The Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) held its first on-site Orientation Seminar (OrSem) for college freshmen from July 21–22 at the MPCC 1, after a respite of two years due to the pandemic. This year’s theme was “Tuloy Atenista” inspired by the Disney movie, Encanto.
The OrSem aims to welcome first-year students to the university and introduce to them the deans and directors of the different colleges, the various academic and student organizations, and the facilities, among others, for them to get a feel of what the university has to offer.
Day 1 of the program formally commenced with a mass celebrated by Fr. Rene Tacastacas SJ., the Vice President for Higher Education. Fr. Tacastacas then gave a short welcoming speech focusing on the “3 G’s”—Grow, Grit, and Grace.
The different administrators were introduced to the freshmen by the masters of ceremonies (MCs), Jason Idlisan and Paula Alexis Ando. A short photo opportunity ensued, followed by parlor games and a community dance headed by the working committee.
During the afternoon session, the participants embarked on a campus tour where facilitators showed the freshmen around the different buildings and facilities to help them familiarize the names and functions.
The participants were also graced with intermission numbers by the Ateneo Blue Vigors, a school dance troupe.
A representative from each student organization had the opportunity to give a brief introduction of the club and its objectives while also encouraging them to join.
The first day concluded with the assembly of the different Academic Organizations (AO) to gather for additional activities and prepare for the contests that will take place on the second day.
Day 2 started with a short GTKY session and Day 1 recap, along with an enchanting singing performance by Jema Pagasita.
A welcome message was given by Christine Calunod, director of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), who began the orientation on student services and introduced their office and respective staff members. This was followed by Mr. Shing Balatbat, director of the College of Admissions and Aid Office. The Infirmary discussed the COVID health and safety protocols that the school would observe this school year. Followed by video presentations from the Social Development Offices and the Library. The Campus Ministry and the Guidance and Counseling Offices rounded out the orientation for the first part of the second day and the AO assembly immediately followed in preparation for the night events.
By 6 p.m., Fr. Karel San Juan SJ, the University President, welcomed all participants with his inspiring message.
Exhilarating performances were rendered by the band UNLIRise, followed by a solo singing performance by Pao Delgado.
The six participating AOs showcased their talent and creativity through the much-awaited AO yell and duet competitions, which started at 7 p.m. along with the presentation of the AO Banners for the Banner Making competition. The lively spirits of each student echoed through the MPCC with their roars and chants, representing their respective AO.
The BLEU dance troupe awed the crowd with their dance moves, and the band intermission number by Adelfia glued the audience while waiting for the announcement of the winners, which are as follows: For the banner competition, Accountancy Academic Organization (AAO), Nursing Academic Organization (NAO), and Science and Information Technology Academic Organization (SITAO) won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, respectively.
For the yell competition, 1st place went to AAO, followed by NAO and Liberal Arts Academic Organization (LAAO) in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.
Lastly, for the duet singing competition, 1st place went to AAO, followed by LAAO and Education Academic Organization (EAO) in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.
AAO bagged the title of this year’s OrSem Overall Champions, with LAAO as the 2nd placer and NAO in 3rd place.
Indeed, this post-pandemic OrSem was a roaring success as it was able to give the freshmen a glimpse of the fun, family, and memorable experiences in store for them in their succeeding years in Ateneo.
