

Cebu International School traveled to Manila over the weekend (Oct 19-22) to participate in the ISAC (International Schools Activities Conference) Volleyball Tournament.
The girls team, led by Senior Captain and All-ISAC Honoree Catrina Suarez, finished 2-4 on the weekend in a competitive girls bracket. With only one graduating senior, the team looks poised to be even stronger next season.
The boys team, led by Senior Captain Michael Pochiet and All-ISAC Honorees Eric Spencer, Drew Riveral, and Ken Nishikura, finished undefeated not losing a single set the entire tournament. The boys are back-to-back ISAC Champions for the first time in CIS history, defeating Brent International School Baguio in the finals for the second straight year. Even with four graduating seniors, the CIS boys volleyball team has a strong core returning next season.
The tournament was attended by athletes, coaches and athletic directors from Brent International School Baguio, Brent International School Manila, Brent International School Subic, British School Manila, Faith International Academy, Southville International School and Colleges and Cebu International School.
This is CIS’s third championship title and first back-to-back championship title.
Written by: Ms. Emily Cornet
Our win was also featured by the Cebu Daily News. For the full article: CIS is ISAC volley champ anew
Our Elementary Assistant Principal & PYP Coordinator, Ms. Silver and her team, is featured in the PYP Action page discussing what CIS does in terms of responsible learning through action!
Formerly PYP coordinator at the German American International School, Maike Silver has twenty-two years’ experience as an early years specialist and as a PYP workshop leader, consultant and school visitor.
Currently Elementary Assistant Principal and PYP coordinator at Cebu International School, Maike is joined in her presentation by her pre-school and kindergarten colleagues Eleonor Amarga and Liv Coles.
Two exceptional graduates from Cebu International School have been selected to receive full scholarships from the prestigious New York University – Abu Dhabi, based on their academic ability, extracurricular participations, and IB Diploma scores.
With the help of our College Counselor through our extensive college guidance program, CIS attends to each student’s goals in applying and obtaining acceptances in the university of their choice, whether local or international.
Evangeline Louise Gerodias, CIS Scholar, Class of 2016
Evangeline is now entering her sophomore year in NYU Abu Dhabi majoring in Writing and Literature. She was chosen as a CIS Scholar for the 2014-2015 school year after completing Junior High School in the University of Southern Philippines – Foundation.
Brian Shin, CIS Loyalty Award Recipient, Class of 2017 Valedictorian
Class of 2017 Valedictorian, Brian Shin (Shin Seung Hoon), is a recipient of the CIS Loyalty Award having attended CIS from Grade 1 up to Grade 12. This school year, he has entered NYU Abu Dhabi on a full scholarship, majoring in Engineering.
Explain your experience with the IB Diploma Programme in 3 words
Brian: “Wall Climbing Race”
Wall climbing / Rock climbing is a sport that requires one’s full attention and strong persistence to successfully reach the top, the objective. Climbers need to pick the right climbing holds in order to gradually yet surely approach the top. It is purely the climber’s own decision to choose his/her path towards the top, while aiming to optimize the time given to them. No matter which path you take, it is going to be very difficult. What matters is persevering your way through. By the time you reach the top, you will realize how much you accomplished. There may be times when you fall back, but, again, what matters is staying in the game and pushing yourself to the top. The same goes for IB.
Louise: “Challenging, Radical, Enlightening”
Challenging – I lost count of how many times I felt frustrated.
Radical – I had been enrolled in a local school all my student life before coming to CIS. Thus, the IBDP curriculum was completely different from the curriculum that I was familiar with. However, the change helped me became more expressive and it motivated me many a times to go out of my comfort zone.
Enlightening – the IB did not only expand my academic knowledge but also the knowledge I have of myself. Had I not taken the IB Diploma Programme, I may have never seen the beauty in analyzing and interpreting literature.
What have you learned from your years at CIS that will help (or helped) you prepare for university life abroad?
Brian: The learnings that I gained from CIS exceeds mere academic education. In my point of view, the most important concept that I’ve learned was embracing varying perspectives, whether one agrees or disagrees. Keeping an open mind to unprecedented opinions and thoughts certainly increases one’s exposure to learning opportunities and enables one to embrace diversity.
Louise: I learned that motivation comes from within and that respect for cultural diversity is important. Also, I should never shy away from risks. I must step out of my comfort zone to grow.
How did you feel when you were chosen as a full scholar?
Brian: Scholarship at NYU Abu Dhabi is not a luxury; it is an investment. An investment that encourages scholars to fully engage in their fields of passion. The university advocates the idea of multidisciplinary education alongside its liberal arts system; hence being chosen as a full scholar, I felt eager to take advantage of the resources provided for study and delighted to join an academic institution that shared a similar vision about education and the world in general.
Louise: I don’t think I can answer this question without laughing at myself. I was scared to the point that it took me almost a month, I think, to accept the offer. I knew that the scholarship was such a great blessing but that was exactly why I was apprehensive. I was unsure whether I was ready for what was to come my way. In hindsight, I should have spent more time celebrating the news. As Mr. Tony Harduar (past Superintendent) said, “One small act of applying for CIS and then finally saying yes is paying such big dividends.”
What activities (whether academic or extracurricular) helped you the most in getting this scholarship?
Brian: There aren’t specific activities or steps towards receiving a scholarship. If there is a formula to it, I would be more than willing to share.
All I want to say is to keep doing what you feel is important and valuable. There is no need to compromise your actions with the expectations of others or a system that may seem unalterable. Although it may seem cliché, it is absolutely important to not fear changes, especially changes that you identify as essential and beneficial. Do what you want to do and the scholarship will be yours.
Louise: I think my commitment to community service in the form of being a leader at school and volunteering for non-profit organizations, such as the Archdiocesan Campus Ministry, helped me obtain the scholarship.
Any advice for people who would like to study university abroad and hopefully land a scholarship?
Brian: My advice will always be the same: do what you feel is important to you. It is highly likely that people will tell you to do this and to do that, but in the end of the day, do they matter to you? Do what matters. For me, the reason for studying abroad is to interact and engage with people who hold greater knowledge in fields that interest me most. Searching and creating the most optimal environment for your passion will be the greatest asset in your life.
Louise: Motivation comes from within so work hard (harder!). Do not limit yourself and do not over plan everything. It is important to know your priorities and be organized in obtaining them. Do things one step at a time!
A quote that you always go by or a quote that inspires you?
Brian: Just do it.
Louise: Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
This school year, CIS awarded full scholarships to two students from local schools in Cebu. This is our way of giving back to the community and to give opportunities to two aspiring students in order to experience a true international education. After a thorough candidate selection process, we chose scholars based on competitive screening that involved testing and panel interviews.
Here is a short profile of our 2 scholars and their thoughts as we asked them questions about joining CIS this year.
Mayumi Mari Villacastin Maghuyop
16 years old, Grade 11 in CIS
Former school: Our Lady of Joy Learning Center, Consolacion, Cebu City
Recent Achievements: President of Supreme Student Council, President of Math & Science Club, Captain of Secondary Level Volleyball Team, Member of Mandaue Children’s Choir having traveled to Europe and Asia for performances, and more.
Niña Perez
16 years old, Grade 11 in CIS
Former School: Medellin National Science and Technology School, Medellin, Cebu
Recent Achievements: Class Valedictorian, School Publication Science Writer & Cartoonist, Regionals PopCom (Commission on Population) Quiz Bowl Qualifier, Journalism Division Qualifier, Dance Palabas 2016 Champion, and more.
What drew you to CIS that made you apply for this particular scholarship program?
Mayumi: What drew me to CIS was that they had a very well-developed program, very good facilities and certified teaching personnel. Also, I was drawn to it because I had been adamant about going to a school that could provide me with the best quality of education.
Niña: CIS offers the IB Diploma which would be helpful for universities outside the country and could potentially open numerous doors for me professionally in the future, so that was kind of the main reason of me applying.
What do you think is the edge of a proper international curriculum?
Mayumi: I think that the edge in having a proper international curriculum is that it will better prepare me for whatever I will be doing in college, and beyond.
Niña: A proper international curriculum means having constantly improving educational services to cater the needs of each student be it in academics, sports or art. It also gives you straight pathways to top universities worldwide (if you work hard for it).
How does CIS differ from other schools in the region?
Mayumi: CIS differs greatly from other schools in the region not just because of the people I go to school with or the teaching styles but basically the whole environment of CIS is so different from the other schools. There is a lot of freedom and at the same time responsibility that is given to every student and I really think it helps the student learn to be more independent and it helps make you discover more about yourself.
Niña: Aside from the curriculum, CIS is different from any other school in the region for its welcoming environment, teaching methods, committed teachers and friendly student body. CIS also encourages a student competing with himself rather than everyone else mindset which is nice.
What are you looking forward to learning in your last 2 years of high school education with the IB methods of teaching?
Mayumi: I hope to learn as much as I can, not just academically but also personally. I hope to be able to express myself completely and freely, explore my capabilities and push my boundaries.
Niña: I am really looking forward to delving in deeper with all my subjects except Math. Just kidding, even math.
What is your favorite subject so far and why?
Mayumi: I don’t exactly have a favorite subject just yet, but I do enjoy Biology very much, as well as IB Art, because the classes are very interesting and the teachers are encouraging.
Niña: It must be a tie between Art, because I love how we dwell on different styles and medias, and English, because it’s a fun class and I always get my mind blown in every discussion (Hi Miss Holloway!)
Describe CIS in one sentence.
Mayumi: A place where if you think you can do it, you can achieve it.
Niña: CIS is different, challenging but truly exciting.
Our Activities & Athletics Director and CAS Coordinator, Mr. Ace Pierra, wrote a piece about Service Learning that was featured in this year’s EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) Triannual Journal. Click here for the full copy of the journal!
Last Friday the 8th of September, our Athletics & Activities Director, Mr. Ace Pierra, attended this year’s first board meeting of International Schools Activities Conference or ISAC. This year is CIS’s turn to chair the ISAC Board.
The meeting was attended by the different Athletics & Activities Director of 7 chartered schools of ISAC, namely Ms. Cathy Ong of Brent International School Manila, Ms. Sheila Taylor of Brent International School Baguio, Ms. Michelle Almanzor of Brent International School Subic, Mr. Lewis Keens of The British School Manila, Ms. Kristen Simpson of Faith International Academy, Ms. Rea Villa of Southville International School and Colleges and our very own Mr. Ace Pierra of Cebu International School.
One of the highlights of the meeting is the confirmation of CIS to host the third season of ISAC, for Girls Football and Boys Basketball.
First season of Boys and Girls Volleyball will be held at Southville International School and the second season of Boys Football and Girls Basketball will be held at British School Manila. We are looking forward to all the ISAC events this school year!!
Our Class of 2017 students have officially survived the rigors of The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Congratulations to our graduates on this great achievement.
Results were released last July 6, and here is an infographic of our statistics. Well done CIS students and we wish them good luck on their next journey as university students!