Initiated by Le Grand Events, a group of International Hospitality Management students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, “XTRO 2021: To Infinity and Beyond the Extraordinary” was a two-day virtual festival and fundraising event that gathered the student community together to enjoy musical performances, games, and wellness activities last April 8 to 9 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
XTRO 2021’s live wellness activity “Nama’Stay at Home” marked the beginning of the festivities last April 8. The event featured Teacher Moshe Reyes from SoulSpeak Mindfulness & Yoga and Teacher Eileen Tupaz from White Space Wellness, with the latter giving the participants an insightful look into yoga and meditation.
When asked about tips for beginners who would like to develop a habitual meditation routine, Tupaz advised them to stick to the basics and “go back to the body and breathe.”
“Let the practice develop organically, don’t force yourself. When you notice that it helps, that naturally motivates you,” she said.
Tupaz also shared her experience with coping and staying sane amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic. “Practice self-compassion and breathe. [...] When I can’t sit still, I do yoga or go dancing. Do whatever works [for you], whatever brings you a sense of lightness,” she said, emphasizing the importance of laughter and encouraging the participants to do what makes them take things less seriously.
Following this, Reyes took to the stage and began the wellness activity. While demonstrating poses and giving out encouragement to the participants, he constantly reminded them to breathe. According to him, breathing is “the most reliable thing, one we can always turn to.”
He also reminded the audience to be present at the moment and to loosen up, letting go of rigidity and coming in with a sense of lightness and playfulness while stretching.
“We’re not defined by our mistakes, we’re defined how we respond to the situation,” he expressed.
Following the live wellness activity was XTRO 2021’s Opening Ceremony, where Instructor for Events Management Ms. Stefanie Leuterio acknowledged and thanked the events team for organizing the event despite the pandemic. She also showed gratitude to the partner businesses and artists, who helped raise funds for the charities.
Furthermore, raffles and mini-games were also arranged to engage audience members and keep them on their toes for prizes.
For the second and final day of the event, XTRO 2021 launched “MUSIC XCAPADE,” a virtual concert featuring a variety of talented performers and artists. Some of these artists included Benilde’s very own Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company, Why July, and Tala Gil.
Other performers included Myrvyne Estupin, Sayawatha Dance Group, Amiel Sol, Nina Liu, and The Strays.
As of April 12, the event was able to raise Php 19,670 for non-profit organizations Biyaya ni Juan and Home of Joy for the Sick Children. These funds will be used for the education and medical needs of the children and young scholars of these chosen charities.
For more information about the event, check out XTRO 2021’s official Facebook page.
This article was originally published on April 16, 2021 at The Benildean's Facebook page. Click here to view the Facebook post.
