BREAKING

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

The Itchyworms and Victor Anastacio to perform at One Big Feast: The 2025 Ateneo de Manila Grand Alumni Homecoming



Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

 


The Ateneo Blue Eagles are flying back to their nest for One Big Feast: The 2025 Ateneo de Manila University Grand Alumni Homecoming, on December 6, 2025, at the Ateneo Junior High School Covered Courts.


 

Hosted by this year’s Silver Jubilarians, the Ateneo High School Class of 2000, the event will honor the past, plant seeds for a bright future, and aspire to elevate One Big Fight to a global stage.


 

This year’s Homecoming will gather Ateneans as they honor and support the event’s beneficiaries, foremost among them the teachers whose guidance, presence, passion, and patience have shaped the growth, development, and achievements of countless Ateneans.




 

In recognition of their dedication and lasting impact, a portion of the proceeds will bolster the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. More than 40 active and retired faculty members are expected to attend the festivities to reconnect with their former students and mentees.


 

“We wanted to express our heartfelt appreciation to our teachers who, like our parents and families, believed in us, guided us, and made countless sacrifices to help shape who we are today,” Tristan Timbol, Co-Chair of the 2025 Homecoming Committee, said.



“We are who we are because of them and the lessons they imparted. Through this donation, we hope to convey our deep gratitude, especially to the many teachers who dedicated their lives to forming and educating young people,” Timbol added.


 

The event will also support the AAA Order of the Blue Eagles Scholars, ensuring that deserving students continue to receive opportunities for a transformative Ateneo education. By empowering them to pursue their dreams, the Ateneo community helps shape individuals who can make meaningful contributions to society and become leaders who help build a brighter and stronger future for the country.


 

“We were blessed with the opportunity to receive an Ateneo education, and we appreciate even more now how it has shaped our careers, our communities, and our families. Because of this, it became important for us to help extend the same opportunity to deserving students. Just as the Ateneo opened doors for us after graduation, we hope to open doors for others—to learn, to grow, and to thrive within the Ateneo framework,” Don Umali, Co-Chair, shared.




 

Finally, a portion of the proceeds will likewise support the Ateneo Track and Field Team as part of efforts to elevate homegrown talent to a global stage and champion excellence in athletics — not only locally but in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, the Olympics, and other global tournaments.


 

“A big theme that emerged among our batch as we began organizing the year-long Homecoming activities was the desire to give back to the community and to the people who supported us during our years in Ateneo,” Chef Ed Bugia, also a Co-Chair, explained.


 

“We spent half of our lives in Ateneo, and a central part of our formation was becoming men for others. In fact, our batch was among the first to experience the community immersion programs in high school. Because of this, it was important to us to create a lasting impact when selecting our beneficiaries for the year,” Bugia described.


 

Aside from the meaningful causes it supports, the Homecoming also promises One Big Fun, giving attendees a chance to celebrate, reconnect, and reminisce with fellow Ateneans through an evening filled with good food courtesy of Manam and Moment Catering, and excellent drinks and hydration, including soda, juices, beers, and select spirits.


 

Providing additional excitement and energy to the event are comedian Victor Anastacio and the ever-versatile, popular hosts PJ Lanot and Mica Pineda.


 

Fun and lively performances, including a comedy set by Victor, smooth DJ sets, and a headline performance by The Itchyworms, also await Ateneans.


 

To top it all off, Ateneans can look forward to exciting raffle prizes ranging from hotel stays at Aruga by Rockwell Hotel Makati, Astoria Current Boracay, Astoria Palawan, Astoria Plaza Ortigas, Fili Hotel NUSTAR Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila, Green Sun Hotel Makati, to assorted items which include Kodak Document Scanners, Human Nature gift baskets, Havaianas flip-flops, Nike gym bags, a Casio G Shock watch, all the way to a Kawasaki motorcycle and many more — ensuring surprises and laughs throughout the night.


 

One Big Feast will start with the honoring of heroes at 3:00 PM, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration at the Church of the Gesu at 3:30 PM. After the Mass, there will be a short Marian Procession going to the High School grounds.


 

Gates for the Homecoming will open at 5:30 PM, and the program will start at 6:30 PM, providing Ateneans with the opportunity to bond with former teachers, expand their network with fellow alumni, and engage with sponsors and beneficiaries.


 

The eventful night is made possible through the support of PLDT, Smart Communications, Filinvest Land Inc., Rockwell Land, Moment Catering, San Miguel Corporation, and Astoria Hotels and Resorts.


 

The Silver Jubilarians also partnered with Bay Marine Subic, Uy Coronel, and Villamor Law Offices, Nissan, Alveo Land, Globe Telecom, Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Infinity One Globaltech Inc., A+ Premium Tech Depot, Casio Watch Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Tubig Pilipinas Inc., SMDC, Shell Pilipinas, AGITechnik.ai, Jesus Christ Supporters, ECR Card Marketing, Ovialand Inc., Phinma Prism Property Dev't Corp., Phinma Properties Sales and Marketing Inc., BYD Carmona – Puremotion Inc., Union Trading Croporation, Lion Ready Mix Concrete Inc., Vorel Inc., Isuzu, Kohler, Kservico Trade Inc., and GCash.


 

Other top supporters of the cause are Wilan, Linyar, E-locandia, FV+ Design, Safehouse, Top Rack, Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital, Demontfort Labels Corp., Microimaging Sales and Services Inc., Remax, Gee Three Cayton Construction, Echanis Press Inc., Grand Hyatt Manila, Green Sun Hotel Makati, Ostrea Construction, SEAOIL, Capital1 Solar Energy Corporation, SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., Moogle Oil-Based Colognes, Chan-Toei Properties Inc., CiCi General Merchandise, Zafiro Premium Gin, Alhambra Brandy, and NUSTAR Cebu.


 

Other key partners of the momentous event are Hotsauce Communications, Inc., Easter Coffee Club, Namayan Digital, Inc., Globaline Packaging Solutions Inc., Bestoptions Assistance lnc., Linya Linya and Wolfgang's Steakhouse.


 

The AHS Batch 2000 also organized various fundraising events throughout the year, including a golf tournament (One Big Flight), a movie screening (One Big Film Screening), an art auction-exhibit featuring their homegrown artists (Origins Beyond Form), and the sale of merchandise such as shirts (One Blue Folo Shirt and a Linya Linya collaboration) and golf umbrellas (One Big Fayong). 

This blend of fellowship, nostalgia, entertainment, and generosity makes the event more than just a homecoming but a celebration of the essence of being an Atenean.


Tuesday, December 2, 2025

“Apologia ni Sokrates” Set to Open PUP Tanghalang Molave’s 5th Theatre Season This December 2025


Wazzup Pilipinas!? 



PUP Tanghalang Molave (PUP TM), the official theatre organization of the Department of Performing Arts at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), proudly presents Apologia ni Sokrates, adapted from Plato’s Apology. Translated from Greek by Rev. Fr. Roque Ferriols, SJ, and adapted by Dr. Jovino Miroy, the production will be staged this December 2025 under the direction of Paul Cariaga, with Lander Lumagbas and Samantha Julienne as Assistant Directors.

Now in its fifth theatre season, PUP TM continues to reclaim Filipino narratives through compelling, student-led productions. This season’s theme, “Layag,” marks a shift from resistance (Piglas) to movement and exploration. It symbolizes resilience, courage, and the drive to navigate uncertain waters—where the sail meets the wind and direction remains open and evolving.

Apologia ni Sokrates unfolds within the mind of a youth, as Socrates defends himself against accusations of corrupting young minds and spreading false beliefs. Through reasoned discourse, the play explores the tension between truth and reality, knowledge and ignorance, and the moral courage required to uphold wisdom and justice in the face of condemnation. It invites audiences to reflect on the value of inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of understanding.




This production is a partnership between PUP TM, the Department of Humanities and Philosophy, and the University Center for Culture and the Arts (UCCA), under the guidance of Department of Performing Arts Chairperson and PUP Tanghalang Molave’s Faculty Artistic Director, Mr. Joseph Victor Deseo.

The production brings together a collaborative team of students and alumni. The artistic team includes: Director: Paul Cariaga; Assistant Directors: Samantha Julienne and Lander Lumagbas; Head Dramaturg: Jetro Sebastian Tino; Assistant Dramaturgs: Criselle Fernando, Fe Marie Apa, and Blessilda Marie Basco; Creative Consultant: Jared Klein Garcia; Assistant Creative Consultant: Steph Eugenio; Movement Consultant: Nathaniel Molina; Technical Director: Aerhon Formadero; Assistant Technical Director: Angela Boyore; Set Design: Ruru Magalleno; Lights Design: Bianca Comparativo; Assistant Lights Design by Vernon Red

Valencia; Sounds Design: Celva Pateño; Projection Design by Mark Rosadeño; Costume Design by Hannah Vernice Porwelos; Assistant Costume Design by Keesha Leigh Bula; Hair and Makeup Design by Ayen Usi; Assistant Hair and Makeup Design by Sheneiya May Lorenzo; Graphic Design: Jet Layman. The production team includes: Head Production Manager: Wyn Mangay-ayam; Deputy Production Manager: Angel Corpuz and Aubrey Ga; Assistant Production Manager: Analey Hulipas; Marketing and Public Relations Head: Emma Esguerra; Assistant Marketing and Public Relations Head: Rissa Perez. The backstage team includes Head Stage Manager: Kent Tancasis; Deputy Stage Manager: Jerald Santillan; Assistant Stage Managers: Redz Quiseo, Julia Castillo; Set and Props Head: Rico Dorilag; Costume, Hair and Make up Head: Ayen Usi.

The cast is drawn from the newly launched Molave Ensemble (October 20, 2025), the official performance unit of PUP TM. Rainer Iguin and BPeA alumnus Jules Azaula alternate as Sokrates. Riri Mariñas portrays Meletos, while Kabataan is played by Redz Quiseo and Rainier Iguin. Ensemble members include Genia Garcia, Ceej Del Rosario, Re Delloran, and Dean Tria.

The production will run on three dates: a BPeA-exclusive preview on December 3, with showtimes at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM; followed by public showings on December 4 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM; and on December 5 at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. All shows will be held at the PUP Theater, located at the COC Compound, Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Tickets are priced at ₱75 for PUPians and ₱120 for outside guests, and may be reserved through Tanghalang Molave’s official social media pages. 

Monday, December 1, 2025

A Crisis of Integrity: Religious Leaders Call on Youth to Champion Ethical Leadership


Wazzup Pilipinas!? 



Amid a prevailing atmosphere of corruption and waning public trust in Philippine institutions , three leading religious voices from the Catholic, Muslim, and Hindu traditions convened in a powerful interfaith forum to tackle the crisis head-on.


The virtual event, held on November 29, 2025 , was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) Indonesia. It gathered religious leaders, educators, media, and peace advocates from both countries to highlight a crucial truth: ethical leadership is non-negotiable.


The Unified Message: A Return to the Moral Core

The forum issued a dramatic call for inner transformation as the true starting point for rebuilding society.


1. The Christian and Islamic Imperative: Rediscovering Inner Dignity

Dr. Renato Taib Oliveros, a Catholic priest, peace advocate, and member of Jesuits Among Muslims in Asia (JAMIA) , set the stage by stressing that moral principles opposing corruption are foundational across both Christian and Islamic scriptures.


However, Dr. Oliveros observed a stark reality: the current widespread corruption reveals a chasm between these spiritual teachings and actual societal behavior.


His urgent message focused on the youth, whom he encouraged to look beyond the surface:


He noted that many young people today "see themselves only as the one they see in the mirror" , overlooking the inner dignity and spiritual depth that must guide ethical action.


He firmly stated that true ethical leadership starts not with new laws, but with an inner transformation—a return to one’s core values and scriptural virtues.


2. The Islamic Perspective: Compassion and Cooperation as an Antidote

Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Galib M., MA, Professor of Qur’anic Studies and Tafsir at Alauddin State Islamic University of Makassar, Indonesia, expanded on the necessity of unity across differences.


He warned that "Diversity must be approached with compassion" to ensure dynamic and harmonious interaction, free from the conflict and hostility that can breed corruption. Prof. Galib cited Surah Al-Maidah (5:2): “Help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and hostility”.


His powerful concluding plea was a reminder that "we are one humanity," and all must uphold unity to build peace on earth, preventing disharmony across all faiths, cultures, and nations.


3. The Hindu Teaching: The Unwavering Power of Example

Missionary Hindu priest and youth lecturer Kavi Karnapura Das of International Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) delivered a stark warning about the power of influence.


Citing the Bhagavad Gita (3.21): “Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow,” he explained that ethical leadership demands consistency between values and actions.


He challenged leaders directly:


"[If] you are a corrupt government officer or a leader, and you tell others not to do the same, it will not work. The first principle of ethical leadership must start from leading by example,” he asserted.


He strongly urged educators and policymakers to integrate character formation, discipline, and servant leadership into educational systems, ensuring future leaders are guided by integrity as their default compass.










The Voice of the Youth

The forum concluded with youth leaders sharing moving reflections on how the message resonated with their role in the Philippines.



Jhune Arcy, a student leader from Ilaya National High School, expressed a resilient faith, stating that despite the many challenges, a community guided by faith and grounded in God’s teachings can overcome dilemmas and uphold peace and unity.



Matthew from Urdaneta City University shared that the event not only opened his mind to new ideas but also “reminded me to stay grounded in what truly matters as a leader”.


A Continuing Commitment to Ethics

HWPL Philippines and IPYG Indonesia declared their commitment to regularly holding similar interfaith learning spaces to continue empowering young people to become ethical, compassionate, and principled leaders.


Youth and peace advocates are also strongly encouraged to deepen their understanding of peace and interfaith harmony by joining the Religious Peace Academy (RPA) —a free, self-paced online program for exploring scriptural discussions across various faiths.

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