NEWS: CAPSU-Mambusao highlights ASEAN cultural diversity and unity through stories, performances, and traditions

on
By Lyka D. Loro

HONORING TALENT, CELEBRATING UNITY. Winners and participants are recognized during the awarding ceremony of the various contests held as part of the ASEAN Month Celebration, highlighting the students’ creativity, skills, and appreciation of ASEAN culture and unity..

Vibrant cultural attire, performances, stories, and shared experiences took center stage as faculty, staff and students gathered at the campus gymnasium on August 24, 2026, for the ASEAN Month Celebration, underscoring the region’s diversity while celebrating the unity that connects its people under the theme “ONE ASEAN: Connecting Students through Culture, Stories, and Opportunities.”
The program opened with a processional parade of students, faculty, and staff, all dressed in vibrant ASEAN-inspired attire that proudly represented the diverse traditions of Southeast Asian countries.
The ceremony officially commenced with the opening remarks delivered by Prof. Lida L. Corcino, SIAP/SIPP/EAL Coordinator. She emphasized that ASEAN integration is not merely an external initiative but a shared responsibility that calls on the CAPSU community to strengthen collaboration, connection, and unity toward a common future.
“ASEAN integration is not something that is coming to us; it is already part of who we are in the CAPSU system. ASEAN is a celebration of how we navigate our future together. This means reminding ourselves of our shared purpose—to collaborate, connect, and strengthen our relationships with one another. Through this unity and cooperation, we can work toward a better future, a future that we navigate together,” Prof. Corcino said.
Following the opening remarks was an inspirational message from Dr. Ramy Lloyd L. Lotilla, Satellite College Director, who emphasized the importance of the celebration in recognizing Filipino identity, cultural pride, and the country’s place within the ASEAN community.
“This celebration is more than just a celebration, it is a celebration of our identity as Filipinos and as member of the ASEAN, our love for our culture and being proud as a Filipino,” Dr. Lotilla said.
As the event continued, a video presentation about the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 was shown, followed by the Stories Across ASEAN: SEA Teacher’s Talk video presentation. Joey Luces, Kin Sabala, Dennis Asral, and Nur Baeti Lega Wahidah shared their experiences and journeys as SEA Teacher exchange students.
After the presentations, the atmosphere was energized with music as Mr. Yeshua Regan Pascua, Mr. Ryan Chester Soriano, and Ms. Danica Fegurac showcased their talents.
BAEL students proudly presented their assigned countries through cultural outfits, highlighting each nation’s traditions, identity, and heritage. Students from other departments also walked the aisle in a fashion show, presenting the diverse and colorful traditional attire of ASEAN member states.
Faculty and staff also joined the runway, representing their respective countries through their chosen ASEAN inspired outfits. To further celebrate Southeast Asian culture, selected BAEL students and the Kalingawan Performing Arts Group presented a variety of performances, showcasing their talents and appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The celebration also featured the awarding ceremony for the contests held on August 18, 2026, organized by the External Affairs and Linkages Offices in collaboration with the Society of Arts Students (SocArtsS).
Essay Writing Contest
1st Runner-Up: Aslen Caharop
2nd Runner-Up: ShemUEL Bugna
3rd Place: Crissy Lacson
Digital Poster-Making Contest
1st Place: Gino Monahan
2nd Place: Ma. Jyvil Delgado
3rd Place: Rogin Mae Orale
The winners of the Runway Attire competition were also recognized.
Mr. ASEAN 2026
Mr. ASEAN 2026: Clarence E. Frias
1st Runner-Up: Evans Jhon Rebaño
2nd Runner-Up: Rian Kyle Francisco
Miss ASEAN 2026
Miss ASEAN 2026: Ma. Jyvil Delgado
1st Runner-Up: Megan Alogon
2nd Runner-Up: Sarah Jane Bringuela
In the Faculty Category, Dr. Jelly L. Paredes and Prof. Vincent B. Bunda won the Best in ASEAN Attire, while BAEL students Mark Rodel Beato and Maryden Bastian received the same recognition in the Student Category.
The celebration continued with an ASEAN trivia segment led by Prof. Freden S. Delgado. Students from different departments participated in the activity and enjoyed answering questions about ASEAN.
Faculty, staff, and students also joined the Unity Dance, further highlighting the spirit of togetherness and cooperation that the celebration aimed to promote.
Closing the ceremony, Student Affairs and Services Chairperson Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo delivered the closing remarks. Dr. Ricardo underscored the importance of unity amid diversity, calling on the CAPSU community to embrace ASEAN’s shared values, strengthen connections, and work together toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“Our differences do not divide us. Although we speak different languages and have different practices and traditions, these differences do not separate us. Instead, they bring us together as one region, united by our shared aspirations, common goals, and commitment to building a stronger ASEAN community,” she Ricardo said.
Dr. Ricardo further reminded the participants to uphold ASEAN’s shared goals of growth, unity, and a strong collective identity, anchored on the ASEAN Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” she added.
The ASEAN Month Celebration was made possible through the efforts of BAEL Program Chairperson Dr. Maria Aurora G. Victoriano, the SocArtsS officers, in cooperation with the Supreme Student Council (SSC) and the Future Leaders of the Philippines (FLP).
The celebration served as a meaningful gathering that highlighted the importance of cultural appreciation, unity, collaboration, and shared aspirations among students, faculty, and staff as members of the ASEAN community.