By Arabella Balderama

On Monday, January 15, 2024, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) officially began celebrating Interstrand Week (IW) as led by the Assembly of Class Officers (ACO) and the ASHS formators. 

The week kicked off with an opening program which included a booming demonstration by the Blue Babble Battalion.

The ACO headed the first day, launching a variety of different activities: tent-pitching, tug of war, catch the flag, banner-making, and salu-salo.

A Parade of Muses was also conducted in light of Mx. and Mx. Interstrand, which would be part of IW’s third and fourth day.

Four camps—orange, pink, purple, and cyan— composed of students from across all strands participated in the various competitions. 

The place where we belong  

The IW aimed to strengthen the relationship of the ASHS community through the practice of camaraderie and teamwork.

“We were luckily given the permission from the StraCs and the admin to create a week of non-academics that will allow the ACO to create events and activities where people of different strands could meet together,” said Ika Baquir, the STEM Chairperson.

Baquir added that IW could be of help in getting to know the diverse ASHS community on a larger scale.

While there may be lapses and struggles during the event, its execution’s goal was to let ASHS students feel a sense of belonging to the entire ASHS population.

“The pressure was the biggest struggle for the ACO core because definitely this is a very awaited event, and everyone will be attending the activities,” Baquir stated, citing their push for an event that caters to all students’ interests.

“We hope that this Interstrand Week will allow people to make new friends, find new connections, find new squads, and of course make them feel that they belong to this community, that they are part of this community, and that they contribute something meaningful,” Baquir concluded.

Excited and fun 

With the first day coming to a close, ASHS students expressed their enthusiasm and looked forward to the upcoming days. 

“It is so exciting because there [are] so much fun activities, and we are getting to bond together not only as sections but with our fellow strandmates,” expressed Sophie Reyes from 11-Perez.

“I feel happy about the activities, and I am excited for what’s to come because everything is so fun, bringing out a sense of camaraderie,” she added.

As the week continues, more activities shall be anticipated as the ASHS formators have also prepared “Bukluran” for the latter part of Interstrand Week.