The Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA) held its first onsite New Year party in two years last January 21, 2023. That Saturday was also the day that the university held its One Big Bonfire event to celebrate Ateneo’s recent victories. Echoing the university’s spirit of celebration, the party’s official theme was AASA Scholars: Champions in Our Own Ways.
The event began with a Mass at 1:00 p.m., which was held at the College Chapel. It was presided over by AASA Founder, Fr. William “Bill” Kreutz, S.J., whose homily aligned with the party’s theme perfectly. Fr. Bill reminded the attendees that championship need not always be synonymous with winning. The act of “championing for others”, or reaching out to love, serve, and support the members of one’s community, is often more meaningful than gaining any first-place prize.
After the Mass, the attendees proceeded to Faber Hall 101 for an afternoon of fun and festivities. The program was hosted by AASA Scholars, Angeline Braganza, Stephanie Pathy and Randell Palesco. It began with the Opening Remarks given by AASA President, Dr. Ronald Allan L. Cruz, who warmly welcomed the scholars, Board of Directors, and AASA staff. He emphasized the importance of gathering together as one community, building bonds and strengthening relationships. Although AASA held several online events over the course of the pandemic, Sir Ron expressed his joy at the blessing of being able to once again see each other face to face and greet the new year together as one AASA Family.
Following the Opening Remarks, the first round of batch presentations commenced. Each batch had to deliver a spoken-word poetry presentation on the theme: Champions in Our Own Ways. The first round featured the first and third year scholars’ original compositions, and shortly after merienda and a round of games, the second and fourth year scholars presented theirs. Through each poem, whether written in English or Filipino, and regardless of the batch, the scholars spoke of the necessity of loss and the importance of respecting small victories. They emphasized that an AASA Scholar is not a champion because they are without loss — an AASA Scholar is a champion because they strive to move forward, despite shortcomings or trials; AASA Scholars champion for and with others, and that even the smallest of victories should be celebrated.
After the batch presentations and games, a round of gift-giving ensued. AASA held a raffle, gifting scholars with items from Starbucks, Aquaflask, and Ekonik, provided by generous sponsors and benefactors. AASA Shirts sponsored by some members of Batch 2003 were also given away. The scholars also exchanged gifts with each other, presenting their monito/monita with a gift that represented their roots so that each scholar might get to know their fellow scholars better. All scholar-attendees received a gift package from AASA containing school essentials such as pens, a pencil case, and glue — a kit much-needed for the semester ahead.
The program ended with Closing Remarks from the program head, also a BOD Member, Mr. Lorenz Ray Payonga, who thanked everyone for their attendance and bid them an exciting, yet safe, bonfire ahead.
