Rain or Shine, Augustinian Spirit Shines!

The sky wept while a steady and persistent drizzle overlooked the halls of Colegio San Augustine Bacolod (CSAB) on what was meant to be a bright, welcoming first day. This wasn’t just any ordinary day; for most of the freshmen, it was the dawn of a new chapter, the prologue of their academic and personal journeys. And despite the damp embrace of the weather, the spirit of the CSAB shone through, radiating warmth and an undeniable sense of belonging despite being unfamiliar.

From the moment they navigated the bustling entrance, lining up to sign the attendance, clutching their student handbook and very own CSAB lanyard, looking a mix of overwhelmed and exhilarated, the freshmen were met with a chorus of cheerful greetings. The air, thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh beginnings, hummed with a unique energy – a blend of youthful anticipation and the steady rhythm of an institution ready to embrace its newest members.

The rainy weather, delayed opening, and tight spaces didn’t hinder the much-anticipated campus tour. It commenced with groups of curious freshies huddled together, guided by enthusiastic student councils who led them through the old halls full of history, past the bustling library filled with stories they can’t wait to be read, and towards the different offices, painting vivid pictures of their purpose and what their future could become.

A highlight of the day, offering a much-needed break from the elements, was “Sine Agustino.” Stepping into the warmth of the auditorium, wondering if they would ever step onto that stage or sit while cheering during the Literary Musical. But now, they are here anticipating films that were made by those who came before them. It wasn’t just a film; it was a curated experience designed to immerse them in the rich history, cherished traditions, and vibrant talents of the students the institution has nurtured.

Emerging from the warm cinematic embrace, the freshmen were then ushered into the lively open court that transformed into a bustling melting pot of ideas and opportunities, showcasing departmental and organizational booths. Vibrantly decorated with balloons and fun games to entertain all, embodying the essence of each course CSAB has to offer. It offered a glimpse of the reality of what it’s like in the next four years.

The rainy weather, which might have been seen as an unwelcome guest, instead became an integral part of the day’s charm. It embodied the core values of what it takes to be an Augustinian student. Unitas as the unity of all the councils from the Student Government up to the departmental councils of the College of Health and Allied Professions (CHAP), College of Engineering (COE), College Accountancy, Business, Education, and Computer Studies (CABECS), and College of Arts, Sciences, and Education(CASE), and of course the school publication, The Eagle and the Red Cross Youth. Veritas, like every student, became the bearers of truth to themselves and to the community they are a part of. Charity or the love they embody as they fulfill their roles and help each other despite the hardships. Each showcased what their organization has to offer because, aside from the quality education that the school provides, it is also an avenue for servant leadership.

As the day drew to a close, and the rain finally subsided to a gentle patter, the freshmen departed, not just with damp shoes and student handbooks, but with hearts full of newfound connections and minds buzzing with possibilities. The initial nervousness had largely given way to a quiet confidence, a sense of belonging. They had been welcomed, not just to a campus, but to a community. Because here in CSAB, it’s your school and your home.* (Mary Grace Peralta)