By: Nicole Llanderal, Kathlean Pallorina
Photo by William Tulagan /The LANCE
Those that resound within are melodies built by companioned memories.
As the Christmas season began, the traditional Paskong Arriba took place at the St. Thomas Grounds on Monday, Dec. 16, at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila where the stage was dominated by top bands and artists: The Itchyworms, SUD, The Ridleys, Penumbra, and Syd Hartha.
Organized by the Letran Student Council, the event began with its hosts enthusiastically welcoming the students, alumni, and visitors who had anticipated the new line-up this year had brought.
The Penumbra lit up the stage as they performed their own rendition of ‘Ang Buhay Ko’ by Aegis, ‘Kisapmata’ by Rivermaya, ‘Fall For You’ by Secondhand Serenade, ‘Hindi Na Nga’ by This Band, ‘Narda’ by Kamikazee, and performed their original song that gives pride to the Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Syd Hartha began taking over the stage with her soulful voice as she performed Paruparo, 3:15, Damdamin, Tila Tala, and her own style of ‘Panalangin’ covering Apo Hiking Society’s song that gave an intense nostalgic atmosphere around the campus.
SUD then performed Dumaloy, ‘Your Universe’ by Rico Blanco, Gusto Ko Lang Mag-Isa, ‘Ipagpatawad Mo’ by Mayonnaise, Sila, Baliw, and ‘Burnout’ by Sugarfree where a joyful jam brought great smiles to everyone present.
After a break, The Ridleys brought back the groove as they performed Do You Want To Be Mine, Meaningful Silence, Be With You, and Aphrodite who set the lovely mood for all the lovebirds and individuals present.
As The Ridleys, it was never the end of the concert without the much awaited Itchyworms who performed Gusto Ko lang Sa Buhay, Love Team, and their very own Christmas song.
It was not over, but only part of the beginning as Cedrick Borja, a Senior High School student from Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) became the star of the night as he get to perform with The Itchyworms for their cover of Eraserheads ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ and Showtime’s theme song ‘It’s Showtime’ after they called for someone who knew any musical instrument, receiving a shirt and Disc.
For Cedrick, it was not just another Paskong Arriba, but it was a special night that made him special after being chosen to play with The Itchyworms. This marks an unforgettable encounter of the future and present leading icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
The Itchyworms did not end without singing their classic songs: Di Na Muli, Beer, and Akin Ka Na Lang that shook every Filipino core as everyone sang in unison.
This traditional event of the Colegio did not just simply promote the Christmas Season. It fosters oneness and togetherness as people gather in celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ while celebrating the culture of our own Filipino Music.
With such a great night concluding, for Second Year students Jhonabelle Santos from Political Science, Kim Mariano and Hazel Lalu from Legal Management, Paskong Arriba’s concert was one of the most anticipated event every year due to the cultural value it holds as they can feel the Christmas spirit with everyone having fun, anticipating for the new artists, and enjoying the available foods everywhere. With it being a core memory, they said that they will continue to support and attend the following Paskong Arriba because it holds a special part of their lives.
For visitors like Lawrence Palomo from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) who was invited by a friend, he stated that the Paskong Arriba is very exciting and lively with such a great ambience. Much more after enjoying the event, he said that he recommends attending the Paskong Arriba for others “..because it shows how interesting Letran is; especially with its historical value surrounding its walls.”
There are many comments from the students and attendees who have previously attended Paskong Arriba. Some have pointed out that this year’s line up was different from last year in very different ways. Hazel Lalu, who attended last year’s Paskong Arriba, said “..The selection of the vibes of the artists last year were very lively, but now, it is very sentimental.”
Observing the lineup, Clariz Clavecillas from St. Jude College who have attended the event with much anticipation from all the bands and artists wanted to recommend joining Paskong Arriba to all those interested, but being a student herself, she stated that: “I would recommend especially if the prices was reasonable since the line up does not reflect the price, knowing that majority of those who will come are students.” But it was indeed one of the most memorable nights for her as she enjoyed vibing with old friends.
On the other hand, although everyone enjoyed and celebrated the night, some enjoyed it with an overwhelming sense of relief as it ended.
“Paskong Arriba 2024 was a hard event for us because of the time constraints; especially that colegio week just concluded two weeks ago, and a week after the colegio week was finals week. So while we are all doing our academic responsibilities, we are also doing our responsibilities for the Paskong Arriba,” said Alecks Clarinal, the Vice President of the Letran Student Council, who co-led the event.
The President of the Student Council, Kodi Cabacang, who has shared the same challenges with her Vice President, added that the budget also affected them. However they made sure to make it all work out in the end to ultimately create a memorable experience for the Letranites as the year ends.
A collective effort is what it takes to overcome all the time constraints and struggles in having such an unforgettable night, in talks of what motivated them, “The purpose of serving the students despite all the hurdles I needed to encounter each day, you have to think of the higher purpose why you are in that place. We need to prove [to] them that we are worthy of their vote,” said Alecks Clarinal.
For Kodi Cabacang, “We want to push through this traditional event. We want to give a year-end celebration for the Letranites, and to give back to the community.”
This traditional event of the colegio was built by countless memories and echoing melodies from different generations. To be able to celebrate it again for the year 2024 is proof that we have once endured an amazing season of our lives.
Through the Lens of the Artists’ Creative Worlds
The annual Paskong Arriba concert at Colegio de San Juan de Letran was nothing short of magical, bringing together an eclectic lineup of local music icons. From heartfelt messages to unforgettable stage moments, each performance captured the spirit of the holiday season while offering the audience a glimpse into the artists' creative worlds through an interview.
The Penumbra delivered an energetic set that resonated with Letran’s spirited crowd. Though primarily performing covers, the band shared their belief in music as a unifying force. “Whether you're sad or happy, music helps us communicate and release emotions,” the band said. Their dream superpower? Enabling listeners to empathize deeply and confront societal issues like bullying and injustice. However, their concerts sometimes face abrupt endings with staff cutting sets mid-performance, an unexpected challenge they’ve learned to laugh off.
For Syd Hartha, music is about embracing honesty and vulnerability. “Huwag kayong matakot na maging vulnerable at maging super honest sa feelings niyo; magandang feelings man ‘yan or bad. At sana matutunan nating dalhin ito along our life,” she expressed, urging her audience to carry their feelings with grace. Her most touching moment? Meeting fans who proudly showed her tattoos inspired by her songs and even her own tattoos.
SUD, the band known for their soulful sound, emphasized the importance of embracing emotions wholeheartedly. “Everything you feel is valid, and whatever you’re going through, you are not alone,” Gesmund, the band’s singer and guitarist shared; encouraging listeners to love unapologetically. Highlighting their track Gusto Ko Lang Mag-Isa, they reminded the crowd of the transformative power of vulnerability. Despite their poetic serenades, SUD’s performances are far from predictable. During one of their gigs performance, an unexpected rain drenched their equipment but they became resilient and professional.
While The Ridleys brought a mix of warmth and introspection to the stage, championing love in its many forms such as romantic, familial, and platonic. “Love is not just about what you receive but also what you give, which reflects the true essence of Christmas,” shared vocalist Benny Manaligod. Their music inspires resilience, with fans often finding comfort and motivation during life’s challenges. From fireworks to surprise proposals, their gigs have become memorable chapters in their listeners’ lives.
True to their reputation, The Itchyworms delivered an unforgettable blend of humor and happiness. Their message was simple yet profound: “Be happy. Don’t worry.” Each band member offered quirky wishes for their music’s “superpowers,” ranging from not voting for an artist in the coming elections, perfecting instruments and being humble in life. Unpredictable moments, such as a flying cockroach during their set, showcased their ability to handle chaos with humor and grace.
Paskong Arriba was more than a concert; it was a heartfelt celebration of music's power to unite, heal, and inspire. As the holiday lights twinkled around the Letran community, the audience left not just entertained but deeply moved, carrying with them the core messages of love, resilience, and joy shared by the artists.
The great moments of our life were not simply considered memorable in a snap. It took all the people, the place, the music, and the atmosphere to feel it down within.
Traditions or cultures are created because they hold significant moments and impact in our lives. It is indeed such a great year to end as we celebrate as one during the season of giving, love, and joy. Look around and see that the magic of Christmas does not come from an old-tale book, but you can find it within everyone’s heart that makes this season, THE SEASON.