Text by Jennifer Manongdo and Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit, January Kanindot, Charmaine Lingdas, Luz Emano, Erlyn Pareja and Ruther Bergonia
The loud beat of the drums heralded the elaborate, themed lanterns of the different colleges and institutions as they circled Taft Avenue, Padre Faura St., College of Medicine Calderon Hall, Main Library, and back to the Philippine General Hospital’s (PGH) Oblation Plaza. Marching along the streets, the students shouted various chants held together by common themes on fighting corruption, improving access to quality healthcare and promoting the rights of healthcare workers, and environmental conservation.
The annual celebration, held on Dec. 12, 2025, was anchored on the theme: ‘Pasko sa UP Manila: Patuloy na Nagmamahal, Lumalaban, at Nagwawagi,’ and had no less than the university’s top official reiterating the university’s commitment to improving and protecting public health.
“Kasangkapan at kasandig ang UP Manila na itaguyod ang kalusugan ng mga mamamayan at isaayos ang sistemang pangkalusugan ng ating bayan,” Chancellor Michael Tee told the crowd.
Colorful Protests
Just last month, thousands of demonstrators marched in Luneta Park and demanded accountability from government officials implicated in substandard, defective, or non-existent flood-control projects in many areas across regions. The deaths of several Filipinos from floods following the onslaught of Typhoons “Tino” and “Uwan” sparked public outrage and resulted in calls for resignation even from top public officials.
The nation’s scholars took the protests to another level.
Thick with youthful anticipation of a better future, the parade of lanterns was not one of despair. Instead, it included dance numbers, giggles, selfies, creativity, and excitement.
Will Janric Gino, of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was especially proud of their entry for the best Christmas lantern. He said it depicts a call to preserve the environment and protect the rights of Filipino fishermen amid the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Meanwhile, the College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) prepared a lantern depicting a fisherman navigating rough seas representing service in underserved communities and the pursuit of accessible health care.
The College of Medicine showcased the Sierra Madre as a protector of communities and a vital element in the One Health movement, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Not one to be outdone, the College of Dentistry highlighted resilience amid injustice in their lantern while the College of Nursing emphasized compassion and hope in their entry.
The Central Administration’s lantern highlighted Filipino workers, symbolizing unity, service, and hope. The College of Pharmacy’s lantern illustrated the impact of deficiencies and weaknesses in the health system caused by greed and corruption, serving as a reminder for healthcare workers to uphold their responsibility in providing care and solutions to the nation’s health challenges. The lantern from the College of Public Health underscored environmental protection as a safeguard for public health. The UP Manila National Institutes of Health lantern symbolized community love, resilience, and hope in a fiery rising phoenix-inspired lantern, while the NTTCHP lantern highlighted the health profession’s role in advancing public health.
PGH’s lantern, which won second place in the best lantern category, clearly depicted corruption in the form of a barong-clad crocodile sitting on a throne and cradling a frail child.
The Winners
The judges recognized the best performers and the best lanterns. Here are the winners:
Best Lantern
1st Place – College of Medicine
2nd Place – Philippine General Hospital
3rd Place – College of Pharmacy
Group Awards
Most Stunning Group – College of Medicine
Most Energetic Group – College of Allied Medical Professions
Most Creative Group – College of Arts and Sciences
Best Cheer Performance – College of Allied Medical Professions
Cheerdance Awards
1st Place – College of Medicine
2nd Place – College of Arts and Sciences
3rd Place – Philippine General Hospital
Christmas TikTok Video Making Contest
Student Category
1st Place – Gaya ni Oble
Purity Reimel A. Develos; Jhuztine Josh De Jesus
2nd Place – Paskong UPCN
Hiraya: UPCN Class of 2026
3rd Place – Himig ng Paglaban: Pasko sa UP Manila
Trisha Karryl Bien; Jenna Eunice Fajardo; Jeah Mae Gajisan; Rachelle Mae Gamayao; Francine Ysabel Grecia; Danna Guiyab; Naiyana Kay Jaratruangsaeng; Nicole Joy Mariano; Shailah Danica Orap; Jane Karen Ramoso; Marian Christine Aurea Santiago
Most Popular Award – Himig ng Paglaban: Pasko sa UP Manila
UP Manila / PGH Employee Category
1st Place – Alaala ng Pasko
College of Nursing Faculty and Staff
2nd Place – Opalite Christmas Tree Farm
Ziara Tan; Eroll Yabut
3rd Place – Pasko sa UP Manila: Ang Aming Paglalakbay
Dr. Janus Ong; Dr. Anthony Cordero; Dr. Martin Fernandez; Manu Gaspar; Jae Ann Sumalo; Jhaki Mendoza; Timothy Mercado; Jovein Alcantara; Kristine Tobias
“Naniniwala po ako na patuloy tayong lumalaban at hindi titigil sa pagsulong ng pagbabago sa mga sistemang hindi kanais-nais at pamamahala—upang gawin itong mas ligtas, makatarungan, at makatao,” 2025 UP Manila Christmas Celebration Chair and College of Pharmacy Dean Mac Ardy Gloria said before the end of the program.
“Layunin natin na matiyak na naa-access ng bawat Pilipino ang epektibo, maaasahan, at abot-kayang gamot at serbisyong pangkalusugan; tugunan ang mga bagong pangangailangan sa kalusugan; itaas ang antas ng pamumuhay at kalidad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino; at isulong ang kalusugan bilang isang karapatan, hindi bilang pribilehiyo ng iilan lamang. Para sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng bayan, tungo sa minimithing kalusugang pangkalahatan,” he added.
#FP1 #FP6 #Environmentthatnurturesourmindandbody
