ACS(P) Celebrates International Friendship Day with Philippines-Themed Festivities

Posted on April 14, 2026

On Monday and Tuesday, 13 and 14 April, ACS (Primary) marked International Friendship Day with vibrant recess activities inspired by the Philippines, the ASEAN chair for the year. The two-day celebration gave students a chance to immerse themselves in Filipino culture through games, music, and learning experiences.

Day 1: Tinikling Bamboo Dance
The highlight of the first day was the traditional tinikling bamboo dance, performed to lively Filipino music. Boys eagerly joined in, and many were so captivated that they wanted to keep dancing throughout recess. The rhythmic clapping of bamboo poles and energetic steps brought the school courtyard alive with excitement.

Day 2: “Tumbang Preso” (Can Knock Down Challenge)
On the second day, students enjoyed the can knock down game, a popular pastime in the Philippines. To win a prize, they had to knock down all the cans within just two tries — a rule that added suspense and made the game even more thrilling. The challenge drew enthusiastic participation, reinforcing the spirit of play and camaraderie.

Learning Beyond Play
Beyond the fun, students gained insights into Filipino culture:

Currency & Food: They learned about the Philippine peso and sampled knowledge of local delicacies.

Salt from Bohol: The artisanal Asin Tibook, one of the rarest salt in the world and endangered of extinction due to lack of interest from younger generation due its labor-intensive production process, sparked curiosity about regional specialties.

Traditional Clothing: Pupils discovered that Filipino attire such as the barong tagalog is uniquely woven from pineapple fibers.

Language: Tagalog phrases added a linguistic dimension, with students practicing greetings like Kamusta (Hello), Magandang umaga (Good morning), and gratitude like Salamat po (Thank you).

A Celebration of Friendship
The Philippines-themed activities not only entertained but also educated, fostering appreciation for cultural diversity. International Friendship Day at ACS(P) was a meaningful reminder that friendship extends across borders, and learning about one another’s traditions strengthens the bonds of community.