Family Day Celebration (Reaction Paper)

By Veronica Dumanop

The first-ever Family Day Celebration was conducted on February 15, 2019 at the

Covered Court of Daklan National High School with the theme “True love is loving beyond

imperfections.” It was organized by the Public Speaking Club headed by Mrs. Jobelle A.

Batanes. The main purpose of the program is to provide an avenue for the students to bond with

their parents. It aims also to showcase the talents of the students and to build their self -

confidence.

The program was composed of four parts. Part one is the main program where different

talks and class presentations. The second parts is the Search for Mr. and Ms. Confident while on

the part three is the Search for Mr. and Mrs. Confident. And the last part is the socialization

wherein Mr. Ariel Lagitao, Kusaran band and some students showcase their talent in singing and

playing instruments.

The program was successful because all the activities that indicated in the program was

accomplished according to the plans. It was successful because parents, students, and teachers

gathered at the covered court to show their support in the activity and basing on the attendance

there were 93 parents who attended the program. It was also successful because the preparation

was made earlier. The Public Speaking Club members and officers prepared the things needed

for the event until 10 o’clock in the evening and make sure that the stage will be fixed before

morning.

The program was very helpful especially in boosting the confidence of the students and

even the parents. According to my grandmother, the program was a great opportunity to

showcase our talents and it was also a great way for them to meet other parents. As for

observation I can say that the program really help the students especially the candidates for the

search for Mr. and Ms. Confident because while they are walking at the stage I can see

confidence in them. “I really appreciate the program because it helps me to overcome my stage

fright and it gives me an avenue for me to showcase my God given talent,” said Jirah Baskial,
one of the candidates. And I can also say that the students really go out from their comfort zones

because they dance and sing in front during their class presentations. Indeed the program was

really helpful in terms of building confidence.

The program was full of motivation and inspiring words. It challenge the students to

show their initiative especially the organizers in making the program successful. It was inspiring

because of the notable words that was shared by Mr. Samuel G. Aquino the guest speaker during

the program. “We are all imperfect which makes us human. And these imperfection should not

be the reason why we should not love someone,” Mr. Aquino said during his speech. It also

motivated the students especially the former grade 12 students who also came to show their

support. “He really inspired me a lot, seeing him standing in front motivated me and made me

realized that I am so blessed,” said Junor Aroco a former grade 12 student. The program

emphasize the love of family and the importance of strong relationship inside a family. A family

from Palansa gathered together and eat their lunch as a family. In that situation, I can say that the

program successfully made its part in building strong bonds between families.

Every program have its own weaknesses just like the Family Day Celebration, there were

negative feedback about it. Some of the parents told that the program was lack of preparation.

The judges for the search was not informed earlier that is why the time was consumed in looking

for a judge instead of starting the search earlier. “Tuwa agmayshugi-shugi e kaondaw malay

oras,” (Why it is not yet started, the time is running) a parent said when I am still looking for a

judge. Some students did not participate instead they stayed in their classrooms and having their

own business. Some also went out from the school campus and stayed at the canteens. And the

worst is that the students are too noisy and keep on roaming around even if the guest speaker is

talking in front.

The hosts are not also prepared. There are so much dead air during the program and they

couldn’t even pronounce the words clearly. Even the ingredients for the food to be cooked was

not prepared earlier and according to Mam Leni there were only few students who helped in

cooking. And the worst is that there are some students who are intoxicated with alcohol. “Ay

kwan ko no aligwen eskweda eradjay tep nangkabuteng met era,” (What I know is they are not
students here because they are drunk) said by Mr. Geison Madiano the leader of the Kusaran

band.

As a president of the club I was really disappointed with those negative comments, that is

why for the next implementation of this program I suggest that the organizers should start the

preparation earlier one month before the program to ensure that everything is already prepared

and to avoid hassle when the time comes. I would also suggest that the before implementing such

program make sure that as an organizer you have enough budget especially for the prizes.

Moreover, even if it is not a formal activity the hosts should still be ready to avoid dead airs, so I

suggest that next time they should have their own script as their guide. I strongly believe that the

organizers are lack of man power and this is the reason why some students got drunk and don’t

even participate because there is no assigned person who will check the students and maintain

discipline all throughout the program. So to address this problem the organizers should seek help

from the SSG officers to help in checking the students.

But despite of those weaknesses the program was successful. It really challenge me

especially my leadership skills. It taught me how to stay calm even if my teacher keeps on

pressuring me. I learned how to handle difficult situation and how to handle my anger. I learned

how to smile even if deep inside I wanted to shout and cry. I learned how to multi-task just to

make sure that everyone will enjoy the program. And the most important lesson that I’ve learned

is that, there are times that my efforts will not be recognized but it doesn’t matter, what’s

important is I’ve done my part.

It was a challenging yet exciting experience for me. I didn’t enjoy the activity because

my parents are not able to attend the program but seeing my fellow students with their parents

made a smile in my heart. Indeed, the first Family Day Celebration was a successful event and I

am hoping that this program will be implemented again next year.