In collaboration with the English Department, The SISC English Club (SEC) hosted the Senior High School (SHS) Song Interpretation Competition of English Fortnight last January 23, 2023. This is the school’s first onsite singing contest since the pandemic, and the first major school-wide event to solely take place in the newly-constructed Monarch’s Park.
After being held virtually for the past two years due to the pandemic, English Fortnight finally returned in-person. Through various competitions, the English Department and SEC gave students the opportunity to showcase their skills while demonstrating their proficiency in communicating in English. This specific competition was presented by SEC officers Chrizel Gabriel and Matthew Mariano.
The SHS students all gathered to watch as 18 representatives from each section performed the song assigned to their respective levels, with each song being in line with the theme: “Promoting a Community of Readers, Speakers, and Writers with Grit, Growth Mindset, and Academic Rigor that will Define the Next Normal.” The assigned songs were as follows: “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper for Grade 10, “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton for Grade 11, and “A Whole New World” by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane for Grade 12.
The event started with opening remarks from the SHS Deputy Principal, Ms. January Gutierrez. Her talk centered on the 5Cs as they are embodied by the Monarchs during the event as performers and audience members. She said, “[Combine] your competence and creativity as you integrate the concept of musicality and literary understanding in [your musical piece.]”
The contestants’ incredible performances came next; they were judged based on vocal quality and visual presentation. Monarchs watched intently as each talented contender bravely approached the park’s elevated platform and sang with confidence. Many cheered and applauded in support of their peers, who acted out their emotional interpretations of their songs in costume.
“Both [the] contestants and the audience were clearly having a great time watching their friends and fellow students perform, as they were very supportive and respectful whenever some performers made a mistake or forgot a few lines. This just demonstrates how events like this help bring our Monarchs together,” SEC Social Media Head and event host Matthew Mariano said.
Following the contestants’ performances, was a surprise intermission number by Ms. Anjenette Rosindi and Sir Garry Gonzalo wherein they sang “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold. The Monarchs appeared to enjoy watching their teachers' unexpected performance, which was regarded as a really fun way to cap off the event.
The momentous occasion then closed with inspiring remarks from the Subject Area Head of the English Department, Ms. Carla Villanueva. Thereafter, a photo opportunity was taken to capture the pioneering event.
The winners of the competition were then announced and recognized at the English Fortnight Culminating Activity which was held at Luxembourg Hall on February 1, 2023. The winners of the competition were Hannah Nixon for Grade 10, Aisleen Kate Villamiel for Grade 11, and Xiej Laid and Mharlane Corral for Grade 12.
As Fortnight came to an end, it was clear that the students grew more confident and were encouraged to express their creativity as a result of their active participation, especially for all the school’s vocalists.
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