Buwan Ng Wika Celebration 2024

by: Angel Garcia Alberio, Grade 12 ABM

This year's commemoration of Buwan ng Wika is one that I will remember for a long time. It brought together the energies of so many individuals and the pride of the entire Filipino community, blending into a unified representation of our rich culture and language. Although it would have been a privilege simply to attend the event, I had the greater honor of serving as its host. For me, it was an opportunity to celebrate not only the beauty of our language but also its vital role in our daily lives.

During the last days of August, I had an unexpected and incredible opportunity to be the Master of Ceremonies as our school, STCFI, celebrated Buwan ng Wika. Buwan ng Wika is a national celebration in the Philippines that honors the Filipino language, emphasizing its significance to every Filipino and promoting its continued use and preservation. It’s a time when we come together to embrace our cultural identity through language. From the moment I was asked to be the emcee by one of the most energetic teachers I know, I knew I had to give my best to fulfill this role. While I’ve hosted many events before, this one felt different, unique, and special. The energy of the crowd, the diverse performances from my fellow STCnians, and the overall spirit of the event truly made it an extraordinary experience. It became one of the most unforgettable moments for all, especially for me.

One of my favorite moments during the event was the Question-and-Answer portion of our Lakan and Lakambini competition. The way the candidates confidently answered the questions truly inspired me. It reminded me to always be more self-assured and ready to tackle any questions that may come my way. During my brief exchanges with the participants, I asked how they were feeling, and many admitted they were nervous. However, from what I observed, they answered the questions with both confidence and accuracy. It made me proud to see that STCFI students aren’t just confident in their appearance but also in their intelligence and quick thinking.

As the emcee, I was responsible for ensuring that the celebration ran smoothly. This included introducing the participants in the dance and singing presentations, as well as keeping the audience engaged with the vibrant and fun Fiesta Sa Nayon.

Being an emcee is not easy. There are times when I must change the flow of the program, just like the script, because of unexpected presentations. There was also a time when we had a miscommunication about the results of some competitions, and we needed to keep the flow of the program smooth; it was a roller coaster ride. But in the end, it all came together because of the teamwork and perseverance we had to make the Buwan ng Wika celebration successful. My experience from this event taught me many things. One of these is the importance of being prepared at all times. Sometimes, I needed to make adjustments to change the flow of the program. Secondly, building confidence when speaking in front of large audiences is essential. As an emcee, being confident is crucial for successfully managing and delivering an event. Despite my experience in giving speeches and presentations, I still find it challenging due to my shyness. However, with the unwavering support of the STCFI faculty and staff, everything came together smoothly.

The celebration of Buwan ng Wika goes beyond just one event or day; it's about remembering and honoring our Filipino language. As I stood on the stage, I couldn't help but feel proud and amazed by how my fellow Filipinos united to celebrate Buwan ng Wika. Being an emcee is not just about hosting; it's about being part of a significant event that reminds us of our Filipino identity, that our language is still alive, and that we are proudly using it. Celebrating this event serves as a reminder that our traditions and culture are still alive, and we must continue to embrace them. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to participating in any cultural event that aims to embrace and highlight our traditions and culture, reminding us of who we are.