each other; very cooperative even though sometimes I needed to put some (only some) angst to get their attention back to me. It was my nature to be a hot-tempered boy during my high school days and I rapidly realized how impatient I have been to them at times and how I little by little overcame the test of my patience. I even laughed at myself when Kuya Redd, one of the CSIW staff told me during the field trip proper to chill. He observed that I have reached my limit. But after his words of advice, I remembered that the main reason I was there was to impart my knowledge to them. Besides, they are growing children with great curiosity and interests.
When we were heading home, I was surprised when one of my anak dared me to answer her question. On the back of my mind was the idea of being humiliated if I wouldn’t be able to answer her question. Thank God I answered it adequately. I just felt fulfilled when they participated on the game I’ve done together with Ate Hannie. They were very eager to answer the questions and I was very overwhelmed when they really wanted more even though there was no prize at stake. The bond with them really made me happy that day.
During the closing, we were to say our goodbyes and last words to our anaks. I planned not cry but as soon as some of my anaks hugged me, I really can’t help but fall into tears. No words can explain why I cried the time they hugged me. Maybe it was the feeling of attachment and friendship which I developed with them in a span of 3 days. Without them, I would not be the new Kuya X, who had improved emotionally, intellectually and socially.
Finally, I learned that the BEST THINGS in life are indeed, not THINGS.
Christian Concepcion
Best Facilitator CSIW '09
National Executive Council Assistance Team
University of the Philippines- Diliman
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Thoughts of a PSYSC First Timer on CSIW Aklan

I am a first timer on PSYSC. I was never familiar of CSIW. I didn’t even know the meaning and purpose of it, until I became a part of it. I was very happy when Kuya Klang, a member of the National Executive Council Assistance Team (NECAT), invited me to join CSIW ‘09 as a facilitator. But I was also nervous because it would be my first time to facilitate in a nationwide event and I didn’t know if I can do the task that will be given to me. For experience’s sake, I accepted Kuya Klang’s offer and promised myself that I would do my best.
I was so nervous on the first night when Thea Mae D. Dino, the Regional Council Chairperson of Region VI, and I arrived at the venue, the Sampaguita Gardens that I can’t even talk. Because of my nervousness, I had a difficulty introducing myself to my co-facilitators and to the staff of CSIW. As the event progressed, however, I could say that I have improved a lot. Also, my self-confidence improved because during the camp, I did things I hated like dancing and delivering speeches. I was able to do away with the shy me.
I really enjoyed CSIW! It was one of the unforgettable moments in my life. Thank you PSYSC for this really great experience!
Rico Paolo C. Belonio
Vice Chairperson for External Affairs Region VI Regional Council
Sagay National High School
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A Subcamper's Diary


Tired and exhausted from the recently concluded three-day intramurals, my mom woke me up early to catch the five o’ clock assembly meeting at the Old CIC Campus. We were going to Kalibo, Aklan to attend the 2009 Children’s Science Interactive Workshop (CSIW).
At first, I was reluctant to get up, still wanting to catch some sleep and rest, but the anxiety and the thrill in my mind of going to a new place, meeting new friends and the fascination of new learning and experiences prompted me to get up like lightning, striking every door of our bathroom and cabinets. In less than ten minutes, I was ready. My mom, dad and my little sister bid me goodbye as I enter the van which would bring us to NAIA to board the 12:45 flight to Aklan.
As expected, we arrived at Kalibo Airport at five minutes before 2 p.m. A shuttle bus was waiting for our delegation consisting of 14 learners from Grade V & Grade VI and three coaches headed by Sir Erwin.
We were called SPACE RANGERS during the three-day event. My co-rangers from our school were Aaron B. Calderon, Ethan B. Calderon, Clarissa Callueng, Christine Carl Callueng, Ma. Joyce Esporna, Kamille Anne B. Flores, Ann Clarisse P. Go, Ana Katrina C. De Guzman, Maria Ana Enza V. Quimson, Bianca Sophia S. Regala, Bianca Isabel N. Santos,Philip Raphael G. Siwa, Francis Emmanuel D.C. Santiago, and Avrianne Villaseñor.
Our teachers were called PEDAGOGUES. They were the one who guided and cared for us throughout the duration of the event. Sir Erwin was a bubbly mentor and a science guru. Sir Joel was a jolly educator and Ma’am Edz, a vivacious adviser. They truly served as our loving and caring parents. We were a big happy family then. Our parents were also called pedagogues. They joined us in our trip because they like to experience the so called “precious moments” of Sampaguita Gardens and the alluring beauty of white sands of Boracay.
The theme, PROJECT ASTRO: NAVIGATING THE INTERSTELLAR MYSTICS provided us fascinating knowledge and great learning experiences with the help of our ASTROVANTS, our speakers who were all experts in the field of Astronomy. Listening from their words of wisdom, I was able to appreciate more and love the wonders of the space and the universe.
The highlights of the event were contests, such as the Astro Rhythm: Dance of the Stars, Essay Writing, Photo Journalism, Poster Making Contest & School Quiz Bee, CSIW Fair, CSIW trails and CSIW challenges. Through these contests I was able to develop self confidence, demonstrate sportsmanship and establish a value of respecting others.
During the awarding ceremonies we were overwhelmed upon garnering the second place in the Astro Rhythm Dance Contest, third place in the Astronomy Essay Writing Contest and most of all being named as Best Subcampers won by PHILIP RAPHAEL G. SIWA, three time awardee for this category (CSIW Pangasinan, CSIW Quezon and CSIW Aklan), and yours truly. We were awarded with medals courtesy of our leadership potentials. Ann Clarisse P. Go and Philip Raphael G. Siwa received their Loyalty Awards (3 years of continuous participation in CSIW).
Concluding the unforgettable activities and experiences we had, I bid goodbye to my new friends whom I met at the event. We exchanged cellphone numbers and addresses, and hopefully, in the days to come – my cellphone will run-out of battery answering text messages!
Ohhh CSIW, what an experience!!
BIANCA SOPHIA S.REGALA
College of the Immaculate Conception
Grade School Department
Cabanatuan City
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