Slakwa: Bliss 2023 Returns With a Vengeance
The end of October marked the return of the long-missed Slakwa (Slumber-Lakwatsa) after five years. This year’s event was held at Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort in Batangas last October 27 to 28. A total of 180 students, teachers, and guards attended the out-of-town overnight stay organized by the Student Government (SG).
Students from grades 8 to 12 first had an opening ceremony and orientation in school before departing for the resort. Students had access to several of the resort's amenities, including the wave pool and billiards, which they enjoyed during their free time in the afternoon.
After dinner, students had more free time until lights out at 12 AM. The Damascus and Zion students had a dance-off, while other batches played board games, chased each other under the moonlight, and chatted until midnight. Others spent the time stargazing with a telescope and taking pictures of the night sky. The next day was more free time for the students until their departure from school after brunch.
The participants acknowledged that Slakwa was a welcome respite from schoolwork and the stress of face-to-face classes.
“Having a dance-off with the grade 9 and playing football with the grade 10 and 11 were definitely [sic] the most fun parts of Slakwa,” shared grade 12 student Lucas Tan. “I appreciated having the opportunity to make memories with schoolmates I don't often get to be around.”
Phoebe Coseip, another grade 12 student, also mentioned that she liked having the freedom to use gadgets and have free time since it wasn’t often that an opportunity like this came up in school events.
