THE MONTH OF December has finally ended, and now we start a new year with ‘surprises.’ Amidst the hustle and bustle of academic tasks last semester, Bedans are preparing to start anew.  

The gift-giving season may have ended, but we are still interested in how they celebrated their holiday during last December’s final examinations. Here are some students that The “B” interviewed and piqued their interest regarding their previous plans last Christmas. 

John Paul Jones Reyes 

A fourth-year student from the Marketing Department, he is also the incumbent Vice President for External Affairs of the Bedan Pastoral Ministry (BPM). Going into the next break, he intended to do things more eclectically, as he wanted to experience the Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle. As part of his religious roots, he also attended Simbang Gabi masses at the Abbey Church.  

Before spending Christmas Day with his family, he planned on attending the Christmas Eve Mass in his province. Reyes also wanted to do something new for the holidays than his previous holiday tradition. As for him, the holiday season is a day of rest and reflection, “It’s a time to pause and consider the events and experiences of the past year.” 

At the end of the first semester, Reyes intended to establish a balanced timetable and prioritize his academic pursuits. He planned to communicate his priorities to his loved ones and set attainable goals. 

Jayde Margaret dela Cruz 

In our interview with the middle blocker for the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, Dela Cruz mentioned that she had yet to make an exact plan for the previous holiday season. Dela Cruz shared that she and her loved ones celebrated the holidays in a ‘lowkey’ manner at her family’s home in the city, with her only plans being to spend time and bond with her family and close friends. 

It’s fantastic that our star middle blocker has decided to put her Christmas break on her priority list. After the tremendous amount of hardwork she put in during the semester, juggling her training sessions and academic pursuits, it’s truly inspiring to see her taking some well-deserved time off to spend with her loved ones. 

Kleinerross Abraham 

As she entered her second year of studying Marketing Management and as a member of the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, she reminded us that the true essence of the holiday season lies in strengthening our bonds with family and loved ones. For her, this season is about “cherishing the gift of family.” 

Abraham spent her time with her family and close friends this holiday season, while her family wants to spend this holiday season away from the country. Even during finals week, she planned to set her priorities first, “Mag-aral muna tayo, at mag training.” 

Jaschryl Casugod 

After her difficult and exhausting experience during the semester, Casugod took some time off to relax and spend time with her family and close friends during the Christmas season. The fact that she is in her second year of studying Marketing Management and a member of the San Beda Lady Red Spikers made her eagerly anticipate their time together. 

Although she had a packed schedule that included training, academic priorities, and social schedules, she celebrated the season with her family and close friends in her province. She planned to do this because such things are difficult to accomplish.  

With focused determination, Casugod dedicated herself to acing her finals, with no holiday distractions.  “Inu-una ko muna yung finals bago bakasyon.” 

Rea Mae B. Hadlocon 

The holiday season is all about family for Hadlocon. Surprisingly, she has stated that it is not often that she goes back to her hometown to take a break from the hectic schedule she has to follow to complete her schoolwork, social activities, and training. 

 While she hadn’t made any specific plans, she prioritized spending time with her family and close friends back in her hometown. It’s so great that she values those close relationships, right?  

It’s important to remember that Christmas is not just about taking a break, indulging in good food, and spending time with family. Instead, it’s a time to reflect on the birth of our Lord and the start of a new year.