MANIFESTING THE FESTIVITY’S vibrance and theme, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) took part in San Beda University’s (SBU) opening of the three-day Pista ng Sto. Niño 2026 celebration on January 30 with a series of departmental and student-led activities.
The first day of the annual celebration featured several events among bodies in various colleges within the University. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) took part in the celebration as it marked events ranging from a fitness-centered program to an academic and a creative writing competition exclusively organized by the Department of Human Kinetics, Bedan Scholars Guild (BSG), The Spires, and the San Beda Sports Science Association (SBSSA).
Zumba to a Fresh Start
As part of the opening day of the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026, the San Beda Sports Science Association (SBSSA) kicked off the festivities with “Zumba to a Fresh Start” at the RC Gymnasium on January 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., aligning with the University’s celebration of its 125th founding year.
SBSSA President Miguel Sarabia shared that the Zumba activity was intentionally scheduled at the start of the year to symbolize energy, joy, hope, and new beginnings, values closely tied to the devotion to the Sto. Niño. He explained that the initiative reflects the desire of the organization to help Bedans begin the year renewed and motivated, especially as the Pista is held every January.
According to Sarabia, the activity represents a “fresh start” for the Bedan community, encouraging students to face the new academic year with enthusiasm and positivity. He added that the high-energy program is particularly meaningful for student-athletes, as it emphasizes physical wellness alongside spiritual grounding.
Through the Zumba event, SBSSA aimed to foster a sense of communal joy and vitality, reinforcing the spirit of the Sto. Niño while promoting holistic well-being among Bedans as they embark on another year of academic and personal growth.
(by Jake Ellis Evangelista)
SAPIENTIA: Minds in Motion
BSG launched its quiz bee event focused on “general knowledge, current events, and critical thinking” at the Collaboration Room, adding to the festivities’ openers.
The first round of the quiz bee consisted of 15 easy questions, with each correct answer earning one point. The average round followed, featuring 10 questions worth three points each, and concluded with the difficult round, which also had 10 questions carrying five points.
The prizes earned in the quiz bee included an Aquaflask for the winning team, a Php 500 Starbucks gift voucher for the first runner-up, and a Php 300 Starbucks gift voucher for the second runner-up, with each member of the winning quiz bee participants, done in pairs, receiving their own.
The championship was claimed by fourth-year Legal Management students Rizian Balleta and Laine Haloc, who secured a total of 57 points. Close behind were first-year Legal Management students Kevin Kinoc and James Paderanga, who finished as first runners-up with 56 points.
Event activity chair and External Vice President (EVP) of the BSG, Jayna Xzyha Tayag, shared that the quiz bee was designed to reflect the Pista’s theme by highlighting the values of “gratitude, guidance, and growth,” mirroring the institution’s “125-year journey of faith, excellence, and service.”
“Kasi ‘yung event namin… ine-encourage namin to recognize the gift of wisdom as a blessing na dapat ma-nurture and ma-share sa lahat ng Bedan community…”
Tayag added that the BSG aimed to foster the event in a values-driven environment that motivates students to use their “knowledge… in the service of others, guided by faith and the spirit of the Sto. Niño,” leaving a quote behind about “how learning is not only about winning but about growing and challenging ourselves for the benefit of others.”
(with Asher Ugaddan)
Panata at Panulat: Stories for the Pista ng Santo Niño
The Spires conducted its creative writing competition at the Smart Classroom, SHS Building on January 30, 2026, in line with the celebration of the Pista ng Sto. Niño.
Anchored on the theme of Sto. Niño, the competition sought to refocus the celebration beyond festive activities and toward its spiritual significance.
Prior to the writing proper, participants attended a lecture on the origins of the Sto. Niño and how it became part of the Bedan community.
The lecture, conducted in collaboration with the Bedan Pastoral Ministry (BPM), also served as the basis for the prompts used in the competition.
Tricia Millenas, External Vice President (EVP) of The Spires, said the organization views creative writing as more than a subject or hobby, but as a means of self-expression.
She noted that the competition was open not only to Spires members but also to students from collaborating organizations, providing a platform for the community to share sentiments connected to Bedan identity and the Pista ng Sto. Niño.
Gianne Elouise, Internal Vice President (IVP), added that “Panata at Panulat” aimed to encourage students to reflect on the true meaning of the celebration, emphasizing devotion to the Child Jesus rather than focusing solely on festivities.
Angelica Coderos emerged as first place, followed by Emanuel Garcia in second place and Zachary Wilson in third.
(by Paris Isaac Falcone)
Human Kinetics Sports Bazaar Festival
The San Beda Sports Science Association (SBSSA) brought the spirit of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 to the forefront as it launched the Sports Bazaar Festival at the Lydia Tan Sy Grounds, coinciding with the opening of the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026.
Running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. across all three days of the Pista, the Sports Bazaar carries the theme, “Stronger values, Greener choices: Sports for sustainable living,” underscoring SBSSA’s advocacy for holistic wellness and environmental responsibility within the Bedan community.
The festival features interactive booths showcasing select sports from the NCAA Season 101 calendar, including football, cheerleading, track and field, and tennis, offering students and visitors a closer look at disciplines beyond the usual spotlight.
More than a display of athletic programs, the SBSSA Sports Bazaar aims to encourage an active and health-conscious lifestyle, aligning sports engagement with the broader values celebrated throughout the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026.
(by Mika Isidro)