By Fonz Bautista

By Noriko Yamamoto

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Sanggunian Juniors concluded its Christmas fundraising project, “Under the Mistletunes,” with a talent show held at the second-floor Formation Learning Center (FLC) on Wednesday, December 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The program was hosted by Adrien Zafra of 11-Mayer and Andrea Ortiguera of 11-Hoyos, and it featured nine performances from ASHS student performers.

The show opened with Nitroglycerin, a band from the ASHS Symphonic Ensemble composed of Enzo Sunio, Luiz Caranto, Moises Esguerra, and Marcus Vergara.

This was followed by a solo performance by Miguel Marquez — also from ASHS Symphonic Ensemble — before Charley Horse, a student band composed of Francis Lopez, Guan Cantong, and Garik Rillera, took center stage.

Afterwards, ASHS Music Industry Organization (MIO) band Deep Sea Pizza delivered their set, followed by performances by Ash Caridad, Izaak Aragon, Ian Angeles, and student band Better Late Than Never.

The program then concluded with performances by the student band TBA and a duet by Niko Asong and Zech Gamez.

“The performance of ‘Bibingka’ was the most memorable performance for me because it is such a memorable song, especially with Ben&Ben as the original artists of it,” said Jaco Palanca from 11-Bellarmino.

He explained that the performance was like a “cherry on top,” with the song being a huge part of his childhood.

Meanwhile, Maisie Ruelo — Undersecretary to the Office of the President and Head Organizer — stated that preparing for the event was difficult, particularly because it was the first project launched by the Junior Sanggunian core.

“Being able to create a successful event for the ASHS despite the hardships is honestly the most magical part about this Christmas,” she expressed.

Beginning December 16, three concessionaires were set up in front of the Office of Student Activities (OSA) at the first-floor FLC, including New York Finest Bites, Mr. Softy, and Hungry Bites.

Moreover, a photobooth stall was also set up on the second-floor FLC, allowing students to take pictures throughout the event.

The Christmas initiative began on December 10 with a Secret Santa activity, where students purchased and gifted items such as jewelry, candy canes, and ornaments to anyone in the ASHS community.

“Under the Mistletunes” is a project that aims to raise funds to support ASHS custodians, security guards, and other non-teaching staff.