By Arabella Balderama and Ace Dizon

The third day of Interstrand Week was launched on Thursday, January 18, 2024, with a series of activities under the theme, “Bukluran,” as led by the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) formators.

With the aim of celebrating as a community of persons for and with others, “Bukluran” intended to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities of the ASHS, build meaningful relationships, and manifest the 5Cs and other Ignatian values through joyful and purposeful participation.

“Bukluran” would be celebrated for two consecutive days—with the first being Fun Run and Fun Laro day while the latter being Academics and Arts day.

Fun Run and Fun Laro day was composed of various fun activities: Fun Run, Lava Game, Relay, Calamansi Game, and Agawang Panyo.

On the other hand, Academics and Arts day would comprise of Beat the Geek, Geek to the Beat, Battle of the Bands, Mx. and Mx. Interstrand, as well as talks and workshops.

In light of “Bukluran,” each grade 11 section was paired up with one grade 12 class from a different strand.

The pairs were then divided into four groups for the schedule of the games, adding up their accumulated points to race for the title of Bukluran Champion.

Junior-senior synergy

Andrew Villaluz from 11-Angelis, the winner of the first batch of Group A’s Calamansi Relay with their partner section 12-Xavier, said that it was fun meeting new people through the games since it requires team synergy. 

“I hope I can connect with them more outside of Calamansi Relay and have stronger bonds as Atenean students,” he said about his seniors.

Villaluz complimented his teammates, especially his senior who reminded him to calm down when he was stressed. 

“It felt nice being supported by two classes, instead of just one,” Villaluz added..

Villaluz looks forward to the Geek to the Beat, a dance event that will occur on Friday, as this will allow him “to dance and express my true self.” 

Competitive yet fun

Coach Jah Agcaoili, the facilitator of Larong Pinoy: Agawang Panyo, said that the preparation for the games were tiring but fun.

“It’s very tiring kasi siyempre, we’ll be handling a lot of students and also mapupunta sila sa competitive ground and emotionally dala dala nila yung sarili nila,” he expressed.

Facilitators had to prepare to handle the competitiveness of the participants, especially those who are aiming to compete in “Bukluran.”

The competitiveness of the participants was evident in Agawang Panyo as Coach Jah noted that while participants were cooperative with the rules, there were instances when some tried to find a way to exploit them—which they had anticipated. 

“The challenge is to moderate the exploitation, kasi everyone here will do whatever it takes to get an advantage,” Coach Jah stated. 

Some of the participants played Agawang Panyo for the first time so the facilitators had to clearly elaborate on the rules of the game. Despite that, the games still ran smoothly, with only the unfamiliarity of the game to the players being a challenge. 

“Bukluran” would continue for its final day tomorrow, January 19, 2024, featuring the highly-anticipated activities prepared by the ASHS formators.