Sports, LitMus Fest 2024 kicks off with return of foot parade, opening festivities
By Matias John Mercado, The Spark
“Buhay na buhay ang taga-BCT sa Lubogan Toril.”
Dr. Cherrie Paniamogan lauded the comeback of the foot parade kickstarting Brokenshire College Toril (BCT) Sports and LitMus Fest 2024 where students, faculty, staff, parents, and guardians gathered at 5:00 AM Monday ahead of the week-long celebration.
Led by the Drum and Lyre Corps and Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), the traversed the Purok 8 Pagkakaisa road to Manambulan-Tagakpan road, concluding on Brokenshire Street at 6:10 AM.
Jude Fabiosa Jr., the Student Council Vice President, told THE SPARK that “thankful kaayo ko sa mga organizers kay gibalik jud nila ang foot parade para sa mga students.” [I’m thankful for the organizers for bringing back the foot parade for the students]
Following the foot parade, the flag-raising ceremony occurred where all teams gathered on the BCT field. Karl David Mejillano, Rongel Diaz, and Isaac Christian Lim, BCT’s national sports champions, then illuminated the game torch, symbolizing the opening of the week-long celebration. Representatives of each team also unveiled their team banners showcasing students’ unity and creativity.
Rhea Villanueva, one of the team advisers of Razor Sharks, expressed her expectations for her team not only to win but also to be filled with enjoyment, fun, and a bond with her team. She also hoped that “the students can show their talents and skills na hindi naming alam, so this is a great avenue for them to really showcase their hidden talents and skills.”
Dr. Paniamogan extended a warm welcome in her opening remarks, expressing gratitude to the chairwomen and event committee members for their efforts in organizing the successful celebration. Concluding her address, Dr. Paniamogan officially inaugurated the Sports and Litmus Fest 2024 with the cue, “Let the games begin!”
Ivy Miranda, a 12th and 4th grade parent, told THE SPARK that they, the parents, felt ecstatic especially for their kids after the three years of hiatus caused bt the pandemic. “Ang saya and festive masyado siya tingnan–kahit early in the morning ang call time; as early as five nandito na sila,” she added.
The Boy Scout of the Philippines wowed the crowd with their fancy drill execution. The Cheerdance Club also performed their routine choreographed for DAPRISA Games 2023, which awarded them a silver medal. Moreover, the Taekwondo players showcased their defense and attack techniques, breaking plywoods, through their poomsae exhibition.
The opening ceremony concluded with the motocross exhibition by select students who are members of the Yamaha VMan Stunt Team wherein the chairwomen, Ms. Angelica Padasay and Ms. Elaiza Edar, hopped in the mini motorcycle to join the fun, and PE teachers, Ms. Reiza Suarez and Ms. Lovely Sanchez, were also pushed to join the ride.
Ms. Elaiza Mae Edar, one of the chairwomen of the Sportsfest shared her hopes that this will run smoothly without any major conflicts and problems as they only want it to happen for the students to enjoy the event and to have valuable memories out of it. She also said that “I hope they (students) hindi nila i-take seriously ang defeat. Kahit hindi sila nanalo, they are still going to cheer” highlighting this event’s goals–camaraderie and sportsmanship.