COLEGIO NEWS & UPDATES

By: Juleah Marie C. David and Mikaela Reese R. Macaranas  

     As the first step in becoming a true-blooded Letranite, Binyag Arriba is an important event for transferees and freshmen students at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manaoag. The annual Binyag Arriba is meant to introduce incoming students to the traditions and history of Colegio de San Juan de Letran and to instill the Arriba Spirit.

The annual event was held on September 1, 2023, Friday. The event began with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag, followed by the presentation of the history, symbols, and the school’s cheer and yell at the Pilgrim’s Center. The event does not end there, since the teachers have prepared a team-building activity to allow the new students to display their strong sense of camaraderie and to learn more about the history of the school.

There was a brief break as the heavy rain took over, but the Letranites continued the most-awaited celebration amidst the pouring rain and the unfavorable weather. At 11 a.m., the event carried on with a fantastic dance presentation by the Letran Movers. After the performance, students, parents, and the faculty welcomed our very own Letran Knight. This was then followed by the entrance of the new teachers and students, filled with joy and excitement. When everyone was settled, the knighthood ceremony started, led by our very own rector and president, Rev. Fr. Jessie R. Yap, OP EHL, followed by the distribution and blessing of the water led by the VP for REMI, Rev. Fr. Ariel T. Adolf, OP.

And now, for the most-awaited part, the Binyag Proper. Excitement took over the new students as well as the old students as time passed. As the countdown started, everyone couldn't hide their excitement, and screams were scattered across the school’s quadrangle. 3, 2, 1, waters splashing, students screaming, teachers laughing, and memories imprinting.

To end the Binyag Arriba on a high note, students acknowledged the Alma Mater as they sang the Letran Hymn with all their hearts. Binyag Arriba 2023 is an event to remember, giving students memories they will live on forever.