You know it’s the holiday season once again when the campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP) come alive in a blaze of twinkling lights, colorful lanterns, and festive music.
Over the past week, the constituent universities of the UP System held their traditional “pag-iilaw” ceremonies to officially launch the celebration of Christmas 2023. The University’s creativity, musicality and artistic vision are once again on full display as the UP community came together to welcome the season of peace, joy, and love.
“Pag-iilaw ng Tatsulokuyan” illuminates UP Diliman
UP Diliman’s most iconic statue came to vibrant life during the recent “Pag-iilaw ng Tatsulokuyan,” held on December 1, 2023 at the Oblation plaza.
This year’s traditional Pag-iilaw, with the theme “Panibagong Lakas,” illuminated the campus and featured an array of musical performances and the artistic installation of “Tatsulokuyan,” by Filipino multi-media visual artist and UP Fine Arts alumnus Prof. Abdulmari “Toym” Imao, Jr. The title was crafted from the Filipino words “tatsulok,” “sulo,” and “kasalukuyan.”
UP Vice President for Public Affairs Rolando Tolentino, on behalf of UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, welcomed those who gathered for the celebration.
“Tulad ng mga parola at lighthouses sa madidilim na kalawakan, ang UP ay magsilbing liwanag na tanglaw at aktor ng pag-asa at pagbabago laban sa katiwalian at culture of impunity o kawalan nag takot na maparusahan lalo na sa edad ng malawakang disinformation, trolling and sponsored trending sa ating lipunan,” said VP Tolentino.
UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II mentioned the four-year transition of “Pa-ilaw” from virtual, to hybrid, then to face-to-face with masks to no masks, marking the evolving phases of the event.
“Ang panibagong lakas ay nakaugat din sa mahalagang tungkulin ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas na maging lunsaran ng pagtuklas at pag buo ng mga tugon sa iba’t ibang suliraning kinakaharap ng ating lipunan. Gamit ang panibagong lakas na ito, sikapin nating makalikha ng mga napapanatili o sustinabling lunas sa mga problemang ating dinaranas bilang isang komunidad at isang bansa,” he said.
UP Cebu and UPSO celebrate cultural diversity, creativity and community
This yuletide season, the University of the Philippines in the Queen City of the South illuminated their Christmas Tree at the Oblation Square on December 1. UP Cebu marked the commencement of the season with the theme “Cultural Kaleidoscope: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Creativity in the Service of the Community.”
A highlight of the season was the debut concert of the UP Symphony Orchestra, titled “Huni ug Hudyaka sa Pasko,” held in the evening of December 7 at the UP Cebu Open Grounds. Members of the UP Cebu community were treated to the UPSO’s variety of musical pieces.
UP Manila and UP-PGH together celebrate unity and hope
On December 1, UP Manila and the UP Philippine General Hospital joined forces to kick off the festive season with a magical Christmas celebration. The theme at UP Manila, ‘PUNO NG PAG-ASA,’ promised a vibrant and colorful Christmas, while UP-PGH embraced ‘Pag-asa, Ginhawa, Hilom’—both themes resonating with hope and healing.
The evening commenced with a heartwarming Thanksgiving Mass at the UP-PGH Chapel, setting the tone for an enchanting night. The UP Manila Chorale invoked the festive spirit, followed by the grand Kick-Off and Tree Lighting Ceremony at PGH Flagpole & Oblation Plaza.
Amidst the twinkling lights, UP Manila officials were recognized, and the UP Manila Chancellor, Dr. Michael L. Tee, conveyed a heartfelt message. Dean Charlotte M. Chiong of UPCM and PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi also shared inspiring messages, underscoring the significance of unity and celebration during the holiday season.
The program unfolded with captivating intermission numbers by UP Med Choir and PGH-Department of Medicine, adding musical notes to the joyous occasion. The sponsors, Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation, were acknowledged for their contribution to the event.
As the night progressed, the College of Dentistry, in collaboration with Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation, mesmerized the audience with a stunning Christmas Tree Lighting and Musical Light Show. Dr. Anthony Geronimo Cordero and Dr. Krizzia Rae Jabonillo skillfully guided the festivities as the Masters of Ceremony.
The joint celebration embodied the spirit of the season, bringing together the UP Manila and PGH communities in a joyous embrace of hope, joy, and unity. The Christmas magic lingered in the air, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
UP Baguio sparkles with festive lights to celebrate Christmas
Awash in a sea of lights, the entire UP Baguio campus sparkled in celebration of the start of the Christmas season on December 4.
Chancellor Corazon Abansi welcomed the UP Baguio community with a warm welcome message. “This traditional ceremony of illuminating the season excites us the most because it kicks off the festive mood despite deadlines to beat and the usual end of output to complete. I consider our Christmas lighting ceremony a spectacular event filled with festive cheers especially from our students,” she said.
UPLB’s annual Christmas lighting ceremony dazzles at Freedom Park
UP Los Baños’ Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony dazzled at Freedom Park in front of DL Umali Hall on December 6. The event showcased captivating performances from Harmonya, UPLB’s string ensemble, the UPLB Choral Ensemble, Umalohokan, Inc., the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe, and the UPLB Talent Pool.
In the meantime, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando Bello, College of Human Ecology Dean Jennifer Amparo, BAO Director and Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Administration Eugene Raymond Crudo, and BAO PDA Cris Edwin Bonalos led the opening of the UPLB Christmas Bazaar. The Bazaar will be held from December 6 to 16, 2023. It will also include special activities including Local Vocals, Dance Flash Mobs, Santa Experience, and Bazaaristas’ Christmas Party.
UPV Iloilo City Campus shines bright with festive lights Showcase
UP Visayas illuminated its Iloilo City campus for the Christmas season as part of the Paskua 2023 festivities of the University.
UPV students—composed mostly of those from the College of Management (CM) and the UP High School in Iloilo (UPHSI), UPV personnel, and guests were able to witness the opening of lights at the said campus during the Christmas Lights Illumination Ceremony held on December 7.
The University Oblation Avenue and the facade of the Main Building are now surrounded with colorful Christmas lights and displays.
Vice Chancellor for Administration John Lorenz Belanio, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Philip Ian Padilla, and Prof. Agustin Huyong, Paskua 2023 co-chair, led the opening of lights.
The audience was treated to a series of performances from various student groups to make the ceremony even more festive.
UPV Rhapsody and the Iloilo Harana Performing Group of CM and UPHSI, respectively, sang various Christmas songs to the delight of the audience. CM dance group UPV Khoryu, on the other hand, added flair to the event with their performance.
With the illumination of the Iloilo City campus, UPV’s two campuses now serve as attractions this Christmas season. On Dec. 5, the Miagao campus held its illumination ceremony which saw an influx of guests who witnessed the opening of lights.
Pagsalud han Dan-ag han Kapaskuhan at UP Tacloban
The UP Tacloban community welcomed the holiday season with “Paglamrag 2023 to lighten the Christmas lanterns and lights at the Oblation signaling the start of Christmas festivities at the UP Tacloban campus.
During the program held at the UP Tacloban AS Grounds, UPTC Dean Patricia B. Arinto, UPTC Alumni Association President Ateneones Bacale, and UPTC Student Council Chair Paul Lachica delivered inspirational messages, followed by a joyful singing of a medley of Christmas songs by the UP Amplify & Psych Circle.
