By Anjela Ferry

By AJ Alarcon

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) officially welcomed its Grade 11 students, Batch 2027, during the opening of the Senior High Orientation Seminar (SHOrSem) 2025, themed “Tawid,” on Wednesday, July 30.

The day began with the St. Ignatius Schoolwide Mass and the Schola Brevis formation session, before transitioning into the three-hour program.

Held at the third-floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC), the opening program started with a performance by the Blue Babble Battalion, followed by the Executive Council (ExeCoun) explainer.

During the segment, Sanggunian President Julius Yusingbo encouraged the juniors to make the most of their time in ASHS.

“Laging sinasabi ng seniors [na] madali lang ang two years — ‘yon ay kung hindi ninyo sinulit ang kada buwan, kada linggo, at kada araw ng inyong pamamalagi dito sa ASHS,” Yusingbo said.

He also reminded the students of the importance of reflection, stating, “Pwede naman kayong tumawid pabalik.”

He then urged them to lean on their support systems — including classmates, seniors, formators, family, and themselves.

“Sana’y kayo rin mismo sa sarili ninyo ang makapagpatunay na this really is the place where you and I belong,” he concluded.

The program continued with a performance by the ASHS Music Industry Organization (MIO), which produced this year’s SHOrSem theme song, “Tawid.” 

Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK) then presented a choreographed performance interpreting the theme song through dance.

Afterwards, student moderators guided the juniors to their classrooms at the Main Building for the classroom modules session, where they were introduced to ASHS systems and processes, safe spaces, and opportunities for involvement.

The session concluded with a screening of the SHOrSem 2025 short film “Tawid,” produced by the Ateneo Film Organization (AFO).

To end  the event, the students returned to the FLC for a closing program featuring performances from the ASHS Glee Club, IndAK, and the Broadway Theatre Troupe of Ateneo (BTTA). 

The SHOrSem 2025 core team was then introduced, culminating in closing remarks by Overall Head Chloe Libres.

“If there was anything that us seniors could resonate with you all, it’s the feeling of uncertainty on how this year will go,” Libres said, assuring the juniors that they are “all here for a reason — not by chance, not by sheer luck.” 

She encouraged the students to enjoy their time in ASHS and thanked the SHOrSem 2025 core team, as well as the various organizations, sports clubs, and committees (OSCC) involved in the event.

“Be grateful for every moment, and make the most out of it,” she said.

The event ended with the Blue Babble Battalion leading the school hymn “A Song for Mary.”

A special schedule with shortened class periods will be implemented on August 6 to accommodate the second day of SHOrSem 2025. 

From 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM, the juniors will participate in the Mini Involvement Fair, “Taya,” and the Strand Assembly, “Tuklas.”