Text by Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit and Erlyn Pareja
The University of the Philippines Manila officially opened its 2025 Christmas Celebration on Nov. 26, 2025, with the annual Kick-off Ceremony and Christmas Tree Lighting, held under the theme “Pasko sa UP Manila: Patuloy na Nagmamahal, Lumalaban at Nagwawagi.” The event brought together students, faculty, staff, health workers, and partners for an evening centered on gratitude, unity, and the enduring hope of the season.
“Ang bawat isa sa inyo, sigurado ako, kapag kayo ay nagpupunta sa tabi ng pasyente at nagra-rounds sa bedside, higit pa kayo sa mga ilaw na iyan na nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa kanila. Sa bawat haplos na inyong ipinadadama habang inaalagaan ninyo ang mga pasyente, nararamdaman nila ang init na dala ng mga ilaw na iyon,” Chancellor Michael Tee said. Kaya, kasama ang buong komunidad, mga pasyente at mga kasama natin sa trabaho, ako’y taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo para sa buong taong 2025 na sama-sama tayong nag-alaga para sa ikabubuti ng bayan,” he said, noting that while this year’s Christmas tree may not feature extravagant decorations, its true brightness comes from the compassion and dedication of the community.
Delivering the Christmas message on behalf of PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, Dr. Regina P. Berba, PGH Deputy Director for Health Operations, reflected on decades of celebrating Christmas at PGH—a tradition marked by music, light, and generosity.
“Sa aking mga kasamang dito sa PGH, kasama tayo ng UP Manila, ipagdiwang natin, hindi lamang ang pagdating ng liwanag, kundi ang lakas ng ating pagkakaisa at panawagan para sa pag-asa ng pagbabago at makabuluhang Pasko,” she said.
She emphasized that the sacrifices and compassion of PGH workers remain the true sources of hope for patients. Reaffirming this commitment, she relayed Dr. Legaspi’s pledge: “Makakaasa kayo na ang PGH ay patuloy na maglilingkod at lalaban, hindi lamang para sa ating mga pasyente, kundi para sa buong sambayanan na nagtitiwala sa atin.”
Guest of Honor Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso expressed his appreciation for the workforce behind public service. “I’m happy kapag masaya yung mga kasamahan nating tagapaglingkod sa mamamayan. If you create such an environment in the workplace, I think the office itself will be more efficient in delivering services,” he said.
Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, he stressed the season’s core values. Calling for unity amid political divisions,
“Ang Pasko kasi, it reminds us sa dalawang bagay: Magbigayan at magmahalan… So, I hope this Christmas should remind ourselves the way our forefathers, parents, to give love on Christmas… Pagmamahal sa kapwa, pagmamahal sa bansa, pagmamahal sa isa’t-isa, pagmamahal sa pamayanan.”
The ceremony featured festive performances from UP MEDRhythmics and MatingCAD Dance Crew. Culminating the event was the lighting of the Christmas tree and a vibrant fireworks display.
#FP1 #FP6 #Environmentthatnurturesourmindandbody
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