New Batch of SHS Students Goes Through First-Ever Online Binyag Arriba

Kylie Niechols Miranda & Prince Robel Tecson

Online Binyag Arriba 2020, the traditional welcoming rites of Letran observes the new normal by commencing through Google meets to formally welcome the new breed of SHS Squires.

To kick start the event, Impresarios Guild, one of ACLE clubs, graces the attendees with an astounding performance. Afterwards, Mr. Eric N. Awi Ph. D, the Senior High School Principal, expresses his gratitude towards those who have chosen Letran for the upcoming school year despite the struggles brought by the new normal. Assoc. Prof. Cristina M. Castro-Cabral, Ph. D, Vice President of Academic Affairs, follows with her powerful words as she shares the true meaning of the Arriba Spirit.

Faculty members of the Senior High School were introduced to the new set of Senior Squires followed by Mr. Michael John Maglaque, one of the CLE faculty, who explained what a true Letranite should possess by interpreting the Mission and Vision of the institution.

To keep the energy going the students engaged in an exciting game composed of trivial questions about Letran. The winners of the game will receive prizes from the official sponsors of the event.

Subsequently, the orientation proper began discussing several topics such as upcoming student activities, clubs and organizations discussed by Mr. John Christopher Mesana, Student Development Coordinator as well as guidelines and instructions on how to use the different online platforms to be used in this coming school year, done by Ms. Patricia Angelli Valderama, Digital Communications Technology Coordinator. Also, Ms. Belle Capitle, the Student Disciplinary Coordinator, talked about the student disciplinary measures as well as the rules and regulations to take note of during the school year and lastly the guidance department were introduced and discussed by two of Letran’s Guidance Counselors, Mr. Harold Sto. Domingo and Ms. Renelene Joy Tallod.

As the first half of the event comes to an end, the new set of Senior Squires were told to take a break, then proceed to their breakout sessions to give them time to get to know their respective advisers and classmates.

Binyag Arriba proper begins the second half of the program, a series of traditional ritual rites were followed by the students as they were being ‘baptized’ as full pledged Letranites. The pledge was led by the outgoing SHS student council president, Ms. Pamela Gonida. It was then followed by the knighting and speech of the Colegio’s Rector & President, Rev. Fr. Clarence Victor Marquez OP. Afterwards, the Proclamation of Rite of Passage was delivered by Ms. Maria Jessa Tenero while the Rite of Vestition was led by Mr. Renzy Cerwin Calasin. From then on, the Rite of Cleansing was conducted by Mr. Michael John Maglaque. Lastly the Hooding Ceremony took place led by Mr. Jerry Escultura, JR. Thereafter, A virtual tour showcasing the beauty outside and within the walls of the colegio was shown. Finally, at the end of this momentous event, Mr. Eric N. Awi, formally welcomes and congratulates the new batch of Senior Squires as they begin their journey full of the Arriba spirit.