U-WEEK 2023 SPECIAL
THE UNO-RIAN
VOL. 1 NO.4
November 16, 2023
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EMBRACING DEPTH AND EXCELLENCE
GRANDSTANDING EAGLES. Shania Alanza from CAS impersonated Beyonce in the Group MTV competition at the University Gym, Nov. 16. ◘ photo by KHRYSTAL KEY CLARIDAD.
CAS dominates U-Week with Litmus ‘23 win by NICOLE BUCAYANI and RHYZA SION
The College of Arts and Science (CAS) shone the brightest and dominated as they bagged championship awards from different events during the Tertiary Literary Musical Competition held at the University Gymnasium, Nov. 16. In a remarkable display of literary prowess, the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) aptly shined the brightest after placing first in Oration and Impromptu during the Literary part of the competition. Third-year Accountancy student Angel John Dungca ruled in the oration category, snatching first place for the CBA
Griffins with his eloquence and confidence as he delivered his speech. “It [oration competition] challenged my will and confidence knowing I would be pitted against very talented individuals across various colleges,” Dungca said. Dungca was followed by Ian Isaac Magalona from the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences (CAMHS) and Cire Joeroulle Niyo from CAS that placed second and third, respectively. Accountancy student Allyssah Andrea Angeles also bagged gold for the CBA in Impromptu Speaking Competition as she showcased her wit and
proficiency in speaking. “This event allows you to act on your critical thinking skills, and as a student, it is necessary for us to know about current events and how to put our values as UNORian in dealing with these current events,” Angeles said. Emerging at second and third place was CAS representative Noah Cambal and College of Education representative Zoe Clarisse Limson. The most awaited musical competition began with the unveiling of College Teasers. College of Criminal Justice Education won first place, while the College of Engineering
secured second place, and CAMHS taking third place. CAS grabbed the Championship title from last year holder, CEN, in the Hiphop category as they cracked the custom hip hop grooves through romance and unique imagery with Arthur Miguel’s “Lihim”. During the Group MTV, CAS again secured the championship as they displayed a remarkable impersonation of Beyonce’s “Run the World”. Moreover, the CEN and the CBA placed second and third, respectively.
‘Undecided Band’ wins Battle of the Bands
WHAT’S
Perfect pitches and harmonious melodies resonated through music grounds, as the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) amassed champions and displayed their subtle impact on music during the battle of the bands held at the University Amphitheater, Nov. 16. The representatives from the CAS department named their band as the “Undecided Band.”
UNORSSGO launches first-ever Pet Pawrade
by BOBBY MAGDARAOG
EUPHONIOUS BAND. CAS’ representative and bass guitarist passionately played their set at the University Amphitheatre, Nov. 16. ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.
“This event [served] as a way to showcase our talents in music and to create a field of camaraderie as we engage with other students to form a group and perform on stage,” Undecided Band
Vocalist Angel Khate Linda said. The atmosphere was filled with kaleidoscope genres of music where approximately 1,500 attendees were unified by their passion for music. “This platform became a medium to showcase the talent of UNO-rians and to improve their confidence as well as to help them strive to get better in this field,” University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Supreme Student Government Secretary of Advocacies Bea Lovino said. Moreover, the Parokya ni Caloy and CBA band “Grace” placed first and second runners-up respectively.
INSIDE PAGE 2
Religious Activities Committee holds free baptism PAGE 2
Street Bites: A trek through life and Filipino delights PAGE 3
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News
THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.4 November 16, 2023
Inaugural Academic draws cerebral minds by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES
SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION. Rev. Fr. Corvin Maturan baptizes a baby at the University Oratory, Nov. 16. ◘ photo by JENNYFER BRIONES.
Religious Activities Committee holds free baptism by KIA MARIE COSCOLLUELA
The Sacrament of Baptism was given to the 29 children during a mass baptism organized by the University Week Religious Activities Committee at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Nov. 16. “I took the opportunity to have my child baptized because, first of all, this program is in favor for us, especially that it is free. It is important to have my child baptized for her to be absolved of her sins,” resident of Brgy. Tangub and participant April Rose Emolaga shared. Campus Ministry and Religious Education Department Director Rev. Fr. Corvin Maturan, OAR, expressed the importance of organizing a free baptism.
“It is good that the university is having this free baptism because this is to give our indigents the opportunity to have their children baptized,” Fr. Maturan said. As a part of their spiritual preparation, Religious Education Instructor Gerald Jovan Dapat gave the parents and godparents a Pre-Jordan Seminar prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. “It is important to conduct this seminar because I would like to educate the godparents of their real responsibility which is not to give gifts during holidays but most of all, to help bring up the child to become a good Catholic,” Dapat shared. Moreover, a free reception followed after the celebration of
UNORSSGO launches first-ever Pet Pawrade by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO
PAWSOME PAWRADE. UNO-Rian employee carries participating dog, University Auditorium, Nov. 16. ◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.
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Olympics
Academic enthusiasts from various departments gathered for the ‘Virtutis: First AcademicOlympics organized by the University of Negros Occidental -Recoletos Supreme Student G o v e r n m e n t (UNORSSGO) at the Little Theatre, Academic Cultural Center, and Fr. Cuenca Hall, Nov. 16. “This event is designed to encourage participants to apply their technical and academic skills through a competitive and interactive framework because we are committed to fostering interactive and excellence-driven activities,” UNORSSGO Secretary for Student Development and Academics Jonathan Aguilar said. In line with this, the event encompasses a series of i n t e l l e c t u a l challenges, including the Grammar Checker Challenge, Topic Presentation, Pagsulat ng Dagli, and the University Debate. “We have initiated the Academic Olympics, not only as a part of U-Week but as a platform to provide students with an opportunity to enhance their learning experience,” Aguilar said. The Grammar Checker Challenge is an activity where participants showcase their proficiency by identifying and correcting grammatical errors in written content, while, Dagli, the Filipino equivalent of flash fiction, is a concise short story and hastily composed narrative. “The competition was undeniably nerve-wracking, given the tight one-hour time constraint for completing our piece. However, with the unwavering support of my fellow artians, representing our college in this unique competition was a truly
special and prideful experience that I cherish,” College of Arts and Sciences Pagsulat ng Dagli Representative Theresa Mae Dulman shared. Meanwhile, the Topic Presentation demanded the systematic and structured communication of information or insights on a specific subject, employing verbal delivery supported by visual aids to convey key points and engage an audience. “Despite the last-minute decision to join, our performance turned out quite well, and the experience taught me valuable lessons about teamwork. Understanding your partner and mastering effective time management are crucial elements for this kind of competition,” College of Allied Medical Health Sciences Topic Presentation Representative Carmela Marie Alinsunurin said. Notably, the University Debate is a formal and structured competition where two teams engage in an argumentative discussion on a given topic and present as well as defend their assigned positions to showcase their analytical skills. “Participating in our first university inter-college debate [after] quite some time, this competition represents both a challenge and a significant milestone for our team. Despite inherent challenges, we are optimistic that our collective efforts will prove worthwhile, with the distinctive strength of our unwavering commitment as we serve as flag-bearers for our college,” College of Business and Accountancy Representative Lorie Pilatan shared. Furthermore, College of Arts and Sciences emerged as overall champions in the University Debate while the rest of the results will be announced at the Closing Ceremony, November 18.
Furry friends with their owners gathered together in the first open-house “Pawsome: A Fundraiser Pet Pawrade”, facilitated by the UNO-R Supreme Student Government (UNORSSGO) held at the University Grounds, Nov. 16. UNORSSGO Project Head Jessea Kyle Marie Perido conveyed her appreciation as the pioneer organizer of the event and her gratitude for being a conduit for students to enjoy University Week with their furry friends. “This event offers students the opportunity to have an enjoyable, thrilling, and unforgettable event while simultaneously helping animal shelters through their registration,” Perido said. On the other hand, secondyear Medical Technology student and pet owner Ica Gugudan expressed her
gratitude for the UNORSSGO in including this event to the University Week 2023. “As a fur mom, I find this UNORSSGO event to be heartwarming since it fosters a cause of raising money for local animal shelters while allowing UNO-Rians to spend time with their pets on campus this University Week,” Gugudan said. Moreover,the announcement of special awards and a talk promoting responsible pet ownership were held at the University Auditorium. The said event was in partnership with inSpyRed, BACH Project PH, Falcor Marketing Corporation, Xander’s Petshop, Just Four Paws Pet Care, and Supplies Center, and Furmacy Bacolod.
THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.4 November 16, 2023
Feature
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Street Bites: A trek through life and Filipino delights by MAECEL JOY PRIOLO
AMBASSADRESS. Nancy Salodes, 46 years old, selling street food to UNO-Rians during the University Week 2023, Nov. 16. ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.
The busy streets of Bacolod City are filled with a sphere of diverse individuals. Weary students, dawn-diligent street cleaners, office workers racing for the early jeep, sleepy bus drivers, and early risers gearing up for another bustling day. “Isa akon ka serve fishball,” has become an echo to the ears of the street food vendors. Assortment of street foods like fish ball, kwek-kwek, isaw and tempura has been a part of Filipino snacks. From mid-day, afternoon, midnight, rain or shine, you can definitely crave it because in every corner of Bacolod City, there will surely be a cart of a street food vendor. QUICK TALK AND KWEK-KWEK In an array of carts and stalls, one stands out. With busy hands, clanking coins, and voices drowning voices, one cart becomes a beehive of hungry customers. People crowding it, more individuals thronging in as the clock strikes 5 in the afternoon. Nancy Salodes, 46, and her husband Erado Salodes, 57, from Brgy. Singcang Airport have been in the street food business for 23 years. “I had this business with my husband, and we started this [street food cart] because we need income to support our daughter in her studies. For twenty-three years, we have been selling [street foods] in front of UNO-R and inside the campus every U-week,” she shared. Nancy stated that what brings her joy every time she is out in the streets selling are the people she meets and eventually becomes a regular. “I am happy because I get to socialize with different people every day and get to hear insights and stories from them. Eventually, they become my suki,” she said. Not only that Nancy and her husband get to support their daughter with their business, but they also get to yield their service and joy to their customers for twenty-three years.
SWEET AND SPICY It is not a secret for business owners that to last in the business industry for long is to have vigor and tenacity. There are no short cuts, no strings to pull, and no success without recession. Nancy is a testament to the challenges brought about by the business world, especially for small business owners and who are just starting. “It is really tiring from the start, especially when you’re just new to it but because I enjoy what I’m doing and I get to know people, that makes me really happy and it’s all that matters. It’s not easy but you just have to be hard-working and pray to the Lord,” she shared. For Nancy, without having the perseverance to see through the challenges, your business will definitely be short-lived. “We have to wake up at 3 in the morning and we finish preparing our products [home-made fish balls and kwek-kwek] around 9 am. We set out to sell around 11 am and get home at around 9 in the evening every day for twenty-three years,” she said. To be in the business industry for over two decades is a corroboration of their love for their daughter and their commitment to their business. THE SECRET RECIPE The secret recipe is to have no secret at all. To have persistence and contentment are the only ingredients to be able to have just the right mixture for a delectable business.
For Nancy, being contented with big and even small things is what it takes to be able to survive in this type of trade. “Be hard working, pray, and be contented. Whatever value of income we have, small or big, we just have to be contented and be thankful,” she shared. Nancy also shared that because of their perseverance together with her husband, their business have flourished and they get to send their daughter to school. “From a small capital with only one hundred fifty pesos, we now have 5 carts [street food carts] located in UNO-R and in Brgy. Singcang Airport and my daughter graduated in college all expenses sourced from our business,” she said with delight and pride. What makes Nancy and her husband’s business last for twenty-three years and still grow is not because of luck but because of their labor and devotion to continue despite the setbacks they encounter. Twenty-three years is a long time, but it is not a symbol of success. It is simply the manifestation of Nancy and Erado’s tenacity and full commitment to their work and business. Their business may have started for them to have a source of income to support their daughter, but eventually, even after she graduated, they still continued their business. It only means that they do not only see their business as a source of income, but as a spring of their lives. Street foods may have only been a snack for some or a small amount to spend for, but for Nancy and Erado, and the many street food vendors, it is a crusade and attestation of life.
