December 12, 2009

One Big Night

Today's the day—the grand celebration of the Ateneo de Manila University for its 150th anniversary, its sesquicentennial! And the reason why I haven't been online much these past couple of weeks. We begin with a wreath-laying at the Ateneo Heroes Memorial, then a Mass at the Church of the Gesù, where the Marian procession starts which brings the congregation to the high school grounds where the rest of the event is but which is also a commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception last December 8. From 6pm to 8pm, a musical celebrating the history of the university from 1859 to the present, especially commissioned for today, will be performed by members of all the student performing arts groups, though scripted, arranged and directed by theater professionals who happen to be alumni. After the musical, the real party begins with bands from the 1970s to the 2000s, also with members who are alumni, playing until midnight. The problem with working in the office that organizes these things is, all of us have work assignments throughout the entire event. So please keep your fingers crossed that I can watch some of the performances (and take some decent photos), because if I can't, I'll have to wait for the video recording and I really like live performances much better. Whatever happens, I think all of us will be glad to get our lives—and full night's sleep—back. The gates leading to the campus are decorated both for the sesquicentennial and the Christmas season. The stars with tails are traditional Filipino Christmas decorations called parol, symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem which led the three wise men to the stable where Jesus was born.

Ateneo de Manila's gate decorated for its 150th anniversary and the Christmas season

Actually, the Ateneo de Manila's 150th anniversary was on Thursday, December 10. But it being a school (and work) day, we couldn't have a big or late night to-do. So how did the university commemorate the day? As befits a Catholic institution, with a Mass. As simple as that.

9 comments:

  1. 150 years and still going strong. Congratulations.
    You have put so much work into the celebration.
    The Mass must have been nice--another kind of celebration, with music and drama.

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  2. Goodnight! I had no idea what a big deal this was or how much you were involved in it! I've done similar things in the past and I know the work involved and the sleepless nights and the tension that results while waiting for your planning to come to fruition!

    I certainly hope you can get to see some of the festivities first hand and up close - not just for your pictures, but because of the joy it will bring to your heart!

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  3. May you all have a wonderful time and memories which will last further 150 years.

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  4. Wow Hilda. Why am I not surprised that you're so heavily involved with this. Congratulations and I hope you are able to attend. Oh, and take photos too. Don't forget us now. :-)

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  5. Well, happy anniversary! Sesquicentennial... Now there's a word you don't use every day! A crossword gem!
    Nice cat, below!

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  6. You must be proud of contributing so much hardwork to a special event like this! Paws up! (so would Luna say...) :)
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  7. Happy Anniversary...I hope Ateneo De Manila will have many more years of contributing positively to the country's development.

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  8. nice! happy anniversary ateneo. one of the most prestige in the country.

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