IN THE University of the Assumption (UA), 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.
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 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.
A Holy Mass was also held 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.
rArchbishop-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 the Mass at the gym while Institute of Theology and Religious Studies Director Fr. Oliver S. Yalung and Fr. Israel Garcia officiated the Mass in the chapel.
After the Mass, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between UA and Moksa was signed by Fr. Henson and President of the Malayang Organisasyon ng mga Kawani Sa Assumption (Moksa) Joel Gamboa.
The celebration continued with the Marian Choral Competition 2016 organized by the UA Chorale. Six colleges and schools competed for the top prize which was won by the College of Education (COE).
During the Agape, winners in the different competitions were awarded. The College of Hotel and Restaurant Management (CHRM) was hailed as the grand winner in the Bulletin Board Design Challenge, while The College of Accountancy (COA) bagged the first runner-up, and the College of Education (COE) 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 second runner-up.
Mary Grace A. Catacutan of CHRM was the top prize winner in the Poetry Writing Competition, while Ma. Ana Christina Tantengco, a Nursing student, and Rodrigo Valdez of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) tied for the first place.
The Campus Ministry Office was the overall responsible in the celebration of Sola.
