Letran Quadricentennial Countdown

Grand Celebration | November 24, 2020

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QUADRICENTENNIAL CORE TEAM


LETRAN @ 400


Letran’s Quadricentennial Celebration kicked off last November 24 - 29, 2016 and is divided into four phases, covering four important parts of Letran’s story.


The first phase is about the past, looking back in gratitude of what has transpired - Orgullosos De Tu Historia (Proud of your History). The second year is about the present, focusing on sharing the blessings - Tantos Hombres y Mujeres Ilustres Formar (Forming Many Illustrious Men and Women). The third phase dwells on the future, on looking forward for renewal - Conquistar Nuevas Glorias (Conquering New Glories). Finally, the last phase of the Grand Celebration is about perpetuity - Como el Sol es tu Gloria Sin Fin (Like the Sun Your Glory is Without End).



BACKGROUND

The desire of two selfless individuals – Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero, a retired Spanish officer, and Diego Santa Maria, a Dominican brother – wrought a partnership, a commitment, that led to the founding of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1620.

Ever since, the goal is to help pave the way for those who are eager for knowledge, who are passionate for excellence, to pursue the opportunity through academics, and with the focus on values.

Almost 400 years later, the desire remains. The fire keeps on burning. The Arriba Spirit lives on.

OBJECTIVES

The Grand Quadricentennial Celebration being a highlight, a monumental marker, in the Colegio’s history, its objectives will branch out to many spectrums: Academics, Spiritual, Research, Community Development, and Student Activities. It will show the identity of Letran, the legacy created by the Letranites, and the bright promise the school has for the years to come.








PLANS

Letran’s Quadricentennial Celebration kicked off last November 24 - 29, 2016 and is divided into four phases, covering four important parts of Letran’s story.

The first phase is about the past, looking back in gratitude of what has transpired - Orgullosos De Tu Historia (Proud of your History). The second year is about the present, focusing on sharing the blessings - Tantos Hombres y Mujeres Ilustres Formar (Forming Many Illustrious Men and Women). The third phase dwells on the future, on looking forward for renewal - Conquistar Nuevas Glorias (Conquering New Glories). Finally, the last phase of the Grand Celebration is about perpetuity - Como el Sol es tu Gloria Sin Fin (Like the Sun Your Glory is Without End).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Every Celebration featured an opening ceremony that features the Feast of San Vicente Liem de la Paz, the school’s foremost alumnus saint. Aside from the colorful activities spread out through the four years - parades within Intramuros; concerts featuring celebrated artists like Moira dela Torre, December Avenue, and the like; employee-friendly activities; reunions; the highly anticipated Bingo Social; carnival rides; and so much more, the Quadricentennial also focuses on recognition, such as awarding the Grandes Figuras, or the Great Men and Women of Letran. Every year is different, every year is special, every year screams: Siempre Arriba, Siempre Letran!





20 MONTHS TO 2020 COUNTDOWN



Date Events
April 2019
This will be the launching event of the 20-month countdown of the Colegio for its Quadricentennial celebration. The event will be showcasing a sneak peak of what the grand celebration would look like. There will be a parade of ‘Tradition’ that will showcase the four centuries of knightly excellence and of Letran. The event will feature the Colegio’s development plans for 2020 and an exhibit or an experience booth where students, alumni, and guests will see it firsthand.
The night will be a night of reminiscing memories, networking, and gathering of support for Letran’s cause.
May 2019
The night will be a night of reminiscing memories, networking, and gathering of support for Letran’s cause.
The Arriba Golf Cup is a fund-raising golf tournament to gather funds for Quadricentennial celebration. Alumni living abroad will be invited in what could be an annual activity of the Colegio.
June 2019
The Letran Cultural show will have a song and cultural dance presentation in one of the venues in Intramuros, preferably at Rajah Soliman. The cultural show will revolve around the motto of the Colegio – Deus, Patria, Letran. This will be open to public wherein spectators will be treated with performances from our students.
The night will be a night of reminiscing memories, networking, and gathering of support for Letran’s cause.
July 2019
As Letran commemorates the annual death anniversary of the late boy scouts of Letran in a tragic accident, this day will be a day of reminiscing memories with former boy scouts of Letran. The invitation could also be extended to boy scouts from other school patrols as well as the families of the late Letran boy scouts to set as an inspiration to the dedication, willingness to represent the country, and as boy scouts of the Philippines – Laging Handa. Prior to this, a scout camp will be organized in Letran inviting students from Manila - wide schools.
Letran is the only remaining educational institution established in the area during the Spanish era and could be considered as one of the oldest institutions in Intramuros. As such, it is but proper that Letran should organize activities to make its presence felt in Intramuros. Activities will be centered on the 4P’s such as

1.) Promotion of Intramuros’ historical significance;
2.) Preservation of Intramuros’ cultural heritage;
3.) Participation in community service; and
4.) Participation in Intramuros development as historical district.
This is an event that will be dedicated solely to giving back to the faculty / teachers that each alumni batch would want to honor - teachers/ professors from primary, secondary, tertiary, and/or post graduate studies. This is to make them feel that they are still part of Letran, even if they are no longer working in the Colegio. Each batch will accompany their chosen professor to a gala night, which will be held at the Manila Hotel.
August 2019
The Letran Youth Congress aims to empower young men and women to develop the confidence they need to achieve their personal best. Confident young men and women have the power to make real change, starting in his / her local community before trying to gain a global audience. The Letran Youth Congress is a student leadership summit designed to build confidence, hone leadership skills, nurture commitment, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage faithful stewardship. At the end of the Congress there will be an awarding ceremony for the Ten Outstanding Student Leaders in the Philippines (Gawad Arriba)
Since the establishment of the Letran Museum will take some time, we will be having a special screening / exhibit of Letran collection in gallery in the National Museum and/or NCCA.
As a cultural institution, Colegio de San Juan de Letran will take the lead in the study and preservation of the nation’s rich artistic, historical and cultural heritage in the reconstruction and rebuilding of our nation’s past and veneration of the great pioneers who helped in building our nation. The Colegio will look back to its humble beginnings and envisioned as the premier institution and repository of our heritage, and as an exciting, informative, and enjoyable place for learning, a place that inspires people to learn from our traditions so as to help shape a better future.
The night will be a night of reminiscing memories, networking, and gathering of support for Letran’s cause.
September 2019
This is a venue to recognize distinguished Letranite embodying the supreme ideal of Deus, Patria, Letran. The Colegio have produced notable Letranites that have excelled in their chosen field of endeavors and have done a remarkable deed in helping the country, community, and the church. This event will not only be an event of recognition but of a fund raising activity and a call for support to those Letranites that can share their expertise to the Colegio’s development. The affair will be held in one of the hotels in Metro Manila.
This is an event full of exposition of business – showcasing the products of the different regions in the Philippines. There should also be different activities to promote the concept such as live band shows, food park, and the likes. Letran will relive the WOW PHILIPPINES concept from Letran Alumnus, Hon. Sen. Richard Gordon as its inspiration. The Negosyo Letranista concept could be integrated in the plan.to make the initative sustainable until 2020, this will have a partnership with Department of Tourism and Intramuros Administration.
The night will be a night of reminiscing memories, networking, and gathering of support for Letran’s cause.
October 2019
The annual La Naval procession is celebrated and attended by Letranites. Beginning with a mass at Sto. Domingo church then followed by a grand procession around Sto. Domingo streets, this year, Letran will take significant role in the grand procession by incorporating a meaningful ‘meeting’ or salubong of St. Vincent Liem dela Paz and La Naval de Manila as a symbol of La Naval welcoming Letran represented by St. Vincent Liem dela Paz and as a true devotees of Mary.
The annual sportsfest of Letran dubbed as Letramurals will include four Letran schools competing in different sporting events. The competition will look like a mini-NCAA involving Letran institutions.
With the Center for Community Development at the helm of the project, Letran will be planting 2,019 seedlings in Norzagaray, Bure will be a symbolic planting of the 2,020th tree inside the campus in Intramuros - the Quadricentennial Tree - and will be designed with benches around it. This is in partnership with DENR and the Briquettor Association of the Philippines.
November 2019
The Retreat will be participated not only by Letran Manila employees but also by the other three Letran institutions. The day will be filled with songs and praises and will be open to The Feast’ style of worship and sharing. Cardinal Tagle is targeted to be the resource speaker.
This Alumni Homecoming will not only be a reunion of their respective batches but will also be a fundraising event through auction, pledge of support, selling of Letran merchandise, performance, and recognition.
The different activities that will be lined-up for the week will concentrate more on the preparation for 2020 event. To highlight the main objective of making the celebration ‘historical’ or national event, the festivities will have tie-ups with public, government, non-government, and private organizations. So as not to spend a lot during the celebration, there would be event tie-ups with ‘big companies’ for the daily activities. The highlight would be the Arriba Fest and the 3D wall – mapping presentation.
December 2019
With the help of the NSTP / RelEd / Letranites code students, there will be a mass wedding targeting 400 couples. The four hundred couples could be divided into four parts / group ( 100 for each ) such as one for NCR (Letran Manila), Luzon (Letran Calamba), Visayas, and Mindanao connecting with Dominican contacts in the provinces.
this will be opened to students. A tie-up could be made among the DOMNET schools to organize the affair.
Paskong Arriba will culminate with a festive ‘boodle-style’ feast for the employees, alumni, and students. There will be an advent mass, concert, fireworks, and a parade.
January 2020
The visit of La Naval de Manila will have a Novena (with Rosary praying and floral offering), vigil, besamanto, motorcade, and a solemn procession in Intramuros. Reliving the original path of La Naval procession during the Spanish era.
The international research conference will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the field of cultural preservation and heritage and/or education. Participants and presenters should come from different countries. The event will end up by having an Intramuros walk and cultural show.
February 2020
Letran will co-organize and co-sponsor the conduct of giving free hearing aids to the needy courtesy of Starkey foundation. During the gift giving, a program or entertainment for the attendees will be provided by the Letranites. Our target is to provide 2,020 hearing aids as Letran will not just be a venue for a hearing aid giving institution but am institution that is more engaged in the provision of services.
The human-sized logo of the 400 years will be displayed in various places in Manila, accompanied by the Knight and a group of students that will do a flash mob. Other campuses may also participate with this awareness campaign around their respective cities or provinces.
March 2020
The documentary will be produced by the Institute of Communication (alumni, student, professors) and will show a documentary/story about the institution. The objective is to showcase Letran’s talent in film making, story-telling, and production. The film will have a special screening in cinemas and could also be played in different Letran campuses here and/or abroad.
The event will be inspired by marathons organized by Smart, Condura, Milo, or NatGeo. This will be held in Intramuros-Luneta-CCP-MOA to be participated in by students, alumni, and runner – enthusiasts. The marathon will take the participants to some of the historic places in the Metro and a chance to explore the heart of Manila. The marathon will inspire unity, positively change lifestyles, promote wellness, and provide and experience of challenge, achievement, joy and glory. Finisher medal will be the Letran Quadri Logo.
April 2020
Letran will have a symbolic installation of marker to Letran sites such as

1.) Metropolitan Theater,
2.) Sto. Domingo,
3.) and Sta. Catalina as these markers will also contain information of some of the significant events happened in the country involving Letran.
Letran will initiate and coordinate with Intramuros Administration in setting up 14 Stations in Intramuros where pilgrims could visit, pray, and reflect. One of the stations will be in Letran wherein the priests will take turns in officiating the mass.
May 2020
The Colegio will have a tie-up program with the Manila City Hall and DOLE to conduct a Manila-wide Job fair. Letran will not only participate but will become a partner in organizing the fair. This will be held in Intramuros or SM malls in Manila.
Santacruzan has been part of the Filipino culture since it was occupied by the Spanish conquistadores and introduced Christianity to the early settlers in the country. It celebrates the discovery of the True Cross by the Reina (Queen) Elena or St. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. That day is celebrated with a mass in the afternoon, followed by a ritual wherein a number of young women Letranites designated as Flores de Mayo ‘ queens look for a hidden Cross, with the finder being designated as Reina Elena.
June 2020
To reflect that the Colegio is true to its mission to form and mold young Christians just like St. John, its patron saint, 400 participants are to be baptized and confirmed should they be students, alumni, our people from Letran’s partner communities. This will be a tie-up project with RelEd area.
As Letran is one of the recognized institutions when it comes to Communication, it will use its expertise to be a venue for independent filmmakers from different countries to showcase their masterpiece in the Colegio. The film festival will follow the format of Cinemalaya. Awarding will take place at the last day of showing of films.
July 2020
As the host of the NCAA Season 96, the oldest collegiate sporting association in the country, Letran will be staging a production that will be based on the rich tradition of the Colegio, incorporating its history. ABS – CBN Head of TV Production, Mr. Laurenti Dyogi will spearhead the production.
Letran will also give recognition to individuals related to NCAA-member schools to stress the impact of Letran to the NCAA as the oldest institution member that played a vital role in other institutions (e.g. Letranites Laurel of LPU; Aguinaldo of EAC; Fabella of JRU; etc.)
August 2020
With the help of National Commission on Culture and the Arts, National Historical Commission, and National Museum, the Colegio will be recognized as a National Historical Site / Treasure / Institution. It will commemorate the humble beginnings of Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero and Fray Diego de Santa Maria in founding Colegio de San Juan de Letran and to put a marker of Colegio’s role in our history, molding young illustrious men who helped our country in our conquest to freedom.
To level up this second leg of the Student Congress, it will now focus on gathering of student leaders from around the globe. The International Letran Youth Congress is a student summit design to build confidence, hone leadership skills, nurture commitment, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage faithful stewardship. At the end of the congress there will be an awarding ceremony for the Ten Outstanding Student Leaders in the Philippines (Gawad Arriba).
A Carillon will be put up inside the campus. This carillon is composed of 23 bells that will ensemble a beautiful harmony. A formal unveiling and playing of music will serenade the students in the campus. From the day of the unveiling, the carillon will be played to officially start the campus-wide countdown everyday.
A tie-up project with the Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, and tour operators, Letran will organize a walk in Intramuros. We will take the tourist’s first step to city’s epic 400-year history as Manila’s original walled quarte. Tourists will be wandered through Churches, past plazas, cobbles taking in tales of Rajahs, conquistadores, treasure ships, battles, wars, and even a golf course.
Projected Tour Route: Letran – Plaza Roma – Manila Cathedral – Intramuros Wall – San Ignacio Ruins – San Agustin Church and Monastery – Barrio San Luis
The Spoken Poetry Competition is a performance art that is word based. It is a writing that is meant to be spoken or delivered with emotions to an audience. The contest is open to Junior and Senior High School. The event will be recorded and will be promoted through social media with the hope of becoming ‘viral’ and inspirational.
This will be a synchronized celebration with the officials of Quezon City and Quezon Family in attending many events that day. This will also provide opportunity for the Letran delegates to connect with Quezon City Hall officials for future projects. The traditional breakfast with the fathers will still be followed and obsereved.
September 2020
The Letran Mural will provide visual aesthetic, sense of identity, belonging, attachment, welcoming and openness, and strengthen community identification to place. The location will be at the lobby – a 360degree mural that will speak about the core values of Letran – Deus, Patria, Letran. The work will be done by Letran artists or professionals.
This event will show and pay attention to important cultural issues that some students live through. Its goal is to remind everyone what beautiful things can happen when different cultures are brought together. Coming together to share different parts of our various cultures that creates such a strong bond. Entertainment, music, foods, activities, and more. This time, we plan to bring the cultural show to a bigger audience – the Luneta open auditorium.
The Japanese Emperor will be invited to the Colegio and provide activities for his visit. The event will be highlighted with the visit of other ‘illustrious’ alumni/government official.
To give recognition to the scholars and their donors to have a chance for a meet and greet session. A simple ceremony would take place to assure the donor that their donations for scholarships are given to the students. This will also be an opportunity for the scholars to get inspiration from their donors.
October 2020
There will be a formal book launching of the Letran coffee table book. Aside from the usual cocktail party, a reporter / host will ask the author/s handful smart questions to entice the attendees of the content of the publication. There would be talks coming from the author and a public reading. Media will be invited to create a buzz.
The inaugural opening of the Letran museum will get the audience excited, from this day on, the museum will be open to the public. A tie-up with public schools or DepEd will take part.
As the Colegio reach its 400th anniversary, it is a perfect timing to look back and give recognition to its humble beginning. As a marker of a 16th century’s excellence, class, and a stronghold of a Catholic education the Colegio will seek partnership with the Royal family and to its government to extend its project and help the Colegio for its development to be more global
Inspired by the Aliwan Festival of the MBC, this event will gather different cultural festivals wherein contingents compete in dance parade and float competitions, as well as in beauty pageant. The contingents, meanwhile, aim to promote their respective regions both economically and tourism-wise. It will be organized as visual extravaganza for the Christmas season.
In partnership with Mr. Danilo Dolor, alumnus and Board of Director of CCP.
To make an impression and inform about the community about Letran’s Quadricentennial anniversary, St. Liem dela Paz and Letran delegates will be position infront of the procession or just before the La Naval image.
The Letan community will try to break records in Guinness by having a largest human formation of a human Quadricentennial logo.
November 2020
In order for others to join, a zoom party or live party will be organizes. Those who cannot attend physically in campus due to 'physical distancing and prohibitions in mass gathering' can still be part of the celebration.
The documentary will be produced by Letran IComm department (alumni, students, prof) and will show a documentary/ story about the institution. The objective is to showcase Letran’s talent in film making/ production. The film will have a special screening in cinema and could also be played in different Letran schools and/or abroad (special screening).We can have our own celebrations from where we are. We can decorate our homes with Letran pharaphernalia.
January 2021
We will offer a special class for video editing, content creating and techniques. This is open for all including outsiders.
February 2021
With the help of the NSTP/ RelEd/ Letranites code students, there would be a mass wedding targeting 400 couples. The four hundred couples could be divided into four parts (100 for each) such as one for NCR (Letran Manila), Luzon (Letran Calamba), Visayas, and Mindanao connecting with Dominican contacts in the provinces.
April 2021
Letran will have a symbolic installation of marker to Letran sites such as 1. Metropolitan Theater; 2. Sto. Domingo; 3. Sta. Catalina
May 2021
Typically the celebration culminates with a May 31st Santacruzan, a grand finale that, as its Spanish name implies, ties in a very different theological theme – the discovery of the True Cross by Reyna (Queen) Elena, or St. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. That day is celebrated with Mass in the afternoon, followed by a ritual wherein a number of young women Letranites designated as Flores de Mayo “queens” look for a hidden Cross, with the finder being designated as Reyna Elena.
June 2021
To reflect that the Colegio is true to its mission to form and mold young Christian just like St. John, its patron saint, 400 participants to be baptized and confirmed whether it is a student, alumni, or from our partner community. This will be a tie-up project with RelEd area.
To visit the birth and death place of our foremost alumnus, San Vicenete Liem de la Paz
August 2021
To level up, this year’s youth congress focuses on a gathering of student leaders from around the globe. The Letran Youth Congress is a student leadership summit designed to build confidence, hone leadership skills, nurture commitment, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage faithful stewardship. At the end of the congress, there will be an awarding ceremony for the Ten Outstanding Student Leaders in the Philippines (Gawad Arriba).
A tie-up project with the DOT, IA, and tour operators, Letran will organize a walk in Intramuros. We will take the tourists’ first step to city's epic 400-year history as Manila's original walled quarter! Tourists will be wandered through churches, past plazas, cobbles taking in tales of rajahs, conquistadors, treasure ships, battles, wars and even a golf course! This is a walk that will make the tourists sweat with bucket loads of history, trivia and everything about Manila. Tour route: Letran* Plaza Roma * Manila Cathedral* Intramuros Wall * San Ignacio ruins * San Agustin Church and Monastery* Barrio San Luis The Quezon Day Celebration will be integrated with the Intramuros Walk
The event will be inspired by Marathon organized by Smart, Condura, Milo or NatGeo. This will be held in Intramuros-Luneta- CCP-MOA to be participated by students, alumni and runner- enthusiasts. The marathon will take the participants to some of the historic places in the Metro and a chance to explore the heart of Manila. The marathon will inspire unity, positively change lifestyles, promote wellness, and provide an experience of challenge, achievement, joy and glory. Finisher medal will be the Letran Quadri logo.
September 2021
This will be a tie-up program with the Manila City Hall and DOLE in the conduct of Manila-wide job fair. Letrn will not only participate but will become a partner in organizing the fair. This will be held in Intramuros or SM malls in Manila.
The Letran mural will provide visual aesthetic, sense of identity, belonging attachment, welcoming and openness, and strengthen community identification to place. The location will be at the lobby—a 360 degrees mural that will speak about the core values of Letran— Deus, Patria, Letran. The work will be done by Letran artists or professionals.
To schedule a meet and greet session with the scholars and their donors. A simple ceremony would take place to assure the donor that their donations for scholarships are given to the students. This will also be an opportunity for the scholars to get inspiration from their donors.
October 2021
There will be a formal book launching of the Letran coffee table book. Aside from the usual cocktail party, a reporter/ host will ask the author/s handful smart questions to entice the attendees of the content of the publication. There would be talks coming from the author and a public reading. Media will be invited to create a buzz.
This year, we will request that the image of Liem de la Paz (where Letran delegates are positioned) will lead the La Naval procession or would be stationed just before La Naval image so as to make an impression and inform the community about Letran’s Quadri celebration.
November 2021
This Alumni Homecoming will be held at Manila Hotel comprising of not only of jubilarian batch but also of other batches. A target of at least a thousand delegates is being planned.
The Colegio have produced notable Letranite that embodies its supreme ideal of Deus, Patria, Letran. In this event, the Colegio will give recognition to a Letranite that have done a remarkable deed in helping the country, community, and the church. This event will be the culmination of the Grandes Figuras and hoping to gather all the awardees.
A week long celebration of our foundation day, full of festivities and activities for our students, alumni and employees.
"The grand celebration will be a pack full of performances, ceremonies, traditional performances, entertainment and expositions. ABS-CBN Production Head, Laurenti M. Dyogi will be spearheading the production and celebration." List of activities for Grand Celebration: 1. Unang Hirit 2. Procession "Lakbayaw/Street dance" 3. Parade of Alumni 4. Performance of previous and current members of different Letran Cultural Performance 5. Viva campus concert tour 6. Concert 7. Drone show
We will have a salubong mass for the Grand Celebration
The community will gather in thanksgiving for the newest facility of the Colegio- the LQ! Alumni, donors, government officials will be invited in the inauguration rites/ ceremonies. A quick tour of the new facility will be conducted.
We will have the official launching of the Carillon Bells with much fanfare and drama. The visitsof the Japanese Emperor, Royal Family, and US dignitaries can be scheduled here
The retreat will be participated not only by Letran Manila employees and students. The event will be a gathering of faith among the Letranites. Bishop Soc will be the speaker.

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