Maxim Maiev

          Bantay, Ilocos Sur, is a peaceful yet historically rich town situated in Northern Luzon. With its timeless charm and cultural heritage, it offers travelers a glimpse of the past while also showcasing the beauty of traditional Filipino life. Despite its small size, Bantay is home to landmarks that reflect the strength and resourcefulness of the Ilocano people.           It's  most notable attraction is the Bantay Bell Tower, a centuries-old watchtower built in 1591. Having once served as a lookout during times of war, it now stands as a symbol of Bantay’s history. Before the restrictions implemented after the earthquake in 2022, tourists were able to climb to the top to see a breathtaking view of Vigan City and the surrounding area. Beside it is the Saint Augustine Church, also known as the Bantay Church, which features classic baroque architecture, giving it a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.      ...

          The words “bawi nalang ako sa second quarter” ring through my head as I stare at my test papers and assignments, the familiar feeling of dread as I realize that maybe, just maybe, I bit off more than I could chew.           I’ve never been one to back out of a challenge, not with competitiveness being second nature. Cramming assignments, reviewing last minute, and barely listening during discussions have always been “just a challenge” to me. Something to test my capabilities. But now that I look at the results, have I been looking at academics all wrong?          Sometimes, lessons come in one big package, or at least this one did. This quarter was packed full to the brim with life lessons I definitely needed to hear. Things like stopping my habit of barely studying biting me back the moment my test scores are revealed, of the stress that cramming my assignments brought.      ...

          In the decades ahead, science will be a cornerstone of humanity’s capacity to respond to existential challenges and steer societal progress. From climate change to pandemics, evidence-based research and innovation will determine whether communities adapt or collapse. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) emphasizes that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are unequivocally driving warming, with increasingly severe and widespread climate impacts predicted unless deep, rapid, and sustained mitigation is achieved (IPCC, 2023). Without science guiding adaptation, mitigation, and resilience strategies, societies risk falling behind in protecting infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems.           But science is not just about managing crises — it shapes everyday life. Advances in medicine, materials, computing, and energy systems improve well-being, elevate productivity, and widen opportunity. However, these gain...

          The Philippines is one of the countries most affected by climate change, experiencing stronger typhoons, rising sea levels, and threats to agriculture and public health. Its location in the Pacific “typhoon belt” exposes millions to extreme weather events, while many Filipinos relying on farming and fishing see their livelihoods endangered by droughts and flooding. Climate change also imposes heavy economic costs, worsening poverty and inequality even though the Philippines contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions (World Bank, 2024).           Despite these challenges, Filipinos have shown remarkable resilience. The government has developed plans like the National Adaptation Plan and People’s Survival Fund to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate adaptation (Philstar, 2024). Communities lead mangrove reforestation, disaster risk reduction initiatives, and sustainable farming practices (Greenpeac...

     On September 4-6, 2025, Ilocos Sur National High School’s intramurals started with a bang. This year, I participated not as an athlete, but as a volunteer medic. The day before the intramurals, the ISNHS Red Cross Youth Council hosted a training for learning first aid, and I’m grateful to have been able to attend. Thanks to this, I was able to join the team of volunteers in assisting the players in any possible injuries they may sustain.      Helping others is not only a passion, but a way of life. For me, helping these athletes heal and overcome these physical challenges that they face on and off the court, is a responsibility I’m unable to shake off. Even so, it’s not a responsibility that I see nor carry as a burden, but as a responsibility that I’ve held dearly since I was a child. In a way, it’s just like how athletes see the way they play as a responsibility. They’re responsible for how they carry themselves, how they interact with teammates and ...

         Cleanliness is key. It’s what I learned throughout my life as someone who lived with people who’s comfort was brought through the act of cleaning. I’ve never particularly enjoyed participating in anything that involved the work, finding it tedious and frustrating. But as I grew older, and my responsibilities grew along with me, I realized cleaning isn’t as bad if it’s for the environment. Both my parents are environmentalists, so are my aunts and other relatives, so it’s no surprise that I myself have the want to make this world a cleaner and greener place.