It is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas now as the bulldogs of the north welcome the yuletide season with its much-awaited Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 3 at National University Baliwag.

The intimate lighting ceremony of this years’ Paskonalian, is a joint project of NU Baliwag’s Central Student Government (CSG) and Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO) which offers to restore the spirit of Christmas after almost two years of battling the collective feeling of isolation due to the pandemic.

Distinguished guests that joined the celebration include SM Group representatives, Ms. Katherine De Luna and Mr. Eugene Martin, Secretary and Assistant Mall Manager respectively; DepEd Education Program Supervisor, Mr. JR Tayao; NU Baliwag Executive Director, Mr. Rufino C. Oliva; NU Baliwag Academic Director, Mr. Arnel A. Diego; Mr. Jeremhe Matthew Gutierrez of SDAO. Also present in the event are college deans, program chairs, students, and faculty members.

Also adding to the event’s holiday cheer, NU Baliwag has launched its Christmas Station ID titled Kislap Nationalian, composed and performed by NU Baliwag students.

Serving a deeper and meaningful purpose

As the most wonderful time of the year draws near, NU Baliwag also pledged to celebrate the value of giving and sharing.

The 18-foot tree stands refined and ornamented with different parols of festive colors. The parols come in a bundle with one NU Baliwa shirt for the price of 380 pesos, with which the proceeds will go directly to the Dumagat community in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The bundle can be purchased in-store at the CSG Booth in NU Baliwag from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or online at CSG-NU Baliwag’s official Facebook page.

A symbol of hope and unity

Now that the quarantine restrictions began to loosen up, daily infection cases have been declining, and almost everyone is moving forward with their lives, the ceremony also signifies hope, unity, and generally better times ahead.

“I think that this symbolizes hope and unity because this is really a product of the collective effort of students and staff. From the materials to building and decorating, we all worked hand-in-hand,” Mr. Gutierrez of SDAO said in an interview.

“This Christmas lighting celebration is a testament that we, Nationatians, should not be dampened by COVID-19. Instead, lets us spread more joy, hope, peace, and love this season,” Mr. Diego, Academic Directo, mentioned in his inspirational message.

The Christmas Tree will soon be available for public viewing. Everyone is advised to stay tuned to NU Baliwag’s Facebook page for the official guidelines.

Photo credits to: NU Baliwag