[OPENING] UST Angelicum College SHS Department celebrates Salubong 2021
Written by Louiela Mataac
“Then the delight, when your courage kindled, and out you stepped onto new ground, your eyes young again with energy and dream, a path of plenitude opening before you.” (John O’Donohue — “To Bless the Space Between Us” 13–16)
Salubong is a Filipino term that means “to welcome.” It is a traditional activity done annually by UST Angelicum College, organized and managed by the Senior Student Government to open the Academic Year 2021–2022. From the meaning itself, its purpose is to serve as a welcoming for the new school year for both students and facilitators. Salubong was launched on August 20, 2021, through a Facebook live on the main page of the Senior High School Department. Despite the online setup, it was not a hindrance for this event to be presented successfully through a virtual presentation. Numbers of viewers that consist of both old and new students, teachers, and other administrators from the department anticipated this event.
The celebration of Salubong presented the students’ incredible skills in dancing, singing, spoken word poetry, and a lot more talents of the students. Even the expertise of students in online gaming such as Mobile Legends, Valorant, and the likes are showcased. This indicated that online gaming could not be only for entertainment but also enhances the mental skills of the students. Their capabilities were shown to bring out the message that every student can exhibit their skills in their own way for as long they have a burning passion for it; to not be hesitant in giving their best to make this school year a prosperous one. In line with this, various Senior High School strands and sections were also shown as the students and their teachers are introduced. Regardless of the pandemic hindering everyone to meet physically, it was still astounding how this simple yet memorable celebration unveiled the motivation of everyone to open their lives to a new journey.
“Now we learned to seek opportunities in adversities, I believe this resilience will grow in the year to come” said by Mrs. Maria Urduja Galang, the Senior High School principal through her heartwarming message. The previous academic year was overwhelming due to academic pressure and unfamiliarity of the “new normal” education system. Yet, students and teachers still managed to pull through because of everyone’s understanding and cooperation. The past academic year was a challenge for all of us, now that the new school year awaits everyone, the experiences we encountered perhaps will result in a better adaptation and adjustment to this second phase of online setup. Slowly we develop ourselves and overcome challenges the same way on how we did last year, but better, and improved. Just when we familiarize ourselves in what we call “virtual home” we get to utilize the experiences and lessons we learned from the past year to accustom our lifestyle with academic passion.
THE AUTHOR
A writer who’s somewhat grammatically conscious but the mind is constantly full of words that can’t seem to properly express.
Hi! I am Ma. Louiela Angela A. Mataac, the current Editor-in-Chief of UST Angelicum College Tigercubs. A sudden opportunity has been placed upon my hands, an opportunity I accepted sincerely. Through writing, I was able to discover my hidden skills, and develop my talent in poetry. It’s as if writing was a hidden treasure for me that was long-awaited to be found by its owner. Writing became my comfort, a way for me to express my unspoken thoughts and concealed feelings through colorful words.
It is a cliche but I am fond of reading, I like to think broadly and explore different things that would feed my curiosity. As a writer I mostly believe that it is important to listen in order to be heard, that is why I aim to be an instrument for people to emphasize their voice and opinions without misleading the readers.
This club, UST Angelicum College Tigercubs has brought out the best in me to be a proficient writer. Because of that, my goal is to also unleash the best of the writers and express their thoughts truthfully without hesitation.
