U-WEEK 2023 SPECIAL
THE UNO-RIAN
VOL. 1 NO.3
November 15, 2023
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EMBRACING DEPTH AND EXCELLENCE
PUSH AND PULL. CCJE Dragons pose a pull for a win against CEN Tigers in a game Tug of War ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.
Pistang Hinampang ‘23 sets off, pits studs in festival games by RHYZA SION
Students from the different colleges in the university unleashed their competitive spirits as they clash in Pistang Hinampang 2023 spearheaded by the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos Supreme Student Government (UNORSSGO) held at the University Grandstand, Nov. 15.
“The purpose of this event is to ignite camaraderie between UNO-Rians and to promote physical activities,” UNORSSGO Undersecretary for Sports John Patrick Galeno said. Moreover, student representatives showcased their athletic prowess in a series of games composed of Dodge Ball, Sack Race, Tug of
War, and Dakpanay Baboy. “This [hinampang] was inspired by the Filipino festival culture. We adopted and modified traditional Filipino festival games in a collective determination to showcase the sporting prowess of the UNO-R community,” Galeno added. Unleashing their teamwork in a battle of brawn, the
College of Business and Accountancy won in the Sack Race while the College of Engineering clinched the first place in Tug of War. Meanwhile, the College of Criminal Justice Education placed first during the Dodge Ball and Dakpanay Baboy.
Studs exemplify artistry in Mono-No-Aware by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO Representatives from seven colleges showcased their creative aptitude during the “Mono-No-Aware: A Pop and Anime Convention,” facilitated by the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Supreme Student Government (UNORSSGO) held at the University Main Lobby and University Park, Nov. 15. UNORSSGO Senator and Project Head Rayne Christian Contrevida stated that being one of the pioneers of the event helped him a lot to improve and expand the said event than the previous year. “[Even though] last year was an experimental stage, it provided me with a good learning experience and assisted me in making adjustments, particularly to the location, [since the event] last year was held in a closed venue which was in the Auditorium,” Contrevida said. Additionally, the project head stated that the UNORSSGO offered and drew a variety of activities that were tailored to the interests and zeal of the students during the University Week 2023. “There is a lot of K-Pop, J-Pop, and Anime community here in the University, in which students should celebrate these aspects of themselves by dancing, singing, and cheering with their colleges,” Contrevida expressed.
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Moreover, Contrevida highlighted that even with the challenges they faced, organizing the said event gave them the opportunity to grow and learn from their mistakes. “UNORSSGO offers a ton of exciting events that are more improved and polished. As we strive to be the government for students, and not only a government for the government,” Contrevida said. On the other hand, College of Allied Medical Health Sciences K-Pop Dance Competition participant Sephanie Rebustre extended her gratitude to the UNORSSGO for allowing them to showcase their dancing prowess to the University. “At first we found difficulty with the dance’s stunts, but we still chose to trust ourselves despite all of our self-doubts. As a result, our struggles have turned into our strength, helping us to win the competition,” Rebustre added. Moreover, CAMHS secured the title in K-Pop Dance Competition, meanwhile the College of Engineering and College of Education were hailed as champions for the J-Pop Singing Competition, and Cosplay Competition, respectively.
SERPENTINE MOVES. Pink Serpents win in K-Pop Dance Competition during the “Mono-No-Aware: A Pop and Anime Convention,” University Park. ◘ photo by KHRYSTAL KEY CLARIDAD.
Amity Youth initiates rappelling training
CEN and CIT conquer Tagisan ng Talino
Cosplay: Defying Odds and Showcasing Artistry
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THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.3 November 15, 2023
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ETC hosts Parade of Gods by ARBEN JEYK DA-ANOY
GRIPPING ROPES. Amity Volunteer demonstrates how to rappel down a building during their rappelling traning, La Consolacion Building, Nov. 15. ◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.
Amity Youth initiates rappelling training by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES
In a strategic partnership with the Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade (AVFB), the Amity Youth Volunteer Recoletos (AYVR) spearheaded training sessions on rappelling and safety techniques at the La Consolacion Building, Nov. 15. “The utilization of rappelling techniques holds significant importance within the realm of emergency response and rescue operations,” AYVR President Khristian Garbanzos said. The AVFB Rescue Deputy explained that the safety activity entails rappelling, a disciplined descent method utilizing a rope for a secure and controlled progression. “This skill is indispensable for first responders and firefighters, providing a selfreliant capability in scenarios where exits are difficult, and natural structures are inaccessible. Utilizing rappelling techniques
becomes a practical and effective solution in such situations,” AVFB Rescue Deputy Migue Mike Gorne said. Meanwhile, the participants were mostly new to the activity, while a subgroup brought prior experience; however, rigorous safety measures were in place, to ensure a secure environment for alleviating concerns. “This activity employs stringent safety measures, including personal protective equipment such as helmets and gloves. The anchoring systems are meticulously installed by qualified experts, and the ropes utilized are adequately padded for enhanced safety,” Gorne added. Furthermore, several students from various departments also engaged in the practical application of rappelling techniques with the instructions of professionals from AVFB.
INTRODUCING MYTHOLOGIES. Different students from the College of Education parade in costumes as gods and goddesses of different mythologies, SA Building, Nov. 15. ◘ photo by DIVINE DESOYO.
Aiming to introduce the different mythologies to students, the English Teachers’ Club (ETC) of the College of Education organized the “Parade of the Gods”, convened by freshmen and sophomores English Majors, which started from the Little Theater to the University Park, Nov. 15. “In order to live up to our special field, we encourage our first-years and second-years to dress up as the different gods and goddesses from different civilizations,” ETC Vice President Jean Rose Burgos said.
Burgos added that this event was already present prior to the establishment of the ETC. “This event is actually exciting because I’m a big fan of mythologies, and this is of great importance for us, freshmen, since this is our initiation,” first-year student and participant Renzy Jainar said. Furthermore, the participants portrayed the different Gods and Goddesses from the Philippine, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and Norse Mythologies.
THE UNO-RIAN THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.3 November 15, 2023
TREASURING HERITAGE. UNO-Rians take part in Tagisan ng Talino, an open house game about Filipino literature, deepening their knowledge about the Filipino language, TV Building, Nov. 15. ◘ photo by JANTZEN LUMANOG.
CEN, CIT conquer Tagisan ng Talino by KIA MARIE COSCOLLUELA
Mark Gimel Paglinawan and Canel De La Cruz from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) exhibited biblical prowess and knowledge, placing first during the Recoleto Quiz Bowl held at the University Auditorium, Nov. 15. “It [Rekoleto Quiz Bowl] inspired me to continue studying about the sacred scriptures that govern my faith, with the hope that I can better myself by learning from the lessons they offer and the warnings found within the scriptures,” De La Cruz said. The seven colleges of the university along with the Senior High School department vied in a threeround quiz bee, testing their wits and knowledge on biblical characters, places, and events. Mev Paolo Salmon and Dannie Vic Torres from the College of Information
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Technology and Anne Tricia Olmillo and Jethro from College of Allied Medical Health Sciences placed second and third, respectively. “As UNO-Rians, let us always be guided and inspired by the caritas et scientia. I hope this activity will give us the opportunity to practice the ideals of an Augustinian Recollect student,” Director of Religious Education (ReEd) Rev. Fr. Corvin Maturan, OAR said in his opening remarks. According to ReEd Program Head Genie Pedrosa, MaEd, the contest with the theme “Exploring the Sacred Scriptures”, was organized to allow the students to have a venue for spiritual formation The official recognition and awarding of certificates will be on November 18.
In a battle of wits, students from the College of Engineering (CEN) and College of Information Technology (CIT) dominated the open house Tagisan ng Talino held in front of the College of Education (COED) office, Nov. 15. “Joining the competition was a challenge for me because first of all, I am not acquainted with my teammates before the game considering that I am the only participant in our team for the College of Engineering and the questions asked were discussed the previous school year so we just used our stock knowledge,” Group 3 leader and second-year BS Civil Engineering student Ria Sibugan said. Tanglaw ng Wika President Sherlyn Atlas shared that the reason why they chose to hold the event during university
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week was to embrace our Filipino heritage. “We wanted the students and the participants to look back at our past, especially our history because it has become a part of our identity as Filipinos,” Atlas shared. Moreover, Atlas added that the game is not just about the prizes but also for the students to treasure Filipino literature and deepen their knowledge about Filipino language. “We have struggled in manpower [with regards to the preparation] and even if [there are] only a few officers working for this event, we have been successful because we are in solidarity with one another,” Atlas said. Moreover, first, second, and third placers received cash prizes of seven-hundred pesos, five-hundred pesos, and three-hundred fifty pesos, respectively.
CCJE bags first place in Rekoleto Quiz Bowl by RHYZA SION
RENOWNED STUDS. Seriousness filled the University Auditorium as student representatives convened for the Rekoleto Quiz Bowl, Nov. 15. ◘ photo by MA. KATREENA BERNAL.
THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.3 November 15, 2023
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Cosplay: Defying Odds and Showcasing Artistry by MAECEL JOY PRIOLO
Bright hues of hairs, eyes of different shades, and garments of diverse styles make up a whole new identity. The art of dressing up and acting took the spotlight and hearts of many—entering another dimension far from what is usual. Cosplay is a portmanteau of the words costume and play. The realm of cosplay contains a portal where we traverse the landscapes of our dreams, clad in the armor of our aspirations. But what if, beyond the enchanting veneer of costumes and characters, the art of cosplay held the key to unlocking the dormant realms of our own narratives? CREATIVE OUTLET One of the unspoken rules of the cosplay world is being an individual who is ready to go out of his comfort zone. Someone who is willing to go to lengths just to give justice to the character he is portraying. Mary Romi “Miyu Cerise” Amechazurra, a fourth-year Elementary Education student has entered the world of cosplay during the pandemic. She needed something to channel her artistry into other than just drawing. “I wanted to have another hobby during the pandemic that can represent me well and that I can express my creativity and passion for arts,” she shared. She stated that she is also an enthusiast of manga and anime, and that also pushed her to start her cosplay career. “I first portrayed female Sukuna, a character from the anime Jujutsu Kaisen. I portrayed Sukuna because Jujutsu Kaisen was gaining popularity that time and I personally like the plot and characters of the anime,” she said. Mary Romi Amechazurra or known as Miyu Cerise in the cosplay world found her way through cosplaying with her love for anime combined with her dedication for art. With both of her passion for anime and art, she managed to develop yet another passion—cosplaying. FINDING YOUR NICHE It is inevitable for a cosplayer not to go on stage or be in front of a crowd. Opportunities will transpire, friendship will present itself, and dreams will come true. It will be an experience you cannot escape once you enter the cosplay world. “My most unforgettable experience in my whole cosplay journey is I have been a guest and judge for two days straight in a Cyber Cosplay Event and also the
time where I met famous personality in the cosplay world like Charess, Myrtle, and Alodia Gosiengfiao,” Mary shared. Mary also met people from different walks of life, from Bacolod, other cities, provinces and even friends from other countries sharing the same passion for cosplaying. “I get to express myself openly because we share the same love for cosplay and I get noticed by people without them judging my normie self. They just appreciate me and my creativity,” she shared. It is not easy to find where you can fit yourself into like a puzzle, Sometimes, you get to join a group who you though you share the same passion b u t eventually
IN CHARACTER. Mary Romi “Miyu Cerise” Amechazurra, a fourthyear Elementary Education student poses in a costume, University Auditorium, Nov 15. ◘ photo by KHRYSTAL KEY CLARIDAD.
discover that it is not for you. For Mary Romi, she found herself belonging to a group who is like a mirror of her own hobby, aspirations, and visions from styling, make up, digital editing, and portraying characters. IN AND OUT OF CHARACTER Every coin has two sides and just like a coin, cosplaying is not always sunshine and butterflies. Make up will smudge, hair gets ruined, and costumes tear. Cosplaying is just like any other spadework; it needs more than just hard work and exertion to get the result you want. “The first character I portrayed was Sukuna and the way I portrayed him is all from scratch. I dyed my hair and my costume was made out from my own wardrobe, in short, I DIYed my cosplay for Sukuna,” she shared. It was not easy for Mary Romi to start cosplaying despite her eagerness and willingness to portray a character because she is also just a student. She has no allotted budget for her cosplay, especially that cosplaying is expensive. “The difference when I was just starting is the budget. When I was starting, I really had no budget for my costumes, so I find ways to spend less money when cosplaying through ukay-ukay and dying my hair instead of buying a wig,” she stated. Although she struggled at first, what made her continue is her belief that it would get better soon and that challenges are part of her success as a cosplayer. “People [now] notice me and they like how I portray my characters. They are also amazed with my make-up and acting skills which is a plus for me as a cosplayer,” she said. Building a name in the world of cosplay takes time. However, with consistency and unwavering dedication—Mary Romi succeeded in making her name known, and carving her path to success. Through the years, cosplay has evolved and made its way globally. It garnered a number of individuals venturing their own styles and craftsmanship in portraying characters, and cosplayers enlivening the character they chose. They say, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Mary Romi and what she’ll do to showcase her individuality are prime examples of someone who defied all odds in pursuit of passion.
