The Benilde Culture and Arts Unit (BCAU) spread holiday cheer with EXTRO Express: All Aboard the Gift of Giving, this year’s much-anticipated Christmas concert. Held on Dec. 3 at the Benilde HiFi Parking Grounds, the event brought together the Benildean community for an evening of music, creativity, and festive performances.
The night of festive magic rolled seamlessly into its first stop with pumped-up opening performances from DJ Eros and the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company-Hiphop (SBRDC-HH), setting the tone with lively beats and dynamic choreography. As the crowd cheered and the holiday spirit began to sparkle, Ms. Nicky Templo Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, officially commenced the concert with opening remarks, inviting the community to enjoy the celebration as a well-deserved last hurrah before finals and the year-end rush.
Among the exciting singers and bands who lit up the stage were King Alvaro, Jaydee, IÚNO, Karilyo, fitterkarma, and HEY JUNE!. Each artist brought their own unique sound, performing both original songs and heartfelt renditions of popular Christmas songs, exemplifying the holiday spirit of the concert.
The art of giving
One of the talents that lit up the stage was Zaby Emperador, an ID125 student and member of SBRDC-HH from the Fashion Design (AB-FDM) program, who shared with The Benildean how refreshing it felt to perform and connect with the Benildean community, describing the preparation process as both fun and deeply bonding. Having this be the beginning of her journey as a student artist, she saw EXTRO as a milestone that shaped her growth and reaffirmed the supportive environment Benilde provides for emerging artists.
Meanwhile, Jerome Cabauatan, ID123 student and guitarist of IÚNO from the Music Production (AB-MP) program, shared that performing in front of his fellow Benildeans felt fulfilling. “Performing for this community is always different, and it's always good fun, especially with my band IÚNO, where they let me express myself as I am.” He added that performing at EXTRO helped build his confidence more as a student performer and that it pushes him to do more in school events.
When asked whether the College fosters a supportive environment for students like him, he responded, “150% agree, and I’m not just talking about musicians—visual artists, animators, everyone. There’s so much talent overflowing in this school and that talent is very much [...] fostered by our professors.” He ended the interview with The Benildean by encouraging everyone to stream their debut single “Malas.”
A celebration brought to life
Behind the spectacle of EXTRO 2025 was a vision to celebrate Benildean talent, and the Head Production Manager, Elsabeth Jean Olaer, an ID124 student from the Creative Industries Management (AB-CIM) program, shared in an interview with The Benildean that “EXTRO has always been about giving the community that little breather before finals.” She expressed how surreal it felt to watch the concert unfold after months of planning and to see the crowd fill the venue. For her, the night stood as proof of what a determined team, fueled by creativity and the Benildean spirit, can make possible.
EXTRO not only saw support from the Benildean community, but from event-goers from different colleges and universities.
Ezekiel Baldonaza, a freshman from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), shared how welcoming the energy felt. “It feels very nice because they make you feel included with the events that they have.” Drawn to come to the concert from his love for bands fitterkarma and HEY JUNE!, he was also impressed with the variety of performances shown. He shared how this event helped him loosen up and embrace the festive spirit, especially as a much needed break from the stress of upcoming finals.
The event capped off the night with a celebration that brought the community together through music, creativity, and the spirit of giving. “All Aboard the Gift of Giving” lived beyond the theme, reflected in the performances, the crowd’s energy, and the sense of connection shared by everyone who attended.
The event showcased not only the talent of Benildean artists, but also the warmth and unity that define the holiday season on campus.
