The Philippines is indeed a melting pot of cultures and traditions.

While the Philippines may be composed of scattered islands and surrounded by deep waters, these factors never became a hindrance for the Filipinos, although in different ways, to celebrate life as life ought to be celebrated, with loud music, grand festivities and happy Filipinos conquering the forces of the earth with their great energy and might of spirit.

Vibrant colors and beats, festive decorations, and an infectious atmosphere of merrymaking welcomed the first day of August as the School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management celebrated its annual Tourism Festival. Seniors and Juniors of the Association of Tourism Students filled the North Quadrangle early in the morning, fully clad with brightly colored Filipiniana costumes.

The School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management’s Association of Tourism Students came up with the Buling-Buling and MassKara festivals as part of the Centennial Celebration of Centro Escolar University. The annual Tourism Festival showcases different cultural presentations from the different provinces of the country.

The two grand festivals were featured live in a segment of ABS CBN’s morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. Winnie Cordero was the segment host.

The Juniors presented the Buling-Buling of Pandacan, a religious dance performed in honor of Sto. Nino with a modern twist. The Juniors displayed their grace and poise in the dance floor as they moved to the festive music of the Buling-Buling. Flamboyant costumes of pulsating colors glided with the gyrating Juniors, striking props of flowers, silk and indigenous materials were used to emphasize the beauty of every movement made by the dancing groups. Most groups danced with Sto. Niño statues at hand.

The exquisitely choreographed performances stunned the crowd as well as the invited guests. Among the invited guests were Robert Barbers, General Manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority and Cynthia Carrion, Assistant Secretary for Sports Tourism, Wellness and Spa of the Department of Tourism. The invited guests gave inspirational messages to the performers before the contest proper. Dr. Cristina Padolina also graced the occasion as she delivered her opening remarks. Judging the event were Ms. Josefina Guillen, Director for Dance of the Performing Arts Department of CCP; Dr. Larry Gabao, Vice President of Philippine Folk Dance Society of the Philippine Normal University; Ms. Margot Esplana, former VIP Dancer; Dr. Pricilla L. Minas, Dean of the College of Physical Recreation and Sports, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Ms. Loreto Panganiban, Head of the P.E. Department, Centro Escolar University.

Exciting festivals, great music, and smiling faces that invigorate one’s spirit of nationalism, patriotism and solidarity are experiences that not only fill one’s heart with happiness, but also experiences that inculcate Christian and Filipino Values, great experiences CEU offers to its students. Truly life happens here in CEU.