Amid a day brimming with vibrant festivities, Saint Louis University (SLU)– the largest university north of Manila– marked its 114th Foundation Anniversary on 28 November 2025 carrying the theme “Missio et Excellentia: Fostering Innovation, Nurturing Synergy, Reinforcing Purpose-Driven Education”.
The week-long celebration honored SLU’s rich legacy of excellence and missionary spirit, continuously fortifying camaraderie, oneness, and shared purpose.
Honoring the CICM Mission: Wreath-Laying for Fr. Theophile Verbist and Eucharistic Celebration
With burning faith, the 114th Foundation Anniversary opened with the celebration of light, love, generosity, and hope through a wreath-laying ceremony at the CICM Giants Steps, SLU Main Campus, led by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, alongside Rev. Fr. Mwako Ebumea, Vice President for Mission Identity and other CICM Priests.
In line with the 163rd year of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), the ceremony honored Fr. Theophile Verbist, the CICM founder, and other missionary leaders not only for their leadership in the Congregation, but for the entirety of the CICM presence around the globe. This solemn activity recognized the importance of the CICM history and mission that have flourished for more than a century.
In a grateful union, the Holy Mass was then presided over by Most. Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio. In his homily, Most. Rev. Cruz centered on the heart of the Foundation Anniversary’s theme, “Missio et Excellentia”. He said, “Your authority, your only authority, is service. The vision of everyone is service, worship, and love. When you serve, you are worshipping God. When you serve, you feel unexplainable joy. When you serve, you show love to other people. Service is done towards God, yourself, and other people.”
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD thanked the Bishop for accepting the invitation to be the main celebrant and expressed thanks for the University community by saying, “We thank God for these miracles and graces… Your joy, enthusiasm, vitality and commitment to excellence is much appreciated.”
Following the Mass was a Community Dance held at the Giant Steps led by the Program for Cordillera Traditional Music and Dances (PCTMD), which reflected the enduring connection between cultural traditions and the CICM mission.
Meanwhile, in line with SLU’s strengthened faith, its commitment to justice does not cease. To keep the fight against corruption continuously burning, over a hundred employees wore black ribbons in remembrance of the unforgotten fight. The black ribbons represent SLU’s persistence and determination to unite with unfaltering hope that accountability and integrity will eventually be our reality.
Through the community spirit, Louisians were reminded of the calling of service with worship and love, inspiring us to embody faith, excellence, and selfless mission in all we do.
Halo-Halo: Bayanihan Para sa CICM
The special fundraising show “Halo-Halo Bayanihan para sa CICM” held at the Prince Bernhard Gym, Main Campus was a rich tapestry of artistic performances including those from SLU employees and students– gracefully showcasing community spirit through music, dance, and artistry. More than a show, Halo-Halo was an avenue to help Saint Louis College (SLC) San Fernando, La Union, and SLC Cebu who recently were challenged by storms and earthquakes.
The first act, “Yugto,” brought together the SLU CCA performing groups in a stunning live performance highlighting the synergy of music and art. A captivating shadow play followed, melding a theatrical narrative with visual storytelling.
Shortly, the heartfelt performance of “Macapuno Melody,” captivated audiences with heartfelt emotion. Several live band performances took place featuring songs like “Dapithapon,” “Di Na Lang,” and “Tayo,” that resonated with the audience.
The program then transitioned to “Ice Ritmo,” bringing to life folk dances from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with dynamic rhythms and lively movements celebrating cultural diversity.
Other musical showstoppers included “Ube Love Jam,” a segment that featured live solo vocal performances that brought nostalgia and romance to the audience; and “Gulaman OPM Groove,” featuring popular Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hits that engaged the crowd with familiar tunes. “Creamy Groove” also highlighted the repertoire including the segment called “Pinipig at Saging,” that became a story of hope through song and story.
The finale, “Merry Halo-Halo,” culminated in a stellar curtain call with festive holiday music.
The integration of diverse artistic forms in Halo-Halo and the line up of performances not only entertained but also deeply connected everyone present in a shared spirit of bayanihan—working together for the common good through the universal language of art.
Sapientia Aedificat Christmas Tree: Torch, spirals, and stars ignite Louisian Spirit
The Foundation Anniversary evening was highlighted by lights, sounds, and the distinctive Louisian spirit through the community lighting of the University Christmas Tree.
This year’s SLU Christmas Tree, creatively designed by the SLU Administration, in collaboration with RNQ Construction and Engineering Services, drew inspiration from the motto “Sapientia Aedificat” (“Wisdom Builds”), serving as a vibrant emblem of the journey of knowledge.
SLU’s mission and heritage are embodied in the symbolic tree through two powerful symbols that light up the spirit of the Louisian community: the torch on the bas-relief and the spirals and stars that embellish the tree’s statute.
The torch symbolizes SLU as the “Light of the North” embodying the CICM legacy in Christian education as a beacon of knowledge, truth, and moral leadership in the Northern Philippines. The spirals that string in a lined pathway design on the tree branches symbolize the paths of knowledge. The pattern of stars likewise radiates as a beacon of wisdom for the entire Louisian community. These elements blend missionary vision and spirit into the motifs of the traditional parol, the Filipino hallmark of Christmas, igniting innovation while valuing heritage. Together, these symbols tell a story of faith, wisdom, and community solidarity that define SLU’s identity, modeling an over century-old foundation of excellence and faith.
The whole campus even gleamed in vibrant lights from the campus light show stretching from the event center to the fountain area while fireworks tinted the night sky a minute after in reminder of the yuletide season to come.
The Louisian Feels 10.0: Sa Pagitan ng Tayo at Wala
The annual Foundation Day ender returned with “Louisian Feels 10.0: Sa Pagitan ng Tayo at Wala”, the campus concert coordinated by the SLU-KASAMA SSC. Three bands claimed center stage with stripped-back sets, delivering raw energy for an unforgettable night.
First up was Fitterkarma, a Filipino art rock band that expresses lyricism with daring metaphors and bold concepts of passionate emotions. Their song “Pag-ibig ay Kanibalismo II” brought the crowd a heart bursting narrative of love becoming an allconsuming feeling. In line with this viral hit, they also played their other popular songs “Kalapastangan”, “Sumpa” and more.
Sugarcane then graced the stage. The six-member folk-pop band known for their heartfelt storytelling and unique mix of folk elements with meaningful lyrics filled the event center with evocative tunes from their songs “Paruparo”, “Tanging ikaw”, “Ikaw lamang”, “Pabalik sayo”, “Leonora” and “Kung maging akin ka”.
The final artist to perform was shirebound, a Philosopher Pop band that weaves personal experiences with fictional narratives in their music. Their introspective sound unfolded stories and invited reflection and connection. Their songs “LPL”, “Aninipot”, “Sibuyas”, “Pahintulot”, an unreleased song, “Sayo lang”, “Miss mosh”, and “Waltz of four left feet” took the crowd in a whirlwind of emotions.
Other activities that filled the week with fun and purpose were made possible through the effort of the various offices, schools, units, and organizations across the University– further amplifying SLU’s strong communal spirit. Filling the campus with a festive atmosphere were the activity booths put up by different school and student organizations. Even the Basic Education School joined in the celebration.
SLU BEdS joins Foundation Anniversary Festivities
Organized by the Sanggunian ng mga Nagkakaisang Mag-aaral (SANAMA), one of the main highlights of the Foundation Anniversary program at the Basic Education School (BEdS) was “The Louisian Got Talent,” judged by Mr. Red Sitchon, Ms. Josiah Panitan, and Mr. Nelwyn Tejada. This event allowed ten junior and senior high school performers to showcase their exceptional talents, proving that Louisians have something impressive to offer.
The next event was “Kilos Kabataan: Palarong Pangkalsada” where students engaged in traditional Filipino games with modern twists to win cash prizes. The program also highlighted the school’s musically-inclined students in its “Battle of the Bands” competition which took place in the afternoon, with judges Mr. Sitchon, Ms. Panitan, and Mr. Tejada.
To end today’s set of events, a dance competition organized by Senior High’s Society of Performing Arts, “KPOP & TIKTOK Random Dance,” took place where students were encouraged to show their groovy moves. Aside from the exciting events, the open court was also filled with booths from different clubs and departments affiliated with the institution, with most stalls selling foods and beverages for students and staff throughout the day.
For Louisians, this day was not just a time to celebrate the creation of their alma mater, but it also served as a reminder to embrace the time of joy and opportunities as they go on their Louisian journey. (Written by Sophia Isabelle A. Dumo, The Louisian | Photos by Aaden Jacob D. Abrigo, Coleen Joy C. Bayona, Marcus Draco S. Muyot, The Louisian)
In addition, the English Literacy Month Culmination Program was held at the Gonzaga Gym on the Gonzaga Campus.
Louisian Chair of Hope: Capturing hope through written aspirations
Held at the Diego Silang Lobby, SLU Main Campus, Louisians captured hope by writing their aspirations for SLU through Talged Center’s “SaLUm-Pag-asa” initiative. A chair placed at the lobby invited Louisians to share their hopes for SLU a decade from now, creating a thoughtful, tangible vision and a safe space for future wishes and dreams.
CJMMO CLAO Legal Aid: Providing campus access to legal support
The CJ Moran Community Legal Assistance Office (CJMMO CLAO) , the official legal aid clinic of SLU School of Law (SOL) partnered with the Davita Cristobal Foundation, Inc. to provide free legal aid services on campus for the entire week. During this outreach, Louisians had the opportunity to seek legal advice, avail of free notarial services, and learn about various programs and services offered by the office. The initiative exemplified the commitment of the legal clinic to making legal assistance accessible to the Louisian Community.
SONAHBS Open House: Exploring the processes behind the sciences
The School of Nursing Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) opened its doors and showcased various equipment and facilities during the “SONAHBS Open House” at the Dr. Konrad Adenauer Science Center and Dr. Jose Rizal Building from 28 to 29 November.
The facilities open to Louisians were Rizal’s SLU Tuklas Lunas, Molecular Biology Laboratories, Natural Sciences Research Unit, and Fr. Gerard Braeckman, CICM Museum of National History. Meanwhile, at the Adenauer Building, their Clinical Laboratories were open with phlebotomy and pipetting stations. The open house aimed at promoting research and at broadening Louisian students’ opportunity to experience hands-on usage of the equipment and processes done by the SONAHBS in service to both the students and outside clients.
SLU Flicks: Blending film and artistic talent
Louisians gathered at the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center, SLU Main Campus, for “SLU Flicks” under the theme “Rewind: Pagsibol at Simula.” Multimedia Arts students from the School of Accountancy, Management, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) showcased short films, animations, songs, creative projects, and videos, highlighting their artistry, talent, and passion.
The first short film screened was “Agos ng buhay ng pusit” by Unang Kahon which is a story about a young man opening up about life dealing with stigmatization and struggles of living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Following this was “Scroll Lock” by Kislapmta Productions about a mystery encounter where a person who cannot put their phone down and attracts a peculiar entity.
“Kaka-selpon mo yan” by Teen Days Productions came next where the protagonist hopes to win an e-sports tournament but is faced with a dilemma between his ambitions and the cost of neglect. Lastly, the film “Kulay ng Yaman” by Kilabot Films and Productions tackled the story of childhood friends finding gold hoping to get wealthy but soon realizing they have been part of a larger conspiracy.
After the filmscreening, the event proceeded with showing other 2D and 3D animations with music and songs showcases. This event enriched Louisian student excellence through the art of film and production.
Plug & Play: Feeling the acoustic artistry
Louisians experienced raw, soulful acoustic performances by talented Louisians, including Rain All Alone, The Sisons (The Vrands), Rubber Band, 528hz, and The 8PM, each brought heartfelt melodies and unique vibes that drew listeners closer to the music’s core.This intimate session celebrated music unplugged, from emotive solos to harmonious band renditions. It highlighted SLU’s tradition of nurturing musical talent and creativity, inviting everyone to a shared musical experience with the timeless power of acoustic artistry.
Other university events continue from 29 to 30 November 2025.
On November 29 at 6:00 AM, “Balik-Aral, Balik-Pag-asa: A Learning Continuity & Support Outreach” will take place in Virac, Itogon, Benguet.
On November 30, “Handog ng SLU sa Baguio: A Medical Outreach” serves the City Jail Female Dormitory, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Baguio City, followed by “Light of the North: The 2nd Choral Festival and Competition” at Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CCA Theater, Main Campus.
As the 114th Foundation Anniversary milestone closes, SLU stands poised to weave new achievements into its legacy. The Louisian spirit will remain steady and inspirational constantly kindling the purpose for something monumental.
