An annual Christmas tradition at Good Shepherd Cathedral School made a successful return as primary learners captured the hearts of their parents and teachers by performing in the Christmas Carol Festival last December 15, 2023, at the Shepherd’s Place. The activity, which made a comeback after almost 6 years, was organized by the Students Coordinating Board (SCB) with Rowpett Magsumbol and Kaira Quismundo as hosts.
The first Christmas Carol Festival was held in 2009 during the school's Language Month celebration. Since then, it has become an annual tradition in school as part of the preparations for the Yuletide Season. The last time that it was organized was in 2017.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Noel Elorde, School Principal, emphasized the essence of the activity in relation to the Christmas season. Afterwards, SCB President King Rugero Ambulo presented the contest mechanics. This was followed by the introduction of the panel of judges composed of the following: Guidance Associate Ms. Krista Andrea De Jesus, MAPEH Teacher Mr. Joseph Dimson, and Finance Officer Ms. Jacqueline Lazo.
With the guidance of their respective class advisers, the array of performances was kicked off by the Kinder grade level, with Angel Michael being the first section to perform; then came the acts of Angel Gabriel and Raphael. Shortly following were the first graders, started by St. Therese of the Child Jesus, continued by St. Maria Goretti and ended with St. Dominic Savio’s act.
The performances came to a halt when a short intermission was carried out by the two Nursery sections: Angel Judiel and Angel Uriel. The contest began once again with the carol of Grade 2 – St. John the Baptist, followed by their counterparts, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, and St. Jude Thaddeus being the last to perform overall.
Whilst waiting for the judges’ evaluation, Grade 8 - Honesty’s Sean Tapel entertained the audience with his rendition of Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You”.
The contest proper concluded as Mr. Marco Paolo Lovendino, the school’s SCB Coordinator and Assistant Principal, announced the winners of the festival per grade level. For Kinder, Angel Michael took the championship whereas Angel Raphael and Gabriel received the 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up places, respectively.
Meanwhile, St. Dominic Savio is the champion of the Grade 1 level, being followed by St. Maria Goretti and St. Therese in terms of ranking.
Lastly, for the 2nd grade, St. Aloysius Gonzaga was declared the champion, with St. John the Baptist being the 1st runner-up and St. Jude Thaddeus as the 2nd runner-up.
This year’s festival is just one of the many traditions and ways that GSCS is actively promoting the spirit of Christmas, as well as its core values within the community.
Written by Jose Bon Carlo R. Alcantara (The Flock)