Dancing feet and fluttering flags in a world more interconnected than ever as the Montessori De Sagrada Familia (MDSF) community convened to celebrate United Nations Day under the theme “Unity In Diversity,” organized by the Araling Panlipunan (AP) teachers in the Elementary Department, on Friday, October 27.
Sagradans flocked to the gymnasium dressed in their costumes, portraying cultures from around the world, and adopting diverse identities of countries such as Japan, Egypt, America, China, South Korea, and more. The event started with a warm welcome from the masters of ceremonies, Teacher Hazel Anne Centeno and Teacher Clarisse Glem Dela Cruz. Principal Ma. Carmela Ong then took the stage to deliver an opening speech, expressing her hopes for the lasting impact of this memorable occasion.
“You (Sagradans) are the future ambassadors of peace and understanding,” Mrs. Ong anticipated, setting the tone for a day dedicated to nurturing the responsibility required to uphold peace.
United Nations Day holds immense relevance, especially in today’s storm-tossed world, where global unrest draws attention to the critical role of the UN in promoting harmony across borders. Therefore, the event also served as a platform to recognize outstanding achievements and inspire future generations to further this cause.
The Global Minds Quiz Bee saw Sebastian Elijah V. Pajarillo taking the top spot in the Upper-Grade School tier. At the same time, Marcus Alfonso R. Cruz claimed first place in the Lower-Grade School category. Hannah Beatrice Robes secured the top position in the “Artistry In Diversity” tilt.
Last October 24th, the “Dancing Dolls” from Grade Four Dione emerged as the victors of the “Dance Fusion Challenge,” which featured six teams that grooved to remixes of songs from various countries. They proceeded to perform the winning rhythm, showcasing their youthful dance moves, splits, and cartwheels on the actual event day.
At the heart of the celebration was a collective dance performance set to the tune of “Waving Flag,” where students waved yellow flags as they moved in unison, celebrating global togetherness. Simultaneously, the Lower Grade School (LGS) danced to the uplifting melody of ‘Hello to all the Children of the World.’ Furthermore, Himig ng Sagradan, MDSF’s official choir team, also delivered a captivating performance of ‘I Am But a Small Voice’ by Lea Salonga and ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong.
In her concluding remarks, Ma. Carmela Ong, AP Subject Area Supervisor, emphasized the significance of the event during these times when peace is of utmost importance. She highlighted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations and urged everyone to contribute to this mission in their own unique way.
Residing at the gym is the ‘Earthly Elegance,’ a booth wherein Sagradans may avail different hand-made merchandise, such as canvas bags, tote bags, and wallets, all silk-printed by Sagradans themselves to create a greener tomorrow, which are all part of SDGs 12 and 13 respectively.
Subsequent to the celebration was a homeroom-exclusive ‘’Food Fest from Around the World,’ enabling Sagradans to relish global flavors symbolizing rich culinary diversity. Prior to the event, students diligently crafted flags from different countries, adorning each classroom with these global emblems to visually represent each nation’s unique identity.
Written by: Althea Llouise Villarez (The Sagradan Jr.)
Captured by: Megan Edrea Ladao, Phia Briana Jeleane Caranto, Ericaviel Maureese Isaac (The Sagradan Jr.)