Benildeans witnessed the AD ASTRA 2026 yearbook launch as it officially unfolded on May 29 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzales (ARG) Theater, Taft Campus. The celebration featured performances by Benildean talents that brought woven memories to life.
“The constant cycle of growth that mirrors the deliberate action of sewing [it] reflects the tapestry of the college journey, college is the time to build the best memories [and] AD ASTRA has once again been given the task of capturing shared experiences, preserving the moments that matter,” Ms. Nicky Templo Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, expressed in her opening remarks.
Ad Astra, the official student organization tasked to produce the college yearbook, hopes that the incoming graduates will bring a part of their past with them as they continue forward.
Jurela Ann Oh, Ad Astra’s Creative Director, shared in an interview with The Benildean, “[...] We landed on the idea of merging the past and the present—of weaving them together. It's about carrying everything forward. We often forget why we started in the first place or how we got here. But once we remember that, it’s like everything makes sense again. I believe that no matter the challenges, we can move forward once we reconnect with that part of ourselves.”
The 2026 theme for AD ASTRA—the official yearbook organization of Benilde—feels personally close to home. Oh expressed, “Our generation often feels lost, we question if we’re still on the right path. Through this theme, I want to remind people to reconnect with their beginnings and remember what drives them.”
As an organization, Ad Astra was able to be a part of every Benildean's core college memory. Their Editor in Chief, Max Soliman, shared the Benildean value that they closely observed when making the yearbook.
“[...] Each Benildean is very different from the rest… But I think the thread that weaves us all to remain largely Benildean in identity is how we're able to anchor these various identities… Kahit na magkakaiba tayo ng tapestry, it still reflects our identity as Benildean-Lasallians through the core values and expressions Benilde imparts on us before we graduate.”
The hues of woven memories
Upon entering the ARG Theater, guests were welcomed by warm amber and orange hues, accented by Filipino woven elements like bilao and decorative room dividers. Interactive stalls encouraged guests to explore, play, and make new memories with game booths like the “Overcooked Sari-Sari Store” with winners announced later in the evening. A photo booth captured the beautifully woven-themed outfits worn in line with the event’s dress code.
Beyond the fun activities, the highlight of the night was a free yearbook subscription awarded to the first student to register on the subscription website—an exciting giveaway that sparked plenty of positive buzz. Other prizes from raffles and games included exclusive AD ASTRA merchandise and additional free yearbook subscriptions.
Aside from unveiling the yearbook theme, the launch also featured performances by Karilyo, Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC) - Contemporary, Coro San Benildo, and Dulaang Filipino, which celebrated Benildean talent.
The night’s acts were accompanied by well-loved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) that perfectly captured the essence of college life. One standout was a Benildean drag artist named MAMSER—a 122 Multimedia Arts (ABMMA) student, whose drag performance captivated the audience with catchy tunes and an inspiring backstory.
Additionally, guest performers, Ysanygo, stole the show with their heartfelt original songs and undeniable sibling-duo chemistry.
Threading a new beginning
In college, the goal is often to graduate with flying colors—but stepping into the real world is something no one feels fully prepared for. As an ABMMA ID121 senior, Lizelle Solidum shared, “[...] It’s intimidating because even though I’m a senior student [...] I don’t feel ready, but I’m excited for new opportunities.” The AD ASTRA 2026 yearbook launch stirred deep nostalgia for Solidum, as familiar songs on stage brought back vivid memories that moved her to tears—with graduation just around the corner.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, she shared, “[...] With our theme [that’s] Filipino-based… I think… going back to one's roots can help you keep yourself grounded. Especially, as someone who’s an incoming graduate soon, it’s very daunting. I have to ground myself by knowing how I got or why I got in here.”
To close the interview, Solidum offered a heartfelt message for her peers, “Always be grateful. Always be grateful for opportunities, always be grateful to even fail… essentially just be in the moment and good luck sa atin and I hope… we ground ourselves as much as possible.”
The night was filled with both woven memories and those still waiting to be threaded—celebrating not only the launch of the 2026 yearbook theme, but also the journey the incoming graduates have threaded with Benilde. It was a night to rekindle the flame of inspiration, return to our roots, remember our reason, and look ahead with courage towards the concrete manifestations of a student’s hard work—a diploma with our names on it.
Ms. Dayanara Cudal, the head of the Student Publications Unit (SPU) of Benilde, ended the night with a closing speech that impacted the hearts of the people in the ARG Theater. “[...] Ang importanteng panghawakan natin ay ang ating mga prinsipiyo’t paniniwala, adbokasiya, pangarap, at pag-ibig. Itong mga ito ang mag sisilbing gabay natin sa bawat araw.”
For more information about the Ad Astra 2026 yearbook subscriptions, make sure to check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
