Who says 13 is an unlucky number? With 13 as their entry number, ASAT team debunked this superstitious belief as they scored a two-peat feat during the Sand Sculpturing Contest sponsored by the Provincial Government last June 24-25, 2019 at Punta, Aparri, Cagayan.
The Sand Sculpturing Contest was one of the major events in the celebration of the 436th Aggao Nac Cagayan. Having been adjudged as first place out of 46 competing teams, ASAT brought home a cash prize amounting to 60,000.00 and a trophy.
The team’s masterpiece “Unity in Identity” perfectly matched the theme “Agkakaysa Cagayano, Panalo” as it showcased the historical, natural and cultural prides of the province. Its centerpiece, a trophy clasped with hands symbolizes unity and strength. Below it was the Provincial Government Seal and the written hashtag #Cagayanew.
The masterpiece was also adorned with the landmarks and trademarks of different towns in Cagayan such as the Callao Caves of Peňablanca, the endemic Aramang of Aparri, the Cabibe of Lallo, the Oldest Bell of Camalaniugan, the crabs of Buguey, the stingrays and dolphins of Calayan, and even the expensive Ludong found on the country’s longest river, Rio Grade de Cagayan.
The engineering wonders such as the Minor Basilica of Piat, Cape Engaňo of Sta. Ana, Buntun and Magapit Bridge were also featured. Behind the bottom part of the sculpture was the word “Caganda”.
The masterpiece was created by a 20-man team composed of 17 students and three coaches namely: Mr. Donald Aguinaldo, Mr. Orlino Orel and Mr. Marco Darauay.
When asked about their thoughts of their second victory, Mr. Donald B. Aguinaldo said “After our historic win in the very first Sand Sculpturing Contest last year, ASAT and the team are grateful to have this back to back championship. It was not an easy win for the group as the members of the group are new and the fact that there were also other teams who are more prepared to edge the competition.”
“We are lucky enough to have the right members on the boat. Expectations were high but we made it sure we enjoy the journey that made the win even more meaningful.” He added. After receiving the cash prize, the team decided to donate the half of the cash prize to the school in order to buy aircon for the CSS laboratory while the remaining 30,000.00 were evenly distributed to each of the participants.#