THE SHINING COPPER

THE OFFICIAL SCHOOL PUBLICATION OF LABO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• DIVISION OF MARINDUQUE MIMAROPA REGION
• ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1. JUNE-DECEMBER 2025
• BRAVE HEART
• JHANA FEM. JAQUECA

We all dream of finishing school and helping our families have a better life. But for some, the road to that dream is not always easy. Maricar Maac, a quiet but strong Grade 6 pupil, shows courage and determination every day. Maricar and her mother walk all the way back home to Labo, Santa Cruz

Maricar is well known in school for her kindness and strong sense of responsibility. Many of her classmates lovingly call her "Ate Maricar" because she is always ready to help others, especially learners with special needs. She never hesitates to lend a hand, whether it is guiding a classmate, sharing materials, or offering comfort when someone feels sad.

Inside the classroom, Maricar shows leadership in quiet and simple ways. She helps clean the room, arranges chairs, and assists classmates who need extra help with their work. She does not seek attention or praise, but her actions show that she truly cares. Although she speaks softly, her gentle smile and warm heart speak louder than words and inspire others to do good as well.

Outside of school, Maricar continues to show her love and dedication to her family. She helps her mother earn a living by gathering kaong leaves in Bocboc, Mogpog. These leaves are later used to make broomsticks that help support their daily needs. Maricar willingly helps. even when the work is tiring and the weather is hot. When they do not have money for transportation, The long walk is difficult, but Maricar remains patient and strong. At her mother's workplace, she also helps with household chores such as cleaning and organizing. She does all these tasks without complaining, showing her hardworking and respectful nature.

Life has not been easy for Maricar. She lives with a disability and faces daily challenges brought by poverty and long distances. Still, she never gives up. Instead of losing hope, she chooses to smile, work hard, and spread kindness wherever she goes. Maricar's story reminds us that true strength is shown through kindness, perseverance, and a loving heart.

Dream Big Like Emma

"Emma Mary Tiglao, Miss Grand Philippines!"

Children everywhere quickly memorized her introduction. They repeated it in school, shared it with friends, and even practiced saying it at home. Many children said that hearing Emma speak made them feel brave and proud. They imagined themselves walking on a big stage, standing tall, and speaking with confidence just like her. One pupil named Celine shared, "It makes me feel confident, just like her."

However, Emma's journey to becoming a beauty queen was not easy. She grew up in Pampanga and joined many beauty contests when she was younger. There were times when she did not win, and she felt disappointed. But instead of giving up, Emma chose to keep going. She practiced her walk, improved her speaking any young girls dream of becoming beauty queens, practicing their walk, smile, and stage presence just like their idols. For Princess Celine L. Pineda, Grade 5 pupil, Emma Mary Tiglao, Miss Grand Philippines, is a true inspiration.steer the country toward further economic progress.

AERA GAIL P. MALIMATA skills, and learned new things every time she joined another contest.

Emma's story teaches young people an important lesson. Failing does not mean stopping or losing hope. It means trying again, working harder, and believing in yourself. Her journey shows that success comes to those who are patient, determined, and brave enough to continue even when things are difficult.

Today, Emma is admired not only for her beauty and confidence but also for her kind and caring heart. She believes in the importance of education and encourages women and children to be confident and proud of who they are. When she stood on the international stage, she shared messages of peace, hope, and kindness. Through her words and actions, Emma showed the world that Filipinas are not only beautiful, but also smart, strong, and courageous.