SIA (Stepping Stone International Academy) commenced its much-awaited International Cultural Celebration yesterday, marking a vibrant and culturally rich beginning of the three-day annual event. The day was filled with fun activities, performances, and showcases highlighting the diversity and unity within the school community.
The program commenced with an opening remark from Mr. Joe, the school principal, setting the stage for a day filled with festivities. Teachers Christine and Jewel hosted the event and led participants through a series of engaging activities.
Teacher Christine delivered a heartfelt devotion emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance, reminding everyone of their uniqueness as God's masterpieces. The celebration of diversity and inclusivity that day was anchored by this spirit.
One of the highlights of the event was the mesmerizing fashion show, where students proudly showcased traditional costumes from around the world. Each team represented a different continent, parading down the stage and striking poses to showcase the uniqueness of their attire.
Following the fashion show, teams from seven continents delivered insightful presentations, offering fun facts and background information about their respective regions. The audience was treated to a journey around the globe, learning about the unique characteristics of each continent.
The highlight of the celebration was the Cultural Performance segment, where teams showcased their talents through music and dance. Led by a panel of esteemed judges including Mr. Joe, Mrs. Araneta, and Mrs. Seoun, each team delivered a astounding performance that captivated the audience.
Team South America kicked off the performances with a lively dance to popular South American tunes, followed by Team Asia, whose performance included a stunning solo act by Ashira Gatmen. The Australian team captivated the audience with a rendition of "How Far I'll Go" from the movie Moana, while Team Africa delivered a soul-stirring interpretation of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King.
Europe's team impressed with a dance medley of traditional European songs, highlighted by standout performances from Daniel Bae and Alex Lauron. Team North America brought the house down with a dynamic dance routine, culminating in a solo performance by Roshan Gatmen.
Rounding out the performances, Team Antarctica delivered a hilarious dance parody of "Let it Go," leaving the audience in tears of laughter with their comedic portrayal of Elsa and her “snow powder”.
To further test their knowledge, teams participated in an International Trivia Quiz, demonstrating their understanding of geographical facts, global cultures, and traditions.
As the event drew to a close, Mr. Joe delivered the closing announcements, expressing gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and a celebration.
The half-day event served as a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the importance of fostering cultural understanding and appreciation within the school community. SIA's commitment to promoting global citizenship and unity continues to shine brightly through events like these, inspiring students to embrace their unique identities while fostering a sense of belonging to the wider world.