By Louise Vinzy Bon A. Ramos, BA ELS-4, Centralian Link Intern

ELS Officers present a token of appreciation to guest speaker Peter Solis Nery during the first-ever English Day celebration at the Henry Luce Library American Corner, April 24, 2025.

April 24, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the English Language Studies (ELS) students as they celebrated the first-ever English Day at the Henry Luce Library American Corner, Third Floor. With the theme “The Transcendence of Language Through the Decades of English,” the event highlighted the enduring power of the English language and its evolving influence across generations.

The program began with an opening prayer led by Danielle Allyson Sobremisana, setting a reflective and respectful tone for the day’s activities. Professor Rhys Camacho then delivered the Welcome Remarks, expressing enthusiasm for this historic gathering and the hope that English Day would become a lasting tradition in the department.

Cel Hope Faraon skillfully guided the audience through the event. Kyra Veloso introduced the esteemed guest speaker, renowned writer and advocate of Philippine literature, Peter Solis Nery.

In his compelling message, Mr. Nery spoke about the transcendence of language, emphasizing how English has evolved through the decades, shaping and reflecting society’s changes, particularly in the Philippines. He pointed out the critical role of English in bridging generations and adapting to modern realities, such as the growing inclusivity in language prompted by the LGBTQ+ community’s advocacy for pronoun use and representation. Furthermore, Mr. Nery underscored that “the Bible remains the greatest piece of literature,” reminding everyone of the profound impact of literary traditions on the development of English.

The event concluded with a heartfelt thank you message from Cel Hope Faraon, who expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Nery for his inspiring talk and to all who participated in making the first English Day a success. As the program came to a close, there was a palpable sense of excitement and hope that English Day would not just be a one-time event, but the beginning of a rich and enduring tradition for future ELS students.