The Benilde International Student Emissaries (BISE) launched their first online celebration of Chinese New Year to welcome the Year of the Ox via livestream on their official Facebook page, on Friday Feb. 12.

Center for Student Life Dean Ms. Norie Ador Dionisio formally commenced the program with her opening remarks.

“Every new year signals the start of something new, something we need to reset and something we need to improve. (...) May this new year of the ox give us more reason to hope for better opportunities and to ignite our passions. That in 2021, this year, together we’ll all rise up to the challenges brought about by this pandemic,” Ms. Ador Dionisio stated. 

In line with new beginnings, she cited the College’s two newly launched projects and significant milestones amid the pandemic: the opening of Benilde Senior High School and the blessing of the newly-added campus called The Atrium at Benilde.

“These two significant projects that Benilde has launched recently despite the ongoing pandemic is a testament of our character of being resilient, innovative, and inclusive educational institution. In addition, these bold actions are clear statements that Benilde is ready for the challenges brought about by the pandemic. May these two significant developments in our institution inspire as all as they should be cherished, pronounced and celebrated,” Ms. Ador Dionisio concluded, thanking the organizers for the meaningful celebration of Chinese New Year (CNY). 

First performer that was featured was Cherry Ang, a University of Santo Tomas BFA Advertising Arts student, who sang Zhou Shen’s Big Fish (大鱼) from an animated film epic fantasy film “Big Fish & Begonia (大鱼海棠).”

On the other hand, ID 120 international hospitality management student Penny Ong amazed the audience with a traditional Chinese fan dance to the melodies of Zhao Fangjing’s Mang Zhong (芒种-赵方婧). Fan dance has been known to be a part of the Chinese heritage for almost two millennia.  

Consequently, Wilber Jan Ching, a dentistry student from the University of the East, captivated the audience with his vocal performance of Personal Angel (專屬天使) by Tank. Furthermore, business administration major in computer applications’ Lennard Koa Lee danced to the beats of Love Shot by EXO. 

For the last two performances, Like You (和你一样) by Chris Lee,  also known as Li Yuchun, was sang by a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student Shermaine Chua from DLSU-Manila; whereas, fashion design and merchandising student Sherine Santiago wrapped up the roster of performers by enacting a classical Chinese fan dance with the song called Upwards To The Moon (左手指月) by Sa Dingding (萨顶顶). 

Raffle breaks were done in between performances where audience members got a chance to win medium-sized Tikoy sponsored by Eng Bee Tin.  

Other than the raffle, there was also an online Kahoot called “Battle for the Tikoy” to test their knowledge about Chinese New Year facts and event proper.

Before officially signing off, BISE’s CNY2021 Project Head Aileen Chen  parted a few words to thank the individuals and offices who made the event possible as they transitioned to the virtual platform. 

“Due to the pandemic, this year’s event is held online but we hope to see you soon in the near future. Furthermore, I hope tonight’s event is a memorable and extraordinary experience to each and everyone. (...) May this Chinese New Year bring you happiness, wealth and good fortune,” Chen mentioned.

Officially wrapping up the program is Benilde’s Brother President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC’s closing remarks, emphasizing the inclusion and value of diversity by citing the appreciation of individual worth as part of the Benildean Expressions that thrive amidst the pandemic through the events held by Benildeans.

“Benilde is a community that recognizes and appreciates all individuals, including their culture, their beliefs, and traditions. (...) Celebrations and gatherings like this, through virtual, will help us understand and appreciate different cultures and individuals. It is our hope that such understanding and appreciation will lead to mutual respect and open collaboration with each other. Appreciating every individual is the first step to building a just and humane society,” Br. Fernandez FSC concluded.

Emissaries’ CNY 2021 is a CSBLIFE Accredited Event. Those who wish to be accredited must send a selfie watching the Facebook Live as proof of attendance. Raffle prizes can be availed by sending proof via screenshot with their names at emissaries@benilde.edu.ph until Feb. 14, Sunday where failure to submit may result in disqualification. 

For inquiries and updates, you may visit Emissaries’ Facebook and Instagram social media handles.