(In the closing scenes of the movie Act of Valor, a poem by Tecumseh was read aloud in honor of a departed war hero. The poem served as a gift by the fallen soldier to his son. This short and powerful poem by Tecumseh deserved a space here in our site. Keep this always in your pocket.)
The Children’s Ark Preparatory School welcomes the New Year 2013 with the firmness to find hidden opportunities for learning in each new day. We shall open every blank pages and fill it ourselves.
Happy New Year everyone!
October 27, 2012 — TCAPS schoolchildren celebrated another United Nations Day with full flair by dressing up in the traditional costumes and colors of different cultures and nationalities. Every year the Children’s Ark Preparatory School commemorates United Nation’s Day as one of the school’s extra-curricular activities to acquaint the children with global issues and to amplify the children’s mindsets on multiculturalism.
A peachy event and a great opportunity for the children to learn about and explore all the cultures that make up the brotherhood of Man.
According to a recent Gallup survey, Filipinos are the most emotional people in the world. It says we — Pinoys — experience a number of feelings on a daily basis. No doubt. On the opposite end however, are the Singaporeans who, as per the poll result, are the least emotional. Stony?
If I — for example — am ordinarily subjected to a little dose of laughter and trouble and drama etc. day in and day out, I am curious how the Singaporeans roll with the punches in their daily routines. But of course, there is a big difference between an emotive society and a more “reserved” one. In the case of the Philippines and Singapore, it’s called ‘progress.’
But then again, I wonder, if they still enjoy staring at the sunset.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu
From the Paradise Ranch and Zoocobia Fun Zoo, next on our itinerary was the more evocative Nayong Pilipino complex. Here we took a quick look at the “Philippines” laid out in one vast recreational area. Nayong Pilipino is a 45-acre amusement/theme park made up of replicas of landmarks and structures that depict Philippine culture and history. At the very least, TCAPS students get to have a more candid experience of all things Filipino outside the classroom walls. Some of the park’s notable features include National Hero Jose Rizal’s House, Emilio Aguinaldo’s Residence, the Apolinario Mabini House, Ifugao Village, the Barasoain Church, Lapu-Lapu Monument, a Historic Train, Spanish Colonial Plaza and some novelty shops.
A visit to Nayong Pilipino is like a trip into a warp zone wherein one can have a tour into the annals of Philippine history.
“Barasoain Church” – The seat of the First Philippine Republic
The incomplex, one-room designed Ifugao hut.
At the facade of an Ifugao hut.
Nayong Pilipino Rondalla Group. Another special treat to visitors is a presentation of Filipino’s time-worn music and dances.
“Sayaw sa Sombrero”
“Tinikling” - One of the most popular and well-known of the traditional Philippine dances.
“Kadang-kadang” – a peculiar dance using bamboo stilts with stepladder. Actually a traditional Filipino game played outdoor converted into a dance.
“Cariñosa” — a Philippine dance of Hispanic origin from the Maria Clara suite of Philippine folk dance.
Oh Creamline… enjoying some scoops! What better way to replenish after a day of explorations.
———————————————-
The Children’s Ark Preparatory School believes that taking students into a new environment not only gives them a learning experience but also provides the experience of traveling in a group and teaches them to be mindful of the more significant places and the stories behind them.
Another welcome break for teachers and students as we embarked on an educational trip last September to PARADISE RANCH, a refreshing nature and conservation park just inside the sub-zone of Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. While the field trip’s goal is essentially to learn and experience, it also served as a fun bonding activity for everyone. The formative years is the best time to garner as much memories of school educational tours as one could.
PARADISE RANCH is a 30-hectare recreational farmstead founded by Erik D. Gomez in an effort to provide jobs for the folks in Sacobia Valley who were ravaged by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The acreage also seeks to promote environmental protection and preservation.
TCAPS availed of the Ranch’s day-visit-package featuring a guided tour to its major attractions such as Zoocobia, Walk-Thru Aviary, Toon Town, Farm Ville, Animal Feeding and a whole lot more plus an added visit to Nayong Pilipino, a historic and cultural amusement park also at the Freeport Zone.
Bus rides from the humdrum of the city are always a great escape. We had a grand and relaxing ride! Our special thanks to Sir Arnel of HUNNYPOT Tours and of course, our friendly tour guide Kuya Boy!
Touchdown Paradise Ranch
Teacher Liza (right) trying out the Aeta Tribesmen’s cultural dance steps
After a 30-minute Tribal Show, visitors are called upon to join some fun dance challenge. Here, our very own KC Mabiasen (Gr. 3) was named Ms. PARADISE RANCH after her winning dance steps imitating the “monkey-dance-movement” as performed by an Aeta entertainer.
KC Mabiasen – Ms. Paradise Ranch
Aeta Tribal Dance troupe blowing the lid off to the tune of SHAKIRA’s “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)”
TCAPS faculty with the tribal dancers
Teacher Carol with the lads and lassies at the quiet gardens of Paradise Ranch.
Teaher Liza with Duffy Duck
Toon Town, Paradise Ranch. Basically a garden with replicas of cartoon characters.
Ancient beasts at the Dino Park Kingdom
Tyrannosaurus Rex
“Statue of Liberty”
Entrance of Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Slide for Life / Giant Slide
Garden Maze at Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Zoocobia is perched on the forested foothills of Paradise Ranch. Aside from viewing assorted types of animals, visitors are to have a different kind of educational and interactional experience with a near-at-hand viewing and at the same time animal-feeding intimacy. An unforgettable zoological acquaintance perfect for our young tourists.
Paradise Ranch’s Farm Ville is the real-life experience outside of that online computer game. Here, visitors not only get to feed the animals but also harvest some vegetables, fruits and crops.
Parents and children alike had fun feeding the largest and flightless bird with grains
Midget or pygmy horses. Or more commonly known as “miniature horses”
Alpacas. A domesticated species of South American camelid.
Binturong. Another name for Bear Cat. Commonly found in Sumatra, Java, Borneo,Palawan and other Southeast Asian land.
Mj and Oj having a grand time feeding Kalahari domestic goats (Capra Hircus). Commonly found in the moist mountains of Africa
Animal and Bone and Skin Museum
Paradise Ranch Walk-Thru Aviary.
The Brahminy Kite. Also known as the Red-backed Sea-eagle in Australia. A medium sized bird of prey.
Sleeping Grass Owl
Blue-naped Parrot. Also known as the Philippine Green Parrot or “Pikoy”. Feeds on seeds and nuts
Rufous Horn Bill. The Philippine Hornbill. Also known as “Kalaw” Loves to feed on fruits and insects.
The Philippine Eagle-Owl is a vulnerable species of bird belonging to the Strigidae Family. It feeds on rats and meat and commonly found in the forests of Catanduanes, Samar and Bohol.
Feeling the cold and scaly form of a giant boa.
Carlos Miguel and Omel aka “Si Malakas at Si Maganda”
Next stop on Outbound Tour — “Nayong Pilipino..”
Another National Language Month celebration transpired as we observed the 75th year of the declaration of Tagalog as our basic language of communication. It was in 1937 when Executive Order No. 134 was approved calling for the development of a national language based in Tagalog. In 1987 however, the Constitution was revised stating that the national language of the Philippines be Filipino.
This August, The Children’s Ark Preparatory School joined the entire nation in commemorating “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” with a series of activities according to each week’s theme: August 1-7 highlights the 75th year of Filipino in education and its use in official communication; August 8-14, 2012, Filipino and other dialects in the context of Kindergarten-to-12 and Mother Tongue Based Education; August 15-21, 2012, centers on the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” and “Panatang Makabayan.”; August 23-28, 2012, celebrates Filipino as a universal language that promotes a stable society; and August 29-31, 2012 capping the celebration with school activities consistent with the President’s “Tuwid na Daan” battle cry.
TCAPS kids sporting the Philippine traditional fashion, embroidered barong Tagalog for the boys and the baro at saya for the girls, in keeping with the theme for this important occasion.
Prep Wisdom: with Adrian Laguda, Matthew Guitterrez and Jedd Comabalicer…..
Prep Wisdom: Our handsome Gabriel Tamondong, Thea Prado, Angelica Camacho and Norjuna Bocua..
Our “healthy” magsasaka Heber Cruz
Expressing the doxology. Offering our hearts to our Heavenly Father
Sticking around for the day’s shows and performances from different grade levels
Nursery and kinder doing the Filipino classic rice-planting song Magtanim Ay Di Biro
Sabayang Pagbigkas by the 1st Graders, under Teacher Den
“Mga Pambansang Sagisag”
Students Council 2012-2013 Oath Taking officiated by Teacher Arlene Atillano (Grade 6)
President: Princess Kyla Pabitu
Vice Pres: Ginger Coleen Isaac
Secretary: Ivy Jovenal
Treasurer: Jenina Mari Mendoza
Auditor : Princilla Katryel Pabitu
Representatives:
Grade 1 : Xander Kil Camacho
Grade 2 : Anne Margareth Librando
Grade 3 : Kattie Cammile Mabiasen
Winners for the Linggo ng Wika Best in Costume
Nursery: Jameerah Eduarte
Kinder: Laura Jean Ceilo
Prep: Jedd Combalicer and Xandra Camacho
Grade 1: Mj Perez and Makency Combalicer
Grade 5: OJ Perez and Ginger Isaac
Grade 6: Kyle Corong and Kyla Pabitu
The gifted Pabitu sisters performing the lyre with their rendition of Pilipinas kong Mahal
Chow time….. Nursery and kinder class
Sabayang Pagbigkas by the grade 4 and 5
In compliance with this year’s Nutrition Month themed Pagkain Ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw Itong Ihain ( Make vegetable eating a habit, keep it served daily) we turned the spotlight to the importance of VEGETABLES, as part of our healthy diet. This year’s celebration aimed at promoting vegetable consumption, especially among the young, in order to preempt micro-nutrient deficiencies.
Along with the occasion, the Children’s Ark Prep School conducted health check-ups, medical and dental in particular, for its bright-eyed kiddies. Plus, an epic muppet show dubbed Lusog-Saya Sa Safari by no other than the country’s acclaimed ventriloquist Kuya Ony Carcamo.
Following is a collection of images from this year’s Nutrition Month blast, wrapped up with some cool vegetable trivias. Enjoy!
Kuya Ony Carcamo engaging the young crowd with what he does best.
New school pediatrician Dr. Bacolor spearheads the children’s medical legwork
“If the body is feeble, the mind will not be strong.”
Will leave you now with some interesting vegetable facts courtesy of Healthy-Eating-Foods.Info:
We’re backtracking folks! Back over the course by which we have come. And here we go — from last summer’s art class!
The Children’s Ark Prep School’s 2012 summer workshop featured arts and crafts that juiced up our young boys and girl’s enterprising minds. A summer productively spent on creativity and self-expression as kids work on various aptitudes such as molding, painting, sculpting and other crafts.
TCAPS affirms the value of art in the refinement of children’s cognitive and creative skills; strengthening their problem-solving skills; development of their sense of craftmanship; and their tuning in to other important values such as team building and awareness to different cultures and traditions.
Peek-a-boo! Adornment for summer carnivals…
Beauty of marine life expressed in a paper collage by Oj Perez and Cedric Jose…
Inspired from candy sa palayok — is the “Birthday Pinata.”
Something to make their room cozy or less frightening during brown-outs are these candle holders made out of empty bottles of mayonnaise by TCAPS preschoolers.
Name plates made of clay moldings.
Finger-painting collage using colored art papers.
Bits and pieces of colored art paper pasted to form amusing shapes.
Spray Painting and drawing
Cone-shaped hats
To develop their psychomotor skills, the little ones were, first, given time to have fun with their clays. And later on were made to create yummy “ice creams” on a cone.
Children were taught to express themselves in the unique art of stone paintings.
Certificate awardee Andrea with Teachers Carol and Liza and assistant Den at the successful completion of TCAPS’ Art Summer Class for 2012.
