FEATI News

CASE PRESENTS ENGLISH FESTIVAL 2011

750,037,925 people in the world speak English, according to wikipedia, showing that English continues to be a major language in communicating thoughts and ideas on a global scale. Aside from being a popular language, English continues to rule the business world. Indeed, to the point of being pedantic, there is absolutely no room for taking on a flippant view on the matter of speaking this language.   Although one can get by with halting English and body language to get the message across, one glaring fact cannot be ignored: to succeed in the corporate world, one must have more than a basic knowledge of English. Broken English simply will not do unless it is acceptable for one to fail a job interview.  The same goes for writing.  In fact, because the Philippines is not America, Filipinos must work harder on the language to prove that they can compete in jobs related to communications since many of these jobs are generally reserved for “native English speakers”.

As a means of helping students to face these challenges, the Arts and Communications Department of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE), through Chairperson Salvacion T. Sacaguing, and the Global English Proficiency Program Society (GEPPSOC) Officers organized the 2011 edition of their annual English Festival with the theme: “English: A catalyst of change and a tool for attaining millennium development goals.” On hand to assist Asst. Prof. Sacaguing were English faculty members Sarena R. Corral and Herald Villarca,

Held September 23, 2011, at the FEATI University Corporate Lobby, the festival venue was festooned in red, white and blue, the colors of major English speaking nations. The emcees, Gerard Artemio H. Villaruel and Sarena R. Corral welcomed university officials and students who came to the festival.    Sr. Emily G. Camarote, DC and the Campus Ministry assisted the University Chaplain Fr. Joseph Matute in the Holy Mass, which was followed by a Doxology from the FEATI University Chorale.  To celebrate Patriotism, one of the FEATI core values, the Philippine National Anthem was then played by the FEATI University Brass Band.

In the opening remarks Prof. Sacaguing gave the rationale for the English Festival and enjoined all the students to benefit from the series of activities.  In his message FEATI President, Dr.-Ing. Adolfo Jesus R. Gopez, told those present that while English is not the most widely spoken language in the world (neither is it the most widely spoken Western language) it continues to be very important and that it was in fact essential for many of the careers that FEATInians are preparing themselves for. He added that FEATInians should rid themselves of the myths that English speaking persons have high IQ’s, and that speaking English is only for the elite and the rich.  In his view, Filipinos are well-armed with the skills to learn several languages since many of us are raised to speak two and even three languages.  Also contrary to what many believe, due to our arithmetic studies, we are already capable of thinking in English.  As an example he asked the audience how they did addition or multiplication.  Was it in Filipino or in English?  Since the ability to think in the language greatly enhances one’s ability to learn, speak and write in it, all we have to do is to build on this existing capability.  So he concluded that with a positive attitude one could greatly improve one’s skills in English.

A succession of entertaining portrayals in a musical play by CASE students followed.  Mulan, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Snow White, and Captain Jack Sparrow and other Disney characters were featured.  There were other intermission numbers by singers and aspiring singers from among the students.

The opening ceremony ended with remarks by the Dean of Student Affairs, Sr. Nicetas M. Favorito, DC exhorting all FEATInians to participate actively in the various contests and “to think in English” as they competed.  For her part, she said that henceforth she would “think in English” as often as possible.

For the Festival proper, there was a singing competition a la American Idol and a dance crew showdown, echoing the popular TV dance contests. The panel of judges was comprised of FEATI University’s Melanie P. Florentino, Head of Events and Promotions, Richie D. Pescador, Head of Human Resources, and Richard Janer, of the Guidance Office.

On the more serious side and as envisioned by Asst. Prof. Sacaguing and her colleagues, there were contests on English proficiency. She says, “Speaking and writing impeccable, flawless, and faultless English is a must especially for students of Communication Arts, especially Mass Communications. At CASE, we see to it that the students are exposed to, and taught the correct form and usage of the English language.”

The Essay Writing Contest was supervised by Divine L. Reyes, Adviser of the FEATI Students’ newspaper, “The FEATINIAN” and CASE faculty member. In addition an interscholastic Oratorical Contest featuring students from eight high schools was held. The participating schools included Chang Kai Shek College -First Place, Paco Catholic School – Second Place, Arellano High School- Third Place, St. Mary’s Academy Pasay, SAKYA Academy, Tugatog National High School, Mary Immaculate Parish High School, and Manila Cathedral School. Last but not the least; a Quiz Bee was sponsored by FEATI-GEPPSOC Officers, with Jeffrey R. Manalo and Cariza Jane M. Soriano as Quiz Masters.  Winners of all these competitions were awarded cash prizes, medals, trophies, and certificates. 

Sponsors Eng Bee Tin and Blue Horizon Maritime Training Center donated food and drinks for the judges and participants.

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