Catbalogan City, Samar – On December 13, 2024, Samar College welcomed the festive season with its much-anticipated Faculty and Employees’ Christmas Party, themed Pasko sa Pilipinas: Pagyakap sa Kultura at Tradisyon ng may Pinakamahabang Pagdiriwang at Kapaskuhan. The event brought together the SC family in a celebration filled with joy, tradition, and shared memories.
GRAND OPENING
The evening opened with a grand parade of the SC Administration, followed by the Elementary Department led by their principal, Madame Evangeline Miranda. The Junior High School and Senior High School Departments, both under Principal Dr. Jacquelyn Montales, proudly followed. The procession also included key figures such as Vice President for Basic Education Dr. Letecia Guevarra and the deans of various colleges: Dr. Meldrito B. Valles (College of Arts and Sciences), Dr. Natalia Uy (College of Business and Management), Dr. Joseph Roque Pensotes (College of Criminal Justice Education), Dr. Robert Flora (Samar College Technological Institute), and Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro (College of Education).
Rounding out the distinguished lineup were Senior Vice Presidents Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso (Program Development and Quality Assurance), Dr. Pedrito G. Padilla (Academic Programs), Madame Manuelilda Rosario Torrevillas (Administration), and Madame Fidencia Oral (Finance). Samar College Stakeholders and members of the Board of Directors—Fidelicia F. Fernando, Virginia A. Astorga, Rosarie S. Hobayan, Francisco A. Astilla IV, and Manuel Van A. Torrevillas—also joined. At the helm of the celebration was the School President and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon.
The College of Education (COED), as the host of this year’s party, showcased its creativity and organizational skills in delivering an unforgettable event. Filipino instructor and master of ceremonies Mr. Dexter Quilapio brought energy and enthusiasm, transforming the atmosphere into a lively and heartwarming gathering.
The SC Chorale set the tone for the night with a heartfelt invocation and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, supported by the Samar College ROTC Colours.
The College of Education (COED) took center stage with an energetic opening salvo that showcased the vibrant spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions. Their dance performance thrilled the audience, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy.
The program continued with the presentation of An Aton Pasko, an original Christmas song composed by Mr. Dexter Quilapio and student Jammel Velarde. Arranged by Mr. Ruben John Mabansag, Ms. Nikka Labagala, and Mr. Jammel Velarde, the song embodied the warmth of the season. Performers Ms. Maricar Jabeguero, Ms. Kathleen Jean Ada, Ms. Nikka Labagala, and Mr. Jammel Velarde brought the song to life, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.
HEARTFELT CHRISTMAS MESSAGES FROM SAMAR COLLEGES, INC. LEADERS
Dr. Nimfa Tolipas Torremoro, Dean of the College of Education, opened the evening with a message that resonated with the essence of the season. “It’s truly a pleasure to see all of you here tonight, gathered together to celebrate Paskong Pinoy ha Samar College 2024. As we light up the night with joy and laughter, let us also light up our hearts with the spirit of Christmas. This season, let us embrace the warmth of Filipino traditions, the sweetness of Filipino delicacies, and the genuine kindness of the Filipino people. Let us cherish the simple joys of life, from singing Christmas Carols to sharing stories with loved ones. May this night be filled with merriment, good food, and great company. Let us create lasting memories that will warm our hearts for years to come… Mabuhay ang Paskong Pinoy!” Her words reminded everyone of the beauty of togetherness and the value of celebrating Filipino culture.
School President Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon delivered an inspiring message about the true meaning of Christmas, urging the audience to set aside work and focus on family and meaningful connections. He highlighted three key points: First, Presence—being fully present with loved ones in every way. He said, “To truly celebrate the spirit of Christmas, we must be present—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.” Second, Humility—acknowledging the need to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. “Magpakumbaba kayo at humingi ng tawad. We must humble ourselves if we want to truly celebrate Christmas,” he explained. Lastly, Empathy—going beyond gift-giving to genuinely connect with others. He shared, “Nakipaghalubilo si Kristo, hindi lang sa mga ordinaryo kundi pati sa mga makasalanan. Kaya nga nandito rin ako sa inyo. Hindi sapat na magbigay lang ng regalo; kailangan makisalo rin ako, makita niyo ako.”
Mr. Piczon wrapped up his speech with a personal moment, with his wife telling his him, “Mahal, sa ating dalawa, hindi na kailangan ng regalo. Ang mahalaga, magkasama tayo sa Pasko.” He ended with a powerful reminder: “Christmas is personal, a show of humility, and a show of empathy. Pag magawa natin ‘yan, we will have a joyous and spirit-filled Christmas.”
SHOWCASING TALENT AND CREATIVITY
Building on the festive spirit of the evening, the Samar College community came together to celebrate creativity and talent through a short film competition, with all entries centered on the theme of Paskong Pinoy. Faculty and staff from different departments created films that reflected Filipino Christmas traditions, captivating the audience with heartfelt stories and unique ideas. The teams included CAS with Pasticum, SC Administration with An Hingyap na Regalo, SHS Department with Sarbesa, JHS Department with An Kapawa Han Naglabay, CBM with Kaliday, SCTI with Exchange Gift, Elementary Department with Lamrag, and COCJE with Nongnang. Judged on creativity, relevance, and technical skill, the films showcased the dedication and teamwork of the participants. After a night filled with impressive performances and cinematic excellence, the much-anticipated announcement of winners followed.
Individual Winners:
• Best Actress: Noelle Daphne Caspe (Sarbesa, SHS Department)
• Best Actor: Pol Albert Tapia (Pasticum, CAS)
• Best Director: Lea Brao (Pasticum, CAS)
Group Winners:
• Best Cinematography: CAS (Pasticum)
• Best Storyline: SC Administration (An Hingyap na Regalo)
• Best Screenplay: SC Administration (An Hingyap na Regalo)
• Best Short Film:
o Champion: CAS (Pasticum)
o 1st Place: SC Administration (An Hingyap na Regalo)
o 2nd Place: SHS Department (Sarbesa)
o 3rd Place: JHS Department (An Kapawa Han Naglabay)
o 4th Place: CBM (Kaliday)
o 5th Place: SCTI (Exchange Gift)
o 6th Place: Elementary Department (Lamrag)
o 7th Place: COCJE (Nongnang)
The competition was a testament to the creativity and passion within the Samar College community, and the winners received well-deserved recognition for their hard work and talent.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the night went on, excitement grew with the announcement of next year’s host. The College of Education (COED), represented by Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro, officially handed over the hosting duties for the annual Christmas party. Madame Manuelilda Rosario Torrevillas, representing the Samar College Administration, graciously accepted responsibility for the 2025 celebration. The announcement was met with cheers and applause, reflecting the shared commitment to making each Christmas at Samar College unforgettable. Everyone eagerly anticipated another lively and memorable celebration for the SC family.
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
After the hosting turnover and acceptance ceremony, smiles filled the room as cash gifts were handed out to everyone. The celebration continued with fun parlor games like the Tuba Drinking Competition, Utukan, and Bato-Bato Pick, which filled the venue with laughter and excitement. These moments brought the SC family closer, creating memories that will last.
The highlight of the night was the Sayaw ng Lahat, where faculty and staff danced together, bringing energy and joy to the floor. It truly celebrated the spirit of togetherness.
Samar College’s 2024 Faculty and Employees’ Christmas Party reminded everyone of what Christmas is really about. It wasn’t just the festivities but the connections, generosity, and joy that brought everyone together as one family.