Story by: Nathanielle Punay
The Loyola Schools community of the Ateneo de Manila University held its annual Panunuluyan with the theme “Buhay ang Pag-asa ng Pasko (Christmas Hope is Alive)!” at the Ateneo’s Red Brick Road on Thursday, Dec. 7.
The Panunuluyan depicts the story of Jesus’ birth, when Joseph and Mary searched in vain for a room in which to spend the night. Turned away at the inn, they settled for the stable where Jesus was born.
Dr. Maria Luz Vilches, Ateneo’s vice president for Loyola Schools, said this year’s procession was being held in honor of Filipinos who continue with their journey despite facing closed doors.
“Isang magandang paalala ang Panunuluyan na kahit masadlak man tayo sa kaguluhan, hindi pagkakaunawaan, o pagkalugmok, mananaig pa rin ang pag-asa at pag-ibig (The Panunuluyan is a good reminder that despite the chaos, misunderstandings or misfortunes, hope and love will still prevail),” Vilches said in her message to the LS community.
“Kagaya ng hindi pag-inda nina Jose at Maria sa lahat ng mga pintong nagsara, patuloy lang ang paglalakbay (Just as Joseph and Mary never gave up at every door that closed, they still go on),” she added.
At the procession, prayers were offered for sectors that often find themselves shut out by society, such as overseas Filipino workers (OFW), laborers, persons with disabilities (PWD), fishermen, farmers, women and LGBTQ.
Before the event started, Filipino teacher Ariel Diccion, who played the role of Joseph, addressed the crowd and reminded them not to be like the innkeepers and homeowners of Bethlehem who sent Joseph and Mary away, ignoring opportunities knocking on their doors.
The procession was directed by Jethro Tenorio of the Filipino Department. DJ Andres of the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work played Mary.
The choir of the Office of the Campus Ministry and the Ateneo College Glee Club provided music during the procession, which ended with a performance from the Company of Ateneo Dancers who led the crowd to the Church of the Gesu for the Holy Mass.
The mass celebrated the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and was officiated by Ateneo de Manila president Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin.
The Loyola Schools Christmas party followed at the College Covered Court.
Nathanielle Punay is a journalism senior student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines and an intern of Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University
