Reviving the long-awaited university life on campus, the Ateneo community welcomed back one of the most anticipated events of every Ateneo year, where festivity, talent, and unity light up, revamping it into Sadya 2023: The Ateneo UFest.
Originally, in Ateneo, the annual celebration known as ‘Fiesta’ traditionally featured a blend of spiritual activities and cluster competitions. However, this year, ‘Fiesta’ has taken a new direction with a stronger emphasis on Marian rituals, spirituality, and community.
Consequently, the customary activities and festivities for the clusters and Ateneans have been shifted to the University Fest, celebrated from 12-14 October 2023, infusing the spirit of festivity and serving as a remarkable showcase of talents at the University.
On the first day of Sadya 2023, the celebration commenced with a grand parade at Rizal Park and on the way to the University. The nine clusters, including Accountancy, Business and Management, Computer Studies, Humanities and Letters, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social Sciences, and the School of Education, the School of Nursing, the School of Engineering and Architecture, participated by showcasing various props that represented their cluster’s unique identity. This display of creativity exemplified the strong spirit of festivity within the Ateneo community.
Following the parade, Martin Hall was abuzz with Ateneans enthusiastically watching the Bench Cheering and Dancesport competitions. Not only that, but Ateneans also gathered at Arrupe Hall to browse through the bazaar, where various businesses owned by Atenean students and external vendors had set up shop, offering their products and services for the community to enjoy.
As the day transitioned into evening, the much-anticipated Musikahan: Battle of the Bands assumed the spotlight, featuring nine bands, each hailing from a different cluster, engaging in lively competition while captivating the crowd with their performances. Once more, Martin Hall was filled to capacity, with each cluster’s band taking the spotlight, delivering spirited renditions of cover songs infused with their distinctive style and energy. After all nine clusters had showcased their musical talents, the OPM Band Calein concluded the first day of Sadya 2023 with an enthralling performance that included cover songs and their famous hits, such as ‘Umaasa.’
The second day began with the Ignatian Cup Semi-Finals, during which participants displayed their quick wits and knowledge on relevant issues. Following the Semi-Finals, the Finals commenced, featuring a spirited debate between the two remaining competing clusters, SON and CS, with exceptional verbal warriors representing each. In the end, CS secured the championship title.
Meanwhile, at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium, the Short Film Viewing unfolded, inviting the audience to discover the profound beauty of each film’s story. These entries for the Creative Series stirred deep emotions and left meaningful imprints in the hearts of those in attendance. Furthermore, musical melodies filled the air in the Finster Auditorium as each cluster’s representative performed during the Star Search. However, despite their outstanding performances, a technical glitch disrupted the event, leaving the audience in shock as the winner of the Star Search could not be determined.
On the third and last day, the closing ceremony of the University Fest featured Sayawtenista cluster performances, with participants showcasing their dancing talents while incorporating themes related to societal issues. Sayawtenista served as the concluding competition for Sadya, delivering a powerful and resonant conclusion to the three-day celebration. The clusters are placed as follows (by rank): Champion: Accountancy; 1st Place: Social Sciences; 2nd Place: Business and Management.
Overall, the Sadya celebration has showcased the talents of Ateneans, allowing them to bring out the festive spirit of the University and providing them an opportunity to savor their university life beyond books and the four corners of their classrooms. Additionally, the University Fest has fostered unity among students, encouraging mutual support and elevating their camaraderie to a new level while sparking their interest in cultivating the Atenean spirit.
Article by Julianne Kaye Cortez (SAMAHAN Communications Director) and Kent Empedrad (SAMAHAN Communications Member)
Photos by the SAMAHAN Creative Team
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