By Arabella Balderama, Glaiza Salanio, and Ace Dizon

On Friday, January 19, 2024, the fourth and final day of Interstrand Week (IW) 2024 commenced, still under the theme of “Bukluran” as led by the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) formators.

The last day of IW was filled with excitement and joy as the ASHS community participated in the prepared activities, namely, Beat the Geek, Geek to the Beat, and the Mx. and Mx. Interstrand Pageant, as well as attended several talks and workshops. 

An awarding program, which recognized the various winners of the different events, capped off “Bukluran.” 

Cognition within the ASHS community 

“Bukluran” focused on allowing students to feel a sense of belonging within the ASHS community—all while embodying the school year theme of being persons for and with others.

With the ASHS having four unique strands, there are distinct identities brought about by the particular characters and personalities of the students.

“Because there is an existing cognition already or identity on the part of a person, student rather, who is part of a strand…It might be an opportunity for others to see that identity…from a higher standpoint,” stated Mr. Ferdinand Verayo, one of the Strand Coordinators and the head of “Bukluran.”

The various interstrand activities aimed to make the students view themselves in the context of the ASHS community as a whole—regardless of the strand they belong to.

“Even as I am in my strand, I belong to the senior high school community as a whole, and I can hopefully have the cognition that I can be a person for others, which should be an idea that encompasses everyone,” Mr. Verayo added.

Moreover, the event was designed to serve as an avenue for the students, as well as the teachers, to “be aware of their individual differences” and learn how they can unite with other people while being their own person.

Despite the challenge of gathering all the resources needed and juggling all the different events, “Bukluran” managed to accomplish its goal through the experience and expertise that its organizers and manpower have.

“The challenge for us was to put together resources, people, preparations, and those who have been taking charge in this preparation,” said Mr. Verayo, adding that they were able to overcome this by following the system they have formulated.

Mr. Verayo clarified that the objective of “Bukluran” was only achievable depending on the student body’s openness to immerse themselves into the activities and realize that they belong to a bigger community.

He observed that students and formators were enthusiastic in participating in the activities which served as an example of exhibiting camaraderie and viewing oneself as a part of the ASHS community as a whole. 

“Stronger” relationships

As the whole IW came to a close, some students reflected on their newfound companionship and connections.

For Andrei Ada, “Bukluran” helped improve the relationship of his respective class along with the sections from other strands.

“I would say that the relationships the students have with one another definitely became stronger because of Bukluran. In the case of 11-Perez, we were teamed up with 12-Acquaviva, and I was super impressed by their willingness and determination to do well in each activity,” Ada expressed.

He added that the competitiveness of their sections “inspired” him to match each other’s energies and have a meaningful time.

“I know that my Bukluran experience will be a cherished memory when I look back to my stay in the ASHS. I’m grateful to say that I was able to bond with many ASHS students through Bukluran, and I wish for future ASHS students to experience this as well,” Ada concluded.