Benilde’s Center for Lasallian Ministry (CLM) held “Extro Quest 2019: A Benilde Christmas Story” (Benildyanong Panunuluyan), a symbolic reenactment of the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph through a procession held across the College’s three campuses, ending with the blessing of the Benilde Belen yesterday, Nov. 25.


Photo by Enrique Bejar

Mr. Neil Pariñas, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, commenced the event and welcomed the community to the beginning of a new Benildean tradition. He expressed that the event was for both associates and students of the College alike, and he reminded that “we are all apart of one big community.”

“I hope this will be the start of a great tradition here in Benilde,” Pariñas said as he thanked the community.

The procession began with a dance performance by the College’s resident dance troupe Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC) portraying the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The procession began with Mary and Joseph in the lead and the crowd following behind.

The City of Voices Chamber Singers followed in pursuit, serenading the community with their renditions of various Christmas songs. The procession then halted in front of Hotel Benilde, where SBRDC continued their performance.


Photo by Enrique Bejar

The procession concluded at the backgate of the Taft Campus, where the College’s Belen is located. With a final dance performance symbolizing the end of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the crowd raised their lights in celebration of the Christmas season. The Belen was then blessed by Br. Michael Valenzuela FSC. Together with the choir, the community then sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” to celebrate the Birth of Jesus.


Photo by Enrique Bejar

The Center for Lasallian Ministry advocates spiritual and holistic formation in the College community. Through various activities and programs, they aim to inspire and foster the values Saint John Baptist de La Salle and Saint Benilde Romançon lived by.