Opening Day of Iskwelahang Pilipino

The Ilang-Ilang children waving their Filipino flags during the opening day of IP (photo courtesy of Tita Patty)

Hey Everyone,

The Iskwelahang Pilipino (IP) of Boston and the IP Rondalla opened its doors to a new year last Sunday on September 15th. It was great to see old and new faces all here to congregate at our abode in Bedford, MA.


For the IP Rondalla, especially, it was great to see everyone again after just a month back from our hectic but wonderful tour to the Philippines. We started practice at 11:15 am. Though a little rusty from *ehem* not practicing, we quickly picked up our routine within seconds of playing.

Tita Bebs introducing the IP Teachers

Iskwelahang Pilipino began at 1:30 pm with the usual: The Philippine Pledge of Allegiance led by two IP students, Marisa and Katrina, The IP National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," and the IP Song with sign-language. Then, Tita Bebs, the Director of IP, and Tita Patty, the Head of Publicity, warmly welcomed the new and old students back to IP and introduced the IP teachers and classroom rules of the school.

Next, the IP Rondalla wanted to present a little slideshow of pictures from our experience on tour. Nolen and I began the conversation but let the other IP Rondalla kids finish the way. With so much to cover in such a short amount of time, though, we got a little side-tracked...Oooopps...partly my fault. =_=" Nonetheless, the IP kids and parents watching seemed to enjoy the pretty pictures from the Philippines and our funny comments about the tour, especially when George made a surprise appearance! It was just like the Philippines all over again. ;)

IP students sitting on the floor during the presentation

After, the IP teachers decided to play a few games with the parents and kids to get everyone moving around. The young children definitely enjoyed these games, since they were patiently sitting for a while and could get their juices moving. ;) Then, after a few rounds, we all gathered for "merienda" downstairs, thereafter, briefly attended our classes - dance, cooking, language, and history/culture - so we could get a sense of this year's lesson.

Although I've experienced opening day numerous times since I was three (that's 15 years!), this opening was especially sentimental, as it marked the first of my last days as an IP student. Along with my fellow graduates, Nolen, Avi, and Julian, all of whom have been at IP for just as many years as I have, we will be leaving IP in just less than a year. That doesn't mean necessarily we'll never visit IP, but it does mean that our several years of formal Filipino-education will finally come to an end. It hasn't struck me yet, though I'm sure I'll feel it by the end of the year.

For now, I'll enjoy these last few days. Anyway, there's still a whole school-year left for us, and I'm pretty sure I'll be back before you know it, IP!

Sierra Jamir