By Yani Ferrer

By Soleina Vasquez

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) community gathered on Tuesday, February 24, for a university concert commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) People Power Revolution from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. along the Red Brick Road of the Ateneo College Complex.

The university-wide commemoration carried the theme “Laging Manalig, Patuloy na Magtaya,” while the concert was titled “Handog: Ateneo Remembers EDSA@40.”

The event invited students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, families, and friends to remember the historic uprising through music, dance, and shared reflection.

The program featured performances from various university and guest artists, including Bukas Palad Music Ministry with Toto Sorioso, Ateneo ENTABLADO, and Maita Ponce and Ton Vergel de Dios.

Also included were the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, Delphine Buencamino, the Company of Ateneo Dancers (CADS), and the Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club.

Jesuit music groups Himig Heswita, Tinig San Jose, and friends also took the stage, along with Rene San Andres, Cholo Mallillin, and Chris Castillo, collectively known as Tres Titos.

Moreover, two performances came from the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) — Dulaang Sibol, who performed selections including the song Liwanag sa Dilim, and Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK), who concluded their dance routine with a raised-fist pose symbolizing solidarity and resistance.

Admission to the concert was free, with complimentary ice cream and taho distributed to attendees. The gathering served as both a celebration and a call for renewed commitment to the ideals of People Power as the nation marks four decades since the 1986 revolution.

ADMU will observe a university holiday on Wednesday, February 25, to give the community an opportunity to participate in activities related to the commemoration.