Vogue Philippines: Hidilyn Diaz Slays in July Fashion Magazine

Every human has a strong inner drive that, when let open, can transform dreams into reality.

Just like Hidilyn Diaz, she has demonstrated her icon status again and made a splash in the fashion world as the cover star of Vogue Philippines, the international fashion and lifestyle publication.

Despite not qualifying for the Paris Olympics this year, Diaz shares her aspirations to be present in a different capacity, from being the strongest woman in weightlifting to now a fashion cover girl of the famous Vogue magazine.

She said in the interview that she could give a lot of excuses, but Paris just wasn't for her. “I was still happy because I did not give up. I showed up, and I did my best.” She was overjoyed to find herself featured in the nation's most widely read magazine.

Diaz also wanted to start a new chapter in her life together with her husband, committed to raising the next generation of weightlifters at her own academy. She wanted to impart and mold young people with the same passion that led her to success.

Her success inspired young ladies to follow their dreams without hesitation. That's the reason Vogue featured her on their cover.

Readers are also encouraged to observe strength and style, as well as what it means to be both beautiful and powerful.

In showcasing Hidilyn Diaz's remarkable success, Vogue magazine asserts that genuine beauty is found in people who are strong, resilient, and authentic—places where elegance and power are cherished equally.

Water Supply Crisis: The Daily Challenges San Jose Del Monte Faces Amid Service Failures

"WATER IS LIFE"

This is the most popular line that people say because water is used in daily life for cleaning, drinking, washing, planting and much more. 

That's why many residents in San Jose Del Monte Bulacan are complaining and protesting against Prime water because of the continued lack of water in their area. 

According to the Alliance for Consumers Protection of the City of San Jose del Monte, since the San Jose del Monte Water District joined the JVA, Prime water has not had good service.

In addition, Prime water allegedly requested an additional water bill even though their service was not being repaired. Therefore, many residents were affected due to the increase in water bills. 

Former Senate President Manny Villar owns Prime water, so he faces serious challenges in the affected areas. Villar is known as one of the richest people in the country. Despite its well-known name, it did not bring comfort to the residents who were hoping to get a smoother and more reliable service. 

The residents in San Jose del Monte hope that their complaints will be taken seriously by the rightful authorities, who will then take necessary steps to improve the water supply's safety and quality.

Rising Stars: Senior High School Dancers Shine at Tanglawan Tour Guide Competition 2024

 

“Step into the spotlight and let your passion shine! ”

Just what senior high school dancers from San Jose Del Monte National High School did when they participated as guest performers in a vibrant celebration of the Tanglawan Tour Guide Competition 2024.

One of the performers was Felicity C. Fortuno of Grade 11-HUMSS Prudence. She has loved to dance since she was a kid. She was a member of the Kalatas Dance Ensemble group, where 13 members performed neo-contemporary style at the Convention Center on September 6, 2024.

According to her, it's really difficult to memorize a step, particularly if it's fast, and they also need to learn how to sustain their energy during the entire performance.

"Of course, to keep up with others, you must carefully master the moves, and to avoid becoming weak immediately, you must take tough dancing classes,” she said.

This was a great honor and experience for them to be a part of this cultural event. Even though they weren't in the contest, they shone like stars and got the opportunity to show their talents and get exposure as guest performers that day.

Apart from the large number of people that attended the event, there were also activities to acknowledge the participants who joined the event. Many audiences were amazed because they performed well on the stage.

Their group greatly enriched the cultural experience and left a lasting impression on the other attendees. Their dance performance made the event even more special for everyone. They showed how important it is for young people to support local traditions.

These rising stars' dance performances were a sign of their dedication and love for what they do. Their participation in the Tanglawan Tour Guide Competition highlighted the importance of performing arts in cultural events. They proved that youthful enthusiasm and dedication can breathe new life into traditional celebrations.

Survivor's Story: Grade 10 Student's Terrifying Experience in San Jose Del Monte

Life is sometimes unpredictable! You never know what will happen tomorrow.

Just like what happened to a Grade 10 student from Jaena. It was a normal afternoon for 15-year-old Coline Borcena when she went out to meet her classmates for a math dance practice in Yakal, San Jose Del Monte. A place they often used to go to because it's near and has cheap fares.

Before leaving her house, she received a strange call from an unknown number. He kept on saying she wanted to get to know her, but she just declined and ended the call immediately. She was nervous, but he still wanted to go because all she could think about was that she was excited to share her steps for her group's dance.

After that, her parents took her to a church nearby so that she could meet up with her friends. But she waited so long and decided to walk alone toward the school, unaware that the decision she made would scar her for life, not only physically but emotionally also.

As she approached the riprap path near the river, a quiet and secluded area, Coline walked past two girls who appeared to be going in the same direction as she was. One of them looked nervous, but Coline didn't take much heed of it, so she kept walking and messaged her leader. 

While chatting with their leader, who was going to meet her, when she raised her head, she then noticed a man just appearing ahead of her, staring at her deliberately. The man was in a jacket, shorts, and hat. He looked out of place to Coline. She thought for a moment to turn back, but she realized she was already too far along.

Coline's fear increased. When she looked back as if she noticed something, she quickened her pace. Then all of a sudden someone headlocked her and said, "Give me your CP; I won't kill you." She didn't know what to do because she was holding a knife. When the man got his cell phone, he allegedly pushed her. Coline also pushed him back, and they both fell on both sides of the riprap of the river. Coline fell to the ground, and the man on the other side of the riprap was surrounded by trees, branches, and grass.

Coline dragged herself up by using the rocks to her advantage to scramble back up the embankment. Her body was bruised, her hands were scraped raw, but she did not give up. As she ran, Coline heard the man's voice in the distance shouting threats to kill her if he caught up. But Coline did not listen to his threats and only concentrated on getting away. When she finally found a group of people who assisted her, she was taken to the Barangay Hall in Yakal. There, Coline broke down, her body trembling from the fear and trauma of the attack. Although she was bruised, she was alive, and that was the most important thing.

Coline's survivor story and her bravery became a lesson to the SJeans and serve as a warning to others to always put safety first and remain cautious, even in seemingly familiar places. Whether you’re walking to school, heading to a practice, or just going everywhere, always be alert, and safety should always come first. 

Success of SPA Team in Fun Fiesta sa Pilipinas 2024

"Tiktak. tiktak." Time tickled mercilessly, capturing the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) of San Jose Del Monte National High School's unwavering dedication. Their route to fame in Fun Fiesta Pilipinas 2024 was not built with extravagant remarks but rather with victories of determination, passion, and an unyielding love of the arts.

Within this whole story of triumph, SPA students of SJDMNHS show a great deal more than talent. Each one left the audience dazed. One-Act Play team under the mentorship of Sir Arvin Noble made off with the First Prize with a highly impactful performance capturing the crux of dramatic narration. They can actually create a mood by speaking words and by their actions and leave people at your mercy with your skills of the language and performance.

Documentary took home 1st Place under coach Ma'am Ivy Rose Diamaro. The work they produced was very insightful and profoundly touching on the Filipino culture and traditions made a strong impact on everyone who witnessed it. They brought back to life old stories many had forgotten, thus realizing their pride in the richness of our heritage. Success is even more appropriate as a result of the power of storytelling-a power that grows exponentially once imbued with love for its subject.

The choir continued its tradition of excellence with a third place finish in the chorale category. The SJDMNHS Vocal Ensemble is under the coach of Sir Alejandro Erestain. Their voices, although sound combined, were still beautiful in such a way that harmonies filled every air with deep melodies that seem to stir in the soul. The performance is not only about striking the right notes but also in making a very close emotional connection between the audience and the performers through music. Every note sung, every word spoken, was infused with the spirit of excellence that defines the Special Program in the Arts.

In the spirit of commitment, perseverance, and love for the arts that SPA students possess, these victories. The time they spent, sacrifices, and help from coaches who paved their way to get there. Their late hours, teamwork, dreaming together, and the accomplishment of making something new that the world can see.

Thanks to these coaches Sir Arvin, Ma'am Ivy Rose, and Sir Alejandro have not only polished the skills of their students but also taught them the ways of discipline and teamwork, which is why the SPA team has got these awards. 

In fact, the success of the SPA team in FUN FIESTA SA PILIPINAS 2024, in itself, is a beautiful testimony of how much they are rooted within the arts. They have, indeed achieved their streak of wins which other people would struggle to achieve. In fact, talent lies at the heart of the students in SPA, and they cannot wait to see where passion and commitment will take them next. The journey ends here, and They are assured that this one is just the start of many more in the future. Congratulations to the Special Program in the Arts team-you win, it's our pride!