‘Unforgettaboy5’ creates unforgettable moments

'Cause you'll be in my heart 
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on, now and forever more 
-From the song “You’ll be in My Heart” by Phil Collins 

Late afternoon of Friday, 14 March 2025, as most folks were getting ready for a well-deserved weekend, Ateneo de Manila’s Grade 5 Boys’ Bonding Night (BBN) program, “Unforgettaboy5,” was about to commence. The BBN has been a treasured annual tradition of the Grade School for many years. It is an event that fosters unforgettable moments between the Grade 5 boys and their adult companions in a night of fun and heartwarming moments. Kicking off “Unforgettaboy5” were our incredible emcees, Ms. Miriam Ruivivar and Mr. Paul Barral, who brought an enthusiasm so electric that you could feel the covered courts erupt with an energy to match theirs. A prayer was led after this by Daddy Jor-el and Kal-el of 5-Yakan, who asked God for the grace of an enjoyable event ahead filled with many unforgettable memories. 

Following this were the opening remarks from Headmaster Mr. Jervy Robles, who gave a short anecdote about his father and how grateful Sir Jervy is for the time he still has to spend with him even as he has become an adult himself. He then encouraged this love between the boys and their adult companions as they continue to journey with one another in their lives. He concluded by reminding the companions and their sons of how they should cherish these moments with each other, as one can never be sure about when moments like these will present themselves again in the future.

The excitement level continued to rise when the boys and their companions presented their team cheers, spilling over to the team games that followed. These were punctuated by a duet performance by Daddy Loonie and his son King from 5-Tausug, who sang dad’s  original song “Tao Lang.” Following this was a joint performance by Daddy Loonie and Grade 5’s own Dying Cockroach band performing “Kaleidoscope World” and “Sweet Child of Mine” as their encore.

The event reached its peak when the grade 5 boys began their surprise performance of “You’ll Be In My Heart,” which was followed by an exchange of letters written by both the Grade 5 boys and their companions to one another. As a heartwarming silence could be felt between the companions and the Grade 5 boys, a video presentation began to play showing each Grade 5 boy having a cherished moment with his dad.

An awarding ceremony then followed which was led by Ms. Maia Asonza (Grade 5 Level Coordinator) and Mrs. Virgie Esteves (Assistant Headmaster for Formation). Multiple awards were given during the ceremony, with 5-Tausug earning the title of Team Games Champion. Special awards for the most energetic, dynamic, enthusiastic, and creative teams were given as well. Individual awards were given to Tywin Juliano G. Mangibin of 5-Yakan and Jeremy Leo L. Tolentino of 5-Maguindanao for naming this year’s BBN event, while Daddy Ar. Eric Ricafort of 5-Dumagat also received an award for designing the T-shirt this year.

The event concluded with the closing remarks of Ms. Asonza and the final prayer led by Daddy Marlon and Marius Manaol of 5-Maguindanao. A few more moments of silence and reflection between the boys and their companions followed. 

The “Unforgettaboy5” Boys Bonding Night once again continued the tradition of creating special memories and forming bonds between the boys and their companions long after the program had ended. Because the event exemplifies how bonds can continue to grow and be strengthened within the Ateneo Grade School community, it is no wonder that the BBN is treasured like no other event in AGS.

To the Grade 5 boys, may you continue to endure and reach out to others in need as you grow in understanding as to what it means to be a man for others. May this event find a special place in your hearts as you all look back fondly on this unforgettable night between you and your father figures.