The AD ASTRA 2025 Yearbook Launch Party took center stage on May 30 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez (ARG) Theater, giving dreamers their newest theme that encourages graduating Benildeans to take to the skies.
Revolving on the idea of exploring the endless possibilities of one’s self and their future, AD ASTRA 2025’s theme dares individuals to dream bigger than the vast sky. In an interview with The Benildean, ID121 Multimedia Arts student course and Ad Astra: The Benildean Yearbook’s Editor in Chief, Jo Velarde shared her insights on what makes this yearbook edition so special.
“In this yearbook edition, AD ASTRA wanted to encapsulate the idea of Benildean graduates to embrace themselves and never fear what lies ahead; to accept all their various forms and open themselves to a realm of limitless possibilities,” they said.
Opening the door to endless possibilities
The launch party was filled with a myriad of exciting and interactive booths, including a photo booth by Photofavor Photo Booth Services, live portrait art sketches by artists Makisoda and Jam_Bby, Mario Kart and Cotton Bowl game booths, a Freedom Wall, and a set designed exclusively to fit AD ASTRA’s newest theme. raffle prizes, a chance to win a free yearbook subscription, and various performances were also enjoyed by the event’s attendees.
The event was open to Benildean Senior High School and College students, as well as Benildean associates who wished to attend. Ms. Nicky Tempo-Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, kicked off the event with an opening speech first thanking the Student Publications Unit and Ad Astra: The Benildean Yearbook for hosting the event, and then acknowledging the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit and the Stage Production Operations Team for co-organizing the yearbook’s launch.
Performances by student organizations, Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company-Contemporary, Coro San Benildo, and Dulaang Filipino also entertained guests with their exhilarating performances. Other performers namely Filipino singer-songwriter, Clara Benin, and ID121 Benilde Multimedia Arts student Jiji, who performed a cover of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” as well as her own original music, also graced the stage with their musical performances.
Take to the skies
“The sky is yours to explore,” Velarde said, when asked to summarize the theme into one sentence. They explained how they and the rest of the organization’s staff wanted to embody the journey of the Benildean graduate. “The theme for AD ASTRA 2025 encourages Benildean graduates to look back at their experiences and be, or will soon become, the best version of themselves.”
The yearbook’s cloud elements help to fully encompass this idea. “Similar to clouds, we go through various stages that shape us into who we are today,” Velarde shared. “From our Frosh year to now, finally graduating in 2025, little by little, we eventually find ourselves becoming who we dreamt of being from the beginning.”
Graduating ID121 and Multimedia Arts student, Sophia Mikhaela Robles, shared in an interview how the theme resonated with how she wants to take on the post-graduation life. “I look forward to what the clouds unravel for me in the future. I’m expecting some rain showers as much as I expect sunshine. That’s the cycle of life. It’s not always gonna be a sunny day.”
“There will be storms ahead. But that’s fine. That’s how I’ll transform into the best version of myself–by braving through the storms of uncertainties then enjoying the rewards of a cloudy sunset sky,” she emphasized.
An open invitation to all dreamers
Ensuring inclusivion, the event was open to all members of the Benildean community, not just graduating students. FSL interpreters were also present to accommodate the Deaf attendees. Velarde also shared that organization’s staffers also took part in an FSL and Deaf Awareness seminar prior to the launch, helping staffers in communicating with interested Deaf subscribers.
“Even though our College journey may be concluding soon, our dreams and aspirations are endless,” Velarde said when asked for what they hope to impart on this year’s graduating students through the yearbook. “As someone who is also graduating soon and is part of this year’s yearbook, AD ASTRA 2025, “I hope every Benildean graduate discovers how much they are capable of becoming the best version of themselves—how their potential can help them reach their dreams,” they concluded.
If your last academic term is within A.Y. 2024-2025, AD ASTRA 2025 is your yearbook. Interested graduating students only have until June 21, 2024 to subscribe to the first batch of subscriptions. Batch 2 will open in the first term of A.Y. 2024-2025.
More details on the yearbook packages, subscription processes, and other FAQs can be found on the AD ASTRA 2025 website. Additionally, students can stay up to date by following the organization’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
