Shortly after the Caravan to Talay, Catalinans gathered at Campus 2 for the 65th Founding Anniversary Ceremony, the Opening of COSCA Games 2024, and the “KISAW: Lahing Catalinan Concert”. The program started with a prayer lead by former dancers of then COSCA Dance Society (CDS), followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem to the accompaniment of COSCA Marching Band.
Later, Lea Mae Factor of CLIA-ED and Princess Sedantes of CAHS, KISAW hosts, read the guidelines of the Mass Demonstration Competition and introduced the judges. The panel was composed of accomplished persons in the field of culture, arts, and dance, namely Mr. Peter John J. Onggay, Mr. Jaylord Gomera, and Mr. Floyd Jimber O. Gajilomo. Immediately after the introduction, the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) performed their mass demonstration number, followed by the College of Liberal Arts-Education (CLIA-ED), the College of Business Education (CBE), and the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE). The champions of Basic Education Department’s (BED’s) Modern Dance Competition and Vocal Solo Competition also showcased their dance/song numbers as non-competing participants.
Leading up to the Opening of COSCA Games 2024, Mr. Jomari Cueco of CCJE, national representative for a mountain bike competition, performed his exhibitions in front of the 4000-strong crowd. He then received a lit torch from Mr. Jerson Fundader of CBE, a National Karatedo gold medalist, and walked to the cauldron to execute the traditional Lighting of Urn. Succeeding this signal, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel B. Gomez, PhD, COSCA president, declared COSCA Games 2024 as open. This was then followed by the Raising of Banners that would earn CAHS the first winning point for this year’s Intramurals.
After all the banners were raised, the school president fronted the ribbon-cutting to officially open the viewing of the Christmas Villages. CBE flaunted their “Enchanted Christmas” village; BED, their “Gingerbread House”; CAHS, their “Winter Wonderland”; CLIA-ED, their “Santa’s Christmas Emporium”, and CCJE, their “Candy Cane Lane”. The esteemed Mr. Floyd Jimber O. Gajilomo, Archt. Sarah S. Caballes, and Engr. Lilibeth Gauma would then decide the winning entries of the Christmas Village Contest.
Towards the end of the evening, Catalinans witnessed the first-ever “KISAW: Lahing Catalinan Concert,” as presented by COSCA Marching Band, Huni (COSCA’s Official Music Club), Lahing Catalinan Groove Collective, and Lahing Catalinan Dance Ensemble. During the curtain call, Mr. Almond Ray Zuñiga and Mrs. Ricamae Barandog-Abarito took their bow as the respective heads of the clubs that comprised the recital. Mrs. Merlita D. Aquiatan was also called to the curtain in honor of her role as the moderator of the participating cultural clubs.
Once the concert was culminated, the much-awaited announcement of winners took place. For the Mass Demonstration Competition, CCJE, CAHS, CBE, and CLIA-ED, were avowed as Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, and 3rd runner-up, respectively. For the Christmas Village Competition, the following awards were given: Champion- CAHS, 2nd place- CBE, 3rd place- CLIA-ED, 4th place- CCJE, 5th place- BED. The evening ended with a short fireworks display.
via Aira Llana Vez Aquiatan, Chimes correspondent
Photos By: AJ Nuñez and Al Basil Mission
