Ad Astra, the sole student organization tasked to produce the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s official yearbook, formally opened its annual yearbook subscription for the graduating batch of ID 119 and 120 students for A.Y. 2022-2023 during "AD ASTRA 2023: The Yearbook Launch,” on July 3 through their official Facebook page.

Ad Astra, formerly the Benildean Yearbook Office (BYO), spearheaded the event as a platform to introduce the new yearbook and share important details and guidelines regarding the organization’s upcoming AD ASTRA 2023 subscription.

Hosted by ID 121 Hospitality Management student Janina Concepcion and ID 120 Multimedia Arts student Dre Viernes, their enthusiasm and energetic personalities kept viewers engaged and entertained throughout the event. Despite the transition to an online space due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the yearbook launch was able to educate and enthrall its audience. This marks the second yearbook launch conducted online.

The hosts then announced that the first subscriber of AD ASTRA 2023 would get a free yearbook subscription, as well as another Benildean from a raffle draw. The winning Benildeans Sarah Chua and Alyssa Belda respectively.

Traversing the Benildean journey

The event was accompanied by stellar performances from talented artists and musicians, including exceptional Benildean talents. Inspiring messages from selected students were also presented to share ways of reaching one’s desired goals and discovering one’s truest and highest self.

The event began with a showstopping and exhilarating performance by Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC), the College’s resident dance company. 

SBRDC was followed by Ena Mori, Filipino-Japanese singer-songwriter and Benildean alumna, whose performance incorporated synth-pop elements. Meanwhile, Filipino alternative rock and emo pop band Yūgen comforted and captivated the audience with melodic tracks, infused with a mix of various genres such as jazz. 

They were then followed by Cesca, an “old soul” vocalist, pianist, and songwriter, as she set a warm and nostalgic atmosphere with her inspirational musical performance. Singer-songwriter and ID 118 Interior Design student Tala Gil (TALA) concluded the performance line-up with her heartwarming vocal melodies which reflects her exceptional musical talent and songwriting skills.

Several ID 119 students were also given the opportunity to reminisce about their Benildean journey as students who continuously aimed to achieve remarkable feats in life. Moira Ramiro, an Interior Design student, looked back on her past achievements of being able to participate and strive in various design competitions such as the Nippon Paint Asia Young Designer Awards. 

Meanwhile, Chantal Laude, a Consular and Diplomatic Affairs student, talked about how her passion and devotion led her to become a courtside reporter for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. On the other hand, Digital Filmmaking student Kaila Bergonio emphasized the importance of empowering people and raising awareness on societal issues—which then became her inspiration for her film "Tanaw."

To further highlight the aspirations of the organization for their upcoming yearbook, pre-recorded video messages of AD ASTRA 2023’s Creative Director Andre Cesar and Editor in Chief Grant Franzuela were shown.

In an interview with The Benildean, Cesar expressed that subscribers are able to freely dress themselves for their creative shots as a representation of their strength and “higher self” that is free from any expectations. 

“When brainstorming for the theme, we were inspired by the past couple of years and the resilience of all Benildeans that despite everything, we are still here, stronger than ever. It was proof that no challenge is too big to conquer which we eventually translated into the 2023 tagline, ‘Exceed What Exists,” Cesar shared.

“The yearbook's theme serves as a memento and a celebration of the beginning of a new era where students can finally go back to the way things used to be,” he added.

Meanwhile, Franzuela shared the intent of this yearbook edition was to inspire graduating students to exceed the limitations that one sets upon themselves, the social standards of society, and the beliefs and ideals that continue to cloud one’s judgment. He aspires for the students to be confident, passionate, and to continue doing their best, “May we stand up not only for ourselves, but also for the people who remain misguided, lost, and blinded,” Franzuela stated during the pre-recorded message.

AD ASTRA 2023 is available in two packages:

Package A (Digital Version): ₱3,500

• Digital yearbook accessible via the subscriber’s My Ad Astra account;
• Yearbook pictorial with basic hair and makeup services;
• Graduation Photo Package:
• One (1) 8” x 10” printed graduation photo enclosed in a glass frame;
• Eight (8) pieces printed wallet-size toga shots;
• Two (2) pieces printed 2” x 2” corporate headshots;
• Two (2) pieces printed wallet-size corporate half-body shots; and
• Four (4) pieces printed wallet-size creative shots.

Package B (Physical and Digital Version): ₱5,000

• Printed copy of the yearbook;
• Digital yearbook accessible via the subscriber’s My Ad Astra account;
• Yearbook pictorial with basic hair and makeup services;
• Graduation Photo Package:
• One (1) 8” x 10” printed graduation photo enclosed in a glass frame;
• Eight (8) pieces printed wallet-size toga shots;
• Two (2) pieces printed 2” x 2” corporate headshots;
• Two (2) pieces printed wallet-size corporate half-body shots; and
• Four (4) pieces printed wallet-size creative shots.

The subscription period runs from July 3 to July 22 only! Discover your higher self and subscribe to AD ASTRA 2023.