By Billie Mercado and Desaraie Potot

“Claim it, be proud of it, GA ako!”

The second Strand Day out of the five-week event was held for the General Academic Strand (GA) seniors, both on-campus and online via Zoom on March 25, 2022, Friday.

Inside the campus, approximately 150 GA seniors from sections 12-Daniel, 12-Denn, 12-Evans, 12-Geronimo, and 12-Gonzalez attended the event.

Before the opening ceremony officially began, a performance by the Blue Babble Battalion raised the volume of anticipation in the audience and set the tone for the rest of the program.

Then, the event formally commenced through the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the reciting of the Panatang Makabayan, led by GA student and Assembly of Class Officers Vice President Matt Almonte, followed by a consciousness examen that allowed the students to look back and reflect on the challenges, achievements, and experiences they’ve faced as a part of the strand.

Hosts Ana Padua and Clarence Basco of 12-Gonzalez welcomed all those who were present on-site and those tuned into the program online before the opening remarks of Ms. Czel Lacson, the Assistant Principal for Administration.

Speeches were also given by the Assistant Principal for Academic Mr. Louie Melosantos, Assistant Principal for Formation Mrs. Jen Concepcion, and ASHS Principal Mr. Noel Miranda.

“It is heartening to witness this day transpire in a face-to-face set-up. GA is the most diverse in SHS. Diversity is strength,” Assistant Principal for Administration, Lacson stated as she expressed her message of hope to the students.

“Keep focus and finish the year strong. No other batch will be like yours, look at that from that perspective. Two months to go, unmask beautiful experiences until you graduate, we want to see you flying high. Give us valuable evaluations and enjoy your pilot classes,” said Melosantos, further encouraging GA seniors to make the most of their remaining time in the ASHS.

Mrs. Concepcion’s speech, on the other hand, focused on highlighting the importance of bonding with one another and learning new lessons and skills specifically during the Strand Day event, saying, “We aim to strengthen our bonds as one community whether in digital or on-site. Relish the time to gain more knowledge and insights as you attend sessions in arts, music, culture, sports, religion, and even relationships. A truly meaningful day. Welcome home to Ateneo.”

Lastly, Miranda concluded his speech with the remark, “Being a true Atenean is more than exploring the building, but valuing and cherishing the people. This is the place where you belong, welcome.”

After the welcoming speeches, GA Chairperson, Richelda Crisostomo expressed hope on behalf of the gathered students and initiated a chain of messages among those present, quoting: “Uy totoo na, nandito na tayo sa ating tahanan, sa lugar na ating iniiyakan, hahanapin, at babalik-balikan.”

In addition, she emphasized how they must ‘break free’ from the mindset of letting other people look down on the strand, rather, choose to appreciate their most authentic selves and embrace their various strengths, as one family composed of different parts and members, just like the diverse community of GA. 

These words of encouragement were then followed by a dance performance by the Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan, before moving on to the showcasing of the class introduction videos where each GA section shared how they believe their class stands out.

A surprise number was then introduced to the stage where a few ASHS faculty members, coining the name SIndAK, danced to the once trending TikTok song, “Paro Paro G”. 

As the plenary program drew to an end, a strand blessing was carried out by Fr. Braulio M. Dahunan SJ, and the collective singing of the Song for Mary was led by Miguel Castañeda and River Aisha Garcia. After which, students moved to their assigned venues for their alternative classes for the day. 

Next Friday, April 1, 2022, will be the HumSS strand’s turn to celebrate their own identity and oneness through the third installment of this school year’s Strand Days.

Photo Source: Therese Catapang, Hi-Lites