Student News Site of Ruben S. Ayala High School

Bulldog Times
Despite being Korean, Joanne Park a beloved teacher at Ayala loves teaching Spanish to her students.
[Bilingual Article] Teachers of Ayala: Joanne Park
During kindness week, which was from Monday November 18 to Friday November 22, Renaissance put up a poster spelling "Kind" with notes attached to show appreciation to students.
Renaissance shows thanks during Kindness Week
The second rally of the year which had the theme of "Peanuts" recognized winter sports, with different rally games and performances as well. "I do think that the juniors' class competition [performance] was really good, but I would say that everyone did great and put in a lot of effort," Kieza Martinez (10) said. "It definitely takes a lot to perform in front of a crowd so i'm very proud of everyone."
Peanuts sports rally: Better than ever before
Advanced dance performs "Earth Song," an emotional routine, which resonated deeply with the audience.
Fall Dance Concert: Showcasing the elements through dance
While this year's E-Board elections seemed normal from the campaign period to the voting, it was revealed that there was alleged fraud with the initial voting. As a result of this, a re-vote was initiated with paper ballots to ensure no cheating would occur again. Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Don Kumar (10), Dylan Rasmussen (10), Dylan Chang (10), Amber Lin (10), Alina Lopez (11), Jadelyn Chen (11)
E-Board elections results arrive but not without controversy
Chino Hills High School and Ruben S. Ayala High School are long time rivals schools, but where do their differences and similarities lie?
Ayala High School vs. Chino Hills High School
In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani wins the World Series for the first time in his career.
A view at Shohei Ohtani’s first season as a Dodger
As students head into the end of the first semester, many begin to wonder whether ticket sales for senior events such as prom or the Disneyland trip are too early.
Senior events: Are early ticket prices valid?
A warm feeling, unique to the holiday season, is emitted from Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
Song Spotlight: “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Neal Qu (9) is a new member to the Ayala band this year. His skills have developed from years of consistent practice allowing him to play a variety of instruments. In the most recent rally Neal provided a beatiful harmony for all ears in his performance of Mariah Carey's song "All I Want for Christmas Is You."
Neal Qu: Saxophone player takes the stage
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
Drama club has been gradually growing over the years, but one of the best things about it is the community it has. Every member is supportive of one another with no judgement or hatred for what the other is doing.
Club Spotlight: Drama Club
The members of Project Blush promote their cause with fun props and knick knacks during Club Rush on September 13. Pictured left to right: Mia Chen (10), Lisa Chen (10), Jeree Apan (10), Aniya Grant (10), Emily Hsieh (10).
Club Spotlight: Project Blush
With the overwhelming amount of clubs at Ayala, it may be hard to find the right club to join. If you are looking for a volunteer club to join, check out these clubs to see what might be best suited toward your interests!
Volunteering Clubs Guide: Contributing to the community? 
"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
Clairo's third studio album, "Charm" is the album analysis for September. The album perfectly encapsulates the month through its whimsy.
Track by Track: Charm
Kaylyn Wee (9) is the perfect example of determination and grit. "She handles the pressure very well," Truong said.
Athletes of Ayala: Kaylyn Wee
In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani wins the World Series for the first time in his career.
A view at Shohei Ohtani’s first season as a Dodger
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
The Raincross tournament represents the pre-season tournament for the Varsity Girls. This marked their first win of the year.
Girls Varsity Basketball secures win in Raincross tournament
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
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
Ella Galindo (9) and Emma Nuñez (9) together at the recent Walnut game. Their drive and focus led them to securing spots on the Varsity Volleyball team
Ella Galindo and Emma Nuñez: Rising Stars
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
MLB is as exciting as ever while the NBA is actually as exciting as ever in this week's edition of Sports of the Week.
Sports of the Week: 2/12-2/19
The biggest game of the year was also the center of attention for this week's Super Bowl edition of Sports of the Week.
Sports of the Week: Super Bowl Edition
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
Ayala plays their final away game of the season, falling short to the strong Damien team. This will leave Ayala to one league rival left, the Etiwanda Eagles.
Ayala Football loses in final away game of the season
(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
The Raincross tournament represents the pre-season tournament for the Varsity Girls. This marked their first win of the year.
Girls Varsity Basketball secures win in Raincross tournament
Senior (from left) Patrick Ladrido, Johnathan Lozano, Jaydin Maddox, and Christian Martinez stand together for one last home game picture before playing Alta Loma in their senior night.
Boys basketball ends their season with a phenomenal record
Seniors Megan Diep, Malia Ishibashi, Lilianna Craig, Priyana Jhaveri, and Samantha Najera pose for one final picture together during senior night.
End of Season: Girls basketball shares their season’s insights
After Mikayla Benavidez (10) was able to walk it off for Ayala, players swarmed the field in celebration of their furthest CIF run yet.
CIF Quarter Finals: Varsity girls soccer bounces back
Moments after Sofia Torres (12, center) scored a goal to increase the lead to 4-2. Katie Trinh (11, left) and unidentified (right) celebrate with Torres in what ended up being a triumphant win in Round 1 of CIF play.
CIF Round 1: A good start for varsity girls soccer
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
Alfaro performing at the Jumangi rally on August 23. Swaying along to Alfaro's song, the audience raised their phones as flashlights.
Diego Alfaro: Nobody said it was easy
Over the past three years, Rosas has given everything in order to have the privilege and honor of saying that he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Bulldog Times. Now, he says goodbye.
Farewell from the Editor-in-Chief
Farewell to the Bulldog Times' seniors: Ryan Wu, Gianna Spagnolo, Rachel Dunn, Abby Le, Isabel Sim, Angelina Zhao, and Adrielle Dumandan.
Seniors of BDT: Farewell, but not forgotten
Visual ensemble member Candice Tseng (10) did not let her injury stop her from going to the SCPA Championships in Dayton. Her teammates were surprised by how she still decided on going on. "When she first got injured, we were all really scared. And then when she decided to still perform for Dayton, we were all just super surprised how she was able to recover so quickly," Visual Ensemble member Isabella Kourosmehr (10) said.
Bulldogs Of Ayala: Candice Tseng 
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
Microtrends have been a big part of 2024, and everyone has fallen into the trap of microtrends. Are they as beneficial as we thought they were?
From hot to not, the rise of micro trends
Many hand clocks around classrooms are getting replaced by new digital clocks that now display the time, the date, the day of the week, and attached to it being a schoolwide speaker.
What happened to traditional analog clocks?
Released on September 25, 2024, Mozart's rediscovered piece "Ganz kleine Nachtmusik" surprises many fans of classical music, and while Mozart is decomposing in his grave, his talent remains so popular that he still manages to compose yet another single.
Decomposing yet still composing
"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
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)
"Chocolate was something Mr. Hershey enjoyed. . . "
Anthelme Syndrome (4/6)
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 9
Cosmic Powers: Issue 9
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 1
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Issue 1
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Introduction
Adventures of Blip and Bloop: Introduction
"Close your eyes, little one" Sophia Lam
“Close your eyes”: Comic illustration
Cosmic Powers: Issue 8
Cosmic Powers: Issue 8
Cosmic Powers: Issue 9
Cosmic Powers: Issue 9

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

Bulldog Times
All content by Christian Marquez
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[Photo] “Mamma Mia!” takes Ayala by storm

Lia Dimapasok, Staff Writer
March 12, 2024
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