- November 24, 2025
Christmas Tree Lighting 2025: Celebrating Christmas with Head, Hand, and Heart
Written by: John Ralph P. Colitoy and Ma. Vanessa R. Velasco
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) officially ushered in the holiday season with a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting celebration. Held on November 20, 2025, at Mapúa MCL Shannon Drive, the event transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of festive lights and music, marking the official start of the Paskong Mapúa Malayan festivities.
This year’s theme, “Head, Hand, and Heart,” encapsulates the Mapúa MCL’s approach to community engagement and service-learning, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and core Filipino values. It is inspired by the Filipino ideal of “Sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa”, symbolizing a holistic commitment to service that is intellectually sound (Head), actively implemented (Hand), and compassionately motivated (Heart).
The Christmas Tree Lighting Activity brought together representatives from Latian Elementary School, Diezmo Integrated School, Don Jose Integrated High School, Baclaran Elementary School, Banay-Banay Elementary School, Pulo Elementary School, 4Ps Cabuyao, and members of communities from Brgy. Bigaa, Butong, Gulod, Marinig, and Baclaran.
Their active participation underscored Mapúa MCL’s strong commitment to fostering community engagement and building meaningful educational partnerships. This celebration marked another successful year of giving back through diverse initiatives that empower communities and promote sustainable living
Prof. Angelito Platino, Director of the Student Affairs Office, led the Opening Prayer following the solemn rendition of the Philippine National Anthem by the Mapúa Malayan Vocal Ensemble. He then delivered warm and inspiring welcoming remarks, setting up a positive tone for the event.
A heartfelt Christmas message was shared by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Engr. Maribel G. Songsong, setting a tone of gratitude and joy that beautifully framed the evening celebration.
Dynamic hosts, Mr. Angelo O. Alvarez from the Mapúa MCL Senior High School and Ms. Cecille W. Barera from the College of Nursing, kept the energy high as guests enjoyed exciting performances from Mapúa Malayan Vocal Ensemble, Malayan Dance Crew, Hakbang Malayan, and a special Senior High School Faculty Christmas Song Performance.
The evening was filled with spirited participation as guests engaged in lively parlor games and exciting raffle draws. A major highlight was the display of creativity from the Banner Making Contest, where attendees admired the festive Christmas Banners crafted by various Mapúa MCL departments and student organizations.
The student organization SPARK claimed first place, followed by the PTC – College of Maritime Education and Training in second place, and the Corporate Communications Office securing third place.
Adding to the announcements, the winners of the “12 Sustainable Days of Christmas Challenge” were recognized during the ceremony, which was immediately followed by the screening of the Mapúa MCL Christmas Video Greetings.
The evening reached its spectacular peak with the ceremonial lighting of the magnificent 28-foot Christmas Tree. This, along with the entire campus’s illumination, was a truly dazzling spectacle, serving as a powerful, shimmering symbol of the holiday season.
The celebration was concluded on a proud note of togetherness with the closing remarks by Dr. Joy G. Hofilena, Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE), and the singing of the Malayan Hymn by the Mapúa Malayan Vocal Ensemble once again.
