Miss UNO-R bets show case talent, prowess at SM Bacolod

by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES

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

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.

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.

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” 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.

Stud leaders convene for Taize ‘23

by LIXIE IMEE SORIANO