Gundran, Iris Gabrielle R.

Christmas in UP Diliman The University of the Philippines has a very unique tradition where art and creativity are involved in celebrating the yuletide season. The celebration is truly a sight to behold because the architectural designs, lightings, and other interesting activities combined with the participation of the students in an animated manner on the said gathering made it very eventful. Together with the cold breeze as Christmas time grew near, this season is surely the most celebrated event of all time. The festivity started with the Pag-iilaw, the lighting of Christmas lights and the Oblation statue held at the Oblation Plaza last December 5, 2012. The whole campus was lit up by colorful and beautiful lights that created a magical and brilliant ambiance that brought warm smiles to those who participated and watched the program. This ceremony marked the start of a wonderful celebration in the whole Diliman campus for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The illumination brought by the lights was actually more than meets the eye. The lights may be just decorations for most of the people in there, but for some including me, it represents an art made not only by the people from the campus, but also the tradition itself. Another tradition in the UP System is the so-called Oblation Run wherein members of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity run naked along the grounds of Palma Hall with their placards or signs to deliver or convey their messages about current social issues to the student body and to the public. Some people do not understand

the significance of this tradition and find it absurd, but it symbolizes what the Filipinos are known for, fighters for freedom. It may be grotesque for its unnatural way of showing compassion for freedom, but as they said, An art is something that attracts attention. Thus, a case can be made that the event is still an artistic masterpiece built from unparalleled measures and stitched together by passion for freedom. Last but not the least, the Lantern Parade held the same day as the Oblation run, December 14, 2012, marked the start of the Christmas vacation for UP Diliman students. Creative lanterns that were beautifully made by students from different colleges, institutes, and organizations paraded along the Academic Oval. When night time came, these lanterns were lit up to emphasize the designs and the intrinsic details of each lantern. The artistic side of every student was shown by the slick and excellent designs of the lanterns made. In all of these celebrations, the upbeat and unmatched spirit of the University of the Philippines was shown as being creative in your own way, being united as one, and being able to show passion in celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Celebrating with your loved ones will make these celebrations meaningful and very unforgettable.