‘Tis the season! The harmony of lights and sounds ignited the spirit of belonging and togetherness within the Louisian community as the University of Saint Louis showcased a magical show in its Pailaw 2023 festivities held on December 1, 2023.
In its opening program, University President Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., beautifully emphasized the significance of the Christmas season in everyone’s lives. With the theme “Tanglaw ng Pag-asa at Liwanag ng Pagmamahalan,” he reminded everyone that this festive time offers the power to bring hope and love to one another.
“Sa nalalapit na pagsapit ng pasko, ipina-aalala sa atin ang buod ng ating pagiging Kristiyano, ang pagmamahal at pag-aaruga nina San Jose at Birheng Maria kay Hesus upang magampanan niya ang kanyang banal na tungkulin. Ngayong pasko, pag-alabin nawa natin ang liwanag ng pagmamahalan na alay ni Hesu Kristo. Sana ay maging tanglaw tayo ng pag-asa sa ating kapamilya, kaibigan, ka-Luwisiyano, at sa lahat ng ating nakasasalamuha araw-araw,” he remarked.
Teams from the different schools of the university brought the festive spirit to the Louisian crowd with their musical talent through their own rendition of the concept “Christmas in USL” during the Jingle Carol Competition.
As the night set in, the lights beautifully illuminated the campus, creating a magical atmosphere. The Center of Culture and the Arts put on a dazzling performance that elevated the anticipation for the lighting ceremony with the accompaniment of the rearranged Christmas song “Star ng Pasko,” adding a perfect touch of excitement.
Cheers echoed through the campus as students, faculty, staff, and administrators reveled in the warmth and joy of the Christmas spirit. It’s like a dazzling symphony of joy, with twinkling lights transforming the entire campus into a magnificent spectacle.
Following the lighting ceremony, participants in the Festival of Lights Parade illuminated the streets of Tuguegarao City with a myriad of lanterns, showcasing the artistic prowess of Louisians. Crowds then gathered at the USL open field as teams from the different schools competed with their Festival of Lights performances. The iconic display was a prominent feature of USL’s Pailaw 2023 celebration, attracting the attention and admiration of spectators.
Concluding the festivity, Louisians enjoyed a night of musical bliss as they sang their hearts out with the Pailaw 2023 Concert. The crowd united in song as they passionately sang along with the guest performers, headlined by the indie pop rock band This Band and singers Chester Padilla from Idol Philippines and Beatriz Imperial from Starstruck.
The winners of the contested events were also announced simultaneously during the concert. The School of Health and Allied Sciences won the Jingle Carol Competition, followed by the School of Accountancy, Business, and Hospitality as the first runner-up and the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology Education as the second runner-up.
Meanwhile, the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology Education captivated the crowd with their dazzling Mexican-themed production, defending their championship title in the Festival of Lights competition. The School of Education, Arts, and Sciences’ Brazil-themed production ranked 1st runner-up, while the School of Accountancy, Business, and Hospitality settled for 2nd runner-up with their Japan-themed production. This year’s Festival of Lights competition depicted the cultural diversity of some of the CICM countries through the creative representations put forth by each school.
SEAITE also claimed the championship in the Giant Parol Making Contest with their outstanding craftsmanship, while the Basic Education School secured the 1st runner-up position and the School of Health and Allied Sciences placed 2nd runner-up.
The annual tradition brings togetherness within the Lousian community and serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate gift to humanity, symbolizing hope, peace, and salvation. Fa-la-la-la-la, let the Christmas magic begin!
