Author: ariiieeeees

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.