IN THE spirit of the yuletide season, the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education organized its annual Christmas fellowship themed “Walang Iba Kundi Pag-ibig” for the Ateneo community last December 12.
With this year’s theme, organizing committee chair and Office of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs Campus Life Division Head Christopher Castillo shared that his team drew inspiration from a carol entitled “Flos de radice Jesse, est natus hodie (Lo how a Rose e’er blooming),” which celebrated the unconditional love of Jesus.
Continuing its seven-year tradition, the three-part celebration consisted of a procession beginning in the Rizal Mini Theater, followed by a mass celebrated in the Church of the Gesù, and an outdoor celebration for the Higher Education Cluster (HEC).
United in celebration
The Panunuluyan featured a choral rendition of Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. The conclusion of this performance also led to the beginning of the mass.
To conclude the event, attendees were then welcomed to a festive fair at the SEC Field with food, music, and performances. Designed to mimic the Advent wreath, fluorescent lights illuminated the area as attendees enjoyed nearby booths offering snacks, refreshments, and various photo opportunities.
Adding to the finale, a program dedicated to honoring the collective achievements of the entire cluster throughout the year took center stage. Moreover, raffle prize draws and intermission numbers entertained the members from all nine HEC schools.
Community in fellowship
During the culminating program, Vice President for Higher Education Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD highlighted the uniqueness of the setting, noting its departure from the usual locations like Bellarmine Field. Despite the celebration being an annual tradition, Vilches nonetheless highlights the importance of change to keep the celebrations fresh and exciting to the community.
In achieving this vision, Vilches shared how this year’s event was made possible through the collaborative work of committees formed by her office and different sectors such as the Rizal Library Team and the Ateneo Student Parents Council.
Castillo also shared his hopes that the community would use this time for peace and reflection on what truly matters in their lives. He further emphasized that the true essence of Christmas is not found in possessions or festivities but in spending time with the people who matter most to you.
Commenting on future celebrations, Castillo alluded to other upcoming celebrations within the cluster in 2024, such as Blue Rose, and hinted at the possible return of another Blue Eagle Bonfire.
