VOICES

Celebrating a Comeback of Christmas Traditions

Behind the deep crimson curtains of Aréte at the Ateneo de Manila University, sparkling star lanterns of different colors and shapes dot the ceiling of the theater stage. The large overhead screen shows a digitally illustrated façade of a church that looks ready for something festive. The slow yet sharp ding-dong of the theater bells catches the attention of a community rife with sheer excitement of what is to take place on that stage in a matter of minutes. And when the curtains finally open, they pave the way for a multitude of children singing all together, “Hark the herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn king…” At that entrance, everyone’s hearts melt at the sight of a community performing with all their best to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year—Christmas. And it is not only a wonderful time for all, but it is also a wonderful comeback to Keys School Manila. The Keys community is on stage again, presenting its 18th Christmas Program after the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.  

‘’It’s Simbang Gabi Again!’’ is the Keys Christmas Program’s theme for this year. It is a celebratory shout for joy as the community gathers in person to experience the atmosphere and instill the long-standing Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi. 

The stars of the show are the Keys students who, through dancing, singing, and acting, give the audience real-life depictions of Christmas scenarios as church volunteers (Pre-K, Grades 4, 11, and 8), families (Kinder, Grades, 6, 9, and 10), friends (Grades 2, 7, and 5), and church vendors (Grades 1, 3, and 12). Everyone is just vibrant and all smiles as they make their families and the entire community proud at how stellar they are during the Christmas Program, and their performance exudes a clear picture of how well they have rehearsed for this festive event. 

Christmas songs of old and contemporary playlists are featured and performed. The students have made it sure that their song choices are well-suited for the roles they play. In fact, everyone is applauding! It is a mark that they manage to convey the meanings of their roles successfully to the audience throughout the 2-hour program. 

“Pasko! Pasko na namang muli!” The Kinder pupils’ jolly performance of the iconic Filipino Christmas song has truly made the entire Keys community excited for the season!

Grade 8 students are all beaming throughout their lovely dance! Who wouldn’t as Christmas day is fast approaching? 

Peace Uychiaoco (Grade 12), with a big and fully-ornamented Christmas lantern beside him, then engages the audience. “Ano pang hinihintay niyo? Pailawin na natin ang parol! Merry Christmas po sa inyo!” Feet rustle and gentle piano taps are heard as the stage is filled again with all Keys students. To punctuate the Christmas Program, the Keys students pour their hearts out once more as they sing the melodious “Christmas is Here.” “Light up the streets, light up the tree / The King is here, O Christmas is here...” Christmas is indeed here and everybody cheers for the success of the Christmas Program this year!

Keys students hold hands during their community song to show their camaraderie in making the Christmas Program meaningful. 

Prior to its 18th Christmas Program, Keys School Manila also holds a Silent Parol Auction. It is a school tradition that aims to exhibit the talents of students and teachers in crafting a Christmas Parol. Here are the featured lanterns for each grade level and their successful bidders:

Successful Bidder: Gian Purisima

Successful Bidder: Marisol Flores

Successful Bidder: Corky Bate

Successful Bidder: Grade 11

This Christmas, the entire Keys School Manila community is thankful to all the faculty members and families that have supported the kids along the way and made these traditions possible after years of being restricted due to the pandemic. Just like the poetry recited in the Program by the 6th graders:

“The Christmas season is when we answer His call

Bittersweet, yet full of hope, as we recall

Gifts and smiles filled the feast in the hall

Noche Buena and Simbang Gabi made it memorable!”

Have a meaningful Christmas to all of you!