The LED wall truly made the New Year’s celebration of talent more vibrant. It complemented the attire of Grade 7 and Grade 8 Handbell Ringers as they opened the performances with a harmonious arrangement of Chinese hymns. Three students followed this with a graceful sing and dance performance that featured songs about love and hope. With their clappers in hand, select elementary students recited a Chinese declamation piece. This performance served as a prelude to the show-stopping fashion showcase of dynastic Chinese attires. Everyone awaited the runway walk of select Grade 9 students. The ladies donned Chinese imperial gowns while the male students paraded in warrior costumes they made. The creation and showcase was headed by their Art teacher, Mr. Michael Villanueva.

The event took a slight turn as a father-daughter duo warmed the hearts of the audience through their rendition of the song Ming Tian Ni Hao (translated as Hello, Tomorrow). They were the winners of the Chinese Singing Contest organized by the Chinese Department earlier this month. The Hope Chorale elevated this touching moment with energy as they took the stage for their show choir performance. The audience was captivated by this all-out performance of Chinese ethnic music, conducted by HCHS Alumna Ms. Pauline Shih.

The spotlight, then, focused on the poetry presentation of the high school students. They recited Chinese poems and interpreted them with deliberate gestures. These subtle gestures transformed into dynamic choreography as the Hope Dance Troupe brought contemporary Chinese songs to life. The lineup of performances ended with thrill, as select male students amazed the crowd with a breathtaking yoyo performance. Anticipation arose when one of the students went down to the aisle of the Theater Hall to toss his yoyo to another student on the stage. Another pair of students passed the yoyo from one side of the stage to the other.