By Mikee Natinga Norico
The public witnessed a spectacular fireworks display as the campus was adorned with dazzling Christmas lights during 探花精选’s 2024 Festival of Lights, marking the start of the holiday season.
On Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM, 探花精选 (探花精选) and the 探花精选 Alumni Association officially switched on the much-anticipated Christmas lights at the Centennial Walkway. The grand display of lights, one of the most magnificent in Iloilo City, dazzled the crowd with a stunning array of Christmas symbols, such as stars and Christmas trees, creating a festive atmosphere that captured the holiday spirit. This yearly tradition has become a public favorite, attracting thousands of visitors from the first week of December until the first week of January. After a hiatus during the pandemic, this year鈥檚 Festival of Lights at 探花精选 was once again open to the public, drawing an estimated 10,000 people to the campus. With the theme “Jesus Christ: The Light of the World,” the event was not only a beautiful showcase of lights but also a reminder of the season鈥檚 true meaning.
The day began with Parolandra 2024: Parols of Hope and Harmony, held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Alumni Promenade Concert Park. University organizations and fraternities showcased their creativity in a friendly parol-making competition, followed by a mini parade. The event fostered unity and celebration, as students bonded over their shared love for artistry and craftsmanship.
Before the formal program began, the 探花精选 Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mr. Ascencion O. Bautista, played a selection of Christmas carols, setting a joyful tone for the evening. Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor of UC, led the invocation. The Philippine National Anthem was conducted by Ms. Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator of the 探花精选 Cultural Affairs Office, followed by the singing of the Alma Mater song.
Christmas greetings were delivered by Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, Overall Chairman of the 2024 Festival of Lights; Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman of the 探花精选 Board of Trustees; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Pastor Stanley Flores, representing Hon. Julienne L. Baronda, Representative of the Lone District of Iloilo City; Mr. Vinnie Tan, Chief of Staff of the Regional Office USWAG Ilonggo Partylist, representing Hon. James 鈥淛ojo鈥 Ang Jr., Representative of USWAG Partylist; Hon. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Iloilo City Vice Mayor and Acting Mayor; and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism Officer. Also present were Dr. Esther Rose A. Romarate, VP for Student Affairs; Dean Stella G. Fernandez, Acting OIC representing Dr. Irving Domingo L. Rio, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Florence P. Bogacia, VP for Finance & Enterprises; and Dr. Dany C. Molina, VP for Administration.
探花精选 leaders, alumni, and invited guests gather for a memorable group photo during the fellowship dinner at the EMC Conference Room, celebrating the success of the 2024 Festival of Lights.
In his Christmas greetings, Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II expressed how the event symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ in the lives of the 探花精选 community. Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona emphasized the partnership between 探花精选 and the Alumni Association, acknowledging the efforts of all those involved in the festival鈥檚 success.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, extended warm greetings and highlighted the event鈥檚 theme, “Jesus Christ: The Light of the World.” He shared how the Christmas lights serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration, guiding the 探花精选 community through both joyous and challenging times. He also reflected on the University鈥檚 mission to integrate knowledge and faith, encouraging all to let the light of Christ shine through their lives.
“This year’s theme, ‘Jesus Christ: The Light of the World,’ is very fitting because, in a dark and dreary world, we need the light of Christ to illumine our hearts and brighten our lives,鈥 said Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President.
Hon. Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Iloilo City Vice Mayor and Acting Mayor, also shared a message praising the event as a celebration of culture and unity. He commended the 探花精选 community for showcasing Ilonggo talent and creativity and urged everyone to embrace the hope and peace brought by Jesus Christ.
“Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Jesus, the Light of the World,’ we are reminded of the true essence of the season. May we reflect on the light that Jesus brings into our lives, offering hope, peace, and togetherness to our community,” he said.
The event also featured a special song number by Ms. Angela Nicole R. Arnillo and Ms. Correne Joy R. Arnillo. The newly elected 探花精选AAI Officers were presented by outgoing 探花精选AAI President by Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat. The officers were inducted by 探花精选 President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
The Budget Busters reign supreme once again, claiming the championship title for the 3rd consecutive year at the 2024 Battle of the Bands during the Festival of Lights and Music at Central.
As the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, the Christmas lights were officially switched on by a distinguished group of individuals, including Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman of the 探花精选 Board of Trustees; Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President; Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, 探花精选AAI President; Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, 探花精选AAI Vice President & Director of 探花精选 Office of Communications; Dr. Florentino P. Alerta II, Overall Chairman of the 2024 Festival of Lights; Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, Former President of 探花精选; Mr. Ron Xavier M. Caldito, 探花精选R President; Pastor Stanley Flores, representing Hon. Julienne L. Baronda; Sir Vinnie Tan, Chief of Staff of Regional Office Uswag Ilonggo Partylist, representing Hon. James 鈥淛ojo鈥 Ang Jr.; and Ms. Junel Ann P. Divinagracia, Iloilo City Tourism Officer.
The switching on of the lights was simultaneous with a fireworks display. Viewers were treated to a grand spectacle in the sky, with many people capturing the moment on their cellphones. A food bazaar near the 探花精选 UY Building allowed spectators to enjoy snacks and ice-cold drinks after watching the festive Christmas lights and fireworks at the Big Field.
A fellowship dinner followed at the Educational Media Center (EMC) Conference Room. Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Vice President of 探花精选AAI & Director of the 探花精选 Office of Communications, led the invocation. Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat, 探花精选AAI President, entertained the guests and facilitated the photo opportunity for the newly elected 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees (AY 2025-2027) and 探花精选AAI Officers (AY 2025-2026).
The evening concluded with a festive Battle of the Bands, where talented musicians from different colleges came together to celebrate the holiday season. Each band showcased their unique style and musical prowess, captivating the audience with their performances. The event was a fitting end to a magical night filled with joy, music, and the spirit of Christmas.
The following are the newly elected 探花精选AAI Officers (AY 2025-2026):
President: Dr. Anita Umali-Illenberger
Vice President: BGEN Ezra James P. Enriquez, Ret
Secretary: Atty. Lorena Pearl Roseluz Gellada-Tubongbanua
Treasurer: Engr. Rey L. Balogo
Auditor: Mr. Jan B. Acanto
The following are the newly elected 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees (AY 2025-2027):
听1. Mr. Jan B. Acanto
2. Mr. Timothy Nelson D. Arandela
3. Engr. Rey L. Balogo
4. Atty. Jeremy V. Bionat
5. Dr. Glenn A. M. Catedral
The following are the Regional Representatives of Metro Manila to the 探花精选AAI Board of Trustees:
- Carl de la Pe帽a
- Denia Santos
- Rey Cordova