To formally usher the holiday season and highlight the Yuletide festivities, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus opened this year’s Kislap: Christmas Village and Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 28, at the Administration Building Lobby.

The event gathered students, faculty members, staff, and key university officials in a celebration that culminated with the lighting of EVSU’s towering Christmas tree and the activation of Christmas village installations across the campus which transformed the university grounds into a vibrant showcase of holiday decorations and thematic light decorations.

University President Dr. Dennis de Paz underscored in his Christmas message that the ceremony goes beyond tradition, emphasizing the value of shared hope within the community.

“This ceremony is more than an annual festivity, it is a reminder that hope grows brighter when shared. Let Kislap remind us that great dreams begin in its spark, and that spark begins with us,” Dr. de Paz said.

After the ceremony, attendees were treated to performances from the EVSU Chorale, Samleyaw Performing Arts Group, and the Maroon and Gold Band, adding musical and cultural flair to the night.

Meanwhile, Jovie Apas Quirante, a freshman student from the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science (BSED-Sci), shared her excitement in witnessing the event for the first time.

“I feel overwhelmed and happy kay first time ko maka-experience hini. Since han senior high kasi waray kami sugad hini na event, asya nage-enjoy ako. Sana mayda pa gihap sunod,” she said.

The celebration concluded with a showcase of the fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and drawing cheers from the crowd.

The Kislap festivities will continue until December 20, offering nightly displays for the university community to enjoy as the holiday season unfolds.

Article by Nina Mae Marañon