MANILA — A back to back celebration ushered the holidays for the UP Diliman community.

WATCH: UP Diliman is lit for the holidays! #Pagiilaw2019 #Pumailanlang2019
| via @JervisManahan pic.twitter.com/nwUPB0feL5

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 29, 2019

On Friday night, they held the traditional "Pag-iilaw," which signals the opening of the holiday season for the university.

Pag-iilaw is the annual "lighting" of the Diliman campus.

Traditionally held at the Oblation Plaza, UP deviated this year and instead held it in the Carillon Plaza.

UP President Danilo Concepcion and UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan said the Carillon has been a witness to the most historical moments of the university, which is appropriate for this year's theme of "Pumailanlang" or "to soar."

Tan said the Carillon remains a site of protest starting during the Diliman Commune in the 70's. The bells were rung in protest during the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani and amid the killings of drug suspects in the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

"Ang hiling ko ngayong gabi, huwag n'yong talikuran ang UP Diliman. Huwag n'yong talikuran ang bayan. Huwag n'yong talikuran ang liwanag," said Tan in his welcoming message.

The Carillon and the oval were adorned with birds or the "Adarna", a mythical creature in Philippine literature.

"Hindi po 'yan Blue Eagles!" Tan said in jest.

The Carillon was lit in an ornate fashion. Artistic performances, poem readings, and dances were also held during the ceremony.

After the event, a concert and party followed at the nearby Washington Sycip Garden.

The street potluck party is in celebration of the performance of UP teams in UAAP Season 82, most notably of the Men's Basketball Team which landed third in the recently concluded tournament.

The lineup of holiday events will end on December 13 with the highly anticipated Lantern Parade.