Article by: Lia Marie V. Cahinhinan, Marvin Corsino, Shaina Camille F. Macaranas, Angel Mikaela Pontanares, Marco R. Sunga, and Alexandra Isabelle G. Delavin
Photo by: Blaise Paulhene O. Rellata
Starting the first week of the centennial year, Mapúa University (MU) and the University Student Government (USG) - composed of the Central Student Council (CSC), Council of Presidents (COP), and Council of Organizations (COO), presented this year’s FroSHS Week, with the theme “Odyssey: Embracing the Call to be Builders of the Future,” at the Intramuros and Makati campuses last August 12 to 19.
With a jam-packed schedule of fun-filled activities, departmental orientations, and campus tours, MU, along with its diverse student organizations, welcomed the upcoming froshies to the academic year 2024-2025.
A Frosh Start
To kick things off in the FroSHS Week 2024 an Opening Ceremony was held in the Intramuros Campus last August 12, wherein the centennial batch was welcomed with a walk-through history lane that showcased Mapúa’s beginnings and its journey throughout the years. Shortly after, Ms. Eliza Torres delivered the centennial prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippines National Anthem by MU’s resident choir, the Mapúa Cardinals Singers.
The opening ceremony featured the Mapúa Drum Corps, Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals, artists and performers; a special number by the Mapúa Cardinal Singers, Mapúa XDC, NEXUS, MDC, and Folklorico—as well as a special appearance of the MU mascot, Cardibird . In her opening remarks , Mapúa University’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lilibeth Sabino welcomed the new Mapúans to the Mapúan community as she shared the University’s vision and history, “For almost a century now, Mapúa has been a place where dreams are nurtured, lived in experience, and futures are built. And we are exhilarated to be part of this journey with you.”
Furthermore, she highlighted what the new school year has to offer to the new Cardinals, “As you stand at the doorstep of this new chapter, I want to remind you that “Yes, being Mapúan is a privilege.” Afterall, not everyone is given the chance to be part of the world’s Top 6 Universities. But I want to say, being a Mapúan is also a responsibility. The education and training that you will receive here is not just about gaining knowledge in your chosen field, but it is about becoming a well-rounded individual prepared to face the challenge of profession and future lives with discipline, excellence, commitment, integrity and relevance.” Dr. Sabino added.
Mapúan alumnus and board topnotcher Engr. Patrick Jay Garcia spoke on how one should take on this new stage of life. “Learning out of your comfort zone is essential for personal and professional growth...Mistakes are inevitable, but our experiences brought about by mistakes could also provide us valuable lessons,” the alumnus imparted. He believes that this provides a lesson for the new Cardinals that they can bring moving forward.
Moreover, the National Association of Mapúan Alumni – headed by Mr. Adam Abinales – introduced their new slate of officers for the centennial year and highlighted their events and activities within this past year. Afterwards, the annual tradition of the Transfer of Knowledge, led by the USG.
Subsequently, the University’s various departments performed and cheered to boost the Cardinal spirit. Later on, Mr. Louiese Nase was invited on stage to guide new Mapúans on their journey. Mr. Nase started by stating that he was not like anyone else on that stage as he was still on his journey toward greater things as a student. Still, Mr. Nase had already served as an inspiration to the freshmen and his fellow Mapúans. With hard work and perseverance, the Computer Science student has earned three scholarships, demonstrating how he had already embodied what it means to be a true Mapúan - determined. "We have to rise to the challenges, not just for our success, but for the change that we can bring to others when we finally make it through." he added.
Though he continues to face challenges in his college journey, he stated that giving up was never an answer. “It’s so convenient to choose the easy way out, to just give up. But from an early age, I was taught to dream big for myself and be relentless in pursuing that dream.”
The next day, August 13, departments and schools held their respective local orientations for the new students. To acquaint the centennial batch to campus life and student culture, COO organized for various student organizations to set up booths in both Intramuros and Makati campuses.
Along with the organization booths, the COO also prepared an open mic for talented Mapúans to showcase their talents by taking to the stage.
Taking Flight
To help the new breed of Cardinals find their footing in their new home, a local tour of the Intramuros Campus was held last August 19. Moreover, seminars were held by the different student organizations to showcase their organization’s skills, communities, and objectives—which aimed to help froshies broaden their skills and social circles upon entering Mapúa.
To cap off the event, the annual Concert event was held at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium. For this event, the CSC introduced the application CORQ – developed by Anthology for easier access to campus events – for registration and confirmation of attendance. Mapúans were also given light sticks and freebies. Hyping up the crowd were performances from the Mapúa Cheerping Cardinals as they brief the FroSHS different yells and cheers for the upcoming NCAA Season 100. Interactive games and raffles were also held during the event – among which were sponsored by One United Mapúa.
Student performers such as XDC and Nexus, bands CINCO, Blackjack and student performer Jade Angelica Santos gave attendees a taste of Mapúan talent. For the FroSHS Concert's special guests, singer-songwriter Maki who had performed his hit songs “Dilaw”, “Kailan?” and “Saan?” followed by indie folk band Munimuni who capped the night with "Matimtiman," "Isang Araw ang Lumipas," "Dito Muna," "Bawat Piyesa," and "Alat."
Paving the way for the new Cardinals to feel comfortable at their new home for years to come, MU Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sabino left a welcoming message to the whole Mapúan community as they become full-fledged Cardinals, “Today, you officially become part of [one of] the best universities not only in the Philippines, but of the world.” she imparted.
This year’s batch of freshmen is dubbed as the “centennial batch,” as they enter the University on its centennial year.
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