In celebration of the institution’s 125th year, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) community gathered in a lively festivity of fun, interaction, and passion to usher in the highly anticipated PNU Student Fair and Students’ Night—the culmination of the university’s anniversary celebration for students, held at the PNU Gymnasium and Open Grounds last Saturday, September 19, 2026. Beyond student engagement, entertainment, and organization recruitment, the event primarily aimed to rekindle and celebrate the youthful spirit within the community, guided by the theme “Kalye 125: Keeping Alive The Legacy of Youth Excellence of PNUans.”

The event opened its doors to every member of the PNU community—welcoming current students, alumni, and non-PNUans alike. More than an anniversary celebration, PNU Fair 2026 served as a welcome break, allowing students to enjoy campus life outside the classroom. By offering interactive games and affordable merchandise through student-run booths, accredited student organizations were able to generate funds, promote their initiatives, and recruit new members—fostering a strong sense of community among future educators.

On the same day, the Culminating Activity for the courses Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness 1 and 2 (PATHFit 1 and 2) took place at the PNU Gymnasium. Spearheaded by the Institute for Creative Expressions and Human Movement Education (ICEHME), first- and second-year students competed with original dance exercise choreographies for their Mass Demo competition. Each group showcased creativity, passion, and grit as they lit up the dance floor under the guidance and support of their course professors. Toward the end of the activity, everyone joined in the PNU Wellness Dancercise alongside PATHFit faculty members.

For the first-year category, Performer 5—composed of students from BPHED I-27, BPHED I-28, and BSE-FIL I-34—was crowned champion, with Mx. Zaila Candido from BCAED I-26 named the batch’s Best Performer. In the second-year division, Performer 8—comprising students from BCAED, BEED-LRL II-5, BSNED II-10, BSE-GENSCIE II-15, SBMALLE II-32, and SBMWKF II-33—took home the championship title, while Mx. Sophia Hernando from BSNED II-10 received the Best Performer award.

To cap off the day, students gathered once again at the PNU Gymnasium for Students’ Night. Opening the program was Dr. Joel Malabanan, a faculty performer and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Literature (FLL), followed by performances from fellow faculty members and students. The spotlight remained on these performers as they showcased their talents, passion, creativity, and artistry, setting an energetic mood for the night. Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) Director Dr. Merimee Siena also took the stage to encourage students to unwind, move to the beat, and enjoy the celebration. Additionally, Prof. Sheila Marie Dela Peña performed her rendition of “This Heart.”

The night concluded with a collective sing-along to Yeng Constantino’s “Hawak Kamay”—a song celebrating unity and mutual support—as attendees held hands to form a massive circle inside the venue. The program drew to a close amid loud music, joyful laughter, and bright smiles across the PNUan community.

More than a simple event, the fair served as a venue where the stage went beyond entertainment to amplify student advocacies and campaigns—igniting social responsibility and awareness. As the PNU Student Fair and Students’ Night came to an end, it left behind more than just memorable names and performances. Ultimately, it created lasting memories, unlocked a youthful spirit, and established new traditions defining the PNUan experience. The celebration demonstrated that university life extends beyond the classroom—it is felt in the streets, corridors, and open grounds, keeping the legacy of youth excellence alive among future educators.

Article written by Chelsea Mae Raña of the PNU Manila Creative Team