By: Adriennel Dominique Defita and Gizella Diaz
MANILA, Philippines — In preparation for Christmas, Mapúa University lifts its students' holiday spirits with back to back activities that take students on a ride, sleighing across fun and giving them a break from academics with this year’s Paskong Mapúan, with the theme: Pagsalubong sa Isang Siglo ng Liwanag at Pag-asa.
The Sparks of a Tree-Lighting and Christmas Village
On November 27, 2024, Mapúans gathered around the University’s Christmas Tree as they witnessed a sparking tree-lighting event that commenced the season of love, giving, and joy. With the tree-lighting comes the unveiling of the centennial mural, depicting Mapúa University’s 100 years of excellence.
Following this, a Christmas Tree-Making competition took place on December 9, 2024, where each department showed brilliance and creativity in making their very own Christmas Tree from recycled materials, highlighting the University’s goal towards a more sustainable future. EECE, CEGE, and SMS took the titles as winners of this competition, showcasing their never-ending wits and resourcefulness. Alongside this is the ever-so joyful Christmas Village, an annual event where each department shares the joy of their community with others. Held from December 9 to 11, 2024, zeal peaked and smiles were spread across the university as the whole Mapúan community experienced three days of amusement and excitement from seasonal snacks that leaves Mapúans wanting more, and games that epitomizes the drive and thrill of a Mapúan.
Dazzling Victorious Christmas Celebration
After the magical Christmas Village came the exciting Christmas Bazaar: Paglalahad ng Kwento ng Kasiyahan at Pagdiriwang, where entertaining booths and delicious foods took place. Subsequently, the fete led to the Paskong Mapuan Concert and Victory Celebration which accentuates rising OPM and Mapúan artists.
The Mapúan community gathered side by side to celebrate the end of the 33-year championship drought bagged by the Mapúa Cardinals in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Men's Basketball Tournament. To mark the start of the event last December 19, one of the stars of the night, the talented Mapúan student artists, executed a heartwarming performance followed by thrilling lighting of the bonfire in the Mapúa Intramuros Grounds led by Coach Randy Alcantara and Team Captain Clint Escamis, the soaring star of the season. It commemorated the collective victory, success, and continuous legacy of the red and gold over the century.
Off the back of the Victory Celebration is the much-anticipated Paskong Mapuan Concert – featuring prominent OPM artists Kiyo, Nik Makino, and Calein; adding to the list of performers are the champions of the Council of Organizations and Senior High School's Battle of the Bands: Sisa Street and Heartbeat. The vibrant spirit continued as the raffle draw began where Mapúans had a chance to win gift certificates, prize money, Apple AirPods, and iPads.
Furthermore, the Gymnasium transformed into a festival club with astonishing performances while audiences groove to every beat. The iconic hits such as Calein's Umaasa, Kiyo's Ikaw Lang, and Nik Makino's Neneng B electrified the crowd and left an extraordinary experience that the Mapúan community will surely treasure.
Muralla street was filled with bursting energy, waves of laughter, and memories Mapúans shared in the remarkable month-long Christmas festivity. Above all, the Paskong Mapúan 2024 highlights the true Mapuan spirit; to unite as one, shine bright like a star, and be the next big thing they are meant to become.
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