Mural Painting Competition debuts as first visual art event in MSU Intramurals after 17 years
GUIA A. REBOLLIDO
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, October 12 –Bursting with vibrant colors, murals painted with vivid images representing various team emblems and mascots lined up along the outside walls of the Alumni Park in Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) for the Mural Painting Competition, marking the first ever visual art event in the institution after 17 years.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA), Norman Ralph Isla, highlighted how this event was vital for the recognition and inclusion of visual artists in the university, pointing out how they are only limited to the works of propsmen and costume designers most of the time.
“Meron tayong literary musical dance, nasaan si visual arts, saan yung ating mga painters yung ating mga mga good designers, saan sila? We want also to give an event na makapagbigay sila directly ng gold medal or ng points sa college din nila agad agad,” he said.
The VCSA said that the event is sponsored by the MSU Alumni who provided the white paint for the competition, hinting that next year’s Intramurals might feature a new type of visual art competition.
“Siguro magbabago na naman ang competition kasi hindi naman pwedeng wall na naman ang drawingan nila, we are trying
to see more of art installation or yung waste sculpture. Tinitignan pa namin kung ano yung mga pwedeng event,” he explained.
Inclusivity
Isla, who refers to himself as an advocate for inclusivity, pointed out that one of the main goals of the event is to include visual artists in the Intramurals.
“Dati parang walang lugar yung mga journalist– ginawa natin ang collaborative desktop publishing. Walang lugar yung mga yung mga cosplayer designer, maker–ginawa natin ang cosplay parade,” he remarked.
According to Isla, they aim to make more events with the same intention, emphasizing that these are always open for constructive criticisms, evaluation, and for improvement.
Using the improv duo as an example, he said that the execution of competitions are “not perfect in the first place but with the constant harnessing evaluation, gumaganda ng gumaganda ang mga events natin.”
“If you would ask me no, [as] someone na nag aral dito hanggang nag graduate, hanggang naging Vice Chancellor, I would say na ang layo layo na ng narating ng Intramurals,” he expressed.
Isla said that the best thing about the Intramurals are the participants who are very critica, the committee is very considerate and critical, at the constant improvement of ang events.
Sociocultural event
According to Isla, the competition is under the socio-cultural event which “evolves from time to time.”, with the bidding of events each year based on the decisions of the steering committee.
“Next year is ilan sa mga inaabangan natin ay larong pinoy, kasi ito ay talagang sinosolve, may formula siya hindi siya basta basta dinedesisyunan lang, kumbaga kailangan mag agree ang sports tsaka non sports kasi may mga colleges na magaling sa sports,” he explained.
The VCSA said tha chosen events for Intramurals are statistically and politically planned, taking into consideration both the strengths and weaknesses of each college or team.
The Mural Painting Competition started last October 7, anchored on the emblem or mascot of respective colleges and teams and the theme “MSUans Forever.”
Rhetorical and dramatic performances, highlight in 3rd day of intramurals;
Oration missing from list of speaking events
JOHN PAUL SIAPEL, DAVE MODINA
General Santos City, October 12 – The Audio Visual Room (AVR) of Mindanao State University General Santos City (MSUGSC) - Library was filled with emotions, and laughter as the Literary Competition commenced on the third day of Intramurals 2024.
Each contender showed off their talent in representing their own colleges, dominating various literary events such as extemporaneous speaking, declamation, improv-duo, and dagliang talumpati.
In the statement of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA) Dr. Norman Ralph C Isla, he said that the literary competition, especially speaking events, are essential in expressing voices that represent nationalism and patriotism.
“Bilang isang Iskolar ng Bayan, importante sa atin na gamitin yung ating utak at yung ating mga mga salita kung paano nga ba makakatulong sa bayan, paano makakainspire ng mas marami pang mga kabataan na hindi lamang maging basta basta Iskolar ng Bayan kundi maging mapagmahal na Pilipino para sa kanyang bayan,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Isla said that this year, the morning program was set for rhetorical events such as dagliang talumpati and extemporaneous speaking, while the afternoon program focused on dramatic elements such as declamation and improv duo.
Dr. Norman Ralph C Isla highlighted that the oration was removed and replaced with cosplay showcase competition, in order to be inclusive and to ensure that a lot of students can enjoy the event.
“Since oration is a minor event, pinalitan namin siya ng mas inclusive mas maraming makakasali maliban sa isa lang, so that is the cosplay parade kasi we inform more participation of students,” he said.
According to the VCSA, the cosplay event, which will happen on October 14 is neither comical skit kit nor for the sake of showmanship only, but is a group act that leans toward character portrayal.
In addition, Isla emphasized that the intramurals works in a statistical manner, maintaining equilibrium on sports and nonsports events, especially that each events are monitored by the Steering Committee.
“We work on a limited number of points kasi intramurals works in statistical, meron siya talagang formula like ilang events lang ang for sports ilang events lang for non-sports,” he added.
Extemporaneous Speaking
During the extemporaneous speaking competition, different colleges showcased their wits and confidence as they delivered their speeches.
The candidates were given a topic that was used to deliver their speeches.
The College of Fisheries (COF), College of Engineering (COE), and the Senior High School (SHS) department were selected as the top 3 finalists of the said competition.
Dagliang Talumpati
College of Engineering (COE), College of Agriculture (COA), and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) were announced as top 3 finalists for Dagliang
Talumpati competition.
A variety of students from different colleges gave their utmost power to convey their pieces as they were given a one-word topic each, where they constructed speeches and persuaded the audience and judges with their goals and stands.
Declamation
Contenders from the different colleges delivered thrilling and bone chilling pieces during the Declamation competition in the MSU-GSC Library, earlier.
The contenders prepared different pieces based on the theme given. The theme reflects as people experienced or a victim of different injustice.
Improv-duo competition
After heavy performances in Declamation, the room’s atmosphere lightened as different duos from different colleges showcased their wits and funny sides.
The improv-duo contenders made a storyline, according to five things given by the organizer of the event such as umbrella, water gallon, indoor broom, salakot, and malong.
The event was joined by students, faculty and staff from different colleges and commenced with a photo opportunity together with the contestants.
The winners of different events will be announced on October 14, the literary night of this year’s Intramurals.
kaSIYAhang salarin
JESSIE JAY RUERAS,
JASMINE JOY PANES
Parang asukal na pinagpipistahan ng mga langgam ang pagbubukas ng Intramurals 2024 ng Pamantasang Mindanao –Lungsod ng Heneral Santos. Nagsulputan ang mga kabi-kabilang girian at pag-ulan ng mga pambabatikos mula sa mga estudyanteng dumalo sa unang araw ng pambungad. Sa kabila nito ay ang hindi mabilang na mga taong nakiisa sa unang araw at hindi na alintana kung saan sila nagmula. Subalit, kasabay nga ng mga nagaalab na kasiyahang ito ay ang pag-usbong ng mainit-init pa sa kapeng diskusyon at kritisismong kumakalat online, lalo na sa Facebook group na MEMEsu. Imbes na pagkakaisa at positibong pananaw ang aalagwa sa unang araw ng pagdiriwang, sigalot ang sumalubong sa iilan.
Hindi maikakaila na ang Pamantasang Mindanao – Lungsod ng Heneral Santos ay nangunguna sa iba’t ibang inisyatiba sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran bilang bahagi ng kanilang hangarin na maging isang Pambansang Unibersidad ng Kapayapaan. Ngunit habang nag-aalab ang adhikaing ito, ang alikabok na umiikot saang sulok ng unibersidad ay nagiging isang mapamuksang buhawi dahil sa patuloy na pakikisawsaw ng iba sa kasiyahang dapat na isabuhay sa loob ng Pamantasang Mindanao.
Isa sa mga usaping umani ng traksyon noong kasagsagan ng unang araw ng pagdiriwang ay ang pagbatikos ng isang anonymous participant sa MEMEsu hinggil sa kalidad ng fireworks display, na nagsilbing batingaw upang opisyal na buksan ang pagdiriwang ng Intramurals 2024. Kahit binuksan ang tarangkahan para sa iba na gustong makiisa, tila nilalamat naman ng mga ito ang kapayapaan at kasiyahang gustong matamo ng mga MSUans. Napakababaw kung iisipin na
ang isyu ng fireworks display ang naging bantayan ng iilan sa pagkuwestiyon sa kahusayan ng Intramurals.
Hindi rin nakaligtas sa mga mapanuring mata ng mga tinaguriang outsiders ang sandamakmak na basurang nakakalat sa loob at labas ng unibersidad. Dalawang Intramurals at isang MSU System Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Unity Games na ang dumaan mula taong 2022, subalit hindi pa rin nasosolusyunan ang suliraning ito. Sa katunayan, nakailang artikulo na rin ang Bagwis upang manawagan sa administrasyon, ngunit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nabibigyan ng pagtugon at tila nababalewala lamang. Datapwat may kakulangan man ang mga hakbang sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan, nakakahiyang isipin na ang basurang nagkalat ay nagiging sanhi ng patuloy na girian, dahil ang mismong mga MSUan ang nambababoy sa kapaligirang kaniyang inaapakan para lamang sa kasiyahan.
Hindi na bago ang kultura ng bardagulan sa pamantasan tuwing may mga malalaking selebrasyon. Bagama’t nagdadala ito ng kaunting aliw sa gitna ng matinding kumpetisyon, ang paggatong ng mga bagay na walang kabuluhan ang siyang sumisira sa totoong kaluluwa ng selebrasyon. Kasabay ng pagbigay-halaga ng mga MSUans sa taunang intramurals at sa pagmamalaki nito bilang ‘Best in Town’, ang kakulangan ng tamang etika sa social media ay unti-unting naglililok sa maskara na magtataguyod sana ng kaunlaran at kapayapaan. Sa halip, dahil sa mga hindi kaaya-ayang pagtrato at pakikitungo sa bawat isa, naghihingalo na ang diwa ng pagkakaisa.
Sa kabilang dako naman, ang punto sa pag-apruba sa mga post ay nararapat na nasasala at dumadaan sa butas ng
karayom upang hindi mapinid sa hindi pagkakaunawaan imbes na magkaisa at makisaya. Totoong malaya tayong ipahayag ang ating saloobin sa social media, ngunit dapat tandaan na may kaakibat itong responsibilidad. Ang impormasyong inilalathala ay maaaring maging punyal na tatarak sa hinaharap sa isang iglap lamang.
Bilang mga MSUan, nawa’y maging mas responsable ang bawat isa sa mga salitang binibitawan sa social media at sa tunay na buhay. Sa loob ng 51 na taon ng pamantasan, nakatatak na sa imahe nito ang kahusayan–hindi lamang sa Intramurals, kundi pati na rin sa iba pang aspeto. Ang tunay na MSUan ay alam sa puso na hindi ang fireworks display ang nagbibigay ng kahulugan sa selebrasyong ito, ngunit ang katotohanang pagkatapos ng lahat ng kumpetisyon, sama-sama pa ring magpupunyagi ang mga ito sa tagumpay ng bawat isa. Ang tunay na peace champion ay nasa gawa ang pagpapakumbaba, sapagkat alam nito na wala nang dapat patunayan ang pamantasan.
Makulimlim man ang naging simula ng Intramurals ng pamantasan, hindi matatawaran ang pagpapatatag ng pagkakaisa at kahusayan ng mga MSUan sa iba’t ibang larangan at aspeto hindi lamang pang-akademiko kundi pati na rin sa usaping talento. Marami nang hamong hinarap ang mga Iskolar ng Bayan at sa pagkakataong ito, huwag sanang supilin at agawin ang kasiyahang kanilang inaasamasam sa loob ng ilang buwang pakikibaka sa loob ng Pamantasan. Marahil ay maraming mga kamay ang magtuturo sa kung kaniino man bilang salarin sa pag-aagaw sa kasiyahang nais makamtan ng mga MSUan, ngunit sa huli, huwag na sana nating pairalin ang kamangmangan sa pagbibigay ng respeto, saanman at kailanman.
When Firsts Becomes Lasts
FAYROUZ OMAR, LESLIE ANNE PAYONGAYONG
The sky erupts in fireworks, painting streaks of color across the fading dusk as the first day of intramural begins. The yells of each college echo through the field, reverberating against the walls of the university, forming a symphony of pride and unity. Freshly ironed uniforms march in perfect sync, banners held high, faces glowing with the thrill of competition. For the first-year students, these moments mark a series of firsts— their first taste of what it truly means to be an MSUan, every experience drawing them deeper into traditions they’ve only heard whispers of.
Yet, for others, these firsts are their lasts. The fireworks that light up the sky are no longer just a spectacle of celebration but a bittersweet reminder that their time here is drawing to a close. The next time they see fireworks, it won’t be at another intramural, but perhaps at their own graduation. It’s both fascinating and profoundly melancholic how the same experience can hold such different meanings for those witnessing it. Perhaps this is what it means for a beginning to be someone else’s end and for an ending to spark the start of something new.
Here we go, MSU!
If there’s one thing freshies at Mindanao State University eagerly await, it’s the exhilarating excitement of the intramural. Maybe it’s the vibrant stalls that tempt them to spend every peso, or the chance to witness and showcase hidden talents. Perhaps it’s simply the opportunity to breathe in the thrill of new experiences. This feeling perfectly captures the spirit of a first-year student, who is ready to embrace all that this unforgettable journey has to offer.
“As a freshie, I was really excited for the intramural! I have heard so much about the MSU Intrams being the “Best Intrams in Town.” It was fun, very enjoyable. The festive atmosphere, the scale, the students, the events, the activities, the booth—everything was just top-notch,” shares BS Psychology Major Shamelle Ayessa Duco, eagerly looking forward to the future events the MSU will hold in the name of students
and learning.
For them, intramural isn’t just games or competitions —they’re their first taste of what it means to belong to something bigger, a community that breathes life into the campus. And as they stand at the beginning of this path, one thing is clear: they’ve found a place where they truly belong.
See you later, MSU.
A glimpse of the past few years, a trip down memory lane intertwines with nurturing self-growth experiences and poignant goodbyes.
Flashbacks of the last four years start to flood the tired minds of our seniors, wishing it won’t be over just yet. Our soon-to-be graduates will be standing on the edge of the next chapter, wearing their maroon cap and sotra togas.
For Ma. Kriezel Gorgonio of Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, it has been a deeply reflective moment—witnessing her last intramurals as a fourth year student.
“Pagsugod og buto sa fireworks gabie, kay ang pagsugod pud og tulo sa akong luha. The fireworks display during intramurals really holds a special part of me; it marked the beginning and end of my journey as an MSUan,” she recalls with a nostalgic feeling.
Each and every step taken from all those years—from the first awkward freshman greetings and introductions to hectic class schedules, and finally, to the melancholic realizations of where all the time has gone—altogether bridge the upbringing moments in life, leading towards a new beginning, despite having to end a remarkable journey. Yet, with every ending comes the sole promise of something new, something great, and somewhere where fate would take you—somewhere where you should be. Hence, the future will await, vivid and relentless, for those ready to look back and embrace the cherished moments of being an Iskolar ng Bayan.
ASTEEGS hold ground in men’s table tennis team title defense, ousted Reapers in a down-to-thewire battle
NIEL ZSUN JOHN VEGA
Paddling toward their championship aspirations, the College of Engineering ASTEEGS clinched a hard-fought victory against the College of Agriculture Reapers in their men’s table tennis team event, securing wins in both the doubles and singles B matches at the College of Fisheries today, October 12.
Despite a strong showing by the Reapers, with singles A paddler Lance Azcárraga defeating ASTEEGS captain Vonn Torres in a thrilling fiveset battle [11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 12-14, 11-8], the reigning champions remained undeterred.
The ASTEEGS bounced back as their doubles team triumphed in another five-set showdown, followed by John Paul Bagnol’s dominant performance in the singles B match, winning in straight sets to seal the overall victory, three sets to two.
By taking control of the match, the COE squad is determined to defend their title. Comprising a formidable four-man team, namely, John Paul Borja, Ralph Biadnes, Bagnol, and team captain Torres—their strength was evident after their game against COA. They are now the team to beat in the tournament.
De Padua’s ‘mamba mentality’ fuels ASTEEGS in jaw-dropping sepak takraw upset over Vanguards
JOSEPH CARL ESTRERA
Despite grappling with a second-set injury, Erron De Padua of the College of Engineering (COE) ASTEEGS displayed remarkable tenacity, rallying his regu to a dramatic comeback and securing their first win in two years with a 2-1 victory over the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) Vanguards, eliminating them from the sepak takraw competition today, October 12, at the University Sepak Takraw Court.
For two consecutive years, both teams faced off in the finals, with the Vanguards clinching back-to-back championships and relegating the ASTEEGS to silver medal status. This high-stakes showdown marked a pivotal moment, as both teams found themselves in uncharted territory within the losing bracket, amplifying the match’s importance in their fervent pursuit of a coveted podium finish.
In a riveting opening set, opposing sides fought tooth and nail, reaching a tense 12-all stalemate yet, the Vanguards’ tenacious defense seized the momentum, propelling them to a decisive 21-15 victory.
After losing the set, ASTEEGS displayed unwavering determination, capitalizing on Robert La-ab’s explosive serves and James Roja’s pinpoint sets to regain their momentum. Despite De Padua’s injury briefly stalling their charge, the team rallied
magnificently, rising from the ashes to claim the second set with a hard-fought 21-17 win.
Fueled by newfound momentum, the COE unleashed a torrent of kicks spearheaded by De Padua, leveling the score at sevenall early in the third set before launching an unyielding assault that culminated in a decisive 15-9 finish.
ASTEEGS’ spiker De Padua passionately articulated the game’s significance for their pride, emphasizing that their ultimate goal was to fight for a dramatic third set to secure a comeback victory. He expressed the team’s determination to rise, especially after two years of fierce competition against the Vanguards, who had consistently bested them in last year’s finals.
“Depensa lang gid ang among ginaprepare kay mao lang gid ang kulang sa amo. Kusog man abi sila [Vanguards] sa depensa, ug di namo sila masabayan,” he noted, acknowledging the team’s need to strengthen their defensive strategies.
Meanwhile, in light of his recent injury, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the game while prioritizing safety during landings. He then assured his college that they would compete with steadfast dedication and savor every moment on the court until they could no longer play.
Reapers secure sequential title chase after defeating Tycoons in men’s badminton team
VANESS VILLAFUERTE
Cementing their status as last year’s champions, the College of Agriculture (COA) Reapers delivered a dominant 5-0 victory against the College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) Tycoons in the fifth match of the Intramurals men’s badminton tournament at the University Gymnasium today, October 12.
The Reapers wasted no time asserting their dominance, starting with an 11-point lead win in doubles A, momentum continued in women’s doubles A, where Reapers fended off Tycoons’ resistance with a 31-27 victory. Reapers’ Men’s Doubles B team faced tougher opposition but held their ground in a nail-biting 31-29 finish.
Not letting up, the Reapers’ Women’s Doubles B duo added to the sweep,
securing another 31-27 win. The Reapers closed out the match in style, crushing the Tycoons in Mixed Doubles with a 31-15 blowout, establishing a massive doubledigit lead that remained unchallenged.
“Ang goal namin is maging champion pa rin,” said Reapers key player Julia Jomento, adding that they were determined to stay calm under pressure and take it one game at a time. He added that she also encouraged her teammate to go on to challenge and chase the game, resulting in an emphatic win.
With this clean victory, COA’s team are now set to face the School of Graduate Studies Masters, continuing their bid to defend their title in this year’s intramurals.
Anglers overwhelm Vanguards with seamless victory in softball showdown
PRINCESS
GRACE TESNADO
Surfing to victory amidst the downpour, the College of Fisheries (COF) Anglers remained composed and tactical, unveiling the efficacy of their strategies as they roll on an easy win and not letting the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) Vanguards to taste a single run, wrapping the game just in the opening of the 3rd inning, sealing the score of 10-0, held at university’s open field, October 12.
The Anglers already marked their superiority inside the field as they entered the match, after putting up an early display of their great determination to own the first home runs of the match in the first inning, leaving the Vanguards behind with a 5-0 gap which pressured them to take a time out.
Despite the brief break of the Talibas to regroup themselves, they were not able to manage the miscommunication and off-keys of
their players that the Anglers took advantage of to retain the momentum on their side.
As they entered the second inning of the match, COF players remained calm despite the rain, recognizing that CSSH had a chance to secure their first run and close the gap.
The Anglers were so determined to take home the win, as they did not waste time and were unstoppable with their home runs, calculating additional tallies to finally secure their victory with the mercy rule of 10-0 just in the opening minutes of the third inning, manifesting their team effort and collaboration.
College of Fisheries seeks to find their way to the championship title after finishing bronze on last year’s Intramurals, silencing the Vanguards in the round-robin match.
