11/12/2024
Adventures Unfold: Celebrating Creativity and Literacy in English Month 2024
The Adamson University Senior High School transpired this year's English Month celebration, in collaboration with the 90th National Book Week, has brought the magical world of literature to life with each story explored and each page turned. The celebration was held on December 6, 2024, at the Adamson University Theater with the theme โA Magical Experience: From Pages to Adventures,โ inspired by a spectacular Hogwarts-themed event. The activities brought together the students, teachers, and faculty, which inspired everyone to bring their creative ideas in regard to literature into life.
It all started with the introduction of the teachers behind that event, and they are divided to represent Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin houses based on their unique personalities. Mr. Alvic P. Barredo was then introduced to make an opening remarks highlighting that "Today will be the culmination of all the efforts; it all ends today. The things that we prepared for the whole month, the best of each category, talents, and hard work come together to shine brighter than ever."
The first competition that was introduced was the Literary Cosplay Competition, wherein the students brought their favorite literary characters into life. It was then judged using the character accuracy, creativity, craftsmanship, presentation, audience engagement, and overall impact with the help of these talented judges, including Ms. Chopsleek, Mr. John Peter Asiรฑo, and Ms. Ma Catherine Cequeรฑa, who chose the best among the finalists. The first place was awarded to Nikayla Mari C. Casilang from 11SSCI04, who accurately represented Katniss Everdeen as her favorite literary character. It was the portrayal of Little Red Riding Hood by Jen Rose G. Lincopines from the same section, 11SSCI04, who captivated the judges and placed her in second. Lastly, Matt Jason M. Gloria from 11ABM05 got the third place, portraying Hang Tuah, a legendary warrior in Malaysia.
It was then followed by the Pitch Deck that showcased ideas to life and innovative solutions to real-world problems. The five finalists presented their business proposals to these three judges: Dr. Frederick Nieto, Ms. Lovely Yap, and Mr. Anjo Leynes, based on the clarity of the problem, strength of the solution, market of understanding, project model, visual design, and delivery and management. Every group managed to impress everyone with their creative minds, but these top three groups really shined as they took over the stage. Coffee Carry from 12ABM04 took first place with their eco-friendly coffee capsule. EcoTraction from 12SENG04 got second place, transforming the tiles placed on roads into sustainable energy. The third place was then awarded to 12SSCI03 with their proposed project, InstaVoice, that aims to overcome the gaps in communication.
In the Speech Choir Competition, five groups battled to make it to the top, but only three were chosen based on its delivery, interpretation, rapport with the audience, and technicalities with the help of these judges: Ms. Gernah May Santianes, Mr. Jaime Rhosse M. Dela Cruz, and Ms. Lerna Lunar, who are very experienced in regards to the field of speech choir. 11SSCI04 took first place with their mesmerizing harmonization and great concept in regard to their interpretation of the poem entitled Peace Not War by Patricia Lithuanian. The entry of 11SSCI03 got second place with the help of their powerful performances and choreography. The third place, 11STECH02, amazed everyone with their singing voices.โ
Mr. Victor Kim B. De Luna, the chair of English Month 2024, emphasized a heartfelt message, which was "courage, friendship, and the importance of standing up for what is right despite the circumstances," before showcasing the most-awaited short film from grade 11 that captivated the judges and the audience with their storytelling and a cinematic experience. From 46 short films, only six made the cut, and only three would then be awarded. Mr. Arvie Garino introduced the top three, starting from the third place, โIn Justice, Ms. Americanaโ from 11SSCI05 that was adapted to a song entitled โOnly the Youngโ by Taylor Swift. The second placer was from 11SSCI01 with their adapted film entitled โPunding Pangarapโ from โAbakadaโฆ Inaโ by Eddie Garcia. Lastly the first placer, another entry from 11SSCI04 who bagged so many first and second place awards in this yearโs English Month with their film entitled โThe Pinnacleโs Secret,โ adapted from โThe Platformโ by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia. Each film showed their talents and creativity in interpreting the film and creating their own adaptation of it.
The day ended with a blissful memory for everyone, showcasing the talent, creativity, innovation, and stories from the students who participated in this event, as well as to the teachers who made this event possible. From showcasing literary cosplay, innovative solutions from pitch deck, heartfelt interpretation of speech choir, to captivating cinematic experiences from short films, every competition reflected the hard work, passion, and talent exerted by the students with the help of their teachers. As we turn the page on this yearโs celebration of English Month and 90th National Book Week, we can all carry the lessons and be reminded that through stories, we can dream, inspire, and create a better world.
Caption by: Biancy Jade Buenavista
Photos by: Gene Crisostomo and Tin Taboada
