THE Bedan community gathered as the Pista ng Sto. Niño 2026 officially opened last Jan. 15, marking the start of a series of days filled with faith, activities, and performances involving the various departments and schools of the College.

Commencement Through Dance

Students from the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) and Technical High School clad in traditional Sinulog attire, opened the celebration with the Street Dance Competition. 

Rev. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, OSB, delivered his opening remarks, centered on the virtues of the Child Jesus. Emphasizing purity, humility, and obedience. The Rector President called on the Bedan community to embody these qualities in their daily lives.

“Bilang mga Bedista, yakapin natin ang mga katangian na ito araw-araw sa ating mga buhay. Upang maging nakalulugod tayong lahat sa Diyos at sa isa’t isa tulad ng Sto. Niño. Marangal kong binubuksan ngayon ang simula ng pagdiriwang ng Sto. Nino sa San Beda Alabang. Viva Sto. Nino Viva San Beda!,” said Fr. De Villa, ending his address by officially declaring the commencement of the celebration.

The enthronement of the Sto. Niño soon followed, led by Dr. Jeana A. Ariola and Dr. Wilbert Aurner Namoc, adding a solemn moment to the festivities. 

The IBED and Technical High School students performed candle-lit dances at the open field, introducing the respective strands’ Sinulog Queens from ABM, HUMSS, Technical High School, and STEM.

The Technical High School emerged as Champion, also taking home awards for Best in Costume, Best in Cultural Representation, and Best in Choreography. On the other hand, the STEM strand earned Best Street Dance and Best in Batch Spirit, finishing as First Runner-up, followed by ABM and HUMSS as Second and Third Runner-up, respectively.

Exhibiting Faith

Hosted by the Technical High School department, the Sto. Niño Exhibit officially opened at the Our Lady of Montserrat (OLM) Lobby, featuring various representations of the Sto. Niño, including the Santo Niño de Cebu, Sto. Niño de Palaboy, and San Bambino of Aracoeli.

Furthermore, in line with the celebration of 100 years of Benedictine identity and legacy, the DALANGINAN: Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat Exhibit was also held at the San Beda College Alabang Museum, which will run from today up until the 15th of March.

Food stalls and concessionaires were also set up at the Covered Court and OLM grounds, and  will remain open until Jan. 17.

Day 1 Finale

The afternoon featured the Battle of the Bands at the St. Maur Auditorium, which began at 1:00 p.m. Five student bands competed, namely 9Volt, Rilkean Heart, Overstay, Yakap, and Over the Horizon. Yakap emerged as champion; Over the Horizon claimed 1st runner-up, while 9volt placed 2nd runner-up.

Day 1 concluded with Visage Kids deep in the afternoon, featuring participants from the Nursery and Middle School departments as they strode through donning various attire.

As this year’s Pista ng Sto. Niño continues, the opening day sets the tone for the upcoming days of celebration, especially in anticipation of much-awaited events such as Mr & Ms. San Beda 2026.