On August 2, 2024, Friday, the vibrant blue ground of St. Mary’s Academy, was filled with cultural pride and hues as Hiraya 2024 was launched with the theme “Pagpupugay sa Nakaraan: Pagtuklas at Paglikha ng Kinabukasan.” This aims to embrace the Filipino heritage in creating a future worth looking forward to. The program started with an opening prayer led by the masters of ceremonies, Ms. Angerica Fesariton and Mr. John Erick Julian.
Accompanied by the melodious music of Pintig, members of the SMAP Dance Troupe brought their offerings on stage along the carpet, setting the tone of reverence and solemnity for the event.After introducing themselves, the masters of the ceremony introduced Miss Baebee Reynoso to deliver the opening remarks.
In her speech, Miss Reynoso highlighted the richness of Philippine culture and language, placing emphasis on the significance of recognizing and learning about the country’s indigenous peoples. She shared her definition of the word “Pilipino,” emphasizing three words to highlight the depth of its sense: “pili” to also mean katangi-tangi or special, “lipi” to also mean lahi or race, and “pino” to also mean dalisay or pure.
The immersion of culture went on with a Cariñosa performance by teachers dressed in their elegant white dresses and barong. Performers included Ms. Jade Roma Dadivas, Ms. Leila Mendoza, Ms. Abegail Cadiz, Mr. Frederick Malate, Mr. Jelbert Ormoc, and Mr. Alexander Garrate.Aligning with the theme of Hiraya 2024, Mr. Amado E. Borbon introduced the activities for the Buwan ng Wika, Kasaysayan, at Kultura. He focused on the significance of our heritage in understanding both the present and future of the country’s culture, linking it to the first syllable of “Hiraya,” which stands for hiwaga ng kasaysayan.The high-spirited school grounds continued to be energetic as the teachers from all subject areas walked the red carpet in their diverse national attire. Students from grade school to senior high school showed their support through their cheers and applause.
A performance by the Aikido club showcased their expertise in the Japanese form of self-defense, keeping the audience entertained with their moves. The performance was followed by the speech of Mr. Orlando P. Abon as he unveiled more activities related to the second syllable of “Hiraya” — Rangya ng Kultura. The activities aim to restore and celebrate the Filipino culture and traditions.
The SMAP Dance Troupe returned to the center to perform the traditional Asik dance of the Maguindanao Tribe, followed by a parade of Bayong ng Kahusayan, celebrating the bayong as a testament to the local arts’ strength and the school’s advocacy to buy local. Another parade followed as the “Gawad Hiraya” of each section at every level conquered the red carpet in their Filipino attire in different styles and kinds.
The Taekwondo club’s performance followed. The performers danced to Le Sserafim’s “Fearless,” captivating the audience and making it the highlight of their performance of board-breaking kicks and stunts.Miss Heide Marquez then revealed the activities aligned with the last syllable of “Hiraya”—Yaman ng Wika. She emphasized the Filipino language as a crucial communication system, with various activities planned to celebrate it throughout the month.Another performance by the SMAP Dance Troupe was presented as they danced to Tinikling with their four bamboo poles clapping together for the two pairs of members to hop on.
The program concluded with a gong-beating ceremony by the school directress, S. Ma. Salvacion R. Borjal, RVM, along with the school principal, Mr. Juanito B. Tan, and other Middle Administrators. The ending of the ceremony emphasized the Filipino language as an attestation of our Filipino identity and society. This society possesses an understanding of the depth of itself and its place and the space it takes up in the world.As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: the hope and vibrance of the Filipino spirit remain unceasing, and that is true heritage. Hiraya, Marians! Hiraya, Pilipinas!