When the pandemic happened, the teachers and staff of Montessori De Sagrada Familia, Inc. (MDSF) had to temporarily stop the dance that symbolizes the unity and sense of belongingness among them.
Yearly, the Christmas party of the faculty and staff of MDSF has been one of the most memorable events that they have. Not just because of the fun games but because of the traditional dance that concludes the day–the Kumukutikutitap dance. Regardless of the departments that they are in, everyone is dancing with the beats of the song, with both their hands on the shoulders of the others forming a circle. They are all marching in both directions. What a perfect manifestation of unity and a sense of family!
After a year of postponement, this December 17, 2021, they once again experienced the fun and excitement but still following the health protocols. Instead of forming a circle, a group of teachers from the high school department facilitated the dance with enthusiasm. It was restricted, but the energy could be felt among the teachers and staff.
“When I first experienced it two years ago, I was mesmerized because I felt that I belong to a family. It was so fun and it was also a perfect opportunity to get to know the other teachers from other departments and make friends with them. So, when it was postponed last year, I was a bit sad but when we were given the chance to do it again, it was just so fulfilling to feel again what I felt two years ago,” expressed by Ms. Henerweniesa Aquino, an English teacher from the high school department.
Before the concluding part, the teachers and staff enjoyed the parlor games prepared by the Human Resource Department and other staff. They went physical as they participated in games like Flip the Bottle, Shoot the Ball, Sack Race, and an Obstacle Course. Also, the most-awaited and another traditional activity during the Christmas Party–the Bingo, was played but this time with a twist. For every fifth number, the ones with the number called had to run to the seats in the middle. They had the option to multiply the 100-peso reward by 2.5 signifying the 25 years of MDSF after perfectly shooting the ball in the ring.
Everyone went home with something because all of the groups who participated in the parlor games received cash prizes depending on their ranking.