By Noelle Anne J Yap

6 December 2025—The Xavier University Festival Days (XUFD) 2025 concluded on December 6 after a four-day lineup of activities that gathered students, guests, alumni, faculty, and partner institutions in a celebration of community and genuine Atenean identity.

The festival’s third day began with adjustments to the schedule following a heavy rainfall advisory that postponed the XU Grade School (XUGS) Field Demonstration to the following day. Despite the suspension of basic education activities, the remaining university-wide events proceeded as planned.

Throughout the day, the Museo de Oro remained open to visitors, while the XU Crusaders Exhibition Games continued at the University Gymnasium. Simultaneously, Tugtugan Fest ran both in the morning and afternoon at the SC Grounds, providing musical performances that added to the campus atmosphere. The Xavier Stage also carried out Fertile Unrest, a site-specific roving theater performance centered on environmental awareness.

In the afternoon, the Central Student Government facilitated Katagna, Ka?, a trivia game held at the Magis Roof Deck. At the same time, the Xavier Philharmonia presented Risuonare: An XUFD Concertino at the Museo de Oro, offering a classical music showcase for festival attendees.

The evening program featured DAYGON: A Christmas Carol Contest at the Covered Courts, where various school units presented themed performances. XUGS secured first place, followed by XU Junior High School and the Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine. At Lucas Hall Grounds, the university recognized event partners and supporters during the Mission Forward: Partners and Collaborators Appreciation Night. Concurrently, Rooted: Praise Jam 2025 was held at the Main Lane, and the Xavier Box Office (XBO) resumed its musical showcase at the XU Soccer Field.

On December 6, the final day of XUFD, the University opened with the rescheduled XUGS Field Demonstration at the University Gymnasium. Across the morning, multiple sectors conducted simultaneous activities, including the Bayanihan sa Baybayon Coastal Cleanup at the XU Marine Station, Jasaan, the College Connect Opening Ceremony at the Little Theater, and the continuation of the International Association of Jesuit Engineering and Science Schools (IAJES) Asia Pacific Conference 2025.

The closing day also featured several student-led and organization-based events: Xavier Ateneo Family Feud at the SC Grounds, KAZOCON cosplay convention at the Magis Roof Deck, XU Goes K-pop Year 7 at the Main Lane, and the XU Taekwondo Tournament at the University Gymnasium. The Little Theater hosted No Prob, It’s Improv, an improv comedy performance by campus artists.

In the afternoon, the community gathered at the University Church for the Closing Mass in honor of Golden and Silver Jubilarians and alumni. Activities continued into the evening with the College Connect Grand Alumni Homecoming at the Covered Courts and the final installment of Tugtugan Fest at the SC Grounds.

The festival officially ended with two culminating performances at the Soccer Field: Hip Hop Extreme 2025 and ONE: On to the Next Era, a music event headlined by Soulthrll, signaling the close of this year’s Xavier University Festival Days.

XUFD 2025 was not only a celebration of talent and community, but also of Xavier University’s enduring legacies. Embodying the spirit of Mission Forward, it united students, alumni, faculty, and partners in advancing the Atenean identity through excellence, service, and shared purpose.