The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) welcomed the holiday season through the Christmas Lighting Ceremony and the opening of the Parol-Making Competition 2025, spearheaded by the UBLC College Student Government on campus. The event, held at the university grounds, brought together students, faculty, and student organizations to celebrate creativity, culture, and community spirit.
More than 14 academic and non-academic organizations participated in this year’s competition, showcasing Christmas lanterns meticulously crafted from indigenous and recycled materials. Each entry reflected the university’s commitment to sustainability and tradition while highlighting the resourcefulness of the student organizations.
The Guild of Aspiring Psychologists secured third place with a lantern designed from repurposed plastic bottles, reshaped CD fragments, and a delicately constructed angel centerpiece symbolizing guidance, light, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. The College of Information Technology, Entertainment and Communication’s Multimedia Artists Circle claimed second place with a vibrant parol assembled from soft drink bottles, glittered spoons, origami-crafted plastic straws, and CD cutouts – an artistic tribute to the classic Filipino lantern rooted in festive heritage and cultural identity.
Earning the first-place distinction was Gens Animus Voxvocis Excellentia Liberum (GAVEL), the official organization of Legal Management students. Their winning parol, made from coconut husk fibers, kernels of corn, and mung beans, was inspired by the resilience and essential contributions of Filipino farmers. According to one of the students who conceptualized the design, the organization chose indigenous materials to honor local agricultural communities whose hard work sustains Filipino households, especially during the season of celebration.
Entries were evaluated by a panel composed of Mr. Edmund Caraos, Assistant Principal of the High School Department; Ms. Rosanne Luancing, Culture and Arts Coordinator; and Mrs. Editha Sevilleja, Management and Assets and General Services Officer. The judges assessed creativity, craftsmanship, thematic relevance, and the use of sustainable materials.
Following the awarding ceremony, UBLC’s Kwerdas Kanluran and Vocal Ensemble serenaded the audience with a selection of Christmas songs, adding warmth and festivity to the evening. Student Government adviser Mr. Arjay Gonzales delivered his opening remarks, emphasizing unity and hope. “Thank you to everyone who came tonight to witness the Christmas tree lighting of the University of Batangas. The Christmas tree that we are going to light now symbolizes hope and unity. Each one of you is a light, so always be the light that helps others see,” he said.
Mrs. Editha Sevilleja shared that this year’s Christmas theme centers on red and gold, chosen to represent warmth, prosperity, and the enduring spirit of the season. She noted that the Management and Assets and General Services (MAGS) Office and Building and Maintenance Office (BMD) conceptualized, designed, and crafted this year’s Christmas decorations displayed across the campus. According to her, the creative direction aims to highlight the university’s commitment to harmony, tradition, and the celebration of shared values within the UBLC community.
Through collaborative efforts and creative expression, the UBLC College Student Government successfully ushered in a meaningful and vibrant start to the Christmas season – honoring Filipino culture, fostering unity, and inspiring joy across the university.