By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU and CPUAAI are getting ready for the annual Festival of Lights at Central.

The Christmas celebration at CPU would not be complete without the attractive display of lights at the campus. This year’s Opening of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central is scheduled on the 10th of December, with the theme, “Lights of Hope at Central”.

Preparations are done with possible ‘add-ons’. A nightly ‘online cantata’ from the University Church is possible. However, confirmation will still be announced. A short program with limited guests will be held near CPU’s main entrance as part of the health protocol requirement, but everyone can watch it live on CPU TV Channel Facebook page.

On December 17, a full-length ‘Post-Covid 19’ online Variety Show will be presented by the CPU Cultural Affairs Office under the direction of Prof. Crista Sianson-Huyong. Centralians await the cavalcade of Christmas Carols and Songs of Hope by the Excel Choral, with musical and instrumental performances by the Hand Bell Choir and CPU Symphonic Band. Also on the list are Dance Sport exhibitions with Guest performers-Elementary and Senior – High Dance Troupes. In addition, the Centralian Visual Artists Society (CenVAS) which is under the Cultural Affairs Office will present a virtual CenVAS Sketch Exhibits.

“Throwback”, a collage of photos of previous Campus events and celebrations before the pandemic will be shown online (courtesy of the CPU Cultural Affairs Office). Asked about her concept, Huyong said that, “As we await another year of prosperity, let us look back to the joyous past and look forward to another journey of hope, with Central Philippine University.”
She added, “I have another theme for that special day on December 17: “Light of Hope for a New Tomorrow – Ilaw ng Pag-asa sa Bagong Umaga”.