ORGANIZED by Eureka, Tertiary Schools’ official Math and Science organization, a stargazing event took place on the campus grounds last Feb. 24-25, intending to uncover the origin and meaning of the stars and constellations, bringing teachers, students, and astronomy experts together.

The event was spearheaded by Clarisse Saddi (II-BISAIS), Eureka’s president. Saddi said in her remarks, “Stargazing aims to ignite fondness for astronomy and other astronomical objects such as stars, planets, and the moon that will be visible during the event.” She added that the event was also held for a cause—Eureka’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event that will benefit stray animals. 

Several student organizations were involved in making the event happen wherein nine student organizations donated to the event. Organizations like Rotaract, Bedan Liturgical Ministry (BLM), Rover Circle, The Bedan Herald, and Beda.Comm actively participated during the event. Encouraging monetary donations through GCash, Eureka came up with a way for non-Bedans to contribute to the cause due to the event only being open to students.

Jun Cajigal, an astronomy expert from San Beda University (SBU), said he founded Skywatchers Society of Las Pinas with Emmanuel Perea, a public organization that hosts free public telescope viewings that occur in parks and malls like Molito or Robinsons. Cajigal also noted, “We facilitated the stargazing of SBCA [last] 2018.”

Emmanuel Perea, also known as “Sir Doods”, is an SBCA Junior High School faculty member who gave an informative talk titled, ‘Cosmic Perspective.’ During the talk, he shared his knowledge about the cosmos, clarifying misconceptions, and expanding on the meaning of cosmic perspective. Notably, Perea emphasized that “Winter Triangle stars could determine the weather,” and “the night sky guided prehistoric people whose lives depended on navigation.”

Students were instructed to head to the football field after the talk, where they could stargaze using telescopes provided by Perea and Cajigal. However, the stargazing activity was disrupted by unforeseen rain, causing a bit of delay among the students and staff during the remaining hours of the event. 

Eureka's stargazing event not only expanded attendees' knowledge of the universe but also highlighted the capacity of collaboration to raise funds and support the Strays Worth Saving (SWS), a non-profit animal shelter.