Behind the Waves 

The Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) recently embarked on a magical evening during their Juniors’ Promenade, “Neridia: A Night of Wonders and Treasures,” held at the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School Covered Courts on March 8, 2025. The venue was artistically transformed, immersing attendees in a vibrant aquatic atmosphere, complete with captivating performances from both students and guests, mouthwatering buffets overflowing with delectable food and drinks, and photo booths to capture precious moments with friends.

Inspired by the enchanting Nereids of Greek mythology, this year’s promenade celebrated the ethereal sea nymphs who are prominent for their kindness towards sailors as they lead them through the waters. This metaphor perfectly captures the journey of the Grade 11 students, who have, like the sailors, navigated the challenging waves of their first year of senior high school with the help of their mentors and peers. Neridia, in essence, was more than just an event; it was their opportunity to celebrate a journey—filled with ups and downs, growth, and support from the ASHS community.

More than Just an Event

What set Neridia apart from other school events was not merely the stunning decorations or captivating performances; it was the unique experience crafted to foster unity and a shared vision among students. Designed under the guiding principle of being “for the students, by the students,” the event was a heartfelt endeavor by the student organizers to encapsulate the spirit of the Grade 11 batch in every detail. The atmosphere was alive with creativity, as student performers took center stage to showcase their diverse talents—from breathtaking dance routines to soulful musical performances—each act reflecting the passion and dedication of their peers. 

Into the Depths of Neridia

More specifically, the event kicked off with a breathtaking cotillion performance that captivated the audience from the very first step. What set this performance apart and made it truly unforgettable was its refreshing departure from the traditional cotillion style. By blending upbeat pop music with the classic slow dance, the performance elevated the experience to an entirely new level. With the exceptional talent of the Ateneo’s very own Indayog ng Atenistang Kabatan (IndAK), and choreography by Wackyboy Buenaventura and Aliyah Pelayo, the dancers brought an electrifying energy that left a lasting impression.

The event was further elevated by the hosts of the evening, Sophia Margarette To, a renowned influencer and proud ASHS alumna, as well as Russco Jarviña, another influential figure in the social media scene. The hosts, radiating enthusiasm and bliss through spontaneous interactions with the audience, brought life and enchantment to their evening. 

The guests were treated to a feast of delicious, hearty meals courtesy of J. Carlo the Caterer. From savory pasta dishes and succulent meat and fish entrees to irresistible desserts, every dish was crafted to perfection, leaving everyone completely delighted. During dinner, the guests were serenaded by the performances of student bands, namely Alitaptap, Loafers, and ASHS Symphonic Ensemble, as they treasured moments with their classmates and dates. 

To recognize individuality and duo dynamics, the hosts formally announced the awardees for Couture of the Current (Best Dressed Award), Tide Turner (Life of the Party Award), Radiant Pearls (Best Cotillion Pair Photoshoot) of each strand, Treasures of Neridia (Overall Best Cotillion Pair Photoshoot), Ethereal Currents (Dancers of the Night), and Sovereigns of the Abyss (Mx. and Mx. Award). 

Amplifying the sweet atmosphere after the awarding ceremony, the guests gathered on the dance floor as they slow-danced to the heartfelt songs of the exceptional folk-pop band named Sugarcane. The headliner performance was then followed by the DJ-led Segment, which brought the crowds up from their seats and to dance the night away with their peers. DJ Michiko Tateno raised the roof, taking the audience back to classic pop and rave music.  

Finally, but definitely not the least, the mix of realism and graphics was fulfilled alongside the elements centered on purple and blue backgrounds to emphasize bioluminescence. Designed by Nikki Chatto, some of the key elements include shells, bubbles, seaweeds, jellyfish, and coral reefs, among others. What stood as the decorations’ focal point was the shining yellow dance stage,  which brought energy and excitement to the event, serving as a place where everyone could come together, dance, and celebrate.

The Crew Behind the Currents

Planning Neridia was no easy feat. The organizers, students who were members of the ASHS Grade 11 Batch Project Committee, along with their moderators, were tasked with managing every aspect of the event such as seeking out sponsors, service providers, hosts, and logistics concerns such as ensuring that the event was well-organized while balancing the demands of their academics and extracurricular activities. Despite such struggles, the event still came to life, providing the ASHS Grade 11 students a memorable experience with their batch.

In a way, Neridia was a reflection of the students themselves: full of creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of unity. It was a reminder of the importance of supporting one another through the highs and lows, and of how much can be accomplished when people come together with a shared vision.

This event was made possible by ASHS Grade 11 BPC.