By Colleen Turingan
Along with the compositions of their hearts shows the harmonious blend of learnings, instruments, and stirs of movements. As the beats hit loud, Far Eastern Private School—Al Shahba honors World Teachers Day on the 3rd of October with the theme, “Symphony of Learning: Composing within the Heart.”
The opening ceremony began with the entrance of teachers, accompanied by their wide smiles and hands colliding with each other, increasing the cheers of gratitude.
Followed by the Islamic Prayer led by Anasuddin Mohammed, the Christian Prayer by Paula Arduo, the Beating of the U.A.E. National Anthem by Yasmine Al Sham, the Reciting of the FEPS Vision and Mission by Raphael Frio, and lastly, the Beating of the FEPS Hymn by Sofia Mesina.
The program was truly opened once the school’s vice principal, Mr. Paul Benedict Yacap, delivered his opening remarks and reminded everyone to always “keep the passion burning.”
In a heartfelt display of gratitude, Brianna Tito and Jasmine Ubaldo from Grade 9C—Dalton captivated the audience with their enchanting cover of “A Million Dreams.” Following their performance, students from the Dance Club in Grades 9 to 10 set the stage for an unforgettable spectacle.
Following the dazzling performance of the students from Grades 9 to 10, Paula Arduo and Patrick Ursolino, with their passionately dedicated voices, sang “Born For You.” The crowd swayed along, immersed in the moment.
Shortly afterward, the poems recited by Alaine Benedicto from 6D—Maple, with her poem entitled “Araw Ng Mga Guro,” and Darling Cayanan from 10D—Hooke, with her poem entitled “Guro” from the Filipino Club, share a message the crowd would also like to express to their mentors. Tailed by the poem made by Anasuddin Mohammed (10A) called “Prism of our Education” and the poems recited by 2-Good-2-Be-True duo, Alessandra Palacio and Sienna Sangcajo (8C), titled “The Heart of Academic Institution.” The English club shares on how our roots, our core, and our outcomes would not be made without the notes, beats, and rhythm taught to us by our teachers. Ending the Language Clubs’ symphonized creations, an Arabic poem by Fatemeh Khoram (10C) called “يوم المعلم” meaning “Teachers Day.“
Last but not least, ending the song with a smile, sang by Jiana Sauler, an infamous song titled “With a Smile”featuring the newly-elected President of Supreme Student Government, Alexandra Santilles (10C), and our aspiring singer, Patrick Ursolino (9A), once again. Amidst the high rises of tune, students hand out their gift bags to the teachers led by the SSG Members.
Proceeding with the end of the melody, comes Alexandra Santilles (10C) to deliver her speech for the teachers and their day.
“They don’t just impart knowledge; they ignite our potential, encouraging us to dream and strive for excellence.”—Alexandra Santilles, Supreme Student Government President
The program followed the flow as the school principal, Ms. Mary Jane P. Onato, delivered her closing remarks, yet, as she closed the program, she opened the door for the teachers’ to stir their waists and move their hips with an intermission. In the end of the beat of their feet, they heard the one-of-a-kind voice, Ms. Pauline Gail Mendoza singing “For Good,” ending the event with more than a good remark.
Amidst the mix of chaos of voices, beats of their feet, and colliding of hands lies the best message, which is the gratitude each heart has for their mentors who help turn a pitch note to an orchestra alone. The learnings one has would not suffice for the great they will become once tomorrow has once more passed. To our teachers, the second mother and father, our element of measure, thank you!