FESTIVE SPIRIT PERSISTED as San Beda University (SBU) marked day two of the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026 on January 31, featuring activities organized by various bodies of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), including the return of a Pista concert.
The second day featured various events organized by the San Beda Economics Society (SBES), Kapisanang Agham ng San Beda (KASB), Bedistang Alagad ng Sining at Kultura (BASK), and the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Student Council (SC), commencing day two with a summit for sustainable development and ending with a concert for a cause.
Econex Summit: Empowering People for Inclusive Growth
SBES hosted “ECONEX Summit: Empowering People for Inclusive Growth” with the goals of exchanging ideas on eradicating poverty and improving society through understanding the importance of sustainable economic growth catering to the needs of the people.
In the event, notable speakers such as Usec. Lani C. De Leon, Dr. Norby Salonga, Ms. Ameerah D. Milano, and the panelists expressed their concern about the current reality of Filipinos struggling in dire poverty.
Through their discussions, the speakers expressed their ideas on the needed developments, such as the importance of investment in micro-entrepreneurs, transparency and accountability of public funds, and land access for local farming.
In an interview with SBES External Vice President (EVP) John Gerald Samonte, he stated how the organization, through this event, seeks to produce concrete effects that would go beyond the realm of just knowing toward actually doing.
“The event is not just for the information of everyone but, we hope kasi na after the event, all of our participants, paglabas nila, pag-usapan pa rin nila and may magagawa— tayo, [sic] kabataan para mas mapaganda pa natin ‘yung ekonomiya natin.”
The event set out to furnish a deeper awareness and understanding among Bedans about the current state of a number of Filipinos through an unfiltered lens, putting emphasis on the importance of discourse on the factors affecting it.
“[M]as pag-usapan pa ‘yung mga need pag-usapan, especially na [ang] daming nangyayari sa ekonomiya natin. We hope that this summit will do something. Na mas mapaganda ‘yung ekonomiya natin, kahit bata pa lang tayo o dahil kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” said Samonte.
(with Andrea Dominique Romero)
Dom Mark Salvana Cup
San Beda marked the return of the annual Dom Mark Salvana Cup men’s basketball tournament at the RC Gym.
The playing teams were composed of faculty members divided into six rosters: the Abbey/Admins, IBED-Manila, IBED-Rizal, Coaches, Shop/Maintenance, and Security Office.
The Abbey/Admin struck the first blood with a score of 99-92 over team IBED-Manila. Rev. Fr. Norman Gandia was putting up numbers garnering a total of 63 points and earning him the title player of the game (POG).
The Coaches dominated in the second game of Dom Mark Salvana Cup, 86-76, clinching 10 points ahead of Shop. Britt Carlo Reroma chipped in 39 points and was hailed as the POG.
(by Rcee Tenefrancia)
Agham Race
Honoring “Pamayanang Bedista” through a science knowledge showdown, KASB held “Agham Race” for the Biology and Environmental Science Department at St. Maurs, Microbiology Laboratory.
Headed by the organization’s President, Alvin Sebastian “Basti” Mangaliag, the activity was among the various events held in celebration of Pista 2026. In an interview with The Bedan, Mangaliag relates the activity to the Pista, mentioning how the themes of unity are at the forefront of the event.
“Kagaya ng tema ng Pista natin ngayong taon, pinapahalagahan natin ang brotherhood or sisterhood sa komunidad natin bilang mga Bedista.”
The Department provided six volunteer participants, challenged to answer the questions aligned with the theme envisioned. The race held four categories, namely: General Science, Botany, Anatomy, and Chemistry, each with questions worth 50 to 200 points. The Race closed off with three winners out of the six volunteer participants.
Setting his intentions forward, Mangaliag hopes to reach the minds of the community with the outcomes that their organization seeks to achieve.
“Our vision naman in KASB remains the same, that is to promote health and environmental studies to every Bedan in the whole college in the latter days of our semester.”
(with Rozetti Jena E. De Leon)
Gulay Lang, Manong
On the same day, SBES featured another initiative for a cause as they screened “Gulay Lang, Manong” at Abbot Rojo Hall in support of early education initiatives in Buscalan, Kalinga.
The film-screening event is part of the SBES’ Project Planning, Kalinga, Buscalan Early Education initiative, which seeks to inspire the community to actively support the education and development of children in Buscalan.
The Cinemalaya film “Gulay Lang, Manong” promotes awareness about the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Members from the “Gulay Lang, Manong” production team, including director BC Amparado, were present during the screening.
In an interview with The Bedan, SBES President Dwayne Encinares said the initiative was inspired by the need to challenge common misconceptions surrounding herbal medicine.
“It became a stereotype kasi that when we talk about herbal medicine, people immediately think it’s a bad influence,” Encinares said, adding that “it’s scientifically proven that it has medical advantages.”
He emphasized the importance of alternative medicine for underserved communities, noting, “If you’re in a remote area and there is no hospital or medical services nearby, you have the alternative of using natural, organic medicine.”
Encinares then shared that the timing of the event was intentional, as “the Pista ng Sto. Niño is where most of the advocates and participants are free,” which led SBES to hold the screening on the celebration’s second day.
Proceeds from the screening will directly support SBES’s Project Planning, Kalinga, Buscalan Early Education initiative, with fifty percent of the film-screening profits going to the cause. Any contributions received during the registration or event will go straight to the charity fund, which will be used to provide educational resources, improve facilities, and support programs for the children in Buscalan.
Sharing a message for the Bedans and attendees supporting the cause, Encinares asserts how herbal medicines are “[N]ot always bad. There is bad, but there are many advantages and good influence to this initiative.”
(with Catherine Botalon)
Dulaang Bedista
Following the second day of the Sto. Niño celebration, BASK staged a theatrical performance titled “Tatlong Tukso kay Emman,” in their annual entry of Dulaang Bedista every Pista celebration.
The presentation explored the protagonist’s struggles of conscience, faith, and moral choice, reflecting how individuals are challenged to make decisions on what is right amid the temptations of the world.
Through symbolic storytelling, the performance aimed to deepen understanding of personal and spiritual trials, aligning with the religious and cultural significance of the Sto. Niño celebration.
Anchored in the spirit of the Sto. Niño, the theatrical exhibit aimed to express the importance of faith, integrity, and compassion within the community.
The performance was written by The Spires and featured actors and actresses, namely Carl Bassi, Judd Raven Balidio, Justin Reigh Lazaro, Zylah Sta. Rosa, Lourenzo Manimtim, Jaden Mark Fernando, Ayasha Alcantara, Johannes Khalil, Francis Sales, Ellouise Sampang, Khalil Barateta, Gabriel Aquino, and Carl Francis Gabat.
As the performance concluded, BASK President Sandra Nicole Audencial emphasized the message behind the production.
“We emphasize love for one’s neighbor, and we bring out the true Bedan spirit. Through this Dulaang Bedista, we have shown how we embody the Benedictine hallmarks through prayer and work,” she said.
(with Asher Ugaddan)
Red Lions Exhibition Game
As part of the second day of Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026, the University held an exhibition match between the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Season 101 Champions San Beda Red Lions and the Former Red Lions at the MVP Gym.
The friendly matchup saw former San Beda standouts return to the court to take on the current Red Lions squad, giving fans a glimpse of Bedan basketball across generations. The exhibition also served as a warm-up and a source of anticipation for the upcoming season.
The Former Red Lions emerged victoriously, edging the Red Lions, 78–72, in a closely contested encounter that kept spectators engaged throughout the game.
Fan-favorite Aldous Torculas, known as the team’s “Energy Guy,” was also present during the event, energizing the crowd with his appearance. Former Red Lion Jacob Cortez likewise suited up for the alumni side, adding to the excitement and nostalgia surrounding the exhibition.
(with Eunice Karen Buccat)
Sinagtala: Diwa ng Bedista sa Himig ng Musika
On the second day of the Pista ng Santo Niño 2026, OPM acts Waiian, Jireh Lim, Shirebound, Hale, Fitterkarma, and Rob Deniel lit up the stage, aligning with the stars as day two capped off with a concert for a cause at the University Football field.
Organized by the CAS SC, the concert marked each of the guest artists’ introduction by a teaser video previously released prior to the concert.
Waiian, as the first performer, selected 4 tracks from his album BACKSHOTS. He commenced with MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES. Following this, he delivered SMILE featuring Yorko and U-Pisto.
During Waiian’s stage presence, he surprised the audience by introducing Nicole Anjela to perform OUTSIDE and SOFTI” with him, wrapping up his performance with MAN IN THE MERROR and SI LODS NA BAHALA
Meanwhile, Jireh Lim captivated the crowd with his heartfelt performances of Magkabilang Mundo and Pangako. To close his set, he invited the Bedans to turn on their flashlights as he sang Buko, creating a sea of lights across the venue.
As the hosts teased the next performer, the instrumental of Waltz of Four Left Feet played, instantly giving fans a clue. Before finally introducing Shirebound and Busking, Ms. Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas, reminded the audience, “Habang nag-e-enjoy kayo, nakakatulong po kayo.”
When the band took the stage, Shirebound and Busking opened with “Miss Mosh” from their album For Princesses, By Thieves (O Mga Awit ng Hiraya sa Guni-guning Sinta).
They followed it up with Relapse and a rendition of Sanctuar” by Joji, seamlessly incorporating the chords of Pahintulot, which served as the opening to the latter.
On the other hand, Hale played eight records from their hit albums Hale and Kundiman, namely, Kahit Pa, Kalesa, Bahay Kubo, Here Tonight, Broken Sonnet, and The Day You Said Goodnight.
For the second-to-the-last act, rising artist Fitterkarma hyped the crowd with their metal rock introduction with Purgatoryo,Parusa, Para Sa ‘yo, Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo I, Kamatayan, Kalapastangan, Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II, and Sumpa.
Capping off the night, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Rob Deniel delivered a soulful serenade, performing hit songs Sinta, Happy Ending, Ang Pag-ibig,Andito x Ikaw Sana, Miss Miss, and RomCom.
Sinagtala ran from 5:00 PM until midnight, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 5,500 attendees.
The event was dedicated to Plan International Pilipinas, a non-governmental organization committed to protecting and standing with girls while building communities where equality drives progress for all.
(by Maegan Belicena)