U-WEEK 2023 SPECIAL
THE UNO-RIAN
VOL. 1 NO.1
November 13, 2023
https://issuu.com/tolentinestar
EMBRACING DEPTH AND EXCELLENCE
TRIUMPHANT SOAR. Eagles from the College of Arts and Sciences dance the streets along Park 1606 bagging the Best in Street Dance and the championship title for the first La Salud Festival, Nov 13. ◘ photo by KHRYSTAL KEY CLARIDAD.
CAS prevails in first-ever La Salud Fest by DANICA ROSE QUINDAP
Invigorated with festive costumes, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) secured the championship title for the Streetdance and Dance Arena Competition in the first-ever La Salud Festival during the opening ceremony of University Week 2023 at the University Amphitheater, Nov. 13. “When I heard that our number was called, I immediately thanked Our Lord and offered everything for the glory of God and to Our Lady of Health because this festival honors her. This [victory] is for the whole Artian community, who sacrificed
their time and effort to make history,” Watanabe said. Watanabe also emphasized that despite lacking preparations, they were still able to showcase the Artians’ spirit that led them to triumph. “The qualities that made the college win the title are the unity among the CAS Family, from preparing costumes and foods, and monitoring the practices. One CAS in embracing the depths and excellence,” CAS Dean Anabee Magbanua-Claur, PhD, said.
Dean Claur also expressed her gratitude towards the CAS faculty, students, and council for the victory that the college received. The reintroduction and reviving of devotion to Nuestra Señora De La Salud inspired the festival dance competition theme. “This year, we [the university] are trying to introduce a new identity to our celebration, the cultural and spiritual, through reviving our tradition of festivities and our devotion to Our Lady of Health, Nuestra Señora de La Salud,” Vice-President for Identity,
Formation, and Vision, and University Week 2023 Chairman, Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said. Moreover, the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) nabbed the awards for Best Costume, Best in Choreography, and Best in Arena Dance, while the College for Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) won the Most Disciplined award. In addition, the CBA, College of Allied Medical Health Sciences, and CCJE earned first, second, and third place, respectively.
Miss UNO-R bets show case talent, prowess at SM Bacolod by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES
FLAIRING BELLES. Six candidates for Miss UNO-R primed the University Week 2023 by presenting their talents and wits during the Miss UNO-R Pre-Pageant and Talent Night at the SM Atrium, Nov. 12. ◘ photo by DIVINE DESOYO.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
Six official candidates from various departments took the center stage of the Prepageant and Talent Presentation in pursuit of the Miss UNO-R 2023 crown, held at the Main Atrium, SM City Bacolod, Nov. 12. “We come together to celebrate not only the outer radiance but the profound qualities that make each department shine—it is a testament to our shared commitment to reaching new heights of accomplishment and grace,” UNORSSGO President Dustin Veridiano said during his opening remarks. Cailah Jhane Delarma, the representative of the College of Engineering (CEN), stole the spotlight with comedic finesse and a dance number. “I advocate for the imperative cause of elderly care, urging collective efforts to reconstruct our lives and foster an appreciation that aging is not a fear-inducing phenomenon,” Delarma said.
Marixi Maligmat, from the College of Arts and Sciences, mesmerized the audience with an interpretative and contemporary dance number. “I advocate for the holistic development of youth, integrating the beauty of sports with unwavering faith,” Maligmat shared. Meanwhile, the representative of the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences, Crishien Alvarez, voiced her commitment to social change. Furthermore, Baryeth Cruz, from the College of Criminal Justice Education, proposed a program addressing Bacolod’s robbery reports. “I urge UNORIANS to collectively transform our devices into instruments of empowerment,” College of Business and Accountancy representative, Uriel Minaves, emphasized. Moreover, Glady Mae Adeva from the College of Education, rendered a self-composed song about Yolanda survivors, advocating for inclusivity.
UNO-R PARADES THE STREETS OF BCD FOR U-WEEK ‘23
Stud leaders convene for Taize ‘23
The Cycle of the Ferris Wheel: Its Twist and Turns
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THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.1 November 13, 2023
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UNO-R PARADES THE STREETS OF BCD FOR U-WEEK ‘23 by Peter Bien Lumayno
Representatives from the University offices, councils, and college departments kicked off the University Week celebration with the caravan of vehicles as they marched on the streets of Bacolod City, Nov. 13. “The UNORian experience is not just limited to UNORians but to everyone who wants to feel and experience it on hand,” University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Supreme Student Government President Dustin Ryan Veridiano said. Veridiano further expounded that with this being an open house event, it further exemplifies to everyone this year’s theme of “Embracing Depth and Excellence,” as it encapsulates the spirit of being a UNORian.
“We show to the public that we, as a university, are united. We also show to them that we celebrate that fact not just inside the campus, but outside as well, as demonstrated by today’s motorcade showcase,” Veridiano added. The event started off with a drumbeater demonstration as the caravan rolled out of the campus with a security entourage of Philippine National Police traffic enforcers. The convoy made its way towards La Salle Avenue, with the colleges’ Miss UNOR representatives at the forefront of each transport, circling back through Lacson St., and finishing its voyage back where it started at the UNO-R campus.
STEADFAST FLAG-BEARERS.ROTC Officers Hans Dela Peña, Olven Moreño, Joyrene Rosello, and Joseph Leonidas hold the flag during the motorcade at Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Nov. 13. ◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.
IN SYNC. LMNHS jived with their batons during the Drum and Lyre Competition at the University Amphitheatre, Nov. 13. ◘ photo by MA. KATREENA BERNAL.
LMNHS bags gold in drum, lyre tourney in U-Week ‘23 by KIA MARIE COSCOLLUELA
Parading their smiles and team spirit, Luisa Medel National High School (LMNHS) once again secured their championship title besting six secondary schools across Negros Occidental for the Drum and Lyre competition at the University Ampitheatre, Nov. 13. “We are super happy because all our hard work paid off. I was worried at first because most of our members are new and we were pressured because [Luisa] Medel [National High School] has always been the champion. I did my best [as the mother majorette] and we [the drum and lyre corps] united to bring home this trophy,” LMNHS Mother Majorette Ashley Homena said. The Best Trainer was also awarded to Mr. Agosto Ferrer, LMNHS Band Master. Elreign Kei Celis Ochon of Tabao National High
School (TNHS), was given the Best Mother Majorette Award. “I am so happy because this is my first time to join and I was also awarded the Best Mother Majorette,” TNHS Mother Majorette Elreign Kei Celis Ochon said. Meanwhile, Drum and Lyre Competition Chairman Fritz Palma said that this is the first time that the University Week celebration was in time for the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Salud.
“Fr. [Leo] Alaras and I were talking and we are hoping that next year, we will not only have 7 contenders but 10,” Drum and Lyre Competition Chairman Fritz Palma said in his closing remarks. Moreover, Lopez Jaena National High School (LJNHS), and TNHS, were first and second runners up, respectively.
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THE UNO-RIAN THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.1 November 13, 2023
Various student leaders from different college councils and societies gathered together at the “Taize”, concluding the first day of University Week 2023 with prayers and fellowship, held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine and University Parking Lot, Nov. 13. “As UNO-Rians, we can be the light to other people in various ways by showing them forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, and encouragement,” Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said during the blessing of candles. Fr. Alaras also emphasized that UNO-Rians should also accept each other regardless of the age and status differences. On the other hand, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Supreme Student Government Officer’s (UNORSSGO) Secretary of the Department of Religious Affairs Dicken May Guarra stated that “Taize” was a form of expressing appreciation to God for the opportunity of celebrating University Week 2023. “As this is the first day of University Week, “Taize”
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allows us to place God at the center of everything by showing gratitude for the talents and skills that He had bestowed upon us,” Guarra expressed. Additionally, Guarra stated that time constraint was the biggest struggle to overcome upon the preparation of the event. “I am anxious about spearheading this event because of the exams last week, however I am thankful to my friends, and to the religious organization that showed support and encouragement along the way,” Guarra added. Moreover, Guarra highlighted that for events and activities to be successful, prayers and acknowledging God’s presence and blessings were essential. “We [UNO-Rian community] began University Week 2023 with a mass, showing that seeking God’s guidance was essential for our success, as evidenced by well-attended events today,” Guarra said. Furthermore, the said event was led by UNORSSGO’s Department of Religious Affairs, in partnership with Campus Ministry Office, and religious organizations.
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Stud leaders convene for Taize ‘23 by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO
MELODIC DEVOTEES. Solemnity filled the halls as student leaders and representatives convened for the Taize U-Week ‘23, at the University Oratory, Nov. 13. ◘ photo by JAN DANIEL BIÑAS.
U-Week opens with Novena Prayer and mass by Arben Jeyk Da-anoy
In celebration of the first day of the University Week 2023, the faculty and students of the University convened for the Mass and Novena Prayer in Honor of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, held at the Oratory of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Nov. 13. “[Agape, the third and highest form of love is] all about charity. It’s about doing something for other people, no matter how small they are, as long as it’s an act of service, it is an act of charity, that would be an instrument of change for other people”, Official Mass Presider Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR, said.
During his homily, Fr. Alaras shared a story of how a businessman, particularly a bakeshop owner, unknowingly helped the street children in their village by giving bread to the nun for 30 consecutive days. “A simple act of charity, a simple greeting, a simple smile, can even change a person,” Fr. Alaras added. Moreover, Fr. Alaras concluded his homily by leaving a challenge to everyone to do a simple act of kindness in order to make a difference.
SOLEMN START. To commence the University Week 2023 and in honor of Señora De La Salud, a mass and the sixth day of novena prayer were held at the University Oratory, Nov.13. ◘ photo by JANTZEN LUMANOG.
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THE UNO-RIAN VOL. 1 NO.1 November 13, 2023
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The Cycle of the Ferris Wheel: Its Twist and Turns by DANICA ROSE QUINDAP
Life often feels like a perpetual ride on a Ferris wheel—full of twists, turns, and moments of breathtaking elevation. The cyclic journey mirrors the rhythm of our experiences, and much like the riders on this iconic amusement, we find ourselves suspended between anticipation and reflection. As the Ferris wheel ascends, offering panoramic vistas of the world below, we are reminded of the exhilarating peaks we strive to reach—academic achievements, personal growth, and the pursuit of our dreams. The view from the top becomes a metaphor for the triumphs and successes that punctuate our journey, each rotation bringing us closer to our goals. But just as the wheel reaches its zenith, life descends into the inevitable troughs, subjecting us to challenges that test our mettle and resilience. SKY DIVER November is the month where we remember the departed souls of our loved ones, but it is also the month where UNORians convene for the most awaited event—the University Week (U-Week). The Ferris wheel ride has been a staple ride every university week, but this year, it offers more than just the normal ride. Compared to the previous years, the Ferris wheel during u-week is the usual one we see during festivals or perya with a rotating upright wheel with multiple passenger cars, but this year, it is bigger, scarier, but more exciting. Kier Torbeso, second-year Education student, shared his experience and how he underestimated the ride at first but then realized how risky it really is. “I thought at first that it is not risky, but it is because it needs to be balanced with the steering wheel so it does not rotate and make you upside down,” Torbeso shared. Philip Martesano, a third-year Education student, also shared that he enjoyed the ride so much because they get to ride an unusual Ferris wheel because he can balance the passenger car through the steering wheel. Despite the uncommon features of the Ferris wheel, individuals like Kier and Philip chose to ride it and share how the experience is different from just the usual ferris wheel. NO SINGLES ALLOWED This year’s Ferris wheel seems interesting as it introduces a new instruction that sparked the interest of many people: “No single riders.” Earl Diopet Ignacio, firstyear Mechanical Engineering student, expressed
how he enjoyed the ferries wheel ride with his friend. “I was riding the ferries wheel with my friend and it was a fun experience to both of us. I get to see his other side and how he was trying hard not to puke,” Ignacio said. Torbeso also shared that he has mixed emotions on whether to ride the ferris wheel again with his friend. “I was with my friend and I would definitely ride it (Ferris wheel) again with her and no. I like riding the Ferris wheel with her because she was just sitting there like a statue, not moving at all, but there are parts in the ride where she squished herself too much o n me and so I was crushed between the cold metal of the
passenger car and her,” Torbeso shared. Although, the Ferris wheel ride strictly implements that no single rider is allowed, this time, friends get to share their experiences during and after the whole ride. CLOUD-9 The Ferris wheel may not be the highest you could be on, but it could definitely make you feel that you are actually in the highest point of your life, but because the ferris wheel rotates endlessly, at some point you will also get to the bottom of it. Brianna Alexis Tipon, fourth-year Education student, shared how she feels from just looking at them and hearing them. She also adds how she relates Ferris wheel in life. “Not all the time, we are at the bottom or at the top. There will be a time that we will stay longer at the bottom, but when you reach the top, it most definitely be fulfilling because you have overcome the struggles going at the top,” Tipon shared. Torbeso also shared that he can also see the Ferris wheel as a cycle of life where seeing is not enough but experiencing it firsthand is one way to learn. “At first, I see it [my problems in life] as easy but if you deal with it, it is not. When it comes to learning experience and application as well, we should not disregard the reactions and experiences of others and take it into account when dealing with problems,” Torbeso shared. Riding the Ferris wheel is a unique experience to every rider. Some may feel scared at first but will enjoy the ride, some may feel excited but will never ride again, while some will want to try it again and again. After all, we’re all just passengers on this carnival cruise, hoping that, in the end, the ride was worth the ticket price. So, my fellow thrill-seekers, as we stumble away from the Ferris wheel of life, let’s carry with us the laughter, the lessons, and perhaps a lingering sense of nausea— because isn’t that what makes the carnival of life truly unforgettable?