Article by: Alexa Juliana E. Karaan, Lorrieza Jhoilyn C. Punzalan, and Setheleh G. Ramos
Graphics by: Cassius Klai C. Francisco
Photo by: Juliana Enjielle O. Mauricio
The joyous season was fervent with red and gold pride as Mapúans celebrated Paskong Mapúan 2024 festivities with the theme, “Pagsalubong sa Isang Siglo ng Liwanag at Pag-asa,” held from December 9 to 19 at both Intramuros and Makati Campuses.
Radiating Red and Gold
On November 27, students, alumni, and staff alike waited in anticipation for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Intramuros Campus Grounds to officially mark the start of Paskong Mapúan 2024 events.
The Mapúa Cardinal Singers opened the event with a prayer and a performance of the national anthem followed by an opening message from Mapúa University’s (MU) President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo.
Sparkling Up Mapúan Wonderland
The official festivities then took place last December 9 to 11 as the University’s Council of Presidents (COP) organized the Christmas Village with the theme "Giving Out Love Through Decades." Several student organizations and local student councils set up shops and booths in the South Tambayan Intramuros Campus and the Makati Campus' student lobby.
Moreover, the COP also hosted the Twinkle and Tinsel Christmas Tree contest, wherein the School of Electrical, Electronics, & Computer Engineering bagged first place, while the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering and the School of Media Studies ranked second and third, respectively. To recognize the efforts and creativity of the booths, the Council of Organizations (COO) awarded the best booths to the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers - Mapúa University Student Chapter, Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers - Mapúa University Student Chapter, and Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students - Mapúa University Student Chapter (PHISMETS).
Following the Christmas Village, new shops were installed around the Intramuros Campus from December 16 to 19. The Christmas Bazaar was set in motion by the Central Student Council under the theme, "Paglalahad ng Kwento ng Kasiyahan at Pagdiriwang,” wherein food stalls with creative dishes and booth shops with different items suited to the student's interests covered the campuses.
Mapúans also came together for its annual Community Salo-salo last December 19, wherein students were treated to a meal and various food selections at the Intramuros Campus.
Igniting the Mapúan Spirit
Following the Mapúa Men’s Senior Basketball Team’s championship in the 100th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a Victory Celebration was held on the last day of the week-long celebration. Beginning with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Sta. Rita Chapel, followed by a Meet and Greet of the Cardinals team.
Afterwards, the celebration concluded with a champions’ tradition of Lighting of Bonfire led by Coach Randy Alcantara and Team Captain Clint Escamis in front of the Yuchengco Innovation Center. The event also presented musical numbers from the Mapúa’s very own Gian & Wayne, A Beats, and Tres Marias, and a thrilling performance from the Drum Corps that kindled the Mapúan spirit.
Furthermore, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer Mr. Raul Victor Tan delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to the students, alumni, and patrons that supported the team’s journey to clinching the championship title.
The celebration continued into the night with the annual concert event at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium. Opening acts included Battle of the Bands winners Sisa Street and Heartbeat who warmed up the crowd. Guest headliners hip-hop/rap artist Kiyo, alt/indie band Calein, and rapper Nik Makino hyped up the crowd with their high-energy sets.
To spice up the night, a raffle was held with minor prizes for 21 winners of ₱500 SM Gift Certificates and 10 winners of ₱1,000 gift certificates. Major prizes included Apple AirPods, iPad, and cash prizes worth ₱30,000 and ₱50,000, respectively.
Mapúans gathered once again to celebrate a year of triumphs. From the Christmas tree lighting event that kick started the celebrations, the wondrous Christmas Village and bazaar, to the triumphal bonfire celebration, the Mapúan spirit was alive and breathing. The night ended with the much-awaited Paskuhan Concert filled with performances that had the crowd on its feet. The various festivities showcased the essence of Mapúa, forging the memories that will underpin the Cardinal pride.
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