ELS, COMM launches Encantadia-Themed General Orientation

Report by Lexter Kian Pamintuan | Photo by Diya Nicole Gurung

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) students from English Language Studies (ELS) and Communication (COMM) Departments gathered for their annual general orientation at Kaisa Convention Hall, on September 2.

With the theme “Encantadia: Ang Pagbubukas ng Bagong Yugto,” the event was organized by the departments’ respective student orgs; Tarlac State University (TSU) Communicators' Guild, led by President Lois Quinocho, and TSU Linguistic Society, headed by President Philip Lara.

In an interview, Lara shared the challenges of organizing the event within a short timeframe, noting that it measured their team’s ability to collaborate.

“Preparing for the event with Comm Guild was both pressuring and exhilarating, as it tested our organization’s teamwork in just a single week,” Lara said.

He added that the event was made possible by the determination of student leaders, who were driven by the thought of doing it for their fellow students.

“The setbacks we faced were simply because of the little time we had to prepare. However, the sheer will, and determination of the student leaders are what made it possible. It wouldn't exist without them,” Lara shared.

Furthermore, students from different year levels paraded in their assigned colors and kingdoms: Freshmen in yellow as “Bagania,” Sophomores in green as “Daluyonia,” Juniors in blue as “Hiraya,” and Seniors in red as “Sandigaria.”

“Hiraya” of the Junior batch won Best Banner, while Freshmen’s “Bagania” topped the batch yell competition.

“Hindi po namin expect na mananalo kami [freshies] for batch yell… akala ko po ma-dogshow talaga kami,” said a Comm freshman.

Additionally, Rosemarie Vicente, a Comm Junior shared that the effort made is both thrilling and exciting, quoting that “It’s a well-deserved win talaga, atsaka nag-enjoy naman kami sa panonood.”

Meanwhile, CASS Dean Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano opened the program with a message on new beginnings and the importance of unity among students from different programs.

Other highlights included performances by student leaders, the TSU HipHop Group, and drag artists from the House of Vermillion. Attendees also enjoyed interactive booths such as a café booth from LingSoc and a photo booth from CommGuild.

The event marked the start of an exciting year for Comm and ELS students, showcasing the spirit of unity and friendly competition that defines CASS.