Article by: Therese Anne B. Cruz
Graphics by: Cassius Klai Francisco
Photo by: Luis Iñigo A. Lava
In the much anticipated Mapúa Centennial Celebration, Mapúa University (MU) painted the town red and gold as it commemorated its 100th anniversary. The University honored its history and legacy through a series of activities and events held last January 18 to 25 at the Intramuros Campus.
Honoring the Past
The celebration week began with the unveiling of the Centennial Square in the Intramuros Campus, where the Don Tomas bust was also refurbished in time for the centennial anniversary. Also standing in the Centennial Square are all the different logos MU used throughout the century. The event was attended by the administration, employees, and alumni of the University. During this day, the Mapúa Institute of Technology Filipino-Chinese Alumni Association, Inc., along with the Mapúa Athletics Department and Mapúa University Sports Enthusiasts Organization, organized the “Don Tomas B. Mapúa Centennial Chess Cup: GM Eugene Torre Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament,” wherein Vladimir Rhegz Lait and Von Arvie Barbosa took home the grand cash prize PHP10,000 and championship title, respectively.
The following day, the National Association of Mapúa Alumni (NAMA) hosted a Fun Run event that coursed throughout the walled city of Intramuros.
To officially commence the centennial activities, last January 20, MU began with a Grand Centennial Float Parade, which featured the institution in different decades–designed by the various schools and departments of the University. After the Centennial Float Parade, a street dance competition was also held. Don Tomas Mapúa’s grandson and former Executive Vice President of then Mapúa Institute of Technology, Ar. Oscar B. Mapúa Jr., was the featured speaker of the 97th Centennial Lecture held at the Seminar Room of the Intramuros Campus, followed by a 98th Centennial Lecture in January 21 by NAMA President Adam C. Abinales at the same venue.
Later that day, Siglo Collective and the Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations (OSAAR) hosted the Student Leaders’ Ball–where all current and previous student leaders of the University were invited for a formal dinner event at the Manila Hotel.
During the fourth day of the event, January 21, iPeople Chairperson Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, who also served as the third President and CEO of the University, launched his book entitled, “A History of Futures Past – A Collection of Speeches.” The book includes speeches from when he began to lead the institution in the year 2000 until his last year in 2023.
In his brief message during the launch, the former MU President explained how his worldview came to him. His determination to help and change the country inspired the worldview that he brought to Mapua that led the University to greater heights.
“Knowledge may be acquired in many ways, but the process of doing it by research at the very frontiers of human knowledge is most essential. Discovering for oneself where lies the envelope of knowledge and helping push it, push it outward even by a very little bit, is a very exhilarating experience for nerds like me.” Dr. Vea shared, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and continuously improving it through the means of research.
Celebrating the Present
The University Student Government, comprised of the Central Student Council, Council of Organizations, and Council of Presidents, hosted a series of games and competitions, including Laro ng Lahi and Squid Game-inspired games, running until January 24.
In the January 22 festivities, the University recognized over 500 students and their achievements in this year’s “The Cardinal Excellence Awards,” ranging from University’s dean and president listers to national and international paper recognitions. Moreover, the University also honored faculty and employees in the Mapúa Service Awards. Inn this year’s event, MU awarded a sole 25 years in Service to Engr. Fe Novida, followed by 20, 15, and 10 years of service milestones.
Student bands and performers showcased their musical talent in Himig Mapúa, capping off the January 22 events.
To cement and preserve its ongoing history, MU administrators and employees laid a time capsule in the Centennial Square of the Intramuros Campus on January 23. The time capsule contained a list of names that featured over 16,000 students, 847 teaching and non-teaching employees, alumni, and sponsors. Later that night, NAMA hosted their annual Alumni Night, wherein the dress code for attendees was “Zoom Mode.”
On the penultimate day of the week-long celebration, January 24, MU held a Thanksgiving Mass at the newly renovated Sta. Rita Chapel at the Intramuros Campus, during which the University had the establishment blessed as well. MU also unveiled the Centennial Monument and Petro Garden–which was constructed in partnership with Petro Chemicals - placed at the back of the Yuchengco Innovation Center.
Later that evening, MU hosted the Centennial Salubong Party at the Intramuros Campus, featuring OPM bands I Belong to the Zoo and Lola Amour, along with music legend Ely Buendia celebrating with the Mapúan crowd.
Building the Future
Officially reaching the Centennial Day last January 25, the University held its annual Wreath Laying at the Centennial Square of the Intramuros Campus. The event is graced by Yuchengco Group of Companies Chairperson Helen Yuchengco-Dee, Ar. Oscar. B. Mapúa Jr., and Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. Subsequently, a Special Convocation for the historic centennial celebration was held at the said campus’ gymnasium – where Secretary Sonny Angara and Commission on Higher Education Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro conducted their 99th and 100th Centennial Lectures, respectively.
Afterwards, a Centennial Gala Lunch was held at the Tent City, Manila Hotel, wherein performances from Mapúan groups such as the Mapúa Cardinal Singers, Cardinales Folklorico de Mapúa, the University's resident cheer squad, Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals, Mapúa Drumcrops, along with one of the top musical ensembles in the country, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied the event.
Later that day, Mapúans were treated to various food selections at the Institutional Salo-salo at the North and South Parking of the Intramuros Campus. Revving up to the main event, Mapúans set the mood in the Centennial Variety Show, wherein students such as Fitri, Jade, Miah, Kenzie, together with dance group A-Beats and student band Sisa Street, and the University's performing arts circle showed off their talents.
Shortly after, an audio-visual Presentation Wall Mapping Event was presented at the Administration Building, taking a trip down memory lane of the University’s journey to 100 years. A pyro musical show followed suit, a show of celebration as MU’s Centennial Day comes to a close.
In the centennial concert, alternative-rock band Mayonnaise, musician Jason Dhakal, and P-pop group ALAMAT ended the night with a high note.
Looking back, Dr. Maestrecampo reminisces on the 100-year passage that led Mapúa here, “Mapúa University’s remarkable journey; we are reminded of the enduring values and principles that have guided us through the years. It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to reflect on our legacy and envision the future we are building together.”
As Mapúa enters its second centenary, Dr. Maestrecampo reiterates the new vision of Mapúa as a global leader in education, “As we look to the next century, we reaffirm our commitment to being a leader in education, a steward of sustainability, and a builder of the future for the Philippines and the world. As we celebrate the 100 years of Mapúa legacy, let us look at the future with renewed passion and determination. As bearers of our rich legacy, it is our responsibility to create more meaningful contribution to our society.” he remarked.
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