Story By Rheanna S. Empuerto, CVPro
Photos By Grace Ann Soguilon and Grace Ann Libre
Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc. through the Student Development and Placement Center (SDPC) successfully held its traditional Pakighimamat 2026 for all new Thomasians last July 10, 2026, at the Cultural Center.
Pakighimamat is the Rekoleto way of warmly welcoming Grade 7 and 11, plus transferee Thomasians. This year’s theme was “Together We Begin, Together We Belong.”
Ms. Ma. Nita V. Bolo, RGC, PhD, Ms. Jamela S. Mapa, and Ms. Grace Ann A. Soguilon facilitated the event, with the assistance of the Peer Facilitators for Academic Year 2026–2027. Pakighimamat served as an avenue for students to encounter the CST-R history, core values, and community while fostering camaraderie among learners.
The morning session welcomed Grade 7 students from St. Fulgentius of Ruspe, St. Ambrose, St. Sebastian, and Blessed Vicente Soler, as well as transferees from Grades 8 to 10. Ms. Marinell T. Ocampo, LPT, PhD herself welcomed and acknowledged the new Thomasians. Ms. Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga, external communications officer, introduced the CST-R Philosophy, Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives (PVMGO) and Core Values.
Students joined the interactive activities designed to encourage teamwork and engagement.
Section St. Sebastian emerged as champion of the Quiz Bee, while Blessed Vicente Soler earned the title of Best in OOTD. The morning program concluded with the introduction and singing of the CST-R Hymn, instilling pride and unity among the new members of the Augustinian Recollect community.
In the afternoon, Grade 11 students from sections Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Consolation, and Our Lady of the Assumption participated in a similar set of activities. The program officially opened with remarks from Mr. Doni Patrick M. Dalope, senior high school coordinator, who emphasized the importance of belongingness and active participation in school life.
Section Our Lady of Consolation dominated the games, securing the championship title in both the overall section presentation and the trivia quiz bee. Meanwhile, Our Lady of the Assumption placed first, Our Lady of Perpetual Help placed second, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel placed third in the section presentation.
Pakighimamat 2026 highlighted CST-R’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for its students through meaningful activities and shared experiences.
