Unveiling and Blessing of the Fleur-de-lis Theater Marker, World Teachers Day, and Freshmen Initiation
by Emmanuelle Clarisse R. Hernandez | The Paulinian
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY MANILA - On October 24, 2023, the Paulinian community gathered for the unveiling and blessing of the National Museum of the Philippines marker designating the FDL theatre as “Mahalagang Yamang Pangkalinangan.” SPU Manila also celebrated World Teachers Day together with the Freshmen Initiation.
The first event started with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, SSP. Shortly after the Mass, Sr. Ma. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, University President, gave her welcome remarks, stating that “This entire space [FDL theatre] has been a witness to countless moments of joy, inspiration, and growth of generations of Paulinians.” Then, Sr. Flordeliza Deza, SPC, Head of the Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage, gave a précis on the history of SPU Manila and the dramas, musical concerts, and dance festivals that were held in the Fleur-de-lis Theater.
The administrators, faculty, guests, student representatives, and the SPU Manila Chorale were then asked to witness the Unveiling and Blessing of the Marker. Later, Sr. Evangeline expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the National Museum of the Philippines for the honor they have given to the University. A short but meaningful response was given by Ernesto Reynoso, son of Jose Reynoso, architect of the theatre. After an intermission number from the CMPA, the “Name-That-Seat” project was launched by Ms. Marionette Martinez, Alumni Relations and Institutional Communications Officer, who gave a brief explanation and backstory about it. The first part of the event ended with the singing of the Paulinian Hymn.
The second part of the event was the Freshmen Initiation. The theme was based on “United Nations” so the respective departments performed numbers representing their chosen continents. The program started with a bang as the audience was filled with enthusiasm as the Paulinian Dance Troupe awed everyone with their cool and groovy choreography. Shortly after, the hosts—Reine Maureen Larga and Clarence Jimenez from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education—did a roll call to hear the cheers of the departments.
The performances were from the College of Business and Management, representing Africa; the College of Music and Performing Arts representing South America; the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education representing North America; the Senior High School representing Asia; and the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences representing Australia. Before the awarding ceremony, a short but heartfelt video for the celebration of Teachers Day was presented to show the gratitude of the students for their mentors’ efforts and sacrifices.
The judges—Ms. Ivy Coronel, Ms. Manilen Rentegrado, and Professor Jonathan Arevalo Coo—were given certificates of appreciation to acknowledge the time and expertise they had shared with the students.
Following are the awards given to the departments:
The People’s Choice Award - College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
The Crafty Costumes Award - College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
The Most Creative Performance Award - College of Music and Performing Arts
The Best Cultural Dance - College of Business and Management
The Best Continent Representation - Senior High School
The event officially ended with the whole Paulinian community lighting up the darkened Fleur-de-lis Theater with their flashlights while jamming and singing along to SPU Manila’s Christmas ID—"Pamilyang Paulino.”
