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CHEERING FROM THE SCREEN:The New Intrams ProcedureBY KIMMY CALONZO | WRITER
What is a year in Woodrose without Intrams? For many years, the Intramurals season has been marked by afternoon practice, dazzling flags and costumes, the scent of paint, the ruffling sound of pom-poms, the relays, sports, and most especially, the cheer dancing parade. When one steps into Woodrose, there is no doubt that they would get captivated by the tremendous love each student has for their team. From the Grade 1 who are still learning the ropes , to the Grade 12 who are filing college applications, each student has found Woodrose to be its second home, especially during Intrams. Whether one is part of the Blue Phoenixes, Gold Lions, Green Griffins, or the Red Conquerors, it is no secret that they would be willing to dance their heart out and give their best in every activity, in hopes of reigning victoriously as the overall team champion.
However, behind the competition lies the true meaning of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Intrams is a highly anticipated event because it binds all students into love and friendship for the greater glory of God. For this reason, the distance learning set-up is no excuse to skip the annual event. With that, on February 24, 2021, PAREF Woodrose successfully held its first ever virtual Intramurals.
Similar to the Intrams students are used to, the event still had an opening ceremony, pep squad sessions, lunch-time performers, and high school-wide games. The opening ceremony began with a prayer led by a Grade 1 student. Then, Executive Director Dr. Gina Rama gave her opening remarks to commence the Intramurals season. Afterwards, a throwback video of the past parade of colors was presented, together with an improvised video of the turnover ceremony, the flag-raising ceremony, and the torch lighting ceremony for team captains and co-captains.
The co-captains for SY 2020-2021 were especially on the spotlight as they transitioned from being team mommies to leaders of the whole high school pep squad. When asked what they missed the most about pre-covid Intrams, the co-captains responded by sharing some of their fondest memories. The Blue team co-captain, Bea Dispo, shared, “I miss almost everything. I miss becoming close to people from the very first grade to the very last. I also miss taking care of your little sisters in grade school, gathering them together, singing, dancing, and cheering-- it always makes me extremely happy”.
Meanwhile, the Red team co-captain, Cia Eugenio, said, “I super miss the casual interactions with all my red teammates from other high school levels. I miss all the kids, and all the weird spontaneous things that happen in physical intrams that can’t happen in the one online!”. Cia also added, “on the actual intrams day, it was really nice to just roam around with my friends and watch all the games in the afternoon.”
Additionally, Woodrose’s esteemed long-time intrams emcee, Mrs. Sator said that “watching the cheerdancing and team parade competitions” is what she misses the most. She also shares “Sometimes I get so choked up watching the routines that I have to blink back my tears and take a deep breath before introducing the next team. It makes me so happy and proud.”
The two co-captains and Mrs. Sator also shared what they can look forward to during their term. Bea said “I think the team can look forward to having a really fun, energetic, and unforgettable time. I really love motivating and creating positive energy. I hope the team will feel really cheerful and happy during my term especially during this time!”. Cia, on the other hand, responded saying, “The Red team should look forward to the best of the best! Joke! Just expect a lot of fun, love, and good times ahead with the rest of Red!”. As for Mrs. Sator, she said “I look forward to seeing ideas become a reality. It's very rewarding and satisfying when what started out as an ambitious concept evolves into an actual product that everyone gets to see and appreciate.”
After the opening ceremony, the team proceeded to separate Zoom links to have their pep squad sessions facilitated by mommies, co-captains, and captains. During this pep squad session, the Grade School students designed their cheer boards to show team spirit. As they all did their best to come up with creative works, they also enjoyed conversing with their mommies and watching previous parade videos.
Meanwhile, the High School pep did their gimmicks and cheering practice to commemorate the past Intramurals. The High school department also held games via a Youtube livestream organized by the Student Council. By the end of this program, several students from high school had won many prizes from the event sponsors.
As for the lunchtime program, talented singers and dancers were featured to accompany students as they ate their meals. With that, Woodrose students proved that they can showcase their talent regardless of the situation.
The Intrams opening program then came to an end with a sentimental school-wide Livestream. During this program, the whole student body enjoyed past cheer dancing performances, raffles prizes, and more games. The first half of the event featured many laughters and entertainment encounters. However, towards the last leg of the event, the team captains and students shared bittersweet sentiments that encouraged others to love their team more, as if it were their own family.
However, behind the successful program, comes the blood, sweat, and tears, in the planning process of the event. According to the Blue team co-captain, Bea Dispo, “The challenges experienced were mostly centered on technological issues. Aside from that, it is the first time that this event is ever happening. There were limitations, and we were also on a time crunch”. However, Bea said that her team was able to combat this “By adapting to the situation faced with ambiguity, and by simply doing their best”. Bea also shared that the event was a product of dedication and teamwork. She shares, “We also asked for help from the best designers and editors from our team. The people in our team really worked hard to make everything happen. For that, we will forever be grateful for their efforts”.
As for Cia, she shared that the past weeks of preparation was a whirlwind of balancing her duties and hobbies. She said, “There were times where I personally got a bit stressed while prepping because I also have other responsibilities other than being a Red team co-cap. I'm also the graphic art head, a dance crew choreo, and marketing head. It was a bit challenging as well because I had to attend to the needs of my class, being a part of the class officers, plus my academics. Not to mention, I have Enio, my business, wherein I kind of do everything.” With that, Cia admits that juggling all responsibilities was indeed difficult. But, she leaves a positive note by saying, “However, I was able to prioritize and to really make time for all of those and it all really worked out in the end, even if I did shed a tear or two in the process. To be honest, I have trouble motivating myself at times. But, I get inspired by my friends, teammates, and peers--They all inspire me to do better and to persevere. That being said, I'd like to be the same kind of person to the rest of my team”.
Mrs. Sator, on the other hand, shed light on the challenges she faced as a key figure in helping the Student Council and Captains organize the program. She said that “The biggest challenge was helping the Captains and WSC craft a proposal that would be approved by the Management Committee and different departments. What followed was dealing with the finer details of the plan which was also challenging because we had to find answers and solutions to many problems and potential scenarios”. But, with communication and teamwork, they were able to make the program possible, “We held many Zoom meetings to settle all these issues, and I'm very proud of the WSC and Captains for making sound decisions, thinking outside the box, and taking the lead in all this.”
But, Intrams opening is only the first step to a more exciting event. Within the coming days, there will be continuing games, which would further members to interact with other teams. With that, the co-captains have a message for the high school pep. Bea said, “I would like to tell the Blue team High School pep to stay energized, to eat, and to sleep well. I would also like to remind them to take your vitamins, because it's about to get even better!!” Then, on behalf of the Red team, Cia said “My advice for High School pep would probably be to watch out! We have fun things planned, so get ready for a great time-- you'll have a lot of fun!”. Meanwhile, to give a more general approach, Mrs. Sator said, “I hope that the students can look forward to more of what happened during Intrams Opening, with some improvement and more variety, and not expect grand plans or compare us to how other schools are doing it.” She adds, “I'd like the students to look forward to pep squad sessions, where they can be themselves, make a lot of noise, and find ways to help each other.” With that, she looks forward to an active high school body, “I hope the high school pep can be cooperative (because it's not easy for anyone), have a sportive spirit (don't be KJ), and forget about academics during continuing games and Family Day.”
Therefore, with the series of events that have taken place, the Woodrose student body has proven their relentless love for Intrams. The annual event has been previously branded with parades, games, props, and costumes. But, online or not, the true spirit of intrams lies in the fact that all teams are one big family in pursuit of keeping old traditions alive. The new set-up may have opened unconventional possibilities, unfamiliar encounters, and technological issues. But, whether one bleeds blue, gold, green, or red, every Woodrose student is willing to keep the intrams spirit alive--even if it means cheering and shaking their pom-poms in front of small video panels on the screen.
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