By Arabella Balderama

Elesina’s first day commenced on Thursday, February 9, 2024, at the Formation Learning Center (FLC) grounds, marking the official return of the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) fair culture after years of hiatus due to the pandemic.

Day one began with a Eucharistc Celebration, followed by an opening program consisting of different performances, both from members of the ASHS community as well as invited guests.

“I hope everyone is as excited as the [Fair Committee],” said Hannah Porca, the Fair Committee overall head, during her opening remarks, adding that she looked forward to the fair as a way of embodying being persons for and with others.

“Every fair is like a homecoming, pagbabalik natin sa mga kinagisnan natin bago pa tayo mag-pandemic…Kagaya ng elesi, sana ma-lift ang ating mga spirits at dalhin tayo ng hangin…at gaya ng sinag, sana magdala tayo ng liwanag [sa iba],” Mr. Noel P. Miranda, ASHS principal, remarked in his closing speech.

Subsequently, Bluelapalooza (Bluela), a mini event led by the Music Industry Organization, showcased a variety of band performances to spice up the afternoon.

“Bluela was a really good opportunity for my bands to showcase our talents. As musicians, we want to express ourselves through music and we thought Bluela was a perfect event for it,” said Caleb Lomangaya from Cherryfocus, one of Bluela’s band performers.

Rides and booths

Food stalls, merchandise booths, inflatables, and rides such as vikings and velocity swing further enlivened the fair spirit as the fairgoers had distinct choices of leisure activities.

“Honestly, it was really fun despite having to wait really long. The ride was short and sweet. On my end, I guess I would say the most memorable part was the people I was with,” said Uno Angeles, a student from 12-Pro.

Aside from the rides and concessionaires, Season Pass was also present in Elesina, a flea market located at the second floor of the FLC.

Splash for a cause

“Soakfest,” a fundraising initiative hosted by the Council of Student Committees and the Humanities and Social Sciences Council, remained ongoing throughout the day.

Members of the ASHS faculty were nominated to participate in the said activity, allowing themselves to get splashed by fairgoers.

“My [moderating] class asked me to join the soakfest. I was thinking, sure, why not? I don’t think it’s gonna be that bad…I had a lot of fun at soakfest. I think my only [concern] is that the sponges might hurt you if it’s aimed at the face,” stated Sir Lorenzo Vesagas, one of the nominees in the event.

“If the students want me to do things, and it is for a good cause, then I would definitely be okay with it,” Sir Cedric Simeon said on joining the soakfest in the next fair.

The soakfest mini event will remain open until Elesina’s last day on February 10, 2024.

Transcending the night

To cap off the first day of Elesina, a students’ night entitled “Transcendent” was launched on the FLC field, featuring talented performers from several institutions as well as a variety show entitled “Eksaherada.”

“I’m thankful to be part of this. I’m thankful that people approached me to help out in certain things, and also to perform for the first night. I am just grateful that we’re here, we’re alive, after the pandemic, seeing all of you, especially the students and the hardworking teachers here,” stated Sir Jon Bilog, who performed ‘So Sick’ by Ne-yo.

“This is your first fair in like three years so I’m [very] glad it happened. I am aware of the many problems along the way. Today was declared a holiday, but still, we powered through,” Sir Bilog added.

Aside from song performances, dance groups also showcased their talents, energizing the crowd more with their spectacular presentations.

“I do appreciate the fact that this [night] focused on the student performers…They are not as big as obviously known pop stars and all, but it is nice that they gave us a platform to perform,” remarked Sofia Gines of Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan.

Meanwhile, “Eksaherada” was a collaboration between Sandigan Lakambini, Fair Committee, and the Assembly of Class Officers, which aimed to “showcase inclusivity and diversity.”

The beneficiary of this event was The Golden Gays, a nonprofit organization that provides care for the elderly and homeless members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I think the preparations for Eksaherada have been kinda stressful especially for the people handling it…They were able to take care of me well…It’s a one time thing, and I don’t think I will ever experience this ever again, so thank you Eksaherada,” Luis Villafria, one of the contestants, said as he cited how memorable the show was.

Elesina day one closed with the last acts of Transcendent—a song performance from Autotelic and a rave hosted by DJ Marx and DJ Michiko.