By: Hazel San Pedro
Valentine’s Day – the university has geared up for a blend of romance and reflection, offering a diverse array of events to suit everyone’s taste. Amidst the classic chocolates and roses every year, the university is embracing the duality of February 14th, a day that also marks the beginning of Lent.
Last February 14 to 15, Ateneo’s Areté transformed into a hub of love and creativity with its Valentine’s Day Market, which offered trinkets and gifts for Ateneans’ special someones.
The romantic ambiance continued on the February 15th with Soundcheck 2.0, which features some musicians from the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, delivering captivating and soulful performances that left audiences spellbound. Musicians serenaded the audience with their sweetest tunes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere to celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
Additionally, within the Ateneo campus grounds, various student organizations installed booths selling Valentine’s Day flowers and merchandise to the Ateneo community, further enhancing the festive atmosphere on campus.
Moreover, a week after Valentine’s Day, Ateneo’s Biological Organization hosted Aurora Amore: LoveBOx, a post-Valentine’s celebration concert. LoveBOx aimed to raise funds supporting BALYENA.ORG’s efforts for whale and dolphin research and conservation. Artists like Geiko, Kenaniah, Maki, The Ridleys, and mrld graced the event, offering attendees an unforgettable night of entertainment for a noble cause.
Ateneo Peers also led a post-Valentine’s Day event five days after the romantic holiday. The organization set up a photobooth, offering instant photo prints, along with a booth featuring stickers and postcards, allowing students to capture and preserve memories beyond Valentine’s Day.
Amidst the Valentine’s Day celebrations by the university’s organizations, Ateneo acknowledges the unique challenge presented by this year’s Valentine’s Day falling on Ash Wednesday. The university community was invited to attend Ash Wednesday Mass at the Church of the Gesù, with morning and afternoon services presided over by Fr. James Gascon SJ and Fr. RB Hizon SJ respectively.
Written by Hazel San Pedro
Sources:
[1] Lent 2023 | Ateneo de Manila University. (n.d.). https://www.ateneo.edu/lent
[2] Celebrate Valentine’s at Areté! | Ateneo de Manila University. (n.d.). https://www.ateneo.edu/…/02/12/celebrate-valentines-arete
[3] Ash Wednesday Mass 2024 | Ateneo de Manila University. (n.d.). https://www.ateneo.edu/…/02/14/ash-wednesday-mass-2024
[4] nstamaria. (2024, February 23). Ateneo BOx debuts “LoveBOx”: Aurora Amore, championing biological advocacy. POP! https://pop.inquirer.net/…/ateneo-box-debuts-lovebox…
