Ateneo gears up for its 150th anniversary with 15-day countdown

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo de Manila University gears up for its 150th anniversary on Dec. 10, 2009, its sesquicentennial, with a 15-day countdown.   

The countdown begins on Nov. 25, 2009 with the 8th Jaime V. Ongpin Sesquicentennial Lecture. This year, former Health Secretary Alberto Romualdez Jr., answers the question: How urgent is the need for health system reforms in the Philippines?

Some events to look forward to include the 60th anniversary of the Blue Eagle Gym on Dec. 3, a one-night concert with internationally acclaimed pianist Raul Sunico at the Church of the Gesu on Dec. 1, another one-night concert by Ateneo’s most celebrated music groups in Take and Receive II on Dec. 6, the Big Blue Sesquicentennial Run also on Dec. 6, the Ateneo 500@150 Telethon: A Fundraising for Scholarships on Dec. 7, the Inauguration and Blessing of the new Rizal Library on Dec. 8, and the Loyola School’s “Agenda for Hope” Book Launch on Dec. 9.

Ateneo’s big day, its Sesquicentennial on Dec. 10, will be marked by a Sesquicentennial Anniversary Mass to be led by Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Jose Magadia, S.J., at 12 p.m. at the Church of the Gesù.

The following day, Dec. 11, the High School takes center stage when it holds Igkas, a live, multisensory celebration of the people, events, heritage and vision that have formed high school Ateneans into positive transforming agents of change for a better tomorrow. This will be followed by the album launching of Bukas Palad’s new CD “To Love and Serve, Bukas Palad Chants” at the Church of the Gesù.

The celebration culminates with the Sesquicentennial One Big Night & Grand Alumni Homecoming, a night of fun with fellow Ateneans, on Dec. 12 at the High School Covered Courts. Guest performers include Rico Blanco, Chicosci, Spongecola, Karylle, Ramon (RJ) Jacinto, and Spirit of ’67. The festivities will begin with a Mass at 4 p.m. at the Church of the Gesù. 

For more information, contact the Communication and Public Relations group of the Ateneo de Manila University at [email protected] and 4266001 locals 4080-93. You may also visit www.ateneo.edu and its Sesquicentennial site 150.ateneo.edu, as well as its official Facebook and Twitter pages, www.facebook.com/ateneodemanila and www.twitter.com/ateneodemanilau