By Lia Atienza
Various government agencies have called for the orderly celebration of the new year, implementing safety measures in preparation for New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on January 1, 2026.
Author: HiLitesASHS
Hi-Lites ASHS is the official student publication of the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School.
Behind The Spotlight: The Venture of a Student-Musician
By Gilli Aquino
The art of performance is a passion that you will certainly find here in the ASHS. Whether through the various organizations of song and dance or through the simple performances in the halls of the senior high school — a love for music is found all around the student community. Behind each soulful performance here in the ASHS is a group of talented musicians with the same struggles and responsibilities as the ordinary high school student.
Congress passes 2026 national budget
By Alexia Bangayan
The House of Representatives and the Senate approved the Bicameral Conference Committee (bicam) report on the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget on Monday, December 29.
The AEWU-Ateneo Labor Standoff
By Tandang Sora
Last November 21, 2025, members of the Ateneo De Manila University Employees and Workers Union (AEWU) voted to strike, citing “unfair labor practices” from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). However, Ateneo maintains that it has acted fairly, legitimately, and consistently. Recently, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute between ADMU and AEWU, requiring that both parties return to normal operations as if the dispute had not occurred.
Lacson on 2026 budget use: ‘Do not let your guard down’
By AJ Alarcon
On Sunday, December 28, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged the public to remain vigilant over the implementation of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which was vowed to be “free of corruption.”
Marcos issues special non-working holidays in January 2026
By AJ Alarcon President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared special non-working holidays in various localities for January 2026 to give communities time to celebrate cultural and local historical events, covering seven municipalities, five cities, and one province as of Saturday, December 27. Through Proclamation No. 1109, signed on December 1, the Municipality of Tagudin,…
Imbestigasyon sa flood control projects, patuloy sa darating na taon
Ulat ni Lia Atienza
Nitong Biyernes, Disyembre 26, ipinahayag ng Malacañang Palace na patuloy ang imbestigasyon at pag-aresto sa mga opisyal na sangkot sa kontrobersiya ng flood control projects sa Pilipinas.
Games of the Mind
By Bella Lucindo
The pursuit of excellence isn’t limited to muscle and motion. Beyond the courts and fields lies a different kind of battleground: the mind.
A Blue and White Christmas: How Ateneans Live the True Meaning of the Season
By Kiera De Guzman
In Ateneo, Christmas isn’t just an event, it’s a feeling that radiates through hearts and halls alike. From quiet nights of prayer at Simbang Gabi Masses to laughter shared under twinkling lights, the season invites the community into a rhythm of hope, gratitude, and togetherness. Grounded in traditions that nurture both faith and fellowship, this time of year becomes a reminder that home is where the heart finds joy, purpose, and belonging.
Nine Nights Before Christmas: The Origins of Simbang Gabi
By Gilli Aquino
Whether it be the dazzling parols hung across streets, or the iconic delicacies of bibingka and puto bumbong, a Filipino Christmas is truly one of a kind — carrying traditions and emblems recognizable to people all around the world. Yet while the tunes of Jose Mari Chan fill others with a jovial holiday spirit, the heart of a Filipino Christmas lies in its time for spiritual reflection and thankfulness.
