By Jenray Nicole Ruiz
On October 23rd of October 2023, students and faculty of Far Eastern Private School (Al Shahba) gathered at the multi-purpose court to commemorate and witness the grand opening of this school year’s Language Extravaganza, with the theme ‘Championing the Wonders of Language: Bridging Cultures, Connecting the World.’
The morning commenced with an eye-capturing grand opening performance by the Maharlika Dance Troupe, followed by the dazzling presentations of each grade level that left the audience amazed. From poetry readings to storytelling to music and dance performances, FEPSians gained knowledge about the beauty of language. On this day, students brought creativity and imagination to life as they transformed themselves into characters sourced from various books.
From the 24th to the 25th of October 2023, students enthusiastically participated in a series of contests, showcasing their diverse talents and skills. They engaged in competitions that ranged from academic challenges to creative arts. With a fierce spirit of competition, students poured their efforts into each contest.
In the Poster-Making Contest, contestants exhibited their artistic capabilities and innovative imagination with their on-the-spot theme, ‘Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for All Levels.’ Rebeca Gwen Magdaraog, a grade 9 participant who won 1st place in the said contest, quotes that it was a joyful experience that awakened her competitive spirit since she was able to enjoy painting with her fellow artists. “Upon receiving my award, I felt overjoyed to have my parents, friends, and teachers that have supported me.”
In terms of expressing one’s emotion and passion, this leads us to the Spoken Word Poetry Contest. It is a captivating form of artistic expression that brings written words to life through spoken performance. In this case, selected students from Grades 9–10 took part in this contest with the motif ‘Pagmamahal’. Maria Elisabeth Evasco, a grade 9 participant who won 1st place in the said contest, states that through spoken word, she was able to make art out of her emotions. “Spoken Word is something I do whenever I need to get something out of my chest. It’s also a more creative way to speak our thoughts and to empower our voices.”
Unlike visual forms of entertainment, Radio Drama is a captivating form of storytelling that comes to life with the use of audio elements. In the Radio Drama Competition, students from the Grade 10 level engaged in this contest. Jamilah Gregorio, one of the participants of the winning team, proclaims that teamwork makes the dream work because when people cooperate, they can achieve goals and dreams that might be difficult to reach alone. “All in all, teamwork creates a deeper connection between individuals and can help in attaining our dream through collective effort.”
In addition, students were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements on the 26th of October, during the Culminating Activity of this school year’s Language Extravaganza. This event has taught us that it brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together to share their stories, traditions, and perspectives through the use of language. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the richness of linguistic expression.