By Isabella Magno, Renee Tolentino, Naomi Tamayo, Raymond Tayag

With the intent to showcase what it means to be in the ASHS Humanities and Social Science (HumSS) strand, students’ skills, and their devotion to finding the truth, learners from 12-Grodecky, 12-Holland, 12-Kibe, 12-Miki, along with the ASHS faculty, held the third part of the series of strand days, Friday, April 1.

Prior to the opening of the program, an introductory cheer was performed by the Blue Babble Battalion. The plenary program formally proceeded with a Consciousness Examen given by Ron Paningbatan, CSO Vice President. 

The hosts, Joepete Steve Vega of 12-Holland and Nathan David Isleta of 12-Kibe, welcomed the HumSS sections with the showcase of the class video introductions which featured various HumSS students’ meetups, online parties, and on-campus experiences. 

The essence of this strand day’s theme was all the more highlighted when ASHS Principal Mr. Noel P. Miranda gave his opening remarks, in which he stated the need of the students to embody their Ignatian values and Atenean principle in order to achieve their goal of being persons-for-others.

Mr. Miranda went on to say that becoming a person for others may also be achieved by putting Christ at the center of everything, as this would ‘undoubtedly’ lead to empathy and a ‘deep’ desire to seek the truth.

The talk was followed by a special video made by various HumSS students that followed the theme, “Husay Humss”. 

The video demonstrated that the learners in the strand are “mahuhusay” by emphasizing their strengths, talents, and unwavering commitment to maintaining their values as they continue to fight for their advocacies.

Meanwhile, for current Strand Chairperson Henri To, this strand day is mainly a celebration because it is the first time they have all come together as a whole strand.

“Today is a celebration as we come together for the first time,” To said in his speech, while also hyping up the crowd by chanting, “When I say Husay, you say HumSS.”

To spoke on three numbers in his speech: 605, 64, and 1. He said that the number 605 represents the number of days since they all became official Ateneans in the ASHS, and the number 64 represents the number of days until their graduation day when they will say their final goodbyes to each other.

Moreover, for the explanation of the meaning of number 1, To said, “One home. Lahat tayo ay isa sa  iisang tagpuan na ito na pwede nating balik-balikan… Let’s always remember this day, this journey, and this home. This is the place where we belong.”

In a ‘more in-depth’ exploration of the theme, Husay HumSS, Sabie Aquino, a former HumSS Chairperson, used her speech to urge the students to be realistic with their goals, since although ASHS ‘certainly’ enables students to dream, it is up to these learners to turn their dreams become reality.

When Aquino said that Ateneo is ‘truly a home of aspirations’, she did not fail to highlight to the students that their dreams should not only be for themselves.

“Ateneo showed the importance of paying it forward because your dreams should not be for yourself only. Everything begins with you,” Aquino said as she encouraged the students to plan for a future that also considers other people’s situations.

In between the insightful and empowering talks, a variety of performances were given, highlighting the talents of not only the ASHS students but also the ASHS teachers.

The Ateneo Broadway Theatre Troupe (BTTA) performed Alapaap by the Eraserheads, the Music Industry (MIO) performed Nangangamba by Zack Tabudlo, and ASHS Teachers Sir Patrick De Villa, Ma’am Santiago, Sir Chris Galope, Sir Policario, Ma’am Borja, Sir Matt, Sir Jerome, Sir Tristan Carpio, and Coach Jah performed a Philippine Dance, Switch Up Remix, and the TikTok trend Paro Paro G.

The plenary program officially ended with a strand blessing by Fr. Bong Dahunan and the singing of the Song for Mary by the Blue Babble Battalion. 

Right after, the students were then escorted to their alternative classes that strengthened their Atenean values, as well as explored their personal interests. 

The Alternative Classes for HumSS Strand Day included:

• Frontliners’ kitchen hosted by Jeanill Migraso
• Body Prayer hosted by Jerry Pavia
• Make the “Write” Choice: How writing can help mix passion and career hosted by Karlo Lovenia
• Basic KPOP Dance class (featuring BTS songs) hosted by Riki Bilog
• Beats and Fills: Drumming 101 hosted by Alexander Manuel
• RED ALERT!: Identifying Red Flags in Teenage Romantic Relationships hosted by Rani Castillo
• Pocket Pauses: Making Small Spaces in our day for breathwork hosted by Arriene Lambo
• Guitar Music during the pandemic for mental health hosted by John Bilog
• Working Out – Physical Fitness hosted by Tony Ramos
• Sustainable Campus Tour: A Walk Around Ateneo hosted by RD Sagun
• Magsasakang Pinoy hosted by Pino Panotes; and
• ASHS Campus Ride hosted by Luisa Quitalig

The HumSS Strand Days’ Primer, which may be viewed through this link, has further information on each class’s focus, host, required materials, and available slots. 

This strand day is the third out of the five Strand Days. The next Strand Days to follow are: ABM on April 8th, and STEM B on April 29th.

Photo Source: Hi-Lites