I never joined student groups. Moreover, I have no experience in journalism — not even in generic writing, which made me wary of my admission to The Escolarian since experience was asked during application, and I simply have none. Nevertheless, I was excited to try something new and was looking forward to being accepted. There was nothing to lose but so much to gain. So, I applied and became a news writer for The Escolarian during my SHS stay at CEIS.

I learned so much from our adviser, Sir Raymond! Being friends with E meant carrying those lessons with me into college. Furthermore, it was a stepping stone for opportunities ahead. Looking back now as a college freshman, I realize being part of E opened doors I never expected back in grade 11 — opportunities and lessons that I could not have obtained in any other way.

Keep fighting and pursue what is right. I hope you’ll have glorious opportunities ahead, just like your senior members of The Escolarian did!

Heleina Lourisse Tolentino (News Writer)

I joined The Escolarian because I wanted to try and explore writing—something that is new to me, as I used to not enjoy it growing up. And being part of E has taught me so much and allowed me to experience things I never thought I would enjoy.

Being friends with E allowed me to enjoy new experiences and build relationships with others in the organization. 

I hope you enjoy every moment of being friends with E! Wishing you nothing but the best.

Ieuan Dane F. Abendanio (Opinions Writer)

Supposedly, to get rid of my fear of sitting on the fence. Only problem is, I didn't go through with it at all. Being friends with E also means sharing your time with E's other friends. There's a limit to how much fun a person can enjoy by themselves. Be sure to go through with your goals. That's just basic self-respect. 

Sheramie C. Cruz (Feature Writer)

I had always had a passion for writing as I feel that using words is the most comfortable way for me to express how I feel and imagine the world to be. Writing out my thoughts preserves the ideas that I want to share with the world. The Escolarian motivated me to improve my writing skills while pursuing this passion.

Being friends with E meant that I was able to create wonderful memories with people who share the same passion as I do when it comes to writing. I felt that sharing our experiences and views with each other improved my social skills and allowed me to gain the confidence I needed to become assured with myself.

To the next members of The Escolarian, the best advice that I could give is to always follow what you believe is right, especially as someone who will be voicing out to others. Your words are your power.

Jairus Carl R. Concepcion (Sports Writer)

Incentives. Means a lot. Be more tentative to other members. 

Carnaley Avril D. Geronimo (Editorial Cartoonist) 

When I was in 6th grade, I unexpectedly joined a district press conference because my teachers asked me to. As they saw the potential in me with my drawings. Since then, it sparked my love for cartooning and drawing. However, I took a break from competitions during my junior high school years as I focused more with my academics. Then, as I entered my senior high, I found out about our school publication — The Escolarian. At first, I thought there's no cartooning department as there were no cartoonist staffers back then. Fortunately, there is and the previous Editorial Board '23-'24 were looking for aspiring cartoonists. That's when the little editorial cartoonist in me felt the thrill I once felt before and I applied to become a member of the school publication and be friends with E.

Being friends with E is something I am genuinely grateful for. Ever since I became friends with E I also became friends with a lot of other staffers. Something that I didn't expect, to be able to connect and collaborate with other people. E has helped me to be more social and helped me grow. I've noticed it myself — the growth I had as an editorial cartoonist. The E has taught me so much. Not just about drawing techniques and skills, but also about camaraderie and the value of friendship with other members of the E.

My advice for the next batch of The Escolarian is to do your best, and exceed your expectations. Yet, don't forget to enjoy and make friends with other members! Value the friendship built along your journey!

Patrish Paula T. Ferrer (Editorial Cartoonist)

Duty and stepping outside my bubble. Finding a part of yourself didn't know exist. Take the opportunity when it's there and remember that you're part of E as well you are as important to anyone else .

Immanuel Paolo M. Acosta (Editorial Cartoonist)

My classmates inspired me to become a member of The Escolarian. I saw that what they do was really cool and I wanted to put my skills to the test and try out some organizations.

It means to me that I get to socialize and interact with lots of different people and it's a form of challenge for me to test out my skills

My message is to just enjoy the organization since you only come across being part of it once in a lifetime. Make friends and take part in activities and just overall enjoy it. Don't let it stress you out a lot, the organization is there for people to have fun and show off their talents.

Ethan Mark C. Evangelista (Editorial Cartoonist)

The number one thing that inspired me to join The Escolarian as an editorial cartoonist is my hobby of drawing. I've been drawing since I was a little kid, finding it one of the most fun ways to pass the time.   Moreover, I was persuaded by some of my fellow classmates, who are members of The Escolarian, to join the organization.

Being friends with E means being a voice for the truth—seeking facts, and giving people the information they need to understand the world. Being friends with E also means being surrounded with people with similar interests, which can boost morale and motivation.

Always remember your words and illustrations have the power to inform, inspire, and create change.

Romea Nicole C. Estares (Photojournalist)

What inspired me to become a member of The Escolarian was my love for capturing moments. Photojournalism lets me show truth, emotion, and reality without saying a single word.

Being friends with E means having a space where my passion for photojournalism is seen and valued. It goes beyond writing—it's about being part of a team that respects the power of images just as much as words. With E, I’m able to express myself in ways I can’t always do in real life. It’s where I can keep doing what I love, alongside individuals who inspire me to see the world differently.

Keep your passion alive. Whether through words or images, tell stories that matter and capture truth with heart. Always see beyond what meets the eye!

Samantha Loraine B. Gan (Photojournalist)

I was inspired by my friend, who is also a photojournalist, and my dream of working in the film industry.

For me, being friends with The E goes beyond just writing, it's about being part of something I truly connect with. It helps me show who I really am, especially when the real world doesn’t always give me that chance. I've learned how to understand others better and see things from different points of view. The E feels like a home where creativity and real friendships grow.

Sa mga future members, good luck sa inyo! ‘Wag niyo sanang gamitin ang The Escolarian para lang sa clout, gawin niyo kung ano man ang task na ibinigay sa inyo at maging active kayo. madali man o mahirap ang given task, i-enjoy niyo lang, dahil mas masaya ang isang bagay kapag nae-enjoy mo at interesado kang gawin ito. 

Lianne Jeanelle Clemente (Photojournalist)

What inspired me was the desire to capture and document the moments of the student life — not only to preserve memories but also to connect with people. Being part of the organization has given me an opportunity to highlight every diverse experiences of the students and find any possible meaning in each moment captured behind the lens. This role that was given to me pushes me to fully portray these experiences and give each photo the spotlight it deserves.

Being friends with E means sharing a space to build connection with every person who will read the inside of you. It means that someone will understand the parts of you that you want to be fulfilled.

As someone who was given an opportunity to be part of this organization, I am confident that the next students who wish to express their passion and skills will be embraced and warmly welcomed by E. Being friends with E will allow you to continue and pursue what you truly desire as student journalism. Good luck to all aspiring student journalists!

Janella Kim M. Delos Santos (Photojournalist)

What inspired me to become a member of this media publication was my desire to explore different aspects of myself through visual storytelling. As a photojournalist, I’m drawn to capturing candid moments that convey meaning beyond words. This role allows me to see through the eyes of the subject, their emotions through the lens, their natural gestures, and the beauty they carry within themselves. It helps me view life from different perspectives, and I believe it’s a meaningful way for me to grow both personally and professionally.

Being connected with The E keeps me grounded in reality. It’s a force that cuts through the blindness to the real struggles many Filipinos face every day. The E isn’t just about posting news, it shares stories that might seem ordinary to some, but to those who truly pay attention, they carry weight, truth, and purpose.

One of my subject teachers told us before, “When being asked to choose between two sides of a controversial question, always choose the answer that comes with growth, supports human rights, and upholds equality.”

Those might not have been the exact words, but that was the message and I’ve carried it with me ever since. It has given me the confidence to speak up for others and for myself. 

I’m sharing these words with you because they had a massive impact on my journey with The E, and I hope they do the same for everyone planning to join this publication. Use your time in The E to help make the world a safer and better place to live in, future Escolarians! Good luck juggling acads and orgs, and facing your future endeavors!

Keith Anderson P. Argonza (Copyreader)

Frankly speaking, I just wanted to have the lanyard and media I.D. Being affiliated with the organization entails a huge responsibility in meeting and providing every student in the school with the right to information. Friends of E are not simply campus journalists who are expected to write well; they are also people who are expected to remain vigilant about school events, issues, and any anomalies that must be uncovered to the public. All these because we are the advocates for the truth.

Always be advocates for the truth. Stand your ground, challenge the status quo, and fight against censorship.

Denise Angela C. Salamat (Copyreader)

The Escolarian comprises passionate individuals who strive to deliver factual information. This inspired me, someone whose goal is to be one of the voices of the students and provide awareness to the current societal issues, to join the organization as a copyreader. This role may be belittled by others, but copyreaders are essential as they help provide clarity and improve the quality of writing. 

Purpose, commitment, and growth— these three words describe how being friends with E is. The purpose of this organization is to inform, entertain, and inspire people. To fulfill these purposes, one must be committed to value truth and be the voice of the students. Moreover, growth is acquired as the members learn from each other and celebrate each other's achievements.

Be brave, embrace your mission, and enjoy being a part of The Escolarian.

N Gelyn O. Baldueza (Layout Artist)

What inspired me to become friend with E ay 'yung mga kakilala ko talaga na The Escolarian na since grade 11. Gusto ko rin maka-gain ng experience with organizations since last year ko naman na 'to sa CEIS.

What it means to me is pinalabas niya 'yung potential na kaya kong gawin bukod sa academics. I really do appreciate being friends with E kasi mas nahasa pa 'yung kakayahan ko when it comes to layouting.

To the next members of The Escolarian, I hope ipagpatuloy ninyo ang galing na ipinakita at sinimulan ng mga naunang members of The Escolarian. Kayang-kaya niyo 'yan, 'wag kayo panghihinaan ng loob! Good luck, friends of E! Lagi't lagi para sa malayang pamamahayag! 

Andrey Benyx Cabrera (Technical Staff)

To be a part of something new. A memory that can be cherished. Enjoy being part of The E, and enjoy being yourself with The E.

Reena Czarel M. Santiago (Social Media Manager)

Ever since my elementary years, naging member na ako ng school publication and other clubs related to journalism. My love and passion for writing, as well as my interest in current issues or news in our country and even around the world, led me to join such organizations and compete in press conferences. Fortunately, this got me into different places na hindi ko akalaing ma-a-achieve ko. However, the COVID-19 pandemic happened at halos two to three years akong nabakante. Coming back to something I once loved became difficult, a feeling that I had lost my spark. Buti na lang din at may friends akong 'di ako tinigilan sa kakaaya na sumali ako sa The Escolarian. So I tried and eventually got in, hoping to rekindle my love for journalism.

Being friends with E is one of the experiences in my senior high school moments that I will forever cherish. Marami akong nakilala at nakahalubilong tao with diverse perspectives. Mas matanda man or mas bata sa akin, talagang may matututuhan tayo from everyone. Covering for school events did not just mean “additional tasks,” working with the other members meant teamwork, friendship, and a chance to grow and explore more of ourselves.

My message or advice to the next members of The Escolarian is to embrace every opportunity they get. Come out of your comfort zone, work on different tasks, and initiate or lead a path for others. Being with wonderful people like friends of E will surely leave memories of a lifetime. Always remember to stand and speak for what is right— for the people.