26 Aug Fiesta Spirit Lives on for Assumption Day
In the University of the Assumption, fiesta spirit dominates the annual celebration of the solemnity of our Lady of the Assumption (SOLA), patroness of UA.
Fiesta is one tradition that Filipinos cannot do without despite the rise of modern technology and the exposure of the present generation to new lifestyles and economic development.
The religious face of the fiesta is usually composed of the Holy Mass, novena and procession. But long after these activities are over celebrations continue with eating and merry-making, sometimes extending up to the wee hours of the following day.
Fiestas promote devotion to the faith, the family and friends, three values that are very close to the heart of every Filipino.
This year, although the celebration of SOLA was delayed by one week because of the cancellation of classes from August 15 to 18 due to flooding in low lying areas in the province, it was celebrated on August 22, feast of the queenship of Mary, with the same ardor and excitement as the Filipino fiesta brings.
The festive ambiance was very evident at the St. Thomas Aquinas Courtyard which was decked with blue buntings, flaglets and tents for the AGAPE. Buffet tables were put up by the UA Central Student Council (UACSC) and the different college recognized student organizations (RSOs). During the AGAPE, bands composed of UA college students performed while food was served to students, teachers, administrators and non-teaching personnel.
Earlier, the Holy Mass was celebrated simultaneously at the Bishop Emilio Cinense gymnasium for the colleges and senior and junior high schools and at the University chapel for the pre- school and grade school. Archbishop-emeritus and former chairman of the UA Board of Trustees Most Reverend Paciano B. Aniceto, University President Fr. Joselito C. Henson and Vice President for Administration Fr. Victor S. Nicdao presided in the Holy Mass at the gym while Institute of Theology and Religious Studies Director Fr. Oliver S. Yalung and Fr. Israel Garcia officiated at the Mass in the chapel.
After the Mass, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between UA and MOKSA was signed by Fr. Henson and the President of the Malayang Organisasyon ng mga Kawani Sa Assumption (MOKSA) Mr. Joel Gamboa.
(Read: UA and MOKSA sign Collective Bargaining Agreement)
The celebration continued with the Marian Choral Competition 2016 organized by the UA Chorale. Six (6) colleges and schools competed for the top prize which was won by the College of Education (COE).
(Read: College of Education bags the top prize in 2016 Marian Choral Competition)
During the AGAPE, winners in the different competitions were awarded. The College of
Hotel and Restaurant Management (CHRM) was the grand winner in the Bulletin Board Design Challenge. The team was composed of Shawn Juico, Joanne Dungca, Heizelle Angulo and Nikko Maniego.
The College of Accountancy (COA) represented by Jaymee Ramos, Jennalyn Medina, Bianca Keanna Chua and Kaycee Diaz bagged the first runner up and the College of Education (COE) composed of Mary Rose Leonido, Kelly De Ala, Deinielle Keith Pineda and Loren Kaye Panlaqui got the second runner up.
For the Charcoal Painting Contest, Teo Jon Mangune of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) won the top prize followed by Princess Jonina Soriana of CON as first runner up and Gian Carlo Magno of the College of Tourism Management (CTM) for the 2nd runner up.
Mary Grace A. Catacutan of CHRM was the top prize winner in the Poetry Writing Competition. Ma. Ana Christina Tantengco, a Nursing student and Rodrigo Valdez of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) tied for the first runner up.
Meanwhile, the Senior High School teachers and students partake their lunch together in the covered court, with the Central Student Council as host. Prior to the fiesta, senior high school students collected goods which they donated to the Outreach Ministry.
In the Junior High School each section enjoyed their common lunch. In the UAGS, the pre-schoolers and grade school pupils shared their snacks with their classmates and teachers. It was an opportunity for them to strengthen the bond between the students and teachers in each section.
The Campus Ministry Office was the over-all responsible in the celebration of SOLA.
– With reports from the UACSC and UASHS