VERA AMICITIA EST INTER BONOS

The Gonzaga College Sports and Arts Festival (Porseni) 2025 was celebrated with joy and camaraderie, underscoring its mission to foster cross-generational community bonds among students of grades X, XI, and XII. Beyond a competition, the event served as a platform to strengthen friendships and unity, embodying the spirit that true friendship exists among good people.

Community Structure in Jesuit “Houses”
Students participated in a house system rather than competing as class or grade representatives. They were divided into ten large, mixed-gender groups called “Houses,” each named after inspiring Jesuit saints such as Francis Xavier and Peter Faber. This setup promotes interaction and teamwork, with members earning points that benefit their entire House, thereby fostering solidarity beyond individual classes.

Holistic Learning Outside the Classroom
During Porseni, the school transforms its environment into a vibrant learning space, featuring a variety of activities that showcase students’ interests and talents. Sports competitions such as basketball, volleyball, and mini soccer promote sportsmanship, whereas chess and wall climbing challenge strategic thinking and physical courage. Creativity is highlighted by a cooking contest, in which dishes are judged on taste and on cultural presentation linked to their House’s patron saint, and by a mural competition that depicts symbols of the saints’ lives and ministries, such as Peter Claver. These activities emphasize both the creative process and meaningful reflection.

Gonzaga Got Talent
Porseni organized “Gonzaga Got Talent” to celebrate each student’s unique talents, with students recording and uploading performances in categories such as singing, instrument playing, dancing, poetry, magic, and painting using the “A-Luigi” app. Teacher judges discovered many hidden talents, including a quiet student with a golden voice and a math champion skilled in performing arts. The top ten performers in each category were chosen to perform live, creating a heartfelt event that recognized and appreciated each student’s individuality.

Sharpening the Mind and Team Spirit: Quiz and Group Competition
This year, Porseni introduced a new quiz competition in mathematics and general knowledge among the Houses, engaging the entire community and fostering an enthusiastic intellectual atmosphere. The event featured mandatory preliminary and final rounds, with audiences actively participating in solving math problems and cheering. The general knowledge segment was designed to stimulate students’ curiosity about the world and culture. Additionally, group activities, such as vocal and band competitions, helped students from different grades develop teamwork skills despite limited rehearsal time, as they performed both required and chosen songs. The event also featured House mascots, where representatives creatively presented their patron saints’ histories, struggles, and values, adding a fun and educational element to the festivities.

The Peak of Togetherness at the Christmas Vigil Concert
The Gonzaga community concluded the semester with a Christmas Vigil Concert at the Ciputra Artpreneur building, reflecting the spirit of Porseni and serving as a moment of gratitude and reflection for the holiday season. The event featured performances by the Gonzaga Big Band Orchestra, which performed “Carol of the Bells,” and the “Suara Gonzaga” Choir, which sang Christmas songs from countries such as Poland, Germany, and the Philippines. Attendees included Father Emanuel Baskoro Poedjinoegroho, S.J., the foundation chairman; Mr. Corneiles Tedjo Endriyarto, the alumni representative; and parents, underscoring the school’s strong community. Principal Father Eduard Calistus Ratu Dopo, S.J., also performed two songs as a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

From Competition to Community
The Porseni 2025 event concluded with House Edmund Campion being named the overall winner; however, the primary achievement was the personal growth experienced by participants. Students developed leadership and service skills, engaged in cross-generational cooperation, and learned to appreciate their own talents and those of others. Reflecting Cicero’s idea of true friendship, the event fostered genuine connections, emphasizing not only skill development but also care and conscience in the Ignatian tradition. These strengthened bonds aim to unite the Gonzaga community in welcoming God and pursuing good intentions in the coming year. AMDG.

Contributor: Gabriella Kristalinawati, S.Pd., M.Si.