Student News Site of Ruben S. Ayala High School

Bulldog Times
With the Palisades fire requiring power shut-offs for areas in fire risk areas, many affected students at Ayala believed that school attendance should have been voluntary, following suit of the other high schools in the district.
California fire risk: Should Ayala be concerned?
Ms. Lin Guo, a hardworking teacher who is loved by many on campus, has been chosen to be a part of one of the finalists in the California League of Educators. She is the advisor of many clubs and an amazing language teacher who positively influences many students.
California League of Educators welcomes Ayala’s very own
Flag Football Coach Ms. Amy Campbell shows off that she got nominated as the LA Rams Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Year with the help of votes from enthusiastic supporters.
“Coach of the Year” nomination shows that hard work pays off
On Thursday, the first day of the Winter Concert, Mr. Kyle Martinez is seen conducting Ayala Jass Ensemble.
Winter Concert sets the holiday season off with cheerfulness
Charlene Cheng (12) prepares elementary debate students for their upcoming debate tournament.
Elementary debate coaches prep the next generation
"Balloonerism," Mac Miller's second posthumous album, was released on January 17. The album focuses on Miller's experience with drug addiction, especially during his time in the music industry.
Album Analysis: “Balloonerism”
Every year, there is a tradition where old trends from previous generations emerge. This year, everyone saw several of these old trends coming to life, including digital cameras, vinyl records and CDs, and leather jackets. Now this year, there will be even more for anyone to enjoy.
The return of long lost trends
Following the news of the TikTok ban, many online users are scrambling to find another app that replicates the same user experience they found on TikTok, with that app being RedNote.
Online users seek refuge in RedNote following TikTok ban
An amazing collab between the talented artists, Tyler, The Creator and Kali Uchis, is not only Tyler's favorite off of his album but a favorite for many of his listeners as well.
Song Spotlight: See You Again
As 2024 officially ends and 2025 emerges, the Bulldog Times covers the most prominent events of the past year from A through Z.
A to Z: 2024 in review
WOSL Club is a club that promotes environmental awareness around Ayala's campus, and its members learn about the world and how they can better it.
Club Spotlight: WOSL Club
Ayala GSA is one of the many clubs on campus available to all. This club is one accepting of all no matter what defining qualities you choose to express. Led by President Collin Moreno Crestejo (12), the club hopes to bring acceptance on campus.
Club Spotlight: Gender and Sexuality Alliance [GSA]
Concepcion presents a breakdown of the characters of Disney’s “Zootopia.” Focusing on the main character of the movie, Judy Hopps, Concepcion shows the club the concept art or drafts that showcase the development of the fictional character.
Club Spotlight: Disney Club
From left, Grace Kim (9), Zoey Lepo (9), and Joann Park (9), members of Korean Culture Club, celebrate their Korean heritage. Hoping to find a community of people who share common customs, the girls eagerly wait for the club's first meeting.
[Club Spotlight] Korean Culture Club shines a light on heritage
From left, Emily Nakasaki (11), Dodie Wong (11), Charlene Nguyen (11), Sophia Loriso (11), and Sofia Tovar (11) at this year's Club Rush, promoting the Storybuilding Club. They hope to shine a light on creative writing.
Club Spotlight: Storybuilding Club
"Balloonerism," Mac Miller's second posthumous album, was released on January 17. The album focuses on Miller's experience with drug addiction, especially during his time in the music industry.
Album Analysis: “Balloonerism”
"I made this record in the space between life and death. It feels like I've waited an eternity for you to have it. I'll wait a bit longer. I've waited a decade already," said  Halsey via Facebook. "The Great Impersonator," Halsey's new album, is full of raw emotion and portray's the artist's life in a new and untold light.
Album Analysis: “The Great Impersonator” by Halsey
In keshi's sophomore album "Requiem," he innovatively intertwines what it's like to love and what it's like to lose. It's an album of alluring melodies and touching lyrics.
Album Analysis: “Requiem” by keshi
Mad Tsai's first album, "teenage nightmare," released on October 10, 2024. It takes listeners through a journey of the harsh reality of teenage years unlike the cliché teen movies Hollywood forces us to believe.
Album Analysis: “teenage nightmare” by Mad Tsai
Released on June 21, 2024, Gracie Abrams' album "The Secret of Us" describes the intense and hectic feelings that come from the aftermath of a breakup. The relatable lyrics give listeners a fresh perspective on love and heartbreak, like pages in a diary.
Album Analysis: “The Secret of Us” by Gracie Abrams
Girls' water polo scores a total of 18 goals against Diamond Bar, securing victory.
Girls’ water polo on a 5-win streak
On January 16, Ayala went up Bonita High School. The basketball team continues on their losing streak and are currently 1-4 in league.
Ayala Girls Varsity Basketball suffers another loss
The Varsity Boys' Basketball team takes the win against the Bonita Bearcats.
Boys’ Varsity Basketball team secures win against Bonita’s Bearcats
On January 16, Ayala went up Bonita High School. The basketball team continues on their losing streak and are currently 1-4 in league.
Girls soccer secures third league win of their season
Ayala's Varsity Women's Basketball falls short to Claremont's Wolfpack in their first league match-up.
Varsity Girls Basketball lose in close league match up
On November 13, ten recruited senior athletes officially signed to colleges in the gym where family and friends joined in the audience to celebrate their commitment.
Student athletes commit to colleges across North America
Kaylyn Wee (9) is the perfect example of determination and grit. "She handles the pressure very well," Truong said.
Athletes of Ayala: Kaylyn Wee
Aubrey Figueroa (9) stands ready to face her opponents. Though she is only a freshman, Figeuroa has displayed her leadership skills both on and off the court with the JV team.
Aubrey Figueroa: Beyond the Court
During their Yorba Linda game, Sarah Avila raced down the field to score a touchdown.
Sarah Avila: Powering through her obstacles
Senior Zachary Zheng in his letterman jacket covered with patches showcasing his accomplishments in football and academics.
Zachary Zheng: The Definition of Student Athlete
With the arrival of the new year, College Football Playoffs have also kicked off to an exciting start, leaving fans shocked at the games' results.
4 teams remain in the College Football Playoffs (Semifinals)
With 2024 coming to a close, it finally marks the start of the College Football Playoffs within the nation.
College Football Playoffs: it’s anyone’s game
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, their second in five years. With now eight World Series wins to their name, the Dodgers look to continue a hot streak going into next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series
The fifth regular edition of Sports of the Week once again sees the approach of both the NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season.
Sports of the Week: 3/5-3/11
As always, Dodgers news powers MLB narratives while Juan Soto gets the Yankees back in the conversation for the top teams in the American League going into the 2024 season; NBA keeps on going as the playoffs slowly inch closer.
Sports of the Week: 2/20-3/4
The Cross Country team gathered prior to the Running Lanes Cross Country Championships in Alabama. Both teams placed at an exceptionally high ranking for their first time in the race with the boys placing fifth and the girls seventh overall in the gold division.
Cross Country ends the year with a final victory
Despite losing the homecoming game on September 20 against Glendora's Tartans, this was one of the best performing games for the Varsity team.
A season of ups and downs for Ayala Boys’ Football
Boys Varsity Football loses a close match-up to Etiwanda High School. The Bulldogs, making the D6 playoffs this past Sunday, will face off against Northwood High School on the road.
Boys Varsity Football loses final matchup of league season
Varsity Flag football celebrates their seniors at their senior night game.
Flag football’s inaugural season promises bright future
The Varsity team huddling together at their last game of the season against Bonita's Bearcats.
Bulldogs Season Recap: Girls Varsity Volleyball
(From left to right) Seniors Victoria Rivas, Sydney Rich, Julian Juarez, Tyler Johnson, Ben Trull, Angelina Hernandez, Donovan Thomas, Alexander Florentinus, Nathan Cheng, Ryan Chen, Joshua Chan, and Roseanna Ashak line up in front of the pool as the friends, parents, teammates, and coaches commemorate the Bulldogs.
Bulldogs dominate against Bearcats during Swim Senior Night
The Varsity Girls Flag Football team fell to Chino High School's Cowboys during their previous game on Monday.
Girls Varsity Flag Football falls to Chino
After securing their third win in a row, the Junior Varsity (JV) team continues to advance after sweeping the court against Jurupa Valley's Cougars.
JV team secures another volleyball victory against the Jaguars
After the success of their previous records, our girls in the Varsity Softball team continue to push forward in their league as they win against Alta Loma Braves.
Varsity Softball team destroys Alta Loma Braves
After pushing through a close game, the JV Boys Volleyball team finished the week winning both of their games. They left the crowd at the edge of their seats during the tight game against the Los Osos Grizzlies where they won 2-1.
JV boys volleyball finishes the week with another win
Girls' water polo scores a total of 18 goals against Diamond Bar, securing victory.
Girls’ water polo on a 5-win streak
On January 16, Ayala went up Bonita High School. The basketball team continues on their losing streak and are currently 1-4 in league.
Ayala Girls Varsity Basketball suffers another loss
The Varsity Boys' Basketball team takes the win against the Bonita Bearcats.
Boys’ Varsity Basketball team secures win against Bonita’s Bearcats
On January 16, Ayala went up Bonita High School. The basketball team continues on their losing streak and are currently 1-4 in league.
Girls soccer secures third league win of their season
Ayala's Varsity Women's Basketball falls short to Claremont's Wolfpack in their first league match-up.
Varsity Girls Basketball lose in close league match up
Trudy Chang (11) illustrates great leadership skills through her service to Ayala's campus by achieving the title of Ayala's feature twirler and facing the challenges along the way.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Trudy Chang
Sean Lee (11) is the first ever Bulldog to make it into the California All- State Orchestra. All of his hard work and dedication towards the violin has paid off and vastly improved.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Sean Lee
Austin Elder, track athlete and scholar, works hard to set a great future for himself as he navigates high school, learning from and fixing his mistakes.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Austin Elder
After his victory in the E-board elections, Don Kumar (10) ventures to his celebratory dinner to commemorate the occasion.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Don Kumar
Despite the criticism Crestejo faces for being part of the LGBTQ+ community, he still lives out loud and unafraid of the backlash he receives. From receiving rude comments online to facing hate in-person, Crestejo doesn't let the haters get to him and embraces his identity.
Bulldogs of Ayala: Collin Moreno-Crestejo
As the industry evolves, perhaps there’s room for all three animation producers to redefine the art of animation in their own ways.
Is Disney still at the peak of animation?
Taylor Swift has performed her "Eras Tour" various worldwide stadiums such as SoFi Stadium and many others for the past two years and it has finally ended on December 8. How much has changed since its first show?
The Eras Tour: End of an era, start of an age
Spotify Wrapped finally came out this year after a long wait full of delays, complaints, and anticipation. Except for getting the annual Wrapped that everyone expected, Spotify users got something far worse.
Spotify Wrapped: Wrapped in Disappointment
As the holiday season approaches, myriads of streaming services pump out as many formulaic, cliche Christmas movies as they can. However, the most hated manufacturer of such entertainment, Hallmark, might actually be the ultimate Christmas comfort.
Hallmark movies are actually the ultimate Christmas comfort
There are many movie franchises out there that have been affected by this theory of the "trilogy curse," but what exactly is it?
Cursed Thirds: Trilogies gone wrong
"Close your eyes, little one" Sophia Lam
“Close your eyes”: Comic illustration
Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to these runner-up entries!
Spooky Scary Stories: ’24 Runner-ups
Thank you to everyone who participated in this Halloween's writing contest!
Spooky Scary Stories – ’24 Halloween writing contest
Friends Kyle Cheng (9) and Derek Chen (9) also have AIR books. Chen is reading a classic "The Hobbit" and diving into the literary works of J.R.R Tolkien. Cheng is reading "The Neptune Challenge."
[Photo Essay] AIR books: read to succeed
As Dear Asian Youth (DAY) club and South Asian Culture Club (SACC) continues to inform students on campus regarding subjects of Asian culture, they recently collaborated together to host a DAY x SACC Art Festival. This festival featured a wide range of art forms from origami to digital pieces.
DAY x SACC Art Festival
Maybe death isn't so edgy after all.
A “Wholesome” Story (3/3)
Bastet, protector of the dead
A “Wholesome” Story (2/3)
Death is an unfortunate habit, isn't it?
A “Wholesome” Story (1/3)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (6/6)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (5/6)
With the 2023-2024 school year coming to an end, it has been a roller coaster of emotions and memories. What's better than a playlist that captures these emotions?
[Playlist] Your 2023-2024 school year wrapped
Want to learn more about your favorite topics? These podcasts are a great way to do so!
A guide to educational podcasts
Want to learn more about your favorite YouTubers? These podcasts are a great way to do so!
A guide to YouTuber-hosted podcasts
Silent Night, Gloria, Joy to the World, Little Drummer Boy. These are a few of the classics that are sung while going door to door Christmas caroling. These classic and traditional songs tell a story that no other Christmas songs can do.
[Playlist] Traditionally Christmas
Blast from the past! Here is a list of nostalgic songs to bring you back to your childhood!
[Playlist] Nostalgic songs from our childhood
Cosmic Powers: Issue 11
Cosmic Powers: Issue 11
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 3
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 3
Marigold: Issue 1
Marigold: Issue 1
Cosmic Powers: Issue 10
Cosmic Powers: Issue 10
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 2
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 2
Cosmic Powers: Issue 9
Cosmic Powers: Issue 9

Bulldog Times
Student News Site of Ruben S. Ayala High School

Bulldog Times
"Balloonerism," Mac Miller's second posthumous album, was released on January 17. The album focuses on Miller's experience with drug addiction, especially during his time in the music industry.

Album Analysis: “Balloonerism”

Estelle Ignacio, Assistant Features Editor
January 21, 2025
Every year, there is a tradition where old trends from previous generations emerge. This year, everyone saw several of these old trends coming to life, including digital cameras, vinyl records and CDs, and leather jackets. Now this year, there will be even more for anyone to enjoy.

The return of long lost trends

Nicholas Tovmasyan, Staff Writer
January 21, 2025
Following the news of the TikTok ban, many online users are scrambling to find another app that replicates the same user experience they found on TikTok, with that app being RedNote.

Online users seek refuge in RedNote following TikTok ban

Lia Dimapasok, Staff Writer
January 17, 2025
An amazing collab between the talented artists, Tyler, The Creator and Kali Uchis, is not only Tyler's favorite off of his album but a favorite for many of his listeners as well.

Song Spotlight: See You Again

Allison Caganap and Estelle Ignacio
January 17, 2025
As 2024 officially ends and 2025 emerges, the Bulldog Times covers the most prominent events of the past year from A through Z.

A to Z: 2024 in review

Bulldog Times Staff
January 14, 2025
Sean Lee (11) is the first ever Bulldog to make it into the California All- State Orchestra. All of his hard work and dedication towards the violin has paid off and vastly improved.

Bulldogs of Ayala: Sean Lee

Annika Lim, Staff Writer
January 14, 2025
Mr. Massoum a beloved math teacher around the Ayala campus has overflowing kindness that he wants to spread to everyone. He wants to show everyone how just a bit of kindness can go a long way.

Teachers of Ayala: Al Massoum

Annika Lim, Staff Writer
January 10, 2025
WOSL Club is a club that promotes environmental awareness around Ayala's campus, and its members learn about the world and how they can better it.

Club Spotlight: WOSL Club

Stephanie Lyn, Open Canvas Manager
January 7, 2025
Since it re-branded back in 2012, LPS has been making little to no noise in the toy industry. The recent resurgence of LPS content on various social media platforms has reeled in a demographic of teenagers and young adults, a callback to the toys they once played with in their childhood.

The revival of Littlest Pet Shop

Lia Dimapasok, Staff Writer
January 6, 2025
One day left before choir students performed on December 6, studious work must be done to compensate the pressure of doing Madrigal Feastes' 25th event.

[Photo Essay] Madfeaste: Behind the scenes

Avery Yang, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
While teaching was not his original career plan, Mr. Lynus Vuong has found a love for teaching Human Anatomy and Physiology. With many hoping to pursue the healthcare field, Vuong's entrance into the subject has expanded the knowledge of many students.

Teachers of Ayala: Lynus Vuong

Nancy Wang, Staff Writer
December 18, 2024
Top 10 Songs of 2024

Top 10 Songs of 2024

Valentina Rodriguez, Staff Writer
December 17, 2024
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