Story and Photos by Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Thomasian teachers and staff received Christmas Bundles of Joy from the Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc. administrators. The distribution of rice and Noche Buena (Christmas dinner) food essentials began on the first week of December 2020. Each employee took home one sack of rice and a box full of goods to share with their families. This gift giving by the administration is a yearly tradition that the school continues even through the pandemic and economic crisis. It benefits both teaching and non-teaching staff regardless of employment status.
Meanwhile, CST-R held a virtual Lighting and Blessing Ceremony of the School Nativity Scene last December 7. The Nativity Scene is on the school stage where the students used to perform Christmas Carols pre-pandemic.
Scholars of the Recoletos Educational Assistance for Deserving Students (READS) crafted the presentation using accessible and recycled materials. Most Christmas characters were made out of discarded office materials only embellished with paint, glitters and lights.
CST-R’s lighting ceremony is an invitation to the whole Thomasian community and even to the rest of San Carlos City to keep the light of hope burning even during a Christmas season marred by the covid-19 pandemic.