CATBALOGAN CITY — Some celebrations are remembered for the grandeur of their performances, others for the laughter that fills the room. But the 53rd Catbalogan Public and Private School Teachers and Employees Association (CPPSTEA) Anniversary Celebration, hosted by Samar Colleges, Inc. (SCI) on October 8–9, 2026, brought these moments together in a two-day gathering that honored the people behind the profession while celebrating the joy of being part of a community bound by a shared calling.

Marking SCI’s historical return to the hosting arena this year, the celebration carried a special significance. Beyond the music, dancing, games, and festivities, it became an opportunity to recognize educators' sacrifices, strengthen bonds between public and private schools, and remind the teaching community that those who spend their lives nurturing others deserve moments of appreciation, too.

With the theme, “Collaboration, the Heart of Teacher: Ikaw Naman,” the 53rd CPPSTEA Anniversary Celebration unfolded through two distinct yet equally memorable experiences: a first evening devoted to tribute and fellowship, followed by an anniversary day that brought the teaching community together in faith, celebration, and unrestrained fun.

A night for those who gave their lives to teaching

On October 8, the Samar Provincial Gymnasium became a place of gratitude as CPPSTEA opened its anniversary celebration with “A Night of Tribute and Fellowship,” a gala honoring retirees, school officials, distinguished guests, and the educators whose years of service have helped shape generations of Catbalogan learners.

At the heart of the evening was a recognition that retirement is not simply the conclusion of a professional journey. For teachers who have devoted years of their lives to the classroom, it is the culmination of countless lessons taught, challenges overcome, young lives influenced, and sacrifices made - many of which may never be fully seen or repaid.

Welcoming the educators on behalf of Samar Colleges, Inc., President and Chairman of the Board, Rhett Caesar L. Piczon, underscored the deeper meaning of the teaching profession, reminding the audience that teaching extends far beyond employment or a means of livelihood.

“A profession is something we choose for a living; a mission is something we are called to for a life,” Piczon said in his welcome message.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of recognizing the educators who have faithfully completed their years of service and celebrating the shared bond among public and private schools across Catbalogan. His message offered more than a formal welcome. It was a tribute to the quiet heroism of teachers whose most enduring accomplishments may be found in the people they have helped become.

The gathering likewise brought together esteemed academic leaders, school heads, education officials, and representatives from the city's public and private educational institutions. Their presence reflected the solidarity that CPPSTEA continues to foster among the institutions and individuals working toward a common purpose: providing meaningful education and shaping the next generation.

And while the evening carried the weight of gratitude, it was far from solemn throughout. The gala's vibrant atmosphere was brought to life by a succession of performances that showcased the artistic talent of Samar Colleges and its fellow institutions.

The SC Rayhak and Cultural Dance Troupe, together with the Samar State University Cultural Dancers, presented “Paghalad... Teacher, Ikaw Naman!” - a cultural showcase conceived through the collaboration of Dr. Meldrito B. Valles, SCI Senior Vice President for Cultural Affairs, and Prof. Rowel Dacanay, SSU Cultural Dance Director. The performance translated the celebration's theme into movement and cultural expression, paying homage to the sacrifices and lifelong service of educators.

The evening's musical and dance presentations further demonstrated the remarkable range of talent within and beyond the SCI community. With performers from Samar Colleges and other participating groups taking the stage, the program offered a display of artistry, energy, and cultural pride worthy of the occasion.

These performances were more than intermissions between formal proceedings. They were part of the tribute itself - a reminder that the arts, like education, have the power to bring people together, communicate what words sometimes cannot, and turn a gathering into a shared experience.

The gala closed its first chapter with the warmth of fellowship, leaving the community with a renewed appreciation for the people whose years of service had paved the way for countless others.

From solemn tribute to a citywide celebration

If the first night invited the community to pause and reflect, October 9 encouraged everyone to celebrate with equal enthusiasm.

The anniversary day began with a Eucharistic Celebration at St. Bartholomew Parish Church, grounding the gathering in faith and gratitude before the participating member schools assembled for the anniversary parade from the church toward the Capitol Grounds.

The procession brought the CPPSTEA community into a shared public celebration, with member schools represented in a display of unity and institutional pride. It was a fitting beginning to a day that would move from ceremony to entertainment, from formal recognition to spontaneous laughter.

Following the afternoon activities, ushering, and the formal opening program, the festivities continued with dinner and fellowship before giving way to the much-anticipated evening entertainment.

What followed was a lively succession of dance breakouts, musical performances, group challenges, and raffle draws. With a program designed to keep the audience engaged, the celebration transformed the anniversary gathering into a night of movement, friendly competition, and shared excitement.

The dance breakouts, led by the event's dance master and supported by intermission performances from participating school groups, brought different delegations together on the dance floor. Performances from the Districts of Catbalogan 3, 9, and 10, Samar National School, SMCC, and CCCC added variety to the program, while the Shawn Alicante Band supplied live musical entertainment.

The group challenges and intermission numbers gave schools opportunities to showcase their talents and enthusiasm, turning the celebration into more than a series of performances. Every round brought another reason to cheer, laugh, and enjoy the company of fellow educators—colleagues who may spend most of their days managing classrooms, meeting deadlines, and attending to the demands of school life.

For a few hours, the focus shifted from lesson plans and school responsibilities to music, movement, and the simple pleasure of being together.

Jameson Blake turns the celebration into a concert-like experience

The excitement reached another level with the appearance of Jameson Blake, Star Magic artist and versatile actor and singer, whose presence brought a concert-like atmosphere to the anniversary festivities.

Known to audiences for his work in entertainment, Blake brought the crowd to life with musical performances and dance numbers that added a different dimension to the celebration. His appearance gave the evening the feel of a live show, with teachers and employees enjoying an entertainment experience that went beyond the usual anniversary program.

But the fun did not stop at the stage.

Blake also joined a dating-game segment with selected teacher representatives, creating an entertaining and lighthearted moment that brought the celebrity closer to the audience. The segment added an element of spontaneity to the evening, drawing reactions and laughter from a crowd more accustomed to seeing teachers lead discussions, facilitate activities, and manage classrooms than take center stage in a playful game.

It was one of the evening's memorable reminders that teachers, too, deserve opportunities to let loose, enjoy themselves, and become part of the fun rather than remain the ones organizing it.

The raffle draws added yet another layer of excitement. With minor prizes distributed throughout the program and major prizes reserved for the grand draw, anticipation remained high as names were posted and winners emerged. The generously assembled prizes reflected the spirit of giving that helped make the anniversary celebration even more meaningful, extending the night's joy beyond the performances and into moments of surprise for the lucky recipients.

From the dance floor to the game area and the raffle stage, the program offered something for everyone. The celebration was a testament to how fellowship can be strengthened not only through formal meetings and professional collaboration, but also through shared laughter, friendly competition, and experiences that colleagues can look back on long after the event.

A homecoming made memorable

For Samar Colleges, Inc., hosting the 53rd CPPSTEA Anniversary Celebration was more than an institutional responsibility. It was an opportunity to welcome the teaching community back into a space where education, culture, service, and fellowship could be celebrated together.

Its return to the hosting arena this year gave the occasion added significance, allowing SCI to contribute to a tradition that brings together the city's public and private school educators and employees. Through the two-day celebration, the institution helped create a space where professional solidarity could coexist with personal connection - where the dedication of retirees was honored, the talents of performers were celebrated, and the teaching community was given room to simply enjoy being together.

The two days offered contrasting but complementary experiences. The first reminded everyone of the profound responsibility and enduring influence that come with being a teacher. The second demonstrated that the people who carry that responsibility also need moments of joy, recreation, and fellowship.

Together, they reflected the celebration's central message: collaboration is not built through work alone. It grows through recognition, mutual respect, shared experiences, and the willingness to celebrate one another's contributions.

As the 53rd CPPSTEA Anniversary Celebration came to a close, the music and cheers would eventually fade, the prizes would find their way home with their winners, and teachers would return to their classrooms and responsibilities. But the memories of the two-day gathering would remain - in the tribute paid to retirees, in the performances that stirred the audience, in the laughter shared during games, and in the collective joy of a community that had come together not simply as employees of different schools, but as educators bound by a common calling.