By Maxine Agno, Alexia Bangayan, Rhianna Ramos

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Fair 2026, “Siklo: When Light Returns,” officially opened on Friday, January 30, with various attractions, food and non-food concessionaires, and Bluelapalooza on the fairgrounds.

The event started with the opening program, spearheaded by hosts Dev Barrantes and Candace Andal, and began with a prayer led by Fair Committee Administration Head Cheska Jovellanos.

This was followed by the introduction of the fair’s overall theme, Siklo, the Students’ Night, Marahuyo, and the fundraising concert, Haliya.

Fair Committee Overall Head Neo Monterola gave his opening remarks, highlighting the collective effort behind mounting the fair and explaining the deeper meaning of the theme Siklo. 

Monterola emphasized how the theme reflects the community’s shared response to challenges, saying  “Cycles aren’t just about constant events, but also our collective response … You weren’t just waiting for the light to return. You became the light for one another.”

The program also featured a behind-the-scenes video documenting the preparations behind the fair, highlighting the event’s long-standing purpose of giving back to the community.

The Fair Committee core members were then introduced through a dance performance to “Liwanag sa Dilim” by Rivermaya.

Afterwards, school principal Mrs. Rosanna Borja delivered her speech, reminding fairgoers that the event remains a school-regulated activity and called on students to observe proper conduct and safety throughout the event.

She stressed on the importance of discipline despite the celebratory atmosphere, stating, “Just because it’s the fair doesn’t mean you get to do what you want. There are rules and regulations that have to be followed. The fair days are no exception.”

She also emphasized that the fair is a student-led initiative and encouraged attendees to reciprocate the efforts of their peers by actively participating in the fair’s offerings. 

She then concluded her address by officially declaring Siklo open, allowing the fairgoers to roam around the various booths and attractions.

Siklo Sights

The fair grounds featured a mix of carnival rides and booths where students and other fair goers also had the chance to enjoy attractions such as Ferris Wheel, Octopus, Vikings, and Bahay Maligno.

Additionally, mini-events like Soakfest also took place,  where students had the chance to dunk nominated teachers and students’ through various water-based activities. 

Aside from the rides, the fair also offered various trinkets and merchandise that allowed attendees to take home a piece of the “Siklo” experience.

Food stalls were stationed along the driveway, alongside a photobooth, while mini games and non-food concessionaires were placed on the open field.

Richard Hernandez of 11-Escribano stated, “My favorite moment during the ASHS Fair talaga is ‘yung partnership between MIO and Fair, where student fans were able to showcase their abilities talaga to their fullest.”

He added that he was looking forward to the evening concert on the second day of Siklo, featuring Apo Hiking Society, Over October, and other Filipino acts.

Meanwhile, Julia Licauco from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) said, “I’ve never been to the Ateneo Fair, and I figured this would be a good experience … to see for myself and experience it for the first time with my friends.”

Siklo Sounds

At 12 p.m., Bluelapalooza commenced as part of the annual fair, giving student bands from the ASHS the opportunity to perform live on stage at the Mini Events grounds.

The event opened with the band Charley Horse!, which delivered their set, including “Tonight, Tonight” by Smashing Pumpkins, and “Never Meant” by American Football, alongside their untitled original song.

Following this, TBA took the stage and performed “Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” by Kitchie Nadal, “Tingin” by Cup of Joe, and “Paru-paro” by IV of Spades.

Afterwards, Just In Case played “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore, “When I Met You” by Apo Hiking Society, and “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar. 

Then K.O! delivered their renditions of “All I Wanted” by Paramore, “Townie” by Mitski, “Selfless” by The Strokes, and “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. 

Later, Stella Thursday performed “Bags” by Clairo, “Linger” by The Cranberries, and their original song “Anino.”

Soon after, The Raindrops featured “Misery Business” by Paramore, “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls, and “Mundo” by IV of Spades, followed by Interlude playing “Just” by Radiohead, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Youngest Daughter” by Superheaven.

Sugarless then performed “Fluorescent Adolescent” by Arctic Monkeys, “Bakit Part 2” by Mayonnaise, and “Nanaman” by IV of Spades, followed by Kaleidoscope’s performance “The Other Side” by The Greatest Showman, “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, and “Harpy Hare” by Yaelokre.

Towards the end, InGlare played “My Kind of Woman” by Mac DeMarco, “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead, and “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II” by Fitterkarma.

JRPLuna wrapped up the performances with “Minsan” by Eraserheads, “Pasilyo” by SunKissed Lola, and their original song “Umoo ka Sinta(pls)”. 

Luis Sevilla, guitarist and vocalist of Just In Case, shared, “It felt surreal performing in front of my classmates and schoolmates.”

“It was a memorable experience that I’ll always cherish with my band, Just In Case,” he added.

Siklo will continue on Saturday, January 31 at 9 a.m., with the same rides and concessionaires, and the fundraising concert, Haliya, set to take place at 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Special Events grounds.