After the Institutional Mass, the entire Ateneo Community opened the Atfest 09 with a parade of floats and cheers last December 1, 2009. The different colleges, departments, and units of the university gathered and marched in the city’s downtown area to announce the opening of the Fiesta.
Different contests were also held during this event. For the float contest, the School of Medicine emerged victorious with their depiction of one hundred years of Ateneo’s service and leadership in the communities. The Accountancy Ardent Tigers garnered the second place followed by the College of Nursing White Angels placing third.
The College of Education phoenix grabbed the gold for being the liveliest and loudest group despite their small population. This is the second consecutive year that the college has won the award. Second place went to the Accountancy Tigers and the Nursing Angels placed third.
The future doctors from the School of Medicine nailed the Shirt Design Competition. Following at second and third were the CSIT Griffins and Management Lions respectively.
The parade concluded at the Multi Purpose Covered Courts where the Opening Program was held. Representatives from the different units paraded their banners to symbolize unity. Mrs Manuela Quimson, Overall Chair of the Steering Committee, lit the symbolic flame and officially declared the Atfest open. Afterwards, Mr Tyrone Chua led the athletes present in the pledging of the Athlete’s oath.
The Opening Ceremony was sponsored by the El Consejo Atenista. The hosts for the event were Ms Francel De Leon and El Consejo President Christian Olasiman.
