ATENEO de Davao University (AdDU) once again ignited the flames of creativity and excellence as the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), through the Ateneo Culture and Arts Cluster, spearheaded another dynamic edition of Pag-Inunongay: The Ateneo Arts Fest and the Festival of Excellence 2025. This annual tradition has evolved into more than just a celebration—it has become a powerful platform where students are encouraged to embrace their artistic potential, engage with their communities, and uphold the values of academic and cultural distinction.
Fiery A. Majadas, Program Officer for Ateneo Culture and Arts under the Office of Student Affairs, emphasized the festival’s role in fostering holistic formation among students.
“For Atenistas, this festival is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about creating spaces for artistic expression, critical discourse, and community engagement. It is a transformative experience that embodies the Atenean spirit,” Majadas shared.
Originally launched nine years ago, the festival was inspired by Presidential Proclamation No. 683 (January 28, 1991), which declared February as National Arts Month. Since its inception, the festival—comprising Pag-Inunongay: The Ateneo Arts Fest and the Festival of Excellence—has expanded its reach, now encompassing artistic, academic, spiritual, and community-driven initiatives.
A clearer vision for 2025
With the theme, “ARTenean Harvest: Celebrating Ateneo’s Creative Magis and Mindanao’s Cultural Diversity,” this year’s theme set the stage for an enriched experience, with carefully curated events that embodied artistic growth and cultural appreciation. The festival introduced a well-defined distinction between its two major components. Pag-Inunongay, held from January to February, focused on immersive workshops where students explored various art forms and disciplines. The Festival of Excellence, on the other hand, was the grand culmination, taking place from March 10-15 and featuring a vibrant array of competitions, performances, and showcases that brought these creative and intellectual pursuits to life.
The festival officially opened on March 10, beginning with a solemn Mass at the Our Lady of Assumption Chapel. This was followed by a formal opening ceremony that set the stage for an exciting week ahead.
Among the much-anticipated events were Agik-ik, a theatrical showcase of wit and humor; Esporre, an exhibition of artistic prowess through photography; Diskurso, an intellectual discourse competition; Lihok, a dynamic display of movement and dance; and Mugna, the prestigious short filmmaking contest. Other notable activities included Maanyagong Adbokasiya, which emphasized advocacies for social change, as well as Utakan, a battle of wits, and the Grand Final for Diskurso.
Ateneo Culture and Arts ClusterAs the festival drew to a close on March 15, students showcased their talent in headdress and mascot making with Obra, while the energy peaked with Sadsad, a vibrant and spirited performance, followed by the highly anticipated Festival of Excellence Awarding Ceremony. The event was graced with a special performance from Davao City-based singer-songwriter Maan Chua. This final event recognized the outstanding talents, efforts, and contributions of students who exemplified Ateneo’s core values of excellence, service, and cultural pride.
Beyond the dazzling performances and fierce competitions, the Festival of Excellence 2025 stood as a testament to the power of art and knowledge in shaping individuals and strengthening communities. As Ateneo de Davao continues to champion holistic growth, the Festival of Excellence stands as a beacon of inspiration—proving that excellence, creativity, and community engagement are not just aspirations but a way of life. RGL