AD ASTRA 2027 opens its doors for subscription to A.Y. 2026–2027 graduating Benildean students, on June 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the 5/F Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez (ARG) Theater, Taft Campus. The yearbook launch was a curated night where Benildeans had their own red carpet moment.
This edition of AD ASTRA 2027 theme revolves around “the grand spectacle” and “red carpet,” a straightforward concept that allows students to ditch the sweats and dress up to be on the receiving end of the paparazzi flashes as they #TakeCenterStage.
Rolling out the red carpet
In an interview with The Benildean, Shaine Mias, an ID123 student from the Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA) program and Editor in Chief of Ad Astra, shared the story behind the development of the theme. “AD ASTRA 2027 was formed through a long conceptualization process and various meetings by the Ad Astra editorial board, primarily led by our Creative Director, Gabriel Rosales. The initial stepping point was focused on student life after a long day of classes.”
Mias stated that the team reflected on the emotions and exhausted state of students in routines stretched over years that seem to fly by. But in those years, there are small but meaningful moments that make a college journey worthwhile, moments often overlooked, such as “[...] the feeling of going home after class and meeting the sunset [turning] to dusk—a moment in time of relief as you bask in the sunlight, fresh air, and a new tomorrow, as we carry internal struggles each day.”
From this, Mias said that the team shifted to more idealistic and optimistic themes that could do justice to the hardships Benildeans experienced in their college journey. He shared that “AD ASTRA 2027 ultimately invites students to realize that every step of their journey is worth celebrating, awarding them with a grand spotlight for making it to the end of their journey. The success they earn is not entirely measured by wins, but also defined by the losses, challenges, and battles they continue to fight and overcome.”
Rosales shared in an interview with The Benildean, “[...] I shifted my approach from looking backward to looking forward… I aimed to create a theme that would make the students feel recognized and celebrated for their journey through college.
That’s why I formulated three outfit theme choices for the yearbook creative shots: the Black Tie for those who seek a simple and clean look; Modern Gala, a colorful option for those who wanted to add some vibrancy to their formal attire; and the Avante-Garde for those who really wanted to express their fit with artistry and boldness.
This approach helped highlight their achievements and individuality, making them feel that their efforts were truly worthwhile. This forward-looking perspective provided a clearer direction for the theme and allowed for more meaningful and tangible creative elements.”
A dazzling night of true stardom
On the night of June 4, the ARG Theater was transformed into a venue perfectly fit for stars where every corner served as a photo spot. There were also multiple booths present: AD ASTRA 2027 Set Design sneak peek, Photo Booth by MiniTreasures, Strike a Pose!, Jeopardy, Match the Object, AD ASTRA Yearbook Exhibit, and a Kiko Milano booth.
The yearbook launch started with opening remarks from Mr. Levi Albania, Dean of the Center for Student Life (CSL). “Today we celebrate more than just the launch of a yearbook, we celebrate a moment of arrival and recognition,” Mr. Albania further explained how this AD ASTRA edition is especially meaningful as it brings together the stories of graduates from both the Manila and Antipolo campus.
Performances by a talented line up of stars: Din Delish, Uxhaina, Micha Torres, The Cohens, and Dulaang Filipino—filled the stage with their star power and charisma, earning cheers and joyous applauses from the crowd. One of the most notable performances was by Ms. Micha Torres as she brought the whole theater back in time through her beautiful violin and nostalgic hits such as “Mamma Mia” by ABBA and “Material Girl” by Madonna.
A spectacle start and end
Agizil Antzi Yabut, an ID125 student from the Diplomacy and International Affairs (AB-DIA) program, won as one of the best dressed stars from the crowd. Yabut, who is on her first term in the College as a transferee student, shared with The Benildean that her expectations for the event were exceeded. “[..] I was expecting it to be, well, fun. I actually did have fun… But I didn't really expect the venue, I thought we were actually going to be watching an actual theater play. But it's better than I expected though, so that's what I was expecting, but it exceeded my expectations.”
On the other hand, John Raphael Cadungog, an ID122 Governance and Public Affairs (AB-GPA) student, won a free yearbook subscription for being the first star to register during the launch. As a graduating student, Cadungog shares in an interview with The Benildean, “I am a bit sentimental thinking about that, actually, because college is such a rich experience. As they say, ‘minsan ka lang magiging college,’ and I can’t believe that ‘minsan’ is about to come to an end.”
Both Yabut and Cadungog coincidentally represented the start and end of the red carpet called “college,” despite being in different phases in life, by both agreeing that yearbooks are important keepsakes that preserve memories. “[...] the yearbook is very important because it is a documentation of what life was like in college. And college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; the yearbook is a beautiful reminder of the youth we once had,” Cadungog expressed.
The glamorous night ended with closing remarks and warm gratitude from Ms. Dayanara Cudal, the head of the Student Publications Unit (SPU), where she said, “This year's theme asks us, ‘which moment of your journey highlights your triumphs?’ Your college life is made up of moments worth remembering. Some may please you, but many others make you realize that you're stronger than you give yourself credit for. The same exact strength will lead you to your eventual triumph.”
It was definitely a night filled with glamorous stars looking back and reminiscing, but the real award-winning individuals are Ad Astra—the organization behind the dazzling night. This organization makes it their job to ensure that Benildeans walk out of the College with a lovingly-made yearbook in their hand, serving as a reminder of students’ strengths and meaningful moments within the Benildean community. The night was not only to celebrate the graduating students, but the members behind the glamorous events, who went out of their way to provide a time capsule for each student.
To end the interview, Cadungog conveyed, “Minsan lang tayo maging college, and the yearbook is a beautiful time capsule of what was and how it was during our time. So subscribe to Ad Astra!”
Check out Ad Astra’s Facebook, Instagram pages, and official website for more information on the AD ASTRA 2027 subscription.
