A Letranite Insight

Binyag Arriba 2018 Video

Binyag Arriba: A never-to-be-missed event to the freshmen and transferees of Colegio de San Juan de Letran which is the first step in being a true Letranite. This event is held as a way for the Colegio to accept wholeheartedly the freshmen and transferees as they become true Letranites. This event has a lot of activities specifically to familiarize yourself with other squires as well as to build some trust within the Colegio and the fellow squires. To my prior knowledge, I have known this event from Ate Norriene’s channel which features the highlights, what-to-do’s and moments surrounding Binyag Arriba. As I have first watched the video, I can tell that this is a moment we shouldn’t all miss for this is the first step in being a full-fledged Letranite.

Our Binyag Arriba was for two days. It was supposed to be July 12 and 13 but due to the inclement weather, the Day 02 of Binyag Arriba was moved to July 16. For the first day, it was only composed of orientations about the school’s history and introduction to some staff. They also held out some games to at least build some friendship and trust with the fellow squires. Our first day only held up until 12 NN because of the inclement weather that’s why they have to suspend it. So therefore, the real excitement and highlight of Binyag Arriba will be moved to July 16.

July 16, 2018 – the fateful day has come. The real highlight starts here. Inside my gut, I can already feel the hype surrounding this day because this is where you will really be acknowledged as a full-fledged Letranite. Before the real highlight came to play, we again had a game. It was like The Amazing Race to which the stations are all around the campus. That was a way for us to explore the campus and at the same time, familiarize ourselves with all of the sights.

I can say that along with this game, I was really, really hyped for it. I even became the lead runner because my energy for running was overflowing within me. The game ended around lunch because the time wasn’t enough and that there are many more activities on the second half of the day to which every squire should prep for. As the second half of the day started, we prepped ourselves up for the Trust Walk – an activity in which we are blindfolded and there are several obstacles along the way. The reason why the squires are blindfolded is because this is to build your trust within the Colegio and with your fellow squires.

The Trust Walk for me was a good experience as I have felt that I gave my wholehearted trust to the squires and to the Colegio, itself. After the Trust Walk was the Knighting Ceremony in which the accolade is a ceremony to confer knighthood. After I was confirmed of my knighthood, I was bestowed with a rosary which was blessed by a priest. Then… the moment we’ve been waiting for, the highlight of this event is drawing near. The real Binyag happens now.

We all went in front of the flagpole. Rain was gently pouring from the heavens. All of us were ready to be baptized with a fire truck. Some of the committee even threw some powdered dye at us – even I got some! Then after a little shout, we were baptized truly by the firetruck. All of us were soaking wet from the rain and that baptize moment.

I can truly say that even if this event was postponed for a few days, it was worth it. Being a true Letranite all starts with Binyag Arriba and it is an event you should never miss out on.

This is Colegio De San Juan De Letran (CSJL) found in the province of Bataan which is Abucay. This became my Alma Mater in my whole Secondary Level this includes the Junior High School and Senior High School. The first time before I took the entrance exam here my idea about Letran was narrow and I was really not that excited to enter here but when I passed the entrance exam the fun and my story started. Here their practice before you enter the campus and be considered as one of them which is called as “Letranite” you will first be attending their activity called Binyag Arriba wherein you will be encountering fun-filled games before being baptized as a “Letranite” and be one of them. The real happenings in my almost 5 years in Letran starts here.

Binyag Arriba was one of my great experience being a Letranite. That time I was able to know more about Letran. First day of school were somehow a little bit akward for me because Letran is a bigger than my previous school and my studies were somehow hard but were able to widen my knowledge. As time flies by things are starting to excite me. The activities that Letran provides for the us students are an exciting events like Nutrition Month, Buwan ng Wika, English Week, Book Week, Outreach Program and especially the most exciting of all is the Intramurals, the Christmas Party and the Colegio week. These kind of activity what made us have time bonding with our friends and have memories to cherish.

In my almost 5 years of  experience as a Letranite or a Squire it was challenging, filled with happiness and success but because of these things it were able to shape me into a better person. I were able to achieved being one of the Honor Circle and at the same time I were able to won medals in some activities. The teachers were able to share what life truly is like and were able to instill an important knowledge and words to be brought in our daily lives. Letranites here have bonds that make them stronger and become one family in facing challenges of life, studies and the achievement of making Letran be known by its name. Letran made me have a principle to hold on and become strong whatever obstacle may come.

                Last November 5, 2018, Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Bataan celebrated United Nations Day. This was the first time of Letran-Bataan celebrating United Nations Day. The two main agendas of this event was A-Live Museum and Mr. & Mrs UN 2018.

A-Live Museum features exhibits detailing the tradition culture, clothing, foods, facts, histories and tourists spots of a certain country. Each grade section decorated their room according to their country. The country we’ve picked was New Zealand. Decorating a room that will look like a museum was a very challenging task, but thanks to our room adviser, Sir Ronel Dampil , who helped us to make our room looked like New Zealand. He even brought stuffs that were helpful in decorating and supported us while designing our room. One difficulty that we’ve experienced while doing this A-Live museum was lacked of time. But, through the help of having an equal work and cooperation, we’ve successful finished our room.

The themes that we’ve used were mostly kiwi and silver fern. We even gave free kiwi juice to our visitors that they can drink while exploring the whole room.  Kiwi and silver fern symbolizes the true history of Maori, people of New Zealand. Also, we’ve built a photobooth where visitors can have a photo that will make them feel like they were really in New Zealand. To complete the experience, we’ve taught our visitors the proper way on how Maori, people of New Zealand greet each other and say good bye to each other.

                The last and most important highlight of this event was Mr and Mrs. UN 2018. All the candidates were dressed up according to their country that they were representing. We can all tell that all the candidates really did their best on doing their ramp modeling while wearing their costume.

My experience in our laboratory room our experiment that we made and whenever we go is so happy yet tiring. math and science congress won’t be completed without the dance competition other students participated and the others cheer them out when the participants start to gracefully dance. For the rest of the day we need the sign of our professors for attendance and plus points. And my favourite place that time is laboratory room it gives me new memories to cherish and I enjoyed it very much. Next we place the bubbles that we got from it on our hands. then right after that we constantly lay our hands on fire with it. the next thing we know is that our hands is immune to the fire already.

 

Photo courtesy of Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan page

We also went at the math museum. then we saw different kinds of houses and buildings made from just a popsicle stuck. we also watched on how many triangles were seen and used in there. In addition there are some activities that contains solving at the math museum as well.

 

As we all know, most of the schools are now having entrance exam before you can study in the certain school you wanted to go. But then, entrance exam of different schools are all not the same. As for Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan, it is also different from the other school’s entrance exam but how can I say so? What does the entrance exam of Letran – Bataan was composed of that makes it different? What should you expect on taking the entrance exam? What should you do in order to pass the entrance exam?

                As for me, I took entrance exam to other school that is why I can say that schools are not all the same when it comes to exams. When I had my entrance examination, I was really shocked that time because we just want to inquire, pay for the entrance fee which is 400 pesos on the strand that I am going to take and yes I am a grade 11 student of Letran-Bataan and pass the requirements needed which are two (2) 2 x 2 pictures, report card, photo copy of NSO birth certificate, and certificate of good moral character. I was thinking that time that the exam can be scheduled 2 – 3 weeks after that inquiry but I was very shock when they asked me to take the exam already and as far as I know they already guide me to the entrance exam room which is a library. I was like, I don’t have any pencil, ballpen, eraser or anything to take the exam because I did not expect to take it that day and was just there to pay for the entrance exam.  I was hoping that I can pass it without review and all that. By the way, it is the college library, another fact is that there is separate library for college, elementary and high school. When I entered the room, there are also examinees that were already taking the exam. The examiner first asked me for the receipt of the entrance exam then I gave it to her for proof. I ask for a pencil and it was so kind of her to give me one to take the exam because I was really empty-handed taking the entrance exam.

 

                As for the examination paper, there are two separate papers that you are going to answer. One is for your interest and the other is one is the typical entrance exam paper. The paper that you are going to answer is logical which is your basic knowledge is your capital. The other paper just talks about you like what are your interests, can you play an instrument, what do you want to do when you grow up but mind you these are all multiple choice. They will give you an hour to answer it but as for me I think I am just right on time for the logical test paper and when it comes to the interests paper, I became slow. Another fact is that, Letran is the place for students that are athletes, students that like to act, sing and dance, even be one of the DJ of Letran or write your own song. That is why I answered the test carefully and just choose what I can do. Then you are all done, it is as simple as this for their entrance exam when I took it and I think same goes for the entrance exam right now. You can check when you are passed in the link that will be given to you after the exam which is about 2 – 3 weeks after the exam.

 If you wanted to be a Letranite, Letran is open for you take the exams for the following dates that are listed on the page of Letran – Bataan which is Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan. Moreover, you can see the events and other thing about Letran. What are you waiting for? Just inquire and be one a Letranite. I’ll just link this site of Letran here if you want to see https://www.facebook.com/csjlbataan/

For those who do not know, Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Bataan is located at Dominican Hill Avenue, Brgy. Gabon, Abucay, Bataan. If you have a private car going to Letran, it can be hassle-free but if you are commuting it can be little hassle for you. Why? Because if you are far, you need to ride a bus or jeep going to the street corner going to Letran then you need to ride a tricycle which is parking at the side near the sari-sari store. Letran is also offering school service if you wanted to be hassle-free and your parents can’t convey you. There can be also a jeep that is not really a service but it can go to Letran itself. As far as I know it is from Balanga Terminal to Letran of course and when it is time to go home there is also jeep waiting for students that will commute.

  Photo courtesy of google maps

             When it comes to pricelist, if you are riding a jeep or bus from Dinalupihan or Hermosa, bus which is going to Balanga (Hi-way), Mariveles or Limay or jeep which is going to Balanga (Hi-way) can range from 20-25 pesos going to the street corner of Letran only. Then you need to ride a tricycle which ranges from 40-50 pesos per person if you are 3 or above but if you are only one, fare can range to 80-90. If you are from Balanga or Abucay, you can ride a jeep which is going to DInalupihan or Orani or bus which is going to places like Olongapo, Manila or Pampanga which can be 10-12 pesos for bus and jeep may cost 10-15. If you are from Limay or Mariveles, you can also ride a jeep or bus that same goes if you are from Balanga that is ranging from 60-70 pesos. The school services can range from 2,400 to 3,000 + depending on your location.

                If you have further questions that are not stated above, you can message us and we can answer your concerns. Thank you.

As we all know, almost every school or almost all the Filipino here in our country were celebrating the Buwan ng Wika to  commemorate the existence of our country’s language, which is the Filipino language. Celebrating this is not only to look back on the history of our language but it also concerned the traditions, cultures and beliefs of every Filipino.

At my new school, we celebrated the Buwan ng Wika. As a new student of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, I did not expect that the Buwan ng wika turned out that well. There are so many activities happened like contest on singing and dancing.

Photo Courtesy of Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan

There is also a contest for writing a poems and literatures about our country’s language. We are  happy because almost all the prizes were awarded to our section. At the end, we are titled as the champion because we’ve got the most number of awards.Photo Courtesy of Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan

There was also a contest for an outstanding Manuel L. Quezon where each section had their representative to show their capability to answer the questions regarding our language. Our section also has a representative but unfortunately, he did win the contest. For us, he is still the winner although he did not really win the contest because he did everything he could dPhoto Courtesy of Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan

When the lunch time came, a simple gathering was happened in every section where all the students can enjoy their foods that are prepared on their tables. It is just few of those unforgettable moments that happened on our Buwan ng Wika  here in my new school that I did not experience at my previous school.

Photo Courtesy of Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan

https://www.facebook.com/csjlbataan/