AstroCamp 2024: Convening with the Cosmos

Ad Astra Per Aspara, Manresans! 

This year, S.T.E.E.M. Month is celebrated with the name Let’s S.T.E.E.M. Up! in accordance with the theme “Exploring the Wonders of the Cosmos Without Borders through Science and Literature.” One of the celebration’s activities is AstroCamp, an overnight camping activity exclusively for senior high school students on November 15-16, 2024. Through a partnership together with the Skywatchers Society of Las Piñas (SSLP), stargazing activities were done in the field, with the organization providing the necessary equipment and personnel. 

AstroCamp AY 2024-25 formally began at 5:00 pm on November 15, with registration and assembly at the old gym. The opening ceremony followed from 6:00-6:30 pm, where the opening prayer, opening remarks, and introduction of the Skywatchers Society of Las Pinas occurred. Afterwards, with the diligent assistance of Professor Pablo B. Cajigal Jr. and the volunteers of the SSLP, the first part of the telescope viewing and workshop took place in the field where students were able to view the beauty of the last supermoon of the year. 

Later on, the students were asked to assemble in the gym again to view all the entries of the Spoken Poetry competition for this year’s S.T.E.E.M. Month. Thereafter, Professor Pablo B. Cajigal Jr. presented lectures about astronomy with musical performances from the VYBE Club every once in a while as intermissions. 

At 10:00 pm, the second telescope viewing occurred, where students were given the opportunity this time to observe the breathtaking spectacle—Saturn and its rings. Then at around 12:00 a.m., students proceeded to their designated classrooms for their sleeping time until 3:00 a.m. Eventually as the clock struck 3:00, the students were woken up from their slumber, in turn proceeding to the field to look at the final viewing for the event—the Orion Nebula.

From 4:30 am to 5:30 am, the closing ceremony was held in the Old Gym wherein the Skywatchers Society of Las Pinas—Professor Pablo B. Cajigal Jr. and the volunteers, namely Airenee Jann P. Dominguiano, Jazly S. Bedia, Jean L. Sanao, Kiana D. Alfelor, and Kyrylle Anne C. Cipriano were recognized and given a few words of gratitude along with certificates of appreciation for their dedication and diligence in making the event possible. Finally, the event formally came to an end with closing remarks and a closing prayer. Breakfast was then held from 5:00 am - 5:30. At exactly 6:00 am, students had already begun to leave the premises of the school.

AstroCamp only made its debut to senior highschool students this year, yet was a success that students can look forward to in the years to come—hoping and waiting for it. It may have been just one night, but over eleven months were spent for preparation and planning; many insights were gained and memories created will last forever. This is all possible because of the teachers and students who made it a reality. 

As we observe the wonders of the cosmos—God’s creations, may we be reminded that our dreams and ambitions can be reached just like the stars and planets seen at night. 

Reach for the stars, Manresans!

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“Very sleepy but I think it’s worth the sleepiness to be here” 

- Hans Pangan from 12 - St. John

“It was pretty cool. We got to use a telescope that you view sideways and a 

lot of cool things happened. Many dots. Dots” 

- Rap Dillera from 11 - St. Lorenzo

“I’m very much enjoying it. It’s very fun. Honestly I really like using the telescopes, it’s very nice even though it’s like, not super clear. I really like seeing the different things and you can still see some details. Meaning, you know—it’s really cool.” 

- Joaquin Barrion from 12 - St. John

“It’s pretty good. Not gonna lie.” 

- Sean Moral from 12 - St. Matthew

“It’s been really nice connecting with other people who are also interested in the event. Yung performance kanina was really nice. I got to connect rin with people na I didn’t really know.”

- Ryle Samaniego from 11 - St. Lorenzo

“Well, it’s very stressful but it’s worth it naman I guess.” 

- Mr. Raymond Bersamin, Let’s S.T.E.E.M. Up! Chairperson

“It’s both an opportunity and a blessing. Saks lang. It was really tiring, but it is all worth it when you guys [the students] enjoy it, so it all depends on how the experience was for you.” - Ms. Mary Joy Angobung, Let’s S.T.E.E.M. Up! Chairperson

“I feel so lutang because aside from [the fact that] I don’t have any sleep, still the coffee is running through my veins and I feel energized. But you guys  [the students] are awesome, you guys are amazing. You’re the reason why this AstroCamp happened and became successful. I really love how you handled the situations when in fact there are lots of changes when it comes to the schedule, to the sleeping time, and such. I’m so proud of you knowing that you guys [the students] are really active when it comes to the activities.” 

- Ms. Carlota Caño, Let’s S.T.E.E.M. Up! Chairperson