To celebrate a year of adaptability and renewal, the Lasallian Mission Week celebrated Chinese New Year on Jan. 27 as it overflowed with servings of Tikoy, chances to snatch a lucky Angpao envelope, games, and more.

Ushering in the new year, Benilde’s Greenway Square welcomed students, associates, and faculty alike to celebrate Chinese New Year through various games, overflowing food, and a Chinese lantern-making competition open to all. Spearheaded by Mr. Jeric Masalapus, Head for Strategic Services and Partnerships under the People, Organization, and Development Office (PODO), the event hoped to celebrate both the new year and serve as a testament to the creativity of the Benildean community. 

The event showcased a variety of activities that tested Benildeans in all sorts of ways, each with a promise of a rewarding experience. From luck-based games to games that tested dexterity and chopstick-using skills, the event gathered a curious crowd of Benildeans looking to take part in the celebration.

A coming together of celebrations 

Adding to the festivities was the event’s joint celebration of the Lasallian Mission Week—a two-week-long event dedicated to upholding Lasallian values of faith, service, and community. In synergy with Benilde’s Senior High School (BSHS) department, PODO hoped to create and uplift the celebration by hosting a Chinese lantern-making competition open to all Benildean faculty, students, and associates. 

“Our goal with the event is actually not just to promote the celebration, but actually to look for talent,” Mr. Masalapus shared, pertaining to the contest they hosted for the event. ”Talents who will showcase their skills and creativity related to the celebration.” 

In line with the occasion, the design competition challenged participants to create lanterns that reflected the Year of the Wooden Snake, as well as the Pantone color of the year—mocha brown. The top winners were announced at the venue, namely Mr. Vee Jahnsen Agatep, and Mr. Ejay Boy Tena volunteers from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) who won third place for their entry. Second place was awarded to Ms. Art Mertyl Bolo, a representative from the BSHS-Student Services Unit (SSU). 

Last, but certainly not the least, the first place award was given to Ms. Anna Vanessa Batallones from the BSHS department. 

A community-centered experience 

But the design competition wasn’t the only highlight of the event, as Mr. Masalapus continues to share the event’s core goals. “The overall goal is to have a sense of community. [...] one of our unit's goals is to actually help in community culture building. We hope, through the event, to assist the College in achieving goals related to culture,” he ended.  

The Lasallian Mission Week: Chinese New Year proved itself to be more than just a festive celebration, but rather as a time for Benildeans to come together and showcase their diverse talents and sense of community. More importantly, it was a reminder of the importance of shared experiences in fostering a strong and vibrant college community.

Here's to a year filled with prosperity, and good health, Benildeans!