Celebrating XUGS Family Day 2025: A Huge Success!
The Xavier University Grade School (XUGS) Family Day 2025, held on March 8, 2025 (Saturday) at the XUGS Pueblo Campus in Cagayan de Oro City, was a day filled with joy, bonding, and memorable experiences for students, parents, faculty, and staff. This year’s theme, “One Earth, One Family, Countless Stories,” emphasized the importance of unity, inclusivity, and shared experiences among families and the school community.
The event aimed to strengthen family ties and foster a sense of community within the school. It provided a mix of spiritual activities, exciting games, friendly competitions, and entertainment. Each activity reflected the countless stories families create together, building a strong foundation of love and support in an ever-changing world.
A Day to Remember: Highlights of XUGS Family Day 2025
The XUGS Family Day was packed with activities that engaged families from morning until evening, ensuring that everyone had something to look forward to. Here’s a detailed recap of the day’s events:
Opening Parade: A Grand Start (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM)
The event commenced with a vibrant Opening Parade at the XUSHS Grounds, where students, parents, and faculty members proudly marched together, showcasing school spirit and unity. The students displayed creative banners and team colors, making the parade a spectacular sight to behold.
Adding to the parade’s excitement was the Festival Performance and Parade, where each grade level showcased their creativity and cultural appreciation through themed festival performances:
- Kinder – Panagbenga Festival
- Grade 1 – Ati-Atihan Festival
- Grade 2 – Masskara Festival
- Grade 3 – Kaamulan Festival
- Grade 4 – Sinulog Festival
- Grade 5 – Higantes Festival
- Grade 6 – Kadayawan Festival
Through these performances, the students celebrated the diversity of Filipino culture, reinforcing the theme of One Earth, One Family, Countless Stories.
Holy Mass: Strengthening Faith Together (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
After the parade, families gathered at XASC (Xavier Ateneo Sports Center) for a Holy Mass, emphasizing the importance of faith in family life. The solemn yet uplifting celebration provided a moment for reflection and thanksgiving, setting a meaningful tone for the rest of the day.
Opening Ceremony: Setting the Festive Mood (11:00 AM – 12:00 NN)
The Opening Ceremony at XASC officially launched the Family Day program. The PTA Confederated Board officers, school administrators, faculty, and staff warmly welcomed the attendees. Their heartfelt speeches highlighted the significance of the event in fostering strong family values and community engagement. The theme “One Earth, One Family, Countless Stories” was reinforced, reminding everyone that family bonds and shared experiences shape meaningful stories that last a lifetime.
Lunch Break: A Time to Share and Bond (12:00 NN – 1:00 PM)
Families enjoyed a delightful lunch at the XUGS Grounds. This break allowed families to bond over delicious food while preparing for the exciting activities in the afternoon.
Afternoon Program: Fun, Food, and Exciting Activities
Games and Playground (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
The afternoon resumed with a series of fun-filled games at XASC, where students, parents, and teachers participated in friendly competitions. The playground was also open for younger children to enjoy, making it a fun-filled experience for all ages.
The Grand Cook-Off: Showcasing Culinary Talents (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
One of the day’s highlights was The Grand Cook-Off, held at the Track Oval & Soccer Field. Families competed in cooking challenges, demonstrating their creativity and culinary skills. The event featured delicious home-cooked dishes, which were later shared and enjoyed by the participants. This activity perfectly embodied the theme as it showcased how diverse flavors come together to create a shared experience, much like families writing their own unique stories.
XUGS Family Fun Run: Fitness and Fun Combined (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
The Family Fun Run brought energy and excitement to the Track Oval & Soccer Field, as families ran together to promote health and wellness. Parents and children alike completed the race, celebrating their achievements with high-fives and smiles at the finish line.
Food Bazaar and Carnival Rides (All-Day Event)
Throughout the day, families enjoyed the Food Bazaar, featuring a variety of delicious snacks and meals. Meanwhile, the Carnival Rides added an extra thrill, with children and parents alike experiencing the joy of classic amusement rides.
Evening Festivities: Music, Entertainment, and Movie Night
Dinner Time: A Feast for the Family (6:30 PM)
After an active afternoon, families gathered once again at the XUGS Grounds for a hearty dinner. The shared meals strengthened family bonds and provided time to relax before the evening’s entertainment.
Night Cafe and Live Band Performances (6:30 PM onwards)
The Night Cafe at the XUGS Grounds offered a cozy setting where families could enjoy snacks, refreshments, and live acoustic music. Adding to the excitement, the evening featured special performances from Syrens, G-Wyll, 4ID Band, and the Jesuit Brothers, making the night even more entertaining and memorable. These performances resonated with the theme by highlighting the shared passion for music and storytelling through melodies.
Movie Night: Ending the Day on a High Note (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
The Family Day concluded with a special Movie Night at the Track Oval & Soccer Field. Families gathered under the night sky to watch a heartwarming film, capping off a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. The movie reflected the essence of One Earth, One Family, Countless Stories, reminding everyone that every shared moment adds to a lifetime of treasured experiences.
Gratitude and Appreciation
The Xavier University Grade School community extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of Family Day 2025. Special thanks to the PTA Confederated Board officers, administrators, faculty, and staff for their dedication in making this event truly memorable.
To all the families who joined and participated—thank you for making this day extraordinary! Your enthusiasm, support, and love made this celebration a wonderful experience for everyone.
Looking Forward to XUGS Family Day 2026
As we reflect on this fantastic event, we eagerly anticipate next year’s Family Day, where even more exciting activities and unforgettable moments await. Until then, let’s continue to uphold the values of unity, faith, and fun that make the Xavier University Grade School community truly special.
