RUN HUEknighted & Arriba Fest 2024: A Splash of Color, A Beat of Pride

By: Nicole Llanderal
December 06, 2024
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Photo by: Ram Christian Campos

A vibrant fusion of color, music, and sustainability took center stage during RUN HUEknighted and Sustainabeat Arriba Fest 2024, held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, as part of Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila's Founding Anniversary Week. From vivid splashes of color runs to electrifying beats championing green initiatives, the event showcased the community's enduring spirit of unity and commitment to a sustainable future.

The RUN HUEknighted kicked off with ZumbARRIBA, an electrifying warm-up session that had everyone moving and grooving to the beat. The air was alive with cheers as participants took their first steps in the color run, their paths soon exploding with a riot of powders, symbolizing unity and joy.  

But it wasn’t just about having fun, it was fun for a cause. The event served as a fundraising activity, with proceeds set to benefit a chosen community in need. 

Adding a literal splash to the day was when the runners were doused with water and colored powder to cool off and elevate the excitement. It was the perfect complement to the theme of health and fitness, as students, alumni, faculty, and guests jogged, danced, and laughed their way to the finish line.

For Vince Patrick Mercado, a first-year Accountancy student, the motivation to join wasn’t just about securing a perfect quiz score. “Gusto ko rin i-test ‘yung capability ko bilang isang athletic na tao,” he shared, adding that the event offered a chance to bond with friends and push his endurance. Finishing fifth in the 5km run, he felt both the thrill of competition and the vibrant, enthusiastic vibe of his fellow Letranites.  

The sense of community was echoed by Juan Pablo Maria Deang, another first-year Accountancy student, who found inspiration in the cheers at every checkpoint. “Supportive sila to the point na sinisigaw nila ‘Go, you can do it!’” he said. This collective encouragement created an environment where even rivals became motivators. Despite the tough competition, he’s already looking forward to joining next year to see how much further he can push himself.  

For Maria Erica Banal, a fourth-year Accountancy student, RunHUEknighted offered a joyful escape from academic pressures. “Kapag sumasali ako sa ganito, parang escape siya from academic life,” she said. Experiencing the event for the first time, she admired how the splashes of color not only made the event visually stunning but also strengthened her Letran pride. “Nakaka-encourage siya for students to participate,” she added.  

Even participants from outside Letran were captivated by the warm, inclusive spirit of the event. Timothy Isaac Amper from PUP shared how the smiles and enthusiasm of the Letranites uplifted him throughout the run. “Kahit hindi ka nila kilala, nginingitian ka nila. Nakaka-uplift kahit nahirapan ka sa pagtakbo,” he said. For Aliah Pajanostan of FEU, it wasn’t just the camaraderie that stood out, it was also the thrill of evading powder throwers. “Ayaw ko matamaan ng powder, ta’s hahabulin pa rin nila ako. Nakangiti sila, parang naka-target talaga,” she laughed.  

This year’s RunHUEknighted wasn’t just about physical fitness or vibrant colors, it was about connection. Whether it was siblings and cousins bonding over shared laughter or students discovering new facets of their abilities, the event showcased the very essence of the Arriba spirit: unity, resilience, and joy. As Rob Marion Pajanostan, a 2nd-year Economics student put it, “Doing this with your friends or strangers, mawawala ‘yung pagod mo. It’s all about sharing the fun.”  

With unforgettable experiences, it’s no wonder so many participants are already eyeing next year’s event. As the colors fade and memories remain, RunHUEknighted 2024 stands as a testament to the unbreakable bond within the Letran community and its ever-welcoming arms to all who join the celebration.  

 

A Night of Rhythm, Unity, and Letran Pride

The night sky above Colegio lit up with colors and music as Sustainabeat Arriba Fest 2024 unfolded in a grand spectacle of unity, pride, and entertainment. Hosted by the duo Jason Ruiz and Alden Lance Rafael, the event kicked off with electrifying energy, welcoming everyone to a night that perfectly blended tradition, talent, and triumph.  

The program began with a high-energy performance by the Unknighted Dance Company, whose swag and seamless choreography set the tone for the evening. Just as the crowd roared with excitement, random fireworks streaked across the sky, adding a magical touch to the celebration. As the applause echoed, Liam, the beloved Letran mascot, made his grand entrance on stage, bringing smiles and even more energy to the event.  

One of the highlights of the night was the awarding ceremony for the RunHUEknighted 2024 winners, hosted by Ms. Jannah Mikkaela Tesoro. Victorious runners in the 3km category and the 5km category took the stage, awarded with their achievements met with cheers from everyone. The recognition of these athletic feats underscored the community’s commitment to health, fitness, and camaraderie, all while embodying the Arriba spirit.

As the awarding ceremony wrapped up, the stage gave way to a series of unforgettable musical performances. We The South ignited the crowd with hits like Muni, Ang Kwento Natin, and the

nostalgic Elesi by Rivermaya, which had Letranites jumping in unison. Their newest release, Bukas, was met with anticipation and excitement, reinforcing the dynamic and youthful vibe of the event. 


While the stage blazed with incredible performances, the action wasn’t confined to just one area. At the back, a fun and chaotic basaan brought smiles and shrieks as participants were splashed with water. Adding to the whimsical ambiance, a bubble machine churned out frothy foams that transformed into snow-like flakes, turning the space into a winter wonderland.

A brief intermission made way for a thrilling game segment, Guess the Title, before indie sensation Over October graced the stage. With hits like Kaakit-akit, Muli, and Paalam, their set was an emotional rollercoaster, mixing catchy beats with heartfelt lyrics. The crowd, energized and eager, swayed and sang along, reveling in the sense of community.  

The night reached its crescendo with powerhouse performances from Autotelic and Zild. Autotelic’s signature tracks like Languyin and Takipsilim had the crowd immersed in an atmospheric vibe, while Zild brought raw energy with his hits like Kyusi and Medisina. The crowd was spellbound as Letran’s identity as a vibrant, passionate, and artistic community shone through the performers’ electrifying sets.

Sustainabeat Arriba Fest 2024 wasn’t just another event, it was a reflection of Letran’s unwavering pride and identity. From athletic achievements to artistic expression, every moment on stage reinforced what it means to be a Letranite: resilient, spirited, and proudly united for Deus, Patria, Letran.

 

Through the Lens of the Crowd

For first-year accountancy students Jonash Laguardia and Alexer Luis Calusa, the event offered a mix of excitement and expectations, setting the tone for their freshman experience at the Colegio.

“Gusto ko pa pong masaksihan yung Arriba Fest, gusto ko po mas maramdaman pa yung arriba spirit at the same time gusto ko ulit ma-experience pagpunta sa concert. First time ko lang um-attend naenjoy ko naman,” he shared. The highlight for him was watching Over October perform, particularly their song Ikot. “Talagang napa-video sa phone and gusto ko maulit yon for the next year.”

Alexer, on the other hand, admitted to feeling slightly underwhelmed by the artist lineup. “Ang kilala ko lang artist is yung Autotelic and Zild although maganda performance ng iba, yun nga po hindi ko masyado na-enjoy kasi wala ako masyadong alam sa kanta nila,” he said. His takeaway? “Looking forward naman po for next year ang gusto ko lang po makita ngayon is parang more known artists.”

However, the event wasn’t without its challenges. Jonash noted the long delays that tested the patience of attendees. “Since the management or organizations na involve sa ganitong event, they do really did their best [sa] pagplano para maisakatuparan ‘yung event. Kung may suggestion man po… kailangan ng better planning and ahead of time na-a-anticipate na possible problems,” he suggested.

For outsider Mae Jasmine Butantan from UST Manila and a former Letran student, Arriba Fest was a chance to reconnect with cherished memories. “I attended Arriba Fest throughout my elementary and high school years, so coming back this year felt nostalgic,” she reminisced. Despite juggling exams, she couldn’t resist the pull of the event. “The energy of the Letranites is still incomparable, just like how I remember it.” 

However, Mae had mixed feelings about the new ticketing policy. “I don't think we had a fee for outsiders pero this year including alumni meron ng fee. It’s not something I experienced last year na I almost backed out kasi ang mahal ng 400,” she confessed. Despite this, she’d still recommend the experience, albeit with a note about the pricing.

The shared experiences of both students and outsiders revealed the essence of Arriba Fest: a unifying celebration that transcends generations. Whether it’s the enthusiasm of first-year students discovering their place in the Letran community or the nostalgia of an alumna revisiting old traditions, the event reinforced the school’s identity as a home for belonging, pride, and memorable moments.

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