The third gate of St. Paul University Dumaguete buzzed like a fairground long before PauliFest 2025 officially began. Students, families, and friends filled the walkways shoulder to shoulder, excitement glowing in their faces. For many, this wasn’t just another school event — it was a long-awaited reunion. Friends from different schools crossed paths again, laughing as if no time had passed at all.

Inside, the SPUD Ballfield and nearby halls transformed into a galaxy of lights and roaring cheers. The energy erupted the moment the Battle of the Bands began. Representing every department — CBIT, CON, CASE, Senior High School, and Junior High School — student performers stunned the crowd with raw talent that could rival any live concert. Guitars screamed, drums thundered, and voices soared. It wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration of artistry, courage, and the unifying power of music.

When the judges were introduced, the excitement surged — but nothing compared to the arrival of the night’s most awaited guests. As soon as Earl Agustin and Dana Paulene stepped into the spotlight, the cheers became deafening. Phone cameras lit up like constellations. The crowd sang along, jumped, laughed, and cried all at once. For a fleeting moment, the world outside the campus disappeared — leaving only the stars on stage and the hearts beating in rhythm before them.

Lights shimmered like new stars over Dumaguete. Music swelled where morning hymns once echoed. Strangers became friends amid laughter, shared selfies, and unfiltered joy. It was the kind of night no one wanted to end.

But even the brightest nights must fade.

When the last song ended and the lights dimmed, something lingered — not sadness, but a quiet warmth. A memory. A reminder that moments like these don’t just pass; they stay, glowing softly in the heart.

One hundred twenty-one years is a long time. But the longest stories are always the ones worth retelling.

We are part of a legacy.

We are breathing history.

We are the newest chapters in a story still being written.

And the best part?

We get to keep writing.