From Practice to Performance: Our folkdance Experience During the Division Executive Conference

 "From Practice to Performance: Our Folk Dance Experience During the Division Executive Conference"

 

From Practice to Performance;my most unforgettable moment was on October 14, 2025 during the Division Executive Conference held in Quinale Beach Bar located at Anda, Bohol. The event gathered educators and staff from different schools, together with the highest-ranked person from the Division office of Bohol. What made my experience even more challenging was that we only have one day of practice, and it felt extremely crammed because we had to learn and perfect the two dance presentations. 

 

 As the day arrived we didn't waste the time, we learn and perfect the dances in just a few hours. The morning was filled with hurried practice; we're all nervous thinking, "kaya kaha ni nato?" but we did not lose hope, we trusted each other and we focused because Sir Edwin encouraged us to not give up. Days before that, an unexpected earthquake and rainy days caused disruptions, delaying our preparation schedule.

The preparation was so intense. We mattered every step, from hand movements to footwork, and most importantly the timing. Even though it felt crammed, we stay focused and supported each other, correcting each mistakes and encouraging one another. When we arrived at the Quinale Beach Bar, we prepared ourselves and were given food, which we had to eat quickly because the program was about to start. Everything felt rushed, but our patience still exists and reminded one another,"kaya lagi ni nato." 

It was finally our turn to dance; we walked there smiling, carrying an excitement mixed with nervousness. As the music started, the audience's attention was entirely on us. We were greeted with loud applause and beautiful smiles from them; some were taking photos and videos, while others started to join dancing, and because of that we were motivated and gained more confidence to perform a better performance. After we presented, Mr.Danilo Aton delivered his speech, thanking everyone for coming and giving time for this event, he also remind us to continue valuing culture and teamwork. 

 

Dancing on stage in front of many people,I felt an excitement and nervousness, but the music and people around cheered us up. Performing in front of an appreciative audience gave us a sense of accomplishment. The cheers and smiles reminded us that all the pressure,cramming time and hard work had paid off. Beyond the steps and choreography,this experience help us build teamwork and patience.It was a day full of pressure, stress,and sir Eds kasaba but it was also a day we all learned,grow, and having unforgettable memories.

To all my co-dancers out there I know you've experience this kind of situations.I salute to all of you!

By:Angela Mae Simacon

 

My Experience as a Sandugo Festival Dancer by Evah Mhey Roa

July 27, 2025, marked  an unforgettable                moment Sandugo as a  first-time  dancer,  as we show our talents,  teamwork, passion to  dance, energy, and  discipline. Competing   in  the Sandugo Festival  in Tagbilaran City, we are proudly present as Hiyas Quinale, and we are aiming to showcase the beauty of Anda, talents, and passion in dance. With the support of the LGU and led by Mr. Rouvien De Guzman Anda, tourism manager, and our very own mayor, Angelina Simacio, what made it remarkable was that it was my first time joining as a Sandugo dancer, and Anda got the place, which is 4th place. This experience encourages me to continue joining the Sandugo Festival as a dancer.

Being a first-time dancer in the Sandugo Festival is not easy because there are so many challenges. In practicing dance, first we gather all to pray; second, we do warm-up exercises so we won’t get tired easily and so we can sweat; and the last one is that we start to practice our dance step by step.

The night we've all been waiting for, the competition was intense, with the talented contingent municipalities of Loboc, Loay, Dimiao, Getafe, and Tagbilaran City bringing the beauty of their own towns. With every dance we enjoy and every one we show that is unique, we knew that Hiyas Quinale had something different that created beauty and was special.

This experience taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and confidence. Being part of the Sandugo Festival inspired me to keep dancing and to proudly represent Anda in future festivals. I also learned that being a first-timer is not easy. We feel fear and are afraid of making mistakes. However, trust and compassion within us help build confidence and beauty in the way we dance with grace. Do not be afraid if it is your first time. Nothing bad will happen if you try. Always trust yourself.

My Mother's 49th Birthday

For me, celebrating my mother's 49th birthday was one of the most unforgettable experience I ever had. It was among the most memorable experiences of my life. The day was more than just about gifts and food. It was about expressing love and gratitude for all that she has done for our family. The occasion was made even more memorable by helping each other out with the tasks.

Our family gathered together at home to celebrate my mom's birthday. Together, we prepared different kinds of dishes. Before the celebration began, we made sure everything was ready and set up the table. I helped with basic tasks like arranging the food and keeping the place clean and presentable. As she saw us presenting her birthday cake and handed a bouquet of flowers, a bright smile was shown on her face which made all the effort worth it.

During our celebration, we shared stories and laughed together. Witnessing a moment where my family and I enjoying the foods we made was the best feeling ever. Everyone was content and in the moment, which made it feel warm and happy. That day reminded me of the importance of family bonding, especially during special occasions where everyone is present.

The 49th birthday celebration of my mother was an unforgettable experience. It taught me the value of love, effort, and togetherness. I realized that simple parties and celebrations can be very special when they come from the heart. I will always treasure that moment and continue to appreciate my mom, not just on her birthday, but in every single day.

 

By Jonas Gultiano 

 

 

UNITED IN JOY:BADIANG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTY 2025

2025 YEAR END PARTY     

Once the ber months arrive, Christmas is already felt all around  in our barangay, school, and every corner of our surroundings. But as students, there is one thing we always look forward, which is the Christmas Party. It is a time where everyone talk with laughter, and a chance to celebrate the season of joy, with friends and classmates.

 

Even before December began, we, together with our adviser, Ms. Mechel D. Alba, started planning for the party. We discussed the food that each barangay should prepare and decided on a theme. After so many suggestions and a litte bit discussion, the majority voted for a “Tita/Tito Outfit” theme. After that I even ordered my outfit and sandals after school because of the excitement. 

 

As time goes by, the Christmas Party is already approaching, our excitement grew even more because of the exchange gift which worth 200 pesos. The day before the party, preparations were in full of excitement. We  planned to make vegetable lumpia, but sadly we running out stock  of wrappers, we decided to prepare lechon manok instead. Our adviser also requested that we prepare mango float, which everyone of us like mango float as a dessert. Each barangay was assigned a dish: Badiang prepared spaghetti, Talisay prepared lechon manok, and Linawan prepared laroca . Kaylee and I, prepared the mango float in her house. Everyone worked with inspired, and we managed to finish all preparations.

 

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. I taking quick showers, dressing in our dance presentation outfits which is red top, and white pants. Packing the food and exchange gifts. Upon arriving at school, Maam Sabing ask us to continue the decoration and set up everything for the program to begin. The Christmas Party started with a heartfelt tableau about the nativity story, its shows how Angel Gabriel approached Mary and the birth of Jesus. Even though this story is shows every year, it still left everyone with goosebumps. Following the tableau, each grade level presented their performances. Start with the grade 7 until 12. But sadly Grade 12 St. Cecilia was not around due their immersion, but their presence was still felt through the energy and spirit of the celebration. Performances from all grades has a wonderful performance and our group had its funny moments of confusion, but still a wonderful performance.

 

After the performances, we prepared for lunch and decide the games. While waiting for everyone to be ready, we enjoyed to witness the delicious food prepared by our adviser and Maam Gina rontal, sang Christmas songs, and even made TikTok videos together. 

 

As everyone is ready, it started with a small, meaningful activity led by our adviser. She gave each of us a little heart-shaped sticky note and instructed us to write down two things we are grateful for this year in just two minutes. and it’s my time to shared it states that I’ grateful for having the courage to try new things once I am afraid of and grateful for the gift of life  to make mistakes, regret thinhs, cry, lied, but above all, I learned. Almost of my classmates became emotional, expressing their gratefulness for their loved ones. One memorable moment was when John Carlo Castrodes shared that he is grateful that he took the opportunity and have courage to open up to his parents that he is attracted to a male.The sincerity and courage of his confession touched everyone.

 

After this heartwarming moment, we prayed together and then finally sat down to eat. The table was filled of  delicious dishes There was even ice cream, and Ma’am Gina Rontal brought some special treats, which Michaela took home because she really enjoyed them. 

 

Everyone had eaten, it was time for games. Each grade level prepared fun activities. As Ma’am Len called for everyone to gather outside. We, grade 12 St: Mark hadn’t finished eating yet, but we hurried to finish eating because the games were about to start. Some students stayed behind in the room to continue videoke, while others went outside to participate in the games. Each one of us really enjoying the games. 

 

After enjoying the games and videoke, we went back inside the room for the exchange gift. It was very noisy, with everyone excitedly opening their gifts. Some received cash instead of their wishlist because their gifts hadn’t arrived yet, and the most funny moment was seeing Brian Simacon and Jasmine Castrodes exchange cash which made us laugh.

After the exchange gift, we clean up, washed the dishes, and also washed the trash can. So everything was done, it was finally time to go home, ending a fun and memorable Christmas Party. 

 

This party isn’t  just an event it was a celebration of love, joy, hope and the spirit of Christmas. We especially enjoyed it because it was one of the last Christmas parties we would have before graduating and moving on to college, where we might not have the chance to celebrate like this again.

 

By: Jobelle V. Jandayan

 

Rooted in Christ, Radiating Hope: My Parish Youth Camp Experience

Parish Youth Camp is a yearly activity of a parish youth where people gather in short period. Parish Youth Camp where we can build faith, values, leadership, and friendship. Youth Camp helps me to
understand the role in the church, relationship in God, and build unity with fellow youth parishioners.Youth Camp have many activities that you can experiences there are mass, parade, talk session, immersion with selected family, community services, BEC night, youth jam, amazing race and more.

My experience in parish youth camp last month was a memorable and meaningful experience because it helps me grow my faith in God, build strong connection with other young youth in our parish Anda. It start with the warm welcome to our co-youth members in every barangay. A blessing opening mass in the morning and "knowing one's self".Through prayer, talk and holy hour, I learned the importance of trusting and serving others with sencere heart. I also enjoy youth jam not only in dance but also the music remind me how God important to us. By working together, I will say teamwork is very important in every field of game, win or lose we need to accept on it. Youth remind me that we are called to be active in our parish and chapel willing to serve in our community with love and responsibility.

Youth Camp is a valuable experience that helps me grow spiritually, emotionally , and physically.The lesson I learn during the youth camp are being friendly to other participants and for being attentive in every task. Parish Youth Camp helps the youth to become responsible and obedient. I just want to remind my fellow youth that being a youth is a blessing it is the way to serve God. Let the young youth encourage others to show actions that faint in Christ can truly change lives.

 

Pasko sa Anda: Bangga sa Daygon 2025 by Kaylee Castrodes

BNHS Musiko Talento Chorale 

    Pasko sa Anda: Bangga sa Daygon 2025 brought the genuine spirit Christmas through the sound of joyful voices that echoed and touched the hearts of the crowd, feeling the true spirit of the season.

    The program began with a prayer, followed by the singing of the triple hymn. A warm welcome message from Hon. John Deligero officially opened the celebration, inviting the audience to enjoy a night dedicated to worship and togetherness. Energy quickly filled the venue as the Anda Babes took the stage with a lively dance presentation, earning cheers and applause from the crowd.

    As the host presented the panel of judges, excitement grew as the competition officially started with the Elementary School Category. One by one, young performers filled the stage with Christmas melodies, singing “Kasadya” and familiar songs that echoed through the crowd and got them singing along every song. Competing groups included Spectrum of the Voices of Casica Elementary School, Starlight Singers of Buenasuerte Elementary School, Nutcracker Charmers of Lundag Elementary School, Shining Stars of Alamaria Elementary School, Rhythmic Voices of Ipo Elementay School, Daygon Voices of Tanod Elementary School, Angels of Christmas Voices of Suba Elemetary School, The Melody Munchkins of Abihid Elementary School, The Mahayahay Caroling Stars of Mahayahay Elementary School, and Linawan Angels of Harmony of Linawan Elementary School.

    Mayor Angelina “Inday” Simacio shared a heartfelt message to the people of Anda, reminding everyone that the true spirit of Christmas is found in giving, gratitude, and holding into one’s faith. She took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the local government’s partners, especially the resort owners in Anda, whose continued support and generosity helps make the celebrations possible.

    The contest proceeded with the Secondary School category, from Badiang National High School, Anda High School, Holy Infant Academy (HIA) and Candabong National High School, highlighting the abilities of Anda’s youth.

  As the night concluded the audience eagerly awaited the announcement of winners. Lundag Elementary School emerged as Champion and won the Best in Costume in the elementary category, with Linawan Elementary school as 1^st prize winner and Ipo Elementary School as 2nd prize winner. In the Secondary category, Anda High School claimed the Championship, followed by HIA as 1st prize and earning Best in Costume, and Badiang National High School as 2nd prize winner.

    The event touched the heart of one of the participants. Michaela Jane Gultiano, one of the performers from Badiang National High School, shared her experience “At first, I felt scared because there were so many people, especially since I am an introvert. But once you are already in the stage, you feel happy because you are not just singing to entertain, but to sing along with God.” She added that she was deeply satisfied and grateful for all the efforts and struggles that led to their performance.

    A yearly celebration which became Anda’s tradition is more than just a competition, “Bangga sa Daygon 2025: Pasko sa Anda” is a celebration of voices, talents, and a community brought closer together by the true meaning of Christmas.

 

Pasko sa Anda: Christmas Lighting 2025 by John Carlo Castrodes

Every year, the Christmas Tree lighting in Anda brings people together to feel the warmth of Christmas. On December 12, 2025, families roaming around, friends reunited and seeing the precious smiles of Andahanon as they welcomed the Christmas season. The night was filled with bright colors and joyful music making everyone feel the true essence of Christmas. 

What made “Pasko Sa Anda” truly unforgettable was the strong bayanihan shown by the Andahanons. The 16 barangays of Anda proudly showcased their talents and creativity through the making of Christmas trees. Each tree has its own uniqueness. They were reminded that Christmas in Anda is not just all about celebrations, but it’s also about celebrating as one community.

The fun part of the night is when I, my friends and my boyfriend join the countdown. As we count, we can really feel the excitement in every voice. When the number hit zero, the whole place lit up because of the bright color of the Christmas Tree lights and sparkling fireworks. The place was full of energy with children running around with balloons in their hands, families taking pictures, friends laughing together and the place was so elegant. Personally, I had a great time too. My boyfriend and I decided to roam around and look at every Christmas trees, where we critiqued some of the trees and shared our perspective on which one we thought was the best. After roaming around, my boyfriend treated me some delicious foods, and we sat down eating together while seeing the masterpiece creation of Andahanons. We also took pictures for our memories, and both of us enjoyed the rest of the night.

What made the night even more special was seeing the community come together. People wearing their precious smiles as they witness the creativity of Andahanons in making Christmas trees with shared efforts. The event isn't just about lights and decorations, its also about unity and making memories that would last long after the night ends.

"Pasko sa Anda" isn't just about celebration, but its also about bringing community as one and feeling the true spirit of Christmas. Even though the Christmas Trees weren’t required to be fabulous because of the strong earthquake that hit Cebu. The Andahanons still managed to show their creativity and talents. Showcasing that Andahanons has a lot to offer.

More Than a Throw: My Journey as a Student-Athlete

 

   

More Than a Throw: My Journey as a Student-Athlete

 by John Gennel Ramones

For the past months, being a thrower athlete of Badiang National High School has shaped me not only physically, but also in my confidence, discipline, and dedication. I started training and competing with very little experience, but with each training day, I learned to trust myself, my technique, and my ability to improve. Through early morning grinds, long practices, sore muscles, and moments of self-doubt, I grew into someone who understands what real discipline and commitment to self-improvement truly feel like.

Throwing isn’t just about how far or how powerful you throw—it’s about consistency, patience, dedication, hard work, discipline, and believing that even small progress is worth it. Looking back, I am proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for how much this sport has taught me about improving myself and becoming a better person.

Representing my school and my hometown has been one of the most memorable parts of my journey. I competed in the Boholympics, where the nerves were high and the pressure intense, but stepping into the throwing circle alongside strong competitors motivated me even more. I also proudly represented Anda, Bohol, and later became a sub-cong athlete in Guindulman, Bohol—carrying not only my own goals, but also the pride of my town and my identity as an athlete. Every competition became a challenge, and with every throw, I felt the strong support of my teammates and coaches cheering me on.

Thinking about these experiences inspires me to train harder, stay disciplined, and remain focused. Every throw, every heavy barbell lift, every struggle to control technique, and every moment of fatigue and pressure tested my limits—but they also helped me grow as both a thrower athlete and a student-athlete. I have learned that every throw is a chance to prove my skills, and every competition is an opportunity to create new memories. I am determined to keep moving forward, continue improving, and represent my town with pride as I pursue my athletic journey with passion and purpose.