Written by Charls Matthew De Perio, Joshua Leslie Hernandez, Elhanan Brayn Masweng
Pictures by Yvonne Fe Bautista, Alessandra Palada, The Mediatrix Society, Politis Organization.
The UB G.I.F.T.S is an annual institutional activity conducted by the University of Baguio, which highlights the University’s commitment to community development and engagement. The activity features various competitions that the Schools of the University of Baguio are welcome to compete in.
The competitions open for all the schools were as follows:
The Open House Christmas Booth Fair (Champion Award) – Spearheaded by the Student Body of STELA, the Christmas booth featured different activities that sought to entertain booth–goers, predominantly elementary students from the University of Baguio’s adopted schools. Activities included pottery painting, face painting, and giveaways of goodie bags filled with delicious treats on display. The Booth also had its own Santa Clause, where children and adults of all ages could take pictures with him

Christmas Parol Making Competition (Champion Award) – With the collaborative efforts of the Physical Fitness Society, the Society of Language and Literature, and the General Education Organization, STELA’s Christmas Parol featured recycled materials as its main components. The Parol creatively represented STELA’s 8 programs through its colorful design.

Christmas Choral Competition (Champion Award & Best in Costume) – KORO STELA took the stage with their own rendition of Carol of the Bells, wearing red antlers, and elegant tuxedos and gowns. The choir group, made up of students from different programs throughout STELA, delivered a remarkable performance that left the audience in awe. As their performance grew to a close, thunderous applause from the audience rang throughout the UB Cardinal’s Gym.

Christmas Music Video Competition (1st Runner-Up Award) – Directed and shot by the Mediatrix Society with the theme of “Christmas in the University,” the Christmas video showcased the wonderful choreography of INDAK STELA’S dance performance, highlighted Christmas throughout STELA, and ended with a dance number joined by students from different programs.

Christmas Decoration Making Competition (1st Runner-Up) – The Christmas spirit came alive on the Second Floor of the Centennial Building as members from the Politis Organization and the Psyche Organization finished decorating. The hallway was decked out with garlands, nutcracker men, and graceful red fabric swags that ran the length of the corridor. With soft Christmas music playing in the background, a festive and cozy atmosphere filled the air. A perfect ambiance for the students of STELA.

The UB G.I.F.T.S Activity is a time of giving, and it certainly gave STELA an unforgettable realization: When they are united under a common goal, when they pour all of their heart and talent into the effort together, and when everyone gives their very best to succeed, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts becomes an unstoppable force of nature.
