By Alexa Sy, Year 13

Sometimes I surprise myself.  

Far from the familiar elation that the end of the school year usually brings, my mood last June was unexpected and my sense of humor is still nowhere to be found. With less than two weeks until the close of the academic year, I found myself overridden with a surprising sense of melancholy. The aftermath of many months of revision and two seemingly endless weeks of exams was celebrated with two birthdays and a boodle, followed by a star studded evening made for us crazy fools who dream. However, despite my best efforts to settle into a summer holiday frame-of-mind, the exhaustion that came with constantly having to look forward uninvitingly decided to linger a bit longer, and, ready or not, I knew that the first of my many lasts had already begun.

Reflection was necessary. Soon, I realized that the past 13 summers were my reasons for all this unease. Every single one has seen me leave and return to the only school I have ever known; and while this August was no different, it was clear that this would be the last time during my student life that I was returning to my second home. As that idea set in, I was reminded of a favourite quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”  Whether it was Dr. Seuss or Gabriel García Márquez who first penned these words, I repeat them to myself now as if they were my own. In my last year of high school, I will refuse to only look forward, as the college-bound tend to do, and make a conscious choice to enjoy the here and now.

This year, although there will be deeper, darker IB demons to face, there is also

more cornflake chicken, quesadillas, and blue schlurp to be had, and, with some good luck, a few more Quizlet sessions and Kahoot dance parties to be enjoyed.  I will return to Mr. Cliff’s wonderful smelling classroom, with its wall of history memes, and soak up that scent that comforts and satisfies in the same way as when you press down on bubble wrap or hit a tennis ball dead center in the middle of your racket. I shall rant to Ms. Johnson and know that she won’t hold it against me, and poke fun at Mr. Bowen who most likely will.

I will dine with my family, the familiar faces whom I have sat with forever and watch in astonishment (and envy) as Mica consumes more rice than her small frame lets on. I will laugh as Max bursts into song  (#yabang #gwapo) , and smile when Ian takes the time to help us struggling psychology students grapple with Ms. Seed’s newest lesson. I will cherish the witty banter with my little friend.

As I walk through the corridors, past the nipa huts and make my way up to the common room, I will take note and remember all the faces I see along the way. I will hear the leaves blow in the wind and feel the cool air escaping from the clusters with the warm air pressing right up against it. And although I may still cry when it’s over, I promise to smile as it all unfolds.

Words by: Paolo Vera, Year 13

SPOILER ALERT: If you aren’t caught up with the TV show, please don’t continue reading this post…

Okay, so the Philippines isn’t exactly Westeros. There aren’t any dragons flying over us – just delayed PAL flights – and winter is definitely not coming anytime soon (or ever). However, the politics in our country does resemble the feudal system present in the world of Game of Thrones. Like in Westeros, where Lords and Ladies are given dominion over certain areas of land, provinces in the Philippines tend to be dominated by a single family. You may have even heard the term ‘dynasty’ thrown around. This, however, is not the only parallel between the Philippines and Westeros. The current presidential race is starting to shape up strikingly similar to the events on the show:

Vice President Binay – Is he as rich as a Lannister?
Binay isn’t the most liked man on social media right now. Facing numerous graft charges and countless political scandals, the Binay family is in a bit of a mess. However, like the Lannisters, the Binays are currently in power and – if the allegations are true – have access to a ridiculous amount of money. Both the Binays and the Lannisters are also known for worming themselves out of difficult situations, so don’t count the VP out yet; after all, he is known for his cunning. Just like the Lannisters during the War of Five Kings, Binay pulled a surprise comeback in the 2010 Vice Presidential elections and beat out current Presidential opponent Mar Roxas for the VP slot.

Mar Roxas – Stag of the ruling Liberal Party
Okay, so even though he’s not the most popular character on the show – definitely not popular with his daughter Shireen – Stannis Baratheon is technically the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. As his older brother King Robert had no rightful heirs (his “kids” being born out of #twincest), Stannis is second in line to the throne, which is why the honorable Ned Stark endorsed Stannis’ claim. Like Stannis, Mar is also backed by a powerful endorsement, that of current President Noynoy. Mar also has some serious experience in his tenure as a public servant – serving as a Congressman, a Senator and in numerous cabinet positions across three presidencies. Indeed, it is Stannis’ military experience that compels Ned to support him, thus drawing another parallel between the two pragmatic men.

Grace Poe – Winning back the throne for her father  
It’s no secret that the 2004 Philippine Presidential elections were probably rigged. Ex-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo isn’t known for her honest, trustworthy character, after all. It is hence widely believed that Grace’s father, “King of Philippine Movies” Fernando Poe Jr., should have won the metaphorical “Iron throne.” Although FPJ did sue GMA for electoral fraud, the Supreme Court – filled with Gloria’s cronies, go figure – ruled the case in favor of GMA. Tragically, FPJ died later that year. Fast-forward to today, and Grace Poe, FPJ’s adopted daughter, is taking the political scene by storm. Topping the 2013 senatorial elections, the neophyte senator has now thrown her hat into the ring for the 2016 elections. She is, after all, topping every single survey published. Grace has been frequently compared to another powerful, strong-willed female character looking to restore her family name…none other than the Mother of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen. Both of the two feisty females have spent a long time away from home, with Grace working in the USA and Khaleesi busy liberating Slaver’s Bay in Essos. But make no mistake, these women mean business – even if both ladies lack in ruling experience.

The threat beyond The Wall: China
Creeping in from the north and slowly encroaching our land, China are basically the White Walkers. And we should be very scared. There is no magical ice wall protecting us from this threat.

Ultimately though, whether Stark or Lannister, Poe or Binay, in both Westeros and the Philippines, your last name in politics matters.

A three-part series of 100-word short stories for the day of chocolates, roses, and cheesy Hallmark cards. As we, in Winston like to say, "It's never too late for Valentines day!"

Words by: Anonymous 

“A date?” She asked.

He nodded.

.

.

.

.

.

They ditched the hot chocolate and twinkling lights, the cheap sweets in tin hearts, the bouquets streamed over tables and breathless professions of affection across the table; the sounds of unchecked adoration bounced off the café’s walls, filling the room.

They traded it all for watery eyes, tangled, unkempt hair and wind-slapped cheeks as they raced the waking lamps down the street, addicted to the rush of exhilaration that sent a jolt through their veins. Vulnerable to infectious smiles, their hearts drummed frantic rhythms, the purest indicator of living. With this, they knew that there was nothing more concrete than the realness of their palms pressed and their fingers weaved together.

Love's aroma filled the air, radiating from their bodies. It was a familiar scent. And they drank it in, spoiling their lungs with such saccharine bliss. It was right. Tonight, tomorrow, forever: together, they thought they were invincible.

And what the hell, that’s all that mattered.

Read the entire series here inside Winston's newest issue!! 

A three-part series of 100-word short stories for the day of chocolates, roses, and cheesy Hallmark cards. As we, in Winston like to say, "It's never too late for Valentines day!"

Words by: Anonymous 

She didn't know where she was going with this.

There was a pen twirling in her hand and a blank-faced page staring up at her, expectant. But all she could do was slump against her chair and stare back at the sheet, apologetic and helpless.

With the sudden tick of the clock's hands, she clicked into place. Guiding her hand, she traced an image of a mess of brown curls from memory, a lopsided slant of amusement, a crinkled nose, painted with the faintest of freckles. She charted lines—a fusion of sharp and smooth—but knew her own hands couldn't replicate the masterpiece that already existed.

Time had snuck away but left her with the companionship of preoccupation.

Her phone buzzed: "Did you know: that when you think about someone a lot, it's because they're thinking of you."

"False." She sent.

But she couldn't bite down her growing smile.

Read the entire series here inside Winston's newest issue!!