This was the time when I was still a part of Garita and I documented the rehearsals of our Regada dancers until the actual performance and the awarding. This was in 2023 when we joined the Basayawan Dance Festival and our school won 1st Place
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Exclusive Photobook during 2023 Regada Basayawan Dance Competition held last June 23, 2023
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The REGADA 2023 Basayawan Dance Competition was indeed a very overwhelming experience. The whole thing was a rollercoaster ride. There were ups and downs and moments of uncertainties, yet we were able to endure it all. From the preparations to scouting for the dancers, gathering of resources, looking for potential sponsors, the hours of tedious practices, bruise knees, tired bodies and gallons and gallons of sweat were all worth it. And because of our school’s latest milestone, I came up with the idea of making this photobook which was a collection of pictures mostly of the rehearsals that I’ve taken using my cellphone as a sort of my tribute for the entire GES team. Majority of the pictures that I’ve put in here were mine but there were some that I’ve got from my co teachers, colleagues, pupils or parents. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures while reading some of the articles related to it as I share to you how we were able to make a very memorable GEStory. Thanks and God bless!
Mad Scientist
Winning is in every Garita pupil’s DNA. Although we are just a small school, we are always known to be a winner. We love to compete and we always make it a point that we are always ready and equipped whenever we go to battles where we carry our school’s name. And although there are many challenges that we always encounter along the way, our way of responding to these challenges only paved the way for us to get better and better. And if ever we win, we are indeed thankful and blessed. If otherwise, we learn from our defeats and try to comeback stronger. Acceptance is our key. We know that things may not always go our way but we always have with us a thankful heart. On the other hand, keeping our feet on the ground make us realize our weaknesses and the things that we still need to improve on. And it the midst of victories and successes, we try to be an inspiration so that others may rise as well. This is our culture. This is us. THIS IS GARITA.
I would like to first dedicate this work of mine to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; My beloved family; Ma’am Anson; GES teachers; GES pupils and parents & the whole GES Community
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When the memo about the Basayawan competition was released during the last week of May, Sir Jordan B. Codoy, the school MAPEH Coordinator/school Regada Coordinator, immediately met with Ma’am Anson and the teachers and brought up different concerns including the possible challenges that we may encounter as we begin the first phase of preparation. Choosing the perfect choreographer was a no brainer because all of us had unanimously chose a seasoned and a champion choreographer, Sir Simon Cabuquit whom we fondly call as “Uncle Simon.” Uncle and GES had already come a long way and had already partnered in the past which made our school not just winners but CHAMPIONS. The next challenge was scouting for possible dancers particularly those who have the means to pay for the expenses. We have candidates in mind yet there were certain things to consider first. Then, meeting with the parents followed. They were very suppor tive and were excited as well for the rare chance of their children to represent the school in this very prestigious competition.
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The first practices were a bit shaky at first and it was obviously because the dancers were just learning the steps and proper blockings. Of course, there were lots of changes and alterations. Uncle Simon’s creativity was really in full display as he patiently teach every step to the dancers. The good thing was, we saw the eagerness and the willingness of the dancers to learn despite the “pasaway” moments. Uncle Simon’s “shouting” played a very important role to keep the dancers’ focus on what they were doing. Ha. Ha.Ha.
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Practice makes perfect
Balancing studies and dance rehearsals had been really tough for our dancers, however we never saw them gave up. Though the hours of practices were indeed exhausting, the energy of each dancer remained. The fire in their eyes was never quenched and you could sense their determination to win.
GEStory
ERL
3u
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The GES covered court had been the silent witness of all the rehearsals and hours and hours spent in practices. It was challenging and fun at the same time especially when the dancers had completed a specific routine. A FIVE MINUTE water break was also precious for them because that was the time that they could catch their breath until they hear Uncle Simon shouted “STANDBY!” again which was a cue that meant another round of practices had to be expected.
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Photos courtesy of Mrs. Maricor Quejado
The props used
Photos courtesy of Sinag Colleczions umbrella
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GEStory
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CAVITE BUY
Being in the contest venue rehearsing gave the dancers the feel and the vibe of the competition. This gave them the idea regarding proper blocking and correct spacing. And with the small crowd and other groups who were already watching, last minute adjustments were made. The energy and competitiveness were all over the place.
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The teachers were all busy
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GARITA
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Photo courtesy of Sir Bryan Villareal
Headdress
Inner suit breastplate
Side note: However, this picture was not actually a full costume yet because the dancer here wasn’t wearing his flip flops. A complete set of this costume comes with a pair of flip flops.
Uncle Simon, Sir Jordan and Sir Bryan had been the anchors of this GES recent success.
Their creativity, leadership and patience were the catalysts and the driving force throughout this entire activity. And with the help and support of our dear school head, teachers, parents and donors, all of these would not be possible.
This had been a total team effort enveloped with prayer and faith in God.
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Photos courtesy of Ma’am Maria Vanessa G. Jeciel & Ma’am Ma. Divina G. Abenir
GEStory
The scorching heat of the afternoon was a “no match” for our GES dancers as they performed their street dance in front of the excited and cheering crowd.
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ALL
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Photos courtesy of ALLAN BELLA FOTOWORKS
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FOTOWORKS
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Photos from Ma’am VJ & Ma’am Eloi Ramirez
One Million Pesos Worth of School Project
The feeling and the experience were really amazing and overwhelming. Our dancers gave their best. Although there were some miscues and missed steps during the actual showdown , still we came up with a very great performance. We bring back all the praises and glory to God for this unforgettable feat. Though we didn’t win as champions, ONE MILLION PESOS is still ONE MILLION PESOS. And a million worth of projects would definitely help our school. And thank you for continuing GES’ winning tradition. We are proud of our pupils for giving their 110%. They really accepted the challenge since day one and they never gave up. A month of rehearsals were all worth it!
One of our dancers had to back out due to sickness and on the day of the competition, one of our dancers also had a nose bleed due to hot weather and had to rest for a while. She wasn’t able to join the group during the street dance but thankfully, she was able to join them during the actual showdown. Those were some of the setbacks but praise God because we still bagged the 1st Place.
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PAY TO THE ORDER OF One Million Poses
One Million Pesos Worth of School Project
AY TO THE ORDER OF One Million Pes
PESOS.
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THE R OF One Million Pesos vice Mayor eyes chua
AS DANCE COMPETITION PAY TO THE ORDER OF P1,000,000.00
GARITA’s very own Voltes V team. These men and women composed of (L R) Ma’am Joan C. Del Rosario, Sir Bryan Villareal, Ma’am Jesusa M. Sanada, Sir Jordan B. Codoy and Sir Simon Cabuquit including the extra hands, help and bright ideas of Sir Gharie Sarno, were the very big reasons why such preparations for an extravagant competition like the 2023 Basayawan Dance Competitiion was pulled off and everything fell on its place. Their work ethic and dedication were such an inspiration for all of us. We never saw them with downed shoulders albeit they are tired physically and mentally. Their jobs were never easy. However, they were doing all of it for our school. Moreover, the endless and all out support of our school head, Ma’am Marita A. Anson had also made us very determined to achieve our goal which was to win in this competition and continue the winning tradition that we have already established. Thankfully, all of our hardworks and sacrifices had indeed paid off. We thank God for the strength, the financial blessings and the people that He used as added support were really a big help. What the school achieved that night was a total team effort! Indeed, we are One Team! One Garita!
Sean Ashley Loraine Niqx Erica Fame Alexa Caselyn Ma. Antoneth Rhi Ann Mae
Princess Aliah Jasmine Joy Gerald Fritz Elijah Melson Solenn Marie Shannen Louise Shen Maryneil
Rayver Necilin Athena Louise Treesha Eve Kristelle Ann Ara Jean Hannah Klaire Maria Margaret
Aliyah Zandrine Princess Gie Iann Reece Joanna Louise Queen Aszhanti Ralph Lordrix Aishley Jhoye Kervin
Keziah Aeonna Rian Sky Karl Daniel Ester Jean Aez Ley An King Aconster Miekhyla Kathryn
Marcus Liam Lorihanna Kirstein Chloe Merfranz Prince Arkin Yhanna Pauline Krizelle Ann Princess Sustal Kara Zaira Sophia Jashlyn
GEStory
CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM GES!
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THANK YOU So Much!
Lord & Savior, JESUS CHRIST! Mrs. Marita A. Anson Sir Simon Cabuquit Sir Gary A. Sarno GES Teachers GES Parents GES Community Sponsors GES Dancers St. Joseph College Cavite City Allan Bella Fotoworks Sinag Collecion DepEd Cavite City Cavite City LGU
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Thank you so much because you finally reached the last page of our exclusive photobook. I hope you all enjoyed taking part to our wonderful journey as I shared to you pictures of our dancer’s rehearsals, preparations as well as the actual performances and the after celebrations. Truly we were so overwhelmed by all of these and up until now, we still have the hangover. We are already looking forward to next year and we will still do and try the best that we can to showcase our pupils’ God given talents. We also thank all those who congratulated us and to everyone who celebrated with us in this victory. Together we made one exciting GEStory. Thank you. Thank you so much! God bless us all.
Mad Scientist
Mad Scientist