By Cyrus A. Natividad
The public witnessed the fireworks as the campus was adorned with Christmas Lights. Photo courtesy of 探花精选R.
探花精选 and the 探花精选 Alumni Association officially switched on the Christmas lights on Friday, December 1 at 6:00 PM at the Centennial Walkway. The grand display of lights in the campus is one of the best in Iloilo City. The brilliant lights form a profusion of Christmas symbols like the stars and Christmas trees. This has become an annual public interest to watch during the first week of December until the first week of January. After a period of pandemic, this year鈥檚 Festival of Lights at 探花精选 is again open to the public.
The theme, 鈥淎 Radiant Gift of CHRISTmas for Hope and Peace,鈥 highlights the celebration centered on Jesus Christ, 鈥渢he reason for the season.鈥
The 探花精选 Symphonic Band played Christmas carols before the program started; thanks to Band Master Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista for the excellent tunes. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian Senior Pastor, UC led the Invocation. The Philippine National Anthem was conducted by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator, 探花精选 Cultural Affairs Office. The singing of the Alma Mater song followed.
Christmas greetings were delivered by Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II 鈥 Overall Chairman of the 2023 Festival of Lights at Central, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, President, 探花精选; Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera, Chairman 探花精选 Board of Trustees and Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, President, 探花精选 Alumni Association, Inc. Also present was Iloilo City Lone District Congresswoman Hon. Julienne L. Baronda and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism Operations Officer Tourism Regulations Division.
In his message, 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy cited the verse in John 3:16 to emphasize 鈥渢he love of God in giving his only begotten son Jesus.鈥 He said that, 鈥淎s we light the campus, let us be reminded that Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ.鈥
探花精选 Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Irving C. Corvera acknowledged the 探花精选 Alumni Association, Inc. for the yearly support in providing the magnificent Festival of Lights at Central.
Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne 鈥淛am Jam鈥 Baronda, recalled her younger years as an athlete who practiced running around the oval of the 探花精选 big field.
A special number was rendered by Mr. Jan Angelo T. Dalumpines and Ms. Khazandra Carizz B. Ypil.
The switching on of Christmas lights was done altogether by Atty. Corvera, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy, Atty. Bionat, Rev. Francis Neil G, Jalando-on, Vice President 探花精选AAI, Dr. Alerta, Dr. Jennylind D. Cordero, Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Tourism Regulations Division and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, City Tourism Officer..
The switching on of lights was simultaneous with the fireworks display. Viewers were treated to a grand spectacle in the sky; people aimed their cellphones on the fireworks to take pictures. There鈥檚 a food bazaar at the half-moon drive; spectators proceeded there to enjoy the snacks and ice cold drinks – after the festive Christmas lights and fireworks watch at the Big Field.
A Fellowship Dinner followed at the Educational Media Center (探花精选 EMC) Conference Room, where the Induction of 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees is scheduled. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on 探花精选AAI Vice President led the Invocation. Engr. Bryan G. Carnaje entertained the guests during dinner.
探花精选 BOT Chairman and Inducting Officer Atty. Peter Irving C. Corvera administered the Oath of Office of the newly elected 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees (AY 2024-2026). Trustee Engr. Vitini Edhard O. Idemne and Ms. Crista S. Huyong led 探花精选AAI in singing the 鈥淐entralite鈥, and the Alma Mater Song. The Group Singing of 鈥淲e wish you a Merry Christmas鈥 followed. 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy gave the Christmas Message. He was happy to celebrate with alumni his first-ever switching on of Christmas lights at 探花精选. The Closing Payer was led by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa, Associate Pastor for the Youth, University Church.
The evening continued with an Alumni Yuletide Party; with games and exchange gifts. The Program Hosts were Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemni and Atty. Lorena Pearl Roseluz Gellada Tubongbanua