By: Sophia Pacheco, Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo by: Maverick Rhoy De Vera /The LANCE
In commemoration of its 404th foundation year, Letran began its annual Colegio Week 2024 with the theme, 'Sustainability and Empowerment' at the St. Thomas grounds on Monday, Nov. 25.
The event is a week-long festival from Nov. 25 to 29, and began with a eucharistic mass presided by Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando Jose, O.P., the Rector and President of Letran Manila and Bataan.
“These two concepts (sustainability and empowerment) compliments each other to have sustainable communities, we need empowered and responsible citizens to advance sustainable development practices.” Father Jose said in his homily.
The celebration proceeded with a field demonstration featuring performances by Basic Education, Senior High School, and Collegiate students.
Rev. Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig, O.P. emphasized the importance of Colegio Week, which focuses on having significant activities that demonstrates the physical coordination, mental presence, and teamwork of Letranites.
A variety of novelty stalls and food booths were set up on the Old Catwalk at the St. Thomas grounds during the ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by the blessing of booths.
The amusement activities featured an open mic session, a 'One Letran' Contest featuring bartending, baking, and cooking, and LA OBRA CINEMA: 2024 Institute of Communication Film Viewing, among others.
In an interview with The LANCE, several students from College of Education (COED), College of Information and Technology (CEIT), College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) expressed their sentiments on the annual Colegio Week.
An anonymous interviewee from COED cited their dissatisfaction, noting this year’s Colegio Week has ‘nothing special’ to offer students.
“Well so far nag-iikot ako sa booths, I’d say parang masyadong disappointing ‘yung booths this year kasi parang may kulang. Most of the booths ay parang copy paste lang,” they said.
Jhoana Munar, a second-year communication student said, “I think it’s not enough, yung opening ceremony ng Colegio Week ngayong year. Siguro engaging siya last year nung freshie year ko. Mas marami akong expectations na natupad noong last year.”
Despite some discontent, students also expressed their anticipation for 'Arriba Fest', which takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, at the closing night of Colegio Week.
“I was really hoping for Juan Karlos and The Ridleys but I’m also a fan of Autotelic and Over October and it gives me excitement knowing I get to witness them perform live for the first time.” Johncedrick Rivera, a student from CBAA shared.
When asked which artists he was most looking forward to, CEIT student Justine Erickson De Silva named Zild and Autotelic.
The Colegio and the Letran Student Council (LSC)C have planned a series of events in the upcoming days, including the Bingo Socials, Run Hueknighted, and the Arriba Fest, which will be joined by popular OPM bands and artists such as Zild, Autotelic, and Over October.