Highlighting the message ‘Si Kristo ang Liwanag ng ating pag-asa, pagkakaisa, at buhay,’ Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) held its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5, 2025, at the newly improved Plaza Acacia, laid with an artificial Bermuda grass mat and enclosed by three-tier U-shape concrete bleachers.With the theme ‘Walong Dekada, Isang Puso: Isang Paskong Puno ng Pag-Ibig at Pasasalamat,’ the ceremony began with a short worship led by University Chaplain Rev. Francis Fajardo, featuring the musical renditions ‘Isang Sulok sa Sabsaban, ‘ written by Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr., and ‘Kristo Naming Manunubos,’ also written by Dr. Alvaro with music composed by Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos.
Cultural presentations by Wesleyan Chamber Singers and Teatrong Laan para sa Obra Ngayon (TELON), which included musical pieces, stories, and performances in celebration of the Christmas season, were rendered.
During the formal ‘Pagsisindi ng Ilaw ng Christmas Tree,’ President Irineo G. Alvaro Jr. delivered an inspiring message.
“Pagkatapos natin sindihan, nakita natin ang liwanag. Jesus was born without fanfare, yet He changed the world. The miracle wasn’t in what people saw; it was what God was doing behind the scenes. In silence, surrender, and the long-hidden obedience of love,” he said.
“When the tree lit up, I pray, we just don’t see beauty, but may we remember the true reason of the season, our savior Jesus Christ. Born in a humble manger, He came to save the world, losing its ways, from darkness, through hopelessness. He is the true star, the true light,” he added.
Midway through his message, he expressed his appreciation to the committee members and support offices for the event, who, according to him, had toiled overnight to ensure everything was ready for the celebration.
Concluding his speech, the President announced the distribution of the 14th-month pay to employees. A benefit, WUP has been providing its employees for eight years now. This added extra cheer during the night.
Dr. Wilfredo C. Ramos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, also shared a Christmas reminder for the community, highlighting Isaiah 9:6, a prophetic passage describing the coming of the Messiah—“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”
“Sa Wesleyan Community, lagi natin alalahanin na ang dahilan ng pasko ay walang iba kung hindi si Kristo. Nawa’y sa Paskong ito icelebrate natin ang tunay na dahil ng pasko, si Jesus ang tunay na dahilan nito,” he reminded.
The event concluded with a fireworks display while attendees enjoyed free bibingka and tea, embracing the Filipino traditional spirit of togetherness and the cherished Christmas season.
Article by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
Photos courtesy of Lenscab Photography
