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Faith Illuminates the Night

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

24 November 2025

The spirit of Advent Season officially arrived at Dominican International School (DIS) on November 24, 2025, as the school community gathered for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held in front of the school's lobby from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the event, which centered deeply on the theme of Faith, brought together students, faculty, staff, parents and guardians, and special guests in a heartwarming kickoff to the season.


A Celebration of Biblical Faith

The ceremony's highlight was the Lumina Pandit casts, a moving staging of pivotal moments of faith from the Bible. The audience witnessed the profound faithfulness of Abraham and his family, portrayed by Mr. Jofil Collado (Abraham), Ms. Robeth Collado (Sarah), and Renaissance Collado (Isaac). The powerful drama was enhanced by the voices of Mr. John Erick Moje (Abraham and Narrator), Ms. Blanca Deliararte (Sarah), and Theo Lok of Grade 3 St. Francis (Isaac) as the voice-over cast. The ceremony also paid homage to the Holy Family, with Mr. Arcel Joseph Amoguis taking the role of St. Joseph and Ms. Vivian Lee as Mother Mary.


Voices and Strings Serenade the Holy Family

As the Holy Family was presented, the air filled with the beautiful harmony of the D’TORCH Choir, under the musical direction of Ms. Jessica Ng, and the Junior D’TORCH Orchestra, whose participation underscored the musical richness of the event. A truly special moment came when Mr. Samir Eddio and Dr. Clarencia Eddio joined the performance, lending their voices to the beloved Christmas classic, "Silent Night."


Blessing the Light

The event's sacred core was led by the school’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Tomasz Zalewski, O.P., who performed the opening prayer and the solemn blessing of the magnificent Christmas Tree. He was joined by respected members of the community, including Sr. Cecilia Hsu, O.P., Sr. Lorna Alamares, O.P., and Mr. Willis Lu, the VIP Chairperson. The D’TORCH Orchestra, under the musical direction of Mr. Ronaldo Francisco, further elevated the atmosphere with their skillful musical contributions throughout the evening.


A Message of Hope

The warm welcoming message was delivered by Sr. Jacqueline Manuel, O.P., who reflected on the significance of the season and the power of light amidst darkness. She concluded her message with a poignant short prayer from St. John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church: "Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; One step enough for me." The inspiring words encapsulated the faith-centric theme of the lighting ceremony and set a hopeful tone for the coming weeks.


The festive evening culminated with the entire assembly joining in the cheerful singing of the classical Christmas Carol, “We wish you a Merry Christmas,” officially marking the start of the holiday season at DIS.