Photo by Patrick Romero/ The LANCE.
THE COLEGIO wrapped its Quadricentennial Year 4 Celebration last November 22 at St. Thomas Grounds with the annual Arribafest and a victory party after the Letran Knights won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 95 Men's Senior Basketball title.
The week-long celebration, with its theme "Como El Sol Es Tu Gloria Sin Fin" which started on November 19, was aimed to prepare for the 400th year celebration of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 2020.
In a short speech delivered by the Letran Knights Head Coach, Bonnie Tan, he expressed his gratitude to the Letran community for the overwhelming support for the team.
"Hindi niyo po alam ang pinagdaanan ng mga players na 'to mula umpisa hanggang sa bawat laban," Tan told the Letranites.
"Kaya naman maraming salamat sa inyo [Letranites], sa suporta at tiwala, sa coaching staffs, sa administrators, kay VPAA Cabral at Rector," Tan acknowledged.
Tan and Letran Knights Team Captain, Jerrick Balanza led the raising of the 18th NCAA Men's Senior Basketball banner during the victory party.
Meanwhile, Letranites enjoyed the Arribafest 2019 after Par, Alab, Mojofly, Laraza, Jason Fernandez, and Muni-muni filled the Colegio with blasting musical performances.
"Ang atin pong Arribafest na sinabayan ng Victory Party ay naging matagumpay at masaya. Dito po ay nasaksihan po natin ang pagkakaisa ng Letran Community na sinabayan ng mga mahuhusay na banda," Letran Student Council President, Charmaine Yatco told The LANCE.
"Ang daming booth and the bands were amazing. Mas nagpasaya pa 'yong pagdating ng mga Knights and the raising of the 18th NCAA Championship banner talagang mararamdaman mo na we are champions," Broadcasting Student, Zea Clemente commended.
OPENING DAY
New events, booths, bazaar, and concert were spearheaded by the Office of Alumni and Public Affairs, the Letran Student Council, and representatives from different colleges and offices.
The Quadricentennial Year 4 Celebration formally opened through a eucharistic mass participated by the Letran Community at Manila Cathedral.
After the mass, Grand Float Parade was held at the Plaza Roma with different departments from Basic Education to collegiate level joining the event to showcase their creative floats.
Furthermore, the Grade 7 students emerged as overall champions in the Quadricentennial Year 4 Field Demonstration.
The annual Run
HueKnighted also took place with its colorful fun-run and musical party.
NCAA SEASON 95 VICTORY
Day 2 of celebration was filled triumph after the Knights were crowned as the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Men's Basketball champion after taking down arch-rival San Beda Red Lions.
Letranites celebrated the 18th title with a bonfire as they gathered inside the Colegio to welcome with all cheer and pride the basketball team.
In a short speech delivered by Rev. Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P, he expressed his gratitude with the Letran community specifically in Knights Basketball Team for bringing back the trophy in Intramuros, ending the three-year title drought of Letran in NCAA Basketball.
"Sa Diyos, champion ang Letran. Sa Letran, champion ang Diyos," Rev. Fr. Marquez proudly stated.
Blue Carpet Cultural Show was also spearheaded by the Letran Cultural Organizations namely Letran Singing Ambassadors, Letran Filipiniana Dance Company and Teatro de Letran, Letran Uknighted Dance Company, Letran Band, and Letran Cheering Squad, presenting various performances to complete the vibe of the celebration.
The celebration was also filled with a fireworks display concluding the victorious day.
LETRAN SINGING IDOL
On the 4th day of celebration, Jonathan Paul Quirong, a Communication Student, was hailed as the first Letran Singing Idol happened last November 21 at St. Thomas Grounds.
"I wanted to ignite my passion again in singing. I have been competing with several contests before when I was young. I just happened to stop so that I can focus on my studies," Quirong shared with The LANCE.
"I considered joining Singing Idol to at least move one step forward again," he added.
Meanwhile, Aerich Khan Balanggao placed the first runner up and Pauline Lalog managed to bag the second runner up.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS: INTEROCKTION 2019
Moreover, Letran Student Council Battle of the Bands: Interocktion 2019.
The On The Way Band from the Senior High School Department, composed of Marco Torres, Carol De Ramos, Cyver Garoso, Juan Regala, Adonis Bacoy, and Julian Haynes, was declared the overall champion scoring a total of 89.05%
Meanwhile, the Subway Band which composed of Gette-Yzek Muring, Maverick Morales, Avrille Fernandez, and Danzel Aurelio bagged the first runner up, garnering 79.17% overall score.
Broadcasting students Paolo Trinidad, Emilio Santiago, Carlo Buan and John Rafael Kabiling of Kalaw Avenue Band grabbed the second runner up with 75.67% total score.
(First published on The LANCE's November 2019 Issue)