SPU Manila welcomes Paulinian Freshmen, celebrates World Teachers Day 2022
By: Ayeshka Kenzie Galarpe | The Paulinian | October 7, 2022
After two years of distance learning, St. Paul University Manila (SPUM) held its first in-person celebration of World Teachers Day and Freshmen Initiation. The highly-anticipated event took place in the Fleur-de-lis Theater on October 7, 2022 and was attended by all students, faculty, and staff of the University.
The first part of the program was a Eucharistic Celebration to commemorate the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. It was presided over by Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, Jr., SSP and Fr. Jonathan Bitoy, CMF. During the Mass, faculty members were given a special blessing in celebration of World Teachers Day.
The Freshmen Initiation was kick-started by the hosts, Pauline Danganan and Edward James Cardaño. The program bannered the theme, “OPM: Original Pinoy Music.” The hosts posed an icebreaker challenge that boosted the energy of the audience.
The second part of the program started with the National Anthem, led by the SPU Manila Chorale, followed by Opening Remarks from the Vice President for Academics and Research, Dr. Mary Grace Leongson, who expressed her gratitude to the teachers and warmly welcomed the Paulinian freshmen. Shortly after, the hosts did a roll call of participating college department performers for the Freshmen Initiation.
Included were the Music programs under the College of Music and Performing Arts, the Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management Accounting programs under the College of Business Management, AB Communication, Psychology, and Education programs under the College of Arts and Sciences & College of Education, Hotel and Tourism Management under CBM, Computer Science and Information Technology which is also under the previously said department, and Nursing under the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. The selected students from each program enlivened the program with performances that showcased their talents and entertained the audience.
Judges of the event included Vice President for Academics, Dr. Leongson; Vice President for Finance & Administrative Services, Sr. Ma. Vicenta Estrella, SPC; and the Homeroom Coordinator, Mr. Christian Francis Prado.
At the middle of the program, the Senior High School students from the Arts and Design Track (AADT) delivered a special performance as a tribute to the Paulinian educators.
After the presentations, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) President, Earl David Ong, gave a thanksgiving message for the teachers, after which, the Paulinian student leaders presented a sweet and heartfelt performance for the faculty and gave them flowers as tokens of gratitude.
Shortly after, the awarding for best freshmen performances was held. The winners were as follows:
- CHAMPION: College of Arts and Sciences & College of Education
- 1st RUNNER-UP: College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
- 2nd RUNNER-UP: College of Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management Accounting
- Best Costume: College of Arts and Sciences & College of Education
After the announcement of winners, the President of the Paulinian Shutters Club, Edana Sopoco, led a thanksgiving prayer for the teachers. The whole event was formally wrapped up with the singing of the Paulinian Mission Song and a photo op.
