PCC and the Bee 2024: Celebrating Spelling Brilliance
Kevin Macam (12A) | February 15, 2024
On January 19, 2024, the Philippine Cultural College's main auditorium buzzed with anticipation as students from various schools across Manila City gathered for the annual spelling competition, PCC and the Bee 2024.
Under the meticulous gaze of esteemed judges, which included Mrs. Glenda Sia, Mr. Winston Gangan, Ms. Heidi Reyes, and Dr. Marrecel Bernardo, the competition promised not only to test vocabulary prowess but also to foster friendship and intellectual growth among participants.
Divided into two categories, the competition aimed to promote communication skills and personal interest in spelling among students. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as participants filed into the auditorium, greeted by the warm welcome of Mr. Jeruel Parohinog, an English teacher at PCC.
Dr. Polly W. Sy, President of the school, and Dr. Sining M. Kotah, Vice President of the school, delivered profound speeches emphasizing the significance of spelling in effective communication, setting the stage for the intense competition that followed.
With rules laid out and nerves tingling, the competition kicked off promptly at 8:40 a.m. The stage became a battleground of intelligence and language skills as students from different schools showcased their skills, captivating the audience with their spellbinding performances.
Amidst the heated battles of words, intermissions offered moments of respite, featuring delightful performances, including renditions of "A Whole New World" by two high school students and a mesmerizing Tinikling dance by the PCC Salinlahi performance group.
As the competition drew to a close after several hours of intense examination and mental gymnastics, the winners were announced amidst eager anticipation.
In the PCC Siyensikula 2024: Interschool Competition, Chiang Kai-Shek College clinched the top spot with their insightful video presentation on "Quantum Entanglement”, followed by St. Mary's Academy Manila with “Entropy”, followed by Chiang Kai-Shek College with "Nanotechnology," and the Philippine Academy of Sakya with "Charles’s Law."
Turning to the main event, the Grade School Category winners were revealed: Chiang Kai-Shek College secured both first and third place, with Tiong Se Academy and Don Bosco School taking second and fourth places respectively, followed by Regina Apostolorum Academy in fifth place.
In the High School Category, St. Mary’s Academy emerged victorious, claiming the first-place trophy, followed by Regina Apostolorum in second place, Chiang Kai-Shek College in third. Philippine Christian University and the Philippine Academy of Sakya rounded out the top five.
In the field of joyful cheers and applause, gratitude was extended to all participating schools for their enthusiastic involvement and support, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration and academic excellence that defined PCC and the Bee 2024.
As the curtains closed on this year's competition, participants departed with renewed determination, carrying with them the invaluable lessons learned and memories forged on the stage of spelling brilliance. With hopes held high, they looked forward to the promise of even greater success in the years to come.
(Photographed by Sandy Xie)