Written by Janna Regine Sanchez and Irish Engel Lara Tiempo
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge.
Bright lights illuminate the streets while jubilant music fills each home with warmth and nostalgia, signifying that the long-awaited Christmas season has begun. Known as the season of love and hope, Christmas is more than a festivity of decorating trees and hosting holiday parties. It is a sacred holiday that commemorates the nativity of Jesus Christ. To the Ateneo Hearter community, Christmas is a celebration and an opportunity to share its blessings and give back to its partner communities. Hence, in line with the season’s spirit of giving, Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu’s annual Christmas Fair returns with the theme “Persons of Christ, Bearers of Peace” filled with engaging activities and moving performances to raise funds for a greater cause.
Institutional Mass
To start the long day ahead on a prayerful disposition and ensure auspiciousness for the day’s events, an institutional mass will be held at the Cor Jesu Oratory at 6:45 am.
Opening Program
An opening program at Magis Eagles Arena at 8:00am will then follow the morning mass. Watch the school choir, along with selected teachers and students from different grade levels, as they showcase their talents in music and dance to officially commence Christmas Fair 2023.
Opening of Booths and Food Stalls
This year’s Christmas Fair has overflowing enjoyment in store for everyone. Take your family and friends, engage in the amusing and interactive booths, and discover the perfect snacks that satisfy your palate from the wide selection of food stalls. All activity booths are located at the Lux Oriens Gym while food stalls are spread out in the Early Education Building, GS grounds, and JHS activity center. Both school canteens will also open. The booths and food stalls will be open from 8:30 am until 10:00 pm. See you there!
Back to the Manger Play
Lights, camera, action! The well-beloved “Back to the Manger Play” returns this year, showcasing Ateneo Hearters’s talents and heartfelt stories that take us back to the manger where Christ was born. Experience the true spirit of Christmas and catch the play at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm for its second showing at the Virginia Chiongbian Theatre.
Dance Concert – ABDT and AGILA
Witness the mesmerizing moves of the Junior High’s Ateneo Blue Dance Troupe (ABDT) and the Senior High’s AG!LA. Let the energy out before feasting on the various food booths at lunch! Catch them at the Lux Oriens Gym at 11:00 am!
Aviden Concert
Sing your heart out at Aviden’s performance at 2:30 pm at the Lux Oriens Gym! This anticipated concert features artists, bands, and other unique musical enthusiasts from the Senior High Department.
Christmas Fair Parade
Get ready to be enchanted by the school’s first-ever grand Christmas parade! Each grade level, from the 1st to the 12th, has prepared a float featuring Christmas worldwide. The parade starts at 4:00 pm, a perfect way to end the day for all grade levels!
Christmas Concert
End the day with a dashing performance of our talented Ateneo Hearters. Be at the Magis Eagles Arena at 6:00 pm to behold talents such as Shoti, the Wonggoys, the Narvios sisters, Yesha Suralta, and more! Tickets are available for Php 300 at the school’s principal office, Wow Travel & More SM Seaside and Ayala Malls Central Bloc branches, and the school’s marketing & admissions office. All proceeds will be donated to the Christmas Fair Drive.
Enjoy these fun and meaningful activities at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu on December 9, 2023! From exciting activities and breathtaking performances to bonding with loved ones, Christmas Fair 2023 will undoubtedly kindle the true spirit of Christmas, fostering togetherness and sharing one’s gifts in the community. Participate in the various festivities listed above while contributing to the community. As Ateneo Hearters, let us continue to embody the Ignatian core values, all for the greater glory of God.
We would like to thank our generous sponsors and donors for supporting our biggest fundraising event of the year! Our Major Sponsors: Francheska Canoy, Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa, ZLREJ Construction Corp. Our Minor Sponsors: Alkeia Department Store, Anjo World Theme Park, Darren Maglasang, Eversure Maxim, Inc., Montano Foods Corporation, Mr. Potato, Mr. Taho, Pizza Hut.
