As the bell tolls calling everyone for vespers, everyone stops to whatever they are doing and gather in the Abbey. Praying as a community is one of the most important parts of being Benedictines, and this value of doing things together has transcended to their schools and their students.
The San Beda Swatch is a way of commemorating that love for community. This time piece is a collaborative venture of all San Beda schools—San Beda Manila, Alabang, and Rizal—to promote strong school spirit and relationship among the members of the Benedictine community. Also, it’s a commemorative piece celebrating the schools’ respective 111th and 40th year anniversaries in 2012.
The design reflects the Benedictine virtue of simplicity, with the strap done in royal red with the emblem of the Lion Rampant and the Benedictine acronym “UIOGD,” which is familiar to all Bedans. And to put a human face to the watch, we have gathered students from the three campuses, five active individuals who offer their two cents’ worth on a timeless tradition: celebrating one’s school spirit.
The San Beda Swatch is available at the alumni offices of San Beda Manila and Alabang and all Swatch stores. Proceeds go to various projects of the Alumni and Benedictine Foundations.
Minyoung “Kathleen” Sohn, 14
San Beda Alabang
Cheerleading
“Leaps and Bounds”
Cheerleading, has been redefined. From just “cheerleading,” it has evolved into a stunning fusion of stunts and dance. Kathleen is no stranger to fusion as she blends her native Korean lineage with strong Filipino influences. Her view on school spirit is as strong as her dedication to her talents: “It is very important because it creates positive learning and helps develop and foster relationships.”
While fun and health have kept her in the pep squad, inspiration from her captains has kept her excelling, poised for greater things in the future. Kathleen tags motivation as the pure driving force to combat time pressure. As the clock continues to tick, she can’t deny she’s having the time of her life.
Earvin Gerick M. Reyes, 15
San Beda Alabang
Band and male pep squad
“The Beat of Success”
A school band is way bigger than just drums and fanfare—it creates a voice for the school community in celebration of school spirit. Earvin knows this very well, having been into it for the past two years. As his school band’s vice president, he knows how to rally a crowd and instill a sense of school pride.
Inspiration is never far away. His best friend, Michaela dela Peña, serves as his top inspiration in pursuing his endeavors.
Time pressure is a thing of the past for Earvin. “You need to learn to balance time between sports and academics—study in the morning, sports in the evening.” Drumming up success, Earvin shares his little secret: “Take it all to heart.”
Michael Solomon, 18,
San Beda Manila
Football
“Up for Kicks”
Football, is enjoying a reawakening. And for Michael, who’s been at it for five years, he just couldn’t get enough. The defender landed in San Beda in pursuit of quality education and athletics. “School spirit is very important because it provides a sense of pride and togetherness,” he says.
Health and fitness are vital benefits of the sport and having no excuses is the best answer to time pressure management. Football banks on unity. Success is measured purely by determination and guts. It’s all about securing and hitting your goals before time’s up. “Work hard because someone’s working harder,” the competitive San Beda junior advises.
Jerold A. Santos, 21
San Beda Manila
Bowling and table tennis
“Striking Gold”
Winners are not born, they’re made. This is what Jerold has proven. Having been a true-blooded Bedan since his grade school days, his reflection on school spirit reveals a deeper strain of loyalty. “School spirit is very important because it inspires you to work hard and train more in order to achieve your goals in life. All the hard work pays off, seeing the amount of support you get,” he reflects.
Training has made Jerold stronger and even more competitive in his fields. Time is of the element for Jerold—it’s now or never! “Know what you really want in life. Dream! Have a goal,” he rallies.
Riel Wagan, 16
San Beda Rizal
Band
“Rhythm of Life”
Anyone who’s strongly supported one’s school in the sports arena knows how vital pep squads and bands are. More than cheers, chants, and dances, they produce a rhythm of pride—one that resonates with strong school spirit.
For Riel Wagan, “the feeling of being one in the community” defines the value of school spirit. While supporting one’s school has no limits, Riel sees an opportunity to design equipment for the school band. Innovations are timeless, and nothing could be greater than leaving one’s legacy to his school.
Riel says it’s a great time to stay active in sports and to lead a healthy life. When it comes to time management, Riel is snappy to reply: “Set your priorities.”
This piece is also dedicated to the San Beda Alabang Jr. girls’ volleyball team, which grabbed 1st runner-up honors at the WNCAA Volleyball Championships last Oct. 9, 2011.
