The 7th CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) Friendship Meet officially kicked-off as schools took the limelight in the opening program at the main campus of Saint Louis University on 19 February 2024.
After twelve years, SLU once again hosts this year’s Friendship Meet that will have participants embrace a shared vision of camaraderie in an environment that champions excellence, inclusion, and solidarity, guided by the theme, “Sandiwa’t Misyon: Journeying Together as CICM Schools Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global Excellence”.
The event not only promises to display thrilling athletic displays but also redefines sportsmanship itself through the performances of participating CICM schools: Saint Louis University (Baguio City), Saint Mary’s University (Bayombong), Saint Louis College (San Fernando), University of Saint Louis (Tuguegarao) and Saint Louis College (Cebu).
For more background information on the CICM Friendship meet, read more here.
Meanwhile, for more Friendship Meet announcements, follow Navi, the official 7th CICM Friendship Meet Reporter, on Facebook via @slu.navi.
CICM Friendship Meet Opening Program: Fervor of athletic and creative prowess
As the SLU Marching Band fostered team spirit through their rhythmic repertoire, participants assembled by the Giant Steps of the SLU Main Campus and made their way to the Prince Bernhard Gym for the Eucharistic Celebration that emphasized the importance of upholding the Christian spirit in the anticipated events of the week.
Provincial Superior of CICM, Rev. Fr. Hirohito M. Bolo, Jr.,CICM, mass presider, exhorted the Congregation saying: “Today as we gather, we know that sports activities foster harmonious relationships with another. Endeavors like this are a good way to foster cooperation, camaraderie, and unity among us. In the spirit of sportsmanship, which is our driving force, what matters most is how we play, no matter the outcome. Whether we win or lose, we accept the result. Inspire others to emulate your character and perseverance with all enthusiasm.”
Right after the mass, the program transitioned to the ceremonial opening ceremonies beginning with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by the SLU Glee Club followed by the Opening Number, featuring the breathtaking performance of the CICM Friendship Meet Hymn by the SLU Dance Troupe and the SLU Glee Club. This number served as an ode to the CICM’s principles and values in the holistic development of the Louisian community.
The triumphant Parade of Athletes then set the tone for the week’s competitions as team representatives marched with school pride behind their flag-bearers.
Straight off, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, SLU President, led the Lighting of the Torch which then commenced symbolizing harmony and friendship between and among the CICM Schools.
Fr. Sales, in his opening remarks, underscored how the event is able to strengthen synodality, excellence, and friendship among CICM schools as well as the “values that bind us together as a community.”
The SLU President said that excellence, the bisection of SLU’s holy grail, Missio et Excellentia, is ought to be sought at all times to ensure the highest standards in everything that we do and the holistic growth of our pupils and students.
Likewise, he encouraged all the delegates to enjoy not only the lined-up events, but also the meaningful interactions they would be engaging in. “You are not only representing your schools, but you are also embodying friendship and excellence,” he addressed the participants.
This message of excellence and solidarity was further embodied in the impressive cadence of the Drumline performance by the SLU Marching band. Meticulously, the rhythmic buildup of the percussion section got creative in pumping up delegates for the games. Watch this linked audio-visual presentation to feel the sense of excitement and zeal.
The Coaches’ Oath and the Oath of Amateurism then sealed the deal.
CICM Schools face off in sports, quiz bees, cultural showcases
Sports, cultural events, and academic quiz bees will be among the three categories competed for by participants of the Friendship Meet in a span of four days.
For sports events, basketball games will take place at the SLU Main Building, specifically at the Prince Bernhard Gym and Bishop Carlito Cenzon Sports Center. Volleyball games will be held at the SLU Navy Base Campus Junior High Covered Court. Table tennis and badminton matches will be done at the Gonzaga Gym at the SLU Laboratory Elementary School Campus.
Other sports events are chess (Bishop William Brasseur Hall, SLU Laboratory Elementary School Campus), sepak takraw (Prince Bernhard Gym), billiards (SLU Senior High School GD 105, Navy Base Campus), Taekwondo Men (Giant Steps, SLU Main Campus), and swimming (SLU Aquatics Facility, Maryheights Campus).
Cultural events include the vocal competitions (vocal solo, duet, trio and pop acapella), dance competitions (folk dance, lyrical and contemporary, hip hop), and the drama competition that will all be held at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen – Center for Culture and the Arts.
For the academic events, quiz bees for both elementary and high school divisions will take place at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Silang Building, Main Campus.
CICM Schools look forward to the week-long Friendship Meet
Spirits were high during the Solidarity Dinner of the CICM Friendship Meet delegates at the Fr. Van Paris Event Center, as well as the CICM colleges administration teams at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall.
When delegates were asked about what they look forward to the most in the Friendship Meet, volleyball players Isaac Del Rosario and Karl Adrian Mangahaslet, senior and junior high school students from Saint Mary’s University – Bayombong, said that their goal is to win.
Kharrel Alivio, a senior high delegate from Saint Louis College – Cebu competing under the sports category said, “My expectation is that it (will be) a smooth event and I hope that all of the delegates will enjoy this event.”
“Ang ni-lolook forward ko po is yung competitiveness lang po naming mga school na maglalaro po, yung competitive po pero nandun pa rin yung sportsmanship po,” said Kent Ledang of Saint Louis College – La Union delegate.
Jan Joshua Simagala from Saint Louis University – Baguio, and a participant for the Short Play Competition, expressed, “Ang sarap sa feeling na we are able to interact with other schools, or other CICM schools here in the Philippines.”
“My message to my fellow Louisians is do good and we are all champions in our own ways,” said Rhiyanna Mamauag, a senior high student from University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao.
School administrators from the CICM Schools expressed the things they are looking forward to in the coming days.
“The main intention of Friendship Meet is to gain more friends, to develop sportsmanship and camaraderie among students of Saint Louis” says Saint Louis College – Cebu President, Dr. Juvelito B. Veliganio.
“At the end of the program, we are expecting that these students will be able to bring something back when they return to SLC-Cebu, something they learned from their sister schools to carry the values of a Lousian and to see where the CICM started.” Sir Simon, Saint Louis College – Cebu
When asked how the Friendship Meet strengthens the friendship between CICM schools, Rev. Fr. Hirohito Bolo Jr., CICM said that “through the games, I hope we can (strengthen) our calling to answer God’s call to everyone according to the charism of the CICM.” He also foresees that the interrelatedness between our students in being focused on the goal of evangelization fosters the CICM’s contribution to the Philippines.
Inaugurated in 2007 to commemorate CICM’s centennial, the Friendship Meet promotes unity among CICM Schools through sports, academic quizzes, and cultural displays. The event fosters camaraderie and mutual learning among students, administrators, and faculty from CICM institutions. (University Information Office)
