By Arabella Balderama

On Saturday, August 12, the Samahan ng mga Iskolar na Naglilingkod at Gumagabay (SINAG), together with the help of senior volunteers, led the celebration of “Aguhon” — a welcoming party for the Ateneo Senior High School’s (ASHS) junior scholars.

Garnering over 50 participants, the event had its own set of activities—ranging from talks, intermission numbers, and exciting games.

To start things off, Mr. Noel P. Miranda, the ASHS Principal, and Ms. Sylvia Aldana, the Office of Admissions and Scholarships Coordinator, both shared words of encouragement which enlightened the junior scholars on the journey they were about to embark on in this new school year.

“I hope you understand the scope and vision of SINAG. Second, that you may find the direction of the world and, if needed, be courageous enough to walk against the wind… I hope that in your community you are also guided in terms of discernment of your own direction,” Mr. Miranda said, sharing his three favorite meanings of “Aguhon”: being the scope of something, wind vane, and compass.

“Sa lahat ng section, mayroong scholar. Hindi lang isa—there are at least three. Therefore, you are not alone,” Ms. Aldana, on the other hand, urged the scholars to reach out, especially if they need help.

“If you want to be happy here, see everything as a gift,” she added, stressing the importance of giving back and perceiving everything as a blessing.

Each strand had one assigned senior scholar to give valuable tips and advice to the juniors. Vel Verdan represented the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand; Aly Abarrientos for the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand; Anika Anzano for the General Academic Strand; and Jae Venice Reyes for the Accountancy and Business Management Strand.

Afterward, the junior scholars took part in some games— namely, group talks, maze, and scavenger hunt— which prompted them to get to know each other, as well as learn about the values of confidentiality, charity, camaraderie, and courage.

Meanwhile, Katherine Lui, the Creatives Vice President of SINAG, and the Music Industry Organization delivered two separate performances which boosted the energy of the scholars.

As the event approached its conclusion, Mr. Jerry Pavia, one of SINAG’s moderators, gave his closing remarks.

“Ngayon niyo kailangan tuklasin kung sino ba kayo at kung ano ba ang [inyong] gagawin sa inyong mga buhay,” Mr. Pavia said, reminding the scholars that with discipleship, comes humility.

“This is the age where you really need to find out who you are… Please stay humble and have the courage to tell your stories to your classmates, to everyone. Don’t be ashamed. There is no shame in being financially challenged,” he finished.

Moving forward, the SINAG Core Group handed out  awards to the winning groups from the previous games and also gave away raffle prizes to the junior scholars, preceding the final picture-taking and bidding of goodbyes.

“‘Yung pinaka-goal talaga ng Aguhon is to welcome ‘yung mga scholars, lalo na siyempre mahirap na mahanap agad yung place mo sa ASHS. So, nagsilbi siyang way para magkaroon ng compass at ma-navigate nila yung place nila sa ASHS,” Anika Anzano, the senior representative of SINAG, stated, hoping the juniors would eventually find their way in the ASHS.

“Sana they find their way in the ASHS. Sana hindi [sila] maligaw sa landas na tatahakin nila dito sa school natin, at siyempre para ma-enjoy nila yung time nila with other scholars and other people na ma-me-meet nila dito sa ASHS,” Anzano ended.

Despite many challenges, such as unforeseen changes in activities, schedule conflicts, and lack of materials, SINAG still managed to execute the event successfully through the help of senior volunteers, moderators, and staff assistance.