#NEWS | Batch 2027 celebrates HumFest S.Y. 2021–2022
by Amira Batino, Sebastien Abainza, and Czeska Torres
On November 24, Philippine Science High School–Main Campus’s (PSHS–MC) freshmen, Batch 2027, experienced their first Humanities Festival (HumFest). This event was mainly held via Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With the theme “Tindog: Ang Humanidades sa Mga Kuwento ng Pagbangon sa Panahon ng Pandemya,” this year’s HumFest was spearheaded by the Filipino Unit. The opening ceremony, streamed on Youtube, began with a quote from a well-known author and Pisay alumnus, Jose Dalisay Jr., “Without humanities, the field of science would not be of much value.”
The PEHM Unit’s webinar followed shortly after. The speakers, Sir Anthony Cruz for Music and Sir Jade Alvarez for Physical Education (PE), talked about the topic, “Ang Kahalagahan ng Musika, Pisikal na Edukasyon, at Kalusugan Upang Makabangon sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”
According to Sir Cruz, “Music is the perfect non-verbal way to express emotions that are difficult to talk about.” He added that music has the power to calm down and relax listeners.
Next was the Values Education Unit’s seminar. Ms. Candice Baluyot, a staff member of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Guidance and Counseling Unit, took the lead. Her discussion focused on the healing power of human connections and was followed by a set of games that promoted bonding and team building.
Themed “Panitikang Pambata: Danas at Kaalaman Sa Pagsulat,” the next webinar was hosted by the English unit. The speakers were Sir Boon Lauw of the ADTech Unit, Ms. Michelle Agas, Prof. Christine Ang-Bellen, Prof. Joachim Antonio, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, and Prof. Bernadette Neri. They discussed Writing and Children’s Literature, Creative Storytelling, “Batang Rizal,” Writer’s Block, Rizal at Panitikang Pambata, and Progressive Literature, respectively.
Finally, Batch 2027’s first HumFest concluded with the Filipino and Social Science symposium titled, “Mga Usapin ng Bayan sa Gitna ng Pandemya: Ang Aking Maitutulong.” Hosted by Ms. Pauline Non, Dr. Raymond San Pedro, Mr. Jan Punongbayan, and Prof. Francisco Guiang, this forum emphasized the country’s state amidst the pandemic and what students can do to improve it.
Students from Batch 2027 shared their opinions on the HumFest. According to an anonymous respondent, the festival took them by surprise: “It was a very informative event and it surprised me with the knowledge and experiences that the speakers had.”
For Maria Bisocho from 7-Jade, the festival is highly anticipated in face-to-face classes, adding that, “Even through an online platform, I can see how much effort the Humanities Units poured into this.”
When asked about their takeaway from the festival, another anonymous student responded, “The main takeaway for me is that even though we should continue to think positively and do our best despite the pandemic, we should also take note that it’s okay to feel stressed and sad.”
