By Richa Noriega and Allysa Nievera The Christmas season has always been the most anticipated time of the year, especially in the Philippines, which is noted worldwide with having the longest celebration of the Yuletide season. A lot of traditions have been celebrated and passed on from generation to generation during this season. And this is often celebrated in the workplace, family gatherings, as well as in universities and schools. From the lighting of gigantic Christmas trees, lively band concerts, gift-giving, colorful decorations, and majestic fireworks, surely Christmas spirit is in the air. Here are some of the Christmas festivities celebrated in the different corners of universities and colleges in Manila that have been passed down through the years: “Pasko sa Piyu” of Far Eastern University “Pasko sa Piyu” is an annual tradition of the Tamaraws that aims to showcase the talents of students in the university. Also part of the festivities is the lighting of FEU’s symbolic Christmas tree. This year’s theme is “The Nutcracker,” it aims to showcase cultural groups under the President’s committee on culture (PCC). Ballet is the main performance of the night for it to be recognized as one of the most important general dance. The Pasko sa Piyu was held last November 21, 2019 at the FEU plaza. Pasko Sa Piyu 2019 (FEU Advocate official facebook page) “Paskong Arriba” of Colegio de San Juan de Letran “Paskong Arriba” is a yearly Christmas tradition of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The tradition started with a Holy Mass and ends with a concert that features popular artists. (Photo courtesy of Media Works) This year’s Paskong Arriba will be held on December 12. The opening festivities will start with a Holy Mass followed by the formal opening, Christmas parties, and end with a Faculty cultural show. It is one of the events that Letranites look forward to every year. This year’s Christmas celebration has been made extra special with the Letran Knights amazing triumph this year in men’s basketball in the 95th NCAA season. University of the East’s lighting of the Christmas Tree The University of the East’s students, faculty, and staff gather every year at the UE Manila quadrangle to officially open the festive season by lighting the Christmas Tree with this year’s theme “Christ Must Be Celebrated” held last November 20, 2019. Opening of Yuletide season with the theme "Christ must be Celebrated" at the University of the East Manila Quadrangle, November 20, 2019.  (UE Dawn official facebook page/ JEN CATHRINE CALZO/ THEO POLICARPIO)   “Lantern Parade” of University of the Philippines The annual lantern parade of the University of the Philippines Diliman showcases unique and powerful themes that surely entice and captivates the attention of the public. Following this year’s theme “Pumailanlang” the opening festivities started with the opening of the lights which entitled “Pag-iilaw Para sa Pasko.” This will feature music, dance and spoken word performances from the UP College of Music (CM) Student Ensemble and some of UPD’s most talented students and alumni. The ceremony will be held amid a Carillon Tower and Plaza held last November 29. On December 13, the annual lantern parade will be held at the Academic Oval and the Quezon Hall Amphitheater that showcases the creativity of the students in crafting beautiful lanterns. This is annual festive is a remarkable event for the Iskos. School of Urban and Regional Planning, 1st place at UP Diliman Lantern Parade 2018. (University of the Philippines Diliman official website) “Paskuhan” of University of Santo Tomas “Paskuhan” is an annual UST Christmas celebration and the much-awaited time for students, faculty, staff, and even students’ from other schools. Every year it has a special theme, and this year’s celebration carried the theme “Harry Potter.” It featured and incorporated the magical world of Hogwarts in the design of its campus. This year Paskuhan opened its festivities with a traditional mass and “Agape” or campus-wide “salu-salo” for the Thomasian community and the overall lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree and decorations in the campus which was held last December 3. Topping all these events were live band concerts, a wide variety of food choices, and the jaw-dropping fireworks will be held on December 20 that will surely make it a memorable experience for the Thomasian community. Thomasians enjoy the pyromusical during the UST Paskuhan at the University of Santo Tomas, December 21, 2018 (Rio Leonelle Deluvio/MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)