Pistanislao 2025: AJHS honors patron St Stanislaus Kostka with prayer, reflection, and festive activities

On 13-14 November 2025, the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) kicked off Pistanislao, its annual celebration of the feast day of the school's patron, St Stanislaus Kostka SJ. Started last year, the event is a celebration wherein the school holds various activities to honor its patron.

The event began with a Mass in the AJHS Covered Courts, celebrated by the Vice President for Basic Education, Fr Jonjee Sumpaico SJ. Before the processional, students representing their classes and dressed as St Kostka paraded down the aisle for the “Kostka Lookalike” activity. In his very relatable homily, recently ordained deacon Rev Bien Cruz, SJ—an AHS alumnus—emphasized the value of gratitude and the importance of recognizing the blessings that God has given us.

The Mass was followed by a program that was hosted by Jesuit brothers, wherein St Kostka's brief but eventful life was focused on. There were reflections of St Kostka by the various brothers, who shared the impact of the saint on their vocation as Jesuits. The program included a trivia contest about St Kostka, as well as songs that the Jesuits led the community in singing.

After lunch, there was a film viewing of a documentary on Filipinos being considered for sainthood that was held in the classrooms, moderated by the Sanggu-JHS members. 

The last event of the first day was the revival of Klaseng Ibang Klase, or KLIK, the alternative class session that was last held in the old, pre K-to-12 high school almost a decade and a half ago. During KLIK, various resource speakers, coming from the faculty and the students' parents, and from outside the school, held classes on topics such as law, psychology, and sports media. The event was well-received, as the students were introduced or exposed to topics they would not have otherwise gotten in their regular classes. 

Day 2 of Pistanislao, 14 November, was a day of fun games and physical activities. All in all, there were five events occurring simultaneously: 

“KostkArts & Crafts” took place in the students' respective classrooms, and this involved the students braiding pre-cut scraps of cloth into a rug. The activity was designed to teach students how to repurpose and upcycle old shirts into something useful. 

“Kostkantahan” also took place in the classrooms, and was a contest where the students would try to guess the lyrics of particular songs. 

“Quiztanislao” took place in the covered courts, and was a quiz bee centered on details about St Kostka, with subject area details thrown in. 

“Larong Pinoy,” probably the most grueling activity, took place at the football field, and students participated in several Filipino games: sack race, Luksong Tinik, Chinese Garter, Tumbang Preso, and Patintero. 

Finally, there was the Fun Run. This year’s route took students around the junior and senior high school campuses. Aside from the students, other members of the community also joined the event, including teachers, parents, and some of the Jesuits. Notably, AJHS Chaplain Fr. Mamert Manus, SJ, and two other Jesuits ran the route in full cassock attire. 

After the Fun Run, participants of all ages were treated to a lively Zumba session, which welcomed both students and adults to keep the energy and fun going.

All in all, the AJHS community thoroughly enjoyed the two days of “Pistanislao.” Through the activities, the students grew more aware and appreciative of St Kostka and looked to him as an example of living a life dedicated to Christ.