by Enrique Panganiban (H3A), Stallion News Editor

Dim the lights, open the doors, and let the Xavier School body in for the first Friday Unplugged (FFU) held on August 7 at the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH)!

This one-hour “spiritual concert” was organized to give a prayerful atmosphere to the Xavier community while relieving the students and teachers of their heavy workload during the week. This version of the Friday Unplugged started off with a short prayer led by Karol Yee, an alumnus from the Class of ’04.

Ms. Toni Rose Chua (HS English) and Ms. Fe Alexandria Lopez (HS Science) were the emcees for Unplugged. Highlights of the program included performances from Mrs. Michelle Albano (HS Science), Mr. Emmanuel Santos (HS Guidance Coordinator), Mr. Andrew Pinlac (HS Math), and Ms. Zarina Santos (HS Filipino). Students also shone in this program, with inspiring numbers by Luis Espanola (H3A) and Martin Qui (H3C), as well by the band Red Velvet Skies, headlined by David Tan (H3A), Fernando Tan (H3A), Daniel Quiaoit (H3D), and Neil Dy (H1D).

Tribute to Cory also held by Lingkod Committee

The Xavier community also gave a tribute to former President Corazon Aquino, who recently passed away. Organized by the Lingkod Committee, tribute videos, as well as a candle-lighting ceremony, marked the event. A special prayer for Mrs. Aquino was led by Javin Benedicto (H4D), a Lingkod Committee member. Francis Aquino Dee, grandson of Mrs. Aquino and a graduate from the Class of 2009, also made a special appearance in the program to thank the Xavier community in behalf of his family.

“The heart of Unplugged is the fire that both St. Ignatius and former President Cory Aquino ignited in our hearts. Their lives are shining examples of service, holiness, and democracy, and the FFU aimed to honor them for what they have done,” said Ryan Yu (H3C), organizer of the First Friday Unplugged.