In-person celebration of SPU Manila’s Paskong Paulino returns this 2022
By: Ryan Avi Rivera | The Paulinian | December 16, 2022
After two years of celebrating Paskuhan online, St. Paul University Manila held its first in-person celebration of Paskong Paulino in the Fleur-de-lis Theater, on December 16, 2022, with the theme “Pamilyang Paulino: Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Panibagong Pag-asa.” The annual institutional event was attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and St. Paul of Chartres (SPC) Sisters of the university.
The first part of the program was a year-end eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Andrei Paz, SSC Missionary Life. To commemorate the first day of simbang gabi, he shared in his Homily, “As we are now approaching the Christmas season, and on the days forward, may we bring light, love, and hope to everyone. So, we all can praise God through Jesus who is our light and our salvation.”
Paskong Paulino 2022 was then officially kick-started by the hosts, Grant Hilario, Kaye Dela Cruz, Osmel Gerardo, and Josef Dator. The main event commenced with the National Anthem, led by the SPU Manila Chorale, followed by Opening Remarks from the Vice President for Christian Formation and Student Services, Sr. Nicole De Marie Dabalus, SPC, who warmly welcomed everyone to the opening of the Paskuhan season and shared that this day marked a real face-to-face Christmas interaction since 2019. The hosts later did a roll call of each participating department to enliven the gathering more.
The student presentations showcased the true spirit of Christmas and highlighted the traditions and culture during Christmas in the Philippines. The College of Business and Management started the presentations with a song and dance number featuring a medley of Christmas songs. Showcasing Christmas for Filipino nurses, the College of Nursing and Allied Health and Sciences performed Filipino Christmas songs live with their very own hand mime presentation in black light. The Grade 11 students presented a musical skit with their own rendition of Ben & Ben’s “Bibingka” followed by Grade 12’s musical performance highlighting the true meaning of Christmas in the family and in the Philippines. Performances were followed by the College of Music and Performing Arts. They also performed a musical performance about a family preparing for the Christmas season. And lastly, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education showcased Christmas in the Philippines with a ballet performance, spoken poetry, and a medley of Filipino Christmas songs.
After the student performances, Sr. Nicole De Marie Dabalus led the impromptu performance of the SPC sisters about the Nativity of Jesus, featuring faculty members from the SHS and College departments.
Finally, the most-awaited SPU Manila Christmas ID for 2022 was premiered showcasing a Paulinian’s determination and purpose. The video featured Dr. Ma. Encarnacion Dychangco’s story and journey as a Paulinian nurse where she shared how she realized that what she has been doing as a nurse is Christocentric.
For this year’s “Pamilyang Paulino”, the production team consisted of the following:
● Director: Edana Sopoco
● Assistant Director: Charles Alcantara
● Scriptwriters: Pauline Danganan and Jasmine Kalaw
● Video Editors: Poline Cusi, Edana Sopoco, Jasmine Kalaw, and Trinity Pablo
● Cinematography: Edana Sopoco, Stephanie Norma, Jan Carlo De Guia, and Chloe Ramos
● Actor: Hannah Bisco
● Singers: Jharred Lloyd Cruz, Charich Bianca Capalad, Dani Mendoza, and Neil Dichoso
● Music and Lyrics: Dr. Jerome Cleofas and Mr. Rene Nob
The program further continued with the annual “Grant-A-Wish” project wherein Paulinian administrators, faculty, alumni, and students participated as “Paulinian Santa” and granted the Christmas wishes of their assigned beneficiaries. The beneficiaries include the non-academic personnel from the janitorial services, security services, and maintenance services.
Shortly after, the awarding ceremony was held. The winners were as follows:
● Best in Costume: Denese Dela Paz from CNAHS
● Best Social Media Post (Individual): Charles Alcantara from CAS
● Best Social Media Post (Couple): Edana Sopoco and Euline Arellano from CAS
● Best Social Media Post (Group): Charles Alcantara, Edana Sopoco, Euline Arellano, Faye Baldemor, Milcah Baes, and Denise Rariza from CAS with Ms. Eva Navarro, Ryan Rivera, and Christian Radana from COE
● Best Performance: College of Music and Performing Arts (CMPA)
The winners of the Best in Costume and Best Social Media Post awards received a certificate and ₱1000 each, while CMPA, who won Best Performance, received a cash prize of ₱5,000 to be given to their chosen charity.
The program ended with a Christmas message from Sr. Ma. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, SPU Manila University President, followed by a closing prayer from Catrina Mendiola, Auditor of the Supreme Student Council.
