UMYONG Festival 2023: For the Students, By the Students
Jaiben Alabado
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UMYONG Festival 2023 made its triumphant return, as the Council of Student Organizations (CSO), in collaboration with the Council of College Student Government (CCSG) and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), crafted an array
of events for the UMians to enjoy. UMYONG Festival is a week-long event where students can exhibit and further develop their abilities as they represent their respective Student Organizations and Colleges in various booths, competitions, and events last February 14-17, 2023, at
the UM Matina Campus. The festival commenced last February 12 as students of different colleges participated in the SUBANG MINDANAO: UMYONG Color Fun Run 2023 and UMOLYMPICS, held at UM Oval Track and Field to test their physical prowess and unity amongst their peers..
Twenty-nine (29) booths were mounted across the upper mini-forest from February 14-17 for the Inter-Organization Bazaar Exhibit, which showcased the various Studenr Organizations as they offer different activities, products, and services that students can visit and enjoy.
For students interested in E-Sports, the
One of the highlights of the UMyong event was to showcase the beauty of UMians in the Mutya ng UM 2023, participated by twenty-three lovely candidates from different colleges in UM-Main and its branches in Bansalan, Tagum, Digos, and Peñaplata.
The candi -
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Student League competition was one of the most eagerly anticipated events during the UMyong Festival, where 12 participating teams from various student groups fought against one another to claim victory last February 1415.
The Badminton Tournament got underway last February 15 at the UM Matina Gymnasium, as twenty (20) mixed doubles teams from various student organizations competed against one another in hopes of bringing home the gold.
UMYONG
Festival debuted its first-ever Neo-cultural Dance Competition, which aspires to unite the past and present culture while conserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes
dates went through interviews, showing off their talents and cocktail dress during the Pre-Pageant Competition at UM Digos Campus last February 10, 2023, where the victors of some of the minor awards were given.
The most anticipated crown rivalry concluded at the Mutya ng UM 2023 Coronation Night held on February 17, 2023, held at the University of Mindanao Gymnasium. The program started at 6:00 PM, where
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of Davao City. The College of Arts and Science Education, Teacher Education, and Business Administration Education vied for the inaugural championship last February 16.
The UM Debate Society in collaboration with Samahang Magaaral ng Pulitika (SMP) and OSA, organized the Paladin Inter-Organization Debate Championship, which culminated last February 16, wherein different student organization locked horns in a battle of wits that tested their capabilities to generate effectual critical thinking into primary issues in their given topics.
The much-awaited Mutya ng UM 2023 Coronation Night was held last February 17 at the UM Matina Gymnasium, as twenty-three (23) lovely candidates from
Vol IV No. 3 UMYONG FESTIVAL 2023 | MUTYA NG UM 2023 February 2023
Upholding Knowledge Through Information The Official Student Publication of the University of Mindanao
PRIMUM
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MORE THAN JUST GLITZ AND GLAMOUR. Mutya ng UM 2023 Jennica Linterna of the College of Teacher Education shone bright like a diamond on the Coronation Night.
Photo Courtesy: Jheri Mae Bacularao
COME AND SEE. Students partake in the different activities offered by the booths of the student organizations and sponsors.
UM’s Inter-Organization Bazaar Exhibit, Thronged by the Students
Jolly and Admirable: words that describe the success of the UMyong Festival’s Inter-Organization
Bazaar Exhibit, initiated by the Council of the Student Organization (CSO) of the University of Mindanao, from February 14 to 17, 2023, at the Upper Mini-Forest, UM - Matina Campus.
The bazaar aimed to showcase the talents and skills of the different student organizations. From 29 bazaars, officers, together with the students under a particular guild, had their unique way of promoting their booths: karaoke, selling mouth-
watering delicacies, microscope viewing, photo booth, and color games are just some of the attractions.
According to the CSO President, Noel II Andrada, the event is just one of the highlights of UMYong Festival 2023, to continue the tradition of the university, and also to foster unity amidst diversity.
“Even if each organization has their own goal, objectives, and vision, they can still work as one, work with one another, be with one another, and will produce a good result for everyone”, Andrada
Wayne Lambert Ducoy
said. In the culmination program of the three-day bazaar, representatives from each organization gathered at the façade of the UM Chapel on February 17, 2023, as the CSO awarded the booths that stood out during the bazaar. The UM Association of Social Work Students (UMASWS) was awarded as the Cleanest Booth Area, and the UM BioCells and the League of Environmental Science, Agroforestry, and Forestry Students (LEAF) bagged the Best Bazaar Concept award. On the other
hand, the sponsors of the UMYong Festival and its grand highlight, the Mutya ng UM 2023, also took their spots in different corners of the university to promote their brands. These sponsors were as follows: University of Mindanao, Taza, Barbeque Boss – Davao, BASHH, Project Taho Davao, Mang Danny’s Famous Ice Cream, Bowls Aye, Maximax Education and Migration Services, Scrambble, UM Alumni Association, Inc., also in partnership with Samsung Wiltelcom, TNTph, Bec and Geri’s, RDL Pharmaceutical Lab. Inc., Paint-
CASE Triumphant in the Neo-Cultural Dance Competition
C ollege of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE), declared as Champion during the Neo-Cultural dance competition last February 16, 2023, held in the University of Mindanao gymnasium, as they depict the culture
competitors, the College of Teacher Education (CTE) ranked as second place, and College of Business Administration Education (CBAE) ranked as first place. Each team
through the medium of dance.
Erick John Isanan, CHE College of Student Government (CSG) President and Council of College Student Government
competition, and hoping for a successful event in fostering the diverse culture of Davao City.
During the opening remarks, CASE-CSG and CCSG President, Mr. Reyland E. Alfeche proclaims that the purpose of this Neo-Cultural Competition is to showcase the talents of the students in the constitution and to give honor to the different tribes in our city. Improvising the network for others to understand, respect, love, and value our customs and standards.
The presentation of CASE, Ka Silong sa Laya, a tale from Maguindanaon tribe, that talks about a princess’ wise decision in looking for a lifetime
line T-Shirt Printing, Bioskin Philippines, and Oli Skin PH.
Even though the suspension of classes during the event was not approved, UMians still enjoyed the experience and had fun as they still made time to visit each organization and sponsor’s booths and try what they had offered.
As the event drew to a close, students were encouraged to be true to the message of the UMYong Festival 2023. As President Andrada added to his statement, “Regardless of the differences we have as students, we can still work as one, and unite.”
partner, paved a way for its victory.
On the other hand, CBAE represents the Bagobo tribe, with the theme of influencing culture’s dances, music, and arts to the modern youth.
And CTE, presents Tankaraw sa Kagahapon, advocating unity in diversity, covering three tribes of Bagobo, Tausug, and Maranao.
Trophies and certificates are not the ones that this competition promotes but, to equip oneself with an understanding, and in appreciation of the different cultures, creating a platform for cultural interaction, fostering creativity, and encouraging participants to maximize their passion in relaying a message through dance.
2 Upholding Knowledge Through Information NEWS
Prince Mhel Anthony Biol
CULTURAL DISPLAY OF TALENT: UMians showcase their talent in modernizing cultural
in the Neo-cultural dance
dances
competition.
FACUM Completes Sweep of GEMS to Badminton Tournament Title
Clifford James L. Danduan and Johana S. Makol
The Fire Auxiliary Corps of the University of Mindanao (FACUM) bagged the championship title in the Badminton
Tournament Mixed Doubles category by edging out the pairing from Generation of Excellent MarketerS (GEMS) with 2-0
during the UMyong festival on February 15, 2023, at the UM Matina gymnasium. The organization is represented
UM Agilas Conquers ILUSSTRADO in the Paladin Cup 2023
DOST-SEI Schol-
ar’s Organization, UM Agilas has brought the title of the Paladin Inter-Organization Debate Championship against the ILUSSTRADO hosted by the University of Mindanao UM Debate Society, last February 16, 2023 at the DPT Auditorium.
Out of 14 student organizations who participated in the event, the two teams made it to the final stage.
DOST-SEI Scholar’s Organiza-
tion representatives: Marcy Nil Ogsoc, Ryan Daniel Dagoc, and Cheerish Rosa were the opposition. On the other hand, the government teams were: Juan Carlos Pascual, Shareece Neil TeSeng, and Ian Kyle Lunda representing the ILUSSTRADO. Both sides have discoursed regarding the motion: “This house believes that educational and financial aid (i.e. scholarships, stipends, subsidies) should be granted to
students solely on a needs-based system as opposed to a merit-based system.” Each team was given thirty minutes for preparation time and seven minutes to deliver their arguments on their respective sides. The auditorium was crowded with supporters and students who were eager to witness the final round fervently cheering “HEAR” or “SHAME” for the debaters as the intensity of exchanging arguments defending
by John Manuel D.
Noseñas and Princess May Camposa, 2nd-year criminology students under the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE).
Noseñas and Camposa made quicker work to put FACUM ahead following a 21-4, 21-3 win over the League of Environmental Science, Agroforestry, and Forestry students (LEAF) in the eliminations. In a closely fought match, FACUM ensured they would seal a spot in the semi-final berth after wiping out Junior People Management Association in the Philippines (JPMAP) in the quarterfinal.
“Courage and self-confidence [that] helped me win the badminton league
their corresponding house.
The first speaker of the government house stated that “Education is a luxury and not a right”. Argued for a principle of open education despite the diversities. Contradicting to it, the opposition stands to “Education should be a right and not a privilege.” Pushed through a main principle of “inclusivity” they believe that this is a huge chance to make progress. The adjudicators calculated the scores every team had gained according to the essence of their
since I have a lot of courage to pursue my goals,” Noseñas shared his attribute that led them to champ.
FACUM then dominated Junior Finance Executives (JFINEX) 21-11, 21-15 in the semi-final before sweeping GEMS 21-12, 21-8 in the final.
“I would like to thank my FACUM family for allowing me to represent the organization and bring home the medal,” said Camposa after winning the final match.
Followed by FACUM, the GEMS won as the 2nd placer among the twenty (20) teams from different student organizations and senior high schools in the UMyong Badminton tournament.
content, manner of speech, and their overall debate techniques.
At the end, UM Agilas was declared as the champion and ILUSSTRADO as the first runner-up. The Best Speaker was awarded to Ryan Daniel Dagoc, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the winning team. Furthermore, the event was organized by UM Debate Society (UMDS) in collaboration with the Samahang Magaaral ng Pulitika (SMP) and Office of the Student Affairs (OSA).
3 Upholding Knowledge Through Information NEWS
Andrea Mae Sitcharon
SMASHING HITS: After a highly competitive match-up, both teams acknowledge the other in a show of sportsmanship.
Photo Courtesy: Katherine Sienna Macasaet
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UMYONG Festival 2023: For the Students, By the Students
different UM colleges and branches vied for the title.
During the competition, the candidates showed off their elegance and sophistication as they presented themselves in Neo-cultural Attire and Evening Gowns. Minor awards were also given from the sponsors and the accumulated scores from the judges, but Jennica P. Linterna from College of Teacher Education- UM Main, was hailed as the Mutya ng UM 2023.
Prior to the Coronation, the candidates competed in the pre-judging competition held at UM Digos College last February 10, where they impressed the judges with their talents, cocktail presentations, and eloquence.
UMYONG
2023 became possible through the generous support of the University of Mindanao, Taza, Barbeque Boss-Davao, BASHH, Project Taho
Davao, Mang Danny’s Famous Ice Cream, Bowls Aye, Maximas Education and Migration Services, Scrambble, UM Alumni Association, Inc., through Nancy Punzalan
Ibuyan, in proud partnership with Samsung, Wiltelecom, TNTph, Bec and Geri’s, RDL Pharmaceutical Lab, Inc., Paintline T-Shirt Printing, Bioskin Philippines, and Oli Skin Ph.
Beauty, Elegance, and Healthy Living
On the eve of the much-anticipated coronation night of the Mutya ng UM 2023, the twenty-three (23) candidates took part in a Community Kitchen and Outreach, in partnership with Bec and Geri’s, Bioskin Philippines, and Oli Skin PH, some of the sponsors for this year’s prestigious pageant,
last February 16, 2023, at Bec and Geri’s Community Kitchen, Ecoland Drive, Davao City. The gorgeous candidates boarded the University of Mindanao bus at around 9:00 AM and made their way to Bec and Geri’s Community Kitchen, where they were greeted by the Human Resource
Supervisor of Oli Skin PH and BioSkin Philippines, Mr. Aaron Segala, who welcomed the candidates with a short question and answer portion, where the ladies introduced themselves and gave their thoughts on the question, “Ano ang mas pipiliin mo? Mabaon sa limot o mabaon sa lumot?”, as the ladies, befitting their eloquence as Mutya ng UM candidates, gave some very interesting, intellectual, and witty responses.
Mr. Segala shared with the ladies the vision and advocacies of Bioskin Philippines and Bec and Geri’s. The founder of Oli Skin PH and marketing head of Bioskin Philippines, Ms. Darling Gonzales, was present during the event and
LEAF Wins the 1st MLBB Student League Championship, 2-0, Against
CHESA
Russell Jay Amoroso
The League of Environmental Sciences, Agroforestry, and Forestry Students (LEAF) were undefeated against the Chemical Engineering Students Association (CHESA), 2-0, as they were hailed Champions of the MLBB Student League Grand Finals last February 14-15, 2023 at DPT Auditorium, UM Matina Campus.
A total of 12 teams competed for the title and it was a smooth start for team LEAF during the single round eliminations as
they were the opening match of the event facing the College of Hospitality Education (CHE), sweeping them off and advancing to the Quarterfinal matches.
The Association of Future Librarians (AFL) were silenced by the team chemistry showed by LEAF during the banning, picking phase, and throughout the duration of the match.
Mr. Jay Buelis, known as “kpii. swift” was declared as the MVP bringing out his best hero to keep
gave the candidates a free pouch of the skincare products from Oli Skin PH.
The candidates partook in a lunch prepared by Bec and Geri’s, giving the candidates a taste of the vegan lifestyle, with sumptuous plant-based servings of classic Filipino dishes such as Kare-Kare, Sinuglaw, and Lumpiang Shanghai.
Perhaps the highlight of the event was the Community Kitchen and Outreach, where each of the candidates gave back to the community and distributed free plantbased burgers to passersby such as children and their mothers, drivers, laborers, and students, who enjoyed the free meal prepared by Bec and Geri’s.
game 1 with their core jungler “kpii.swift” who was hailed again MVP of the match.
LEAF aggressive going to the Semifinals round.
It was a tight game during the Semifinal round as it was a late game match between LEAF and the Real Estate Management Students Society (REMSS) only to end it with a game changing move of Adrian Miguel Fiel, the team captain, who led his team to the Grand finals and a one-step closer for the title.
History in the making for LEAF as they took down the mighty CHESA in
It was an overall team effort as CHESA was not able to bounce back, claiming the title of team LEAF as the 1st MLBB Student League Champions that will go down to the history of Esports in the University.
The event was in line to the celebration of UMyong Festival 2023 organized by the Council of Student Organization in partnership with the College Student Government and spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs.
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BEAUTY AND LIFE. The 23 Candidates of the Mutya ng UM 2023, along with Oli Skin PH Founder Ms. Darling Gonzales, strike a pose as they partook in a Community Kitchen and Outreach at Bec and Geri’s.
Photo Courtesy: Ric Diola
Ric Diola
Subang Mindanao: UMYONG Color Fun Run 2023 Officially Kicks Off Umyong Festival 2023!
Marie Fe Lamban
As the sun began to rise, students, employees, and alumni of the University of Mindanao gathered together at exactly
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Mutya ng UM 2023: The Transformational Woman From the College Of Teacher Education (CTE)
the adrenaline of the students was felt back and forth within the gymnasium and university grounds.. The candidates’ first went out wearing their Neo-Ethnic attires, showcasing the different tribes they represent with elegance and grace, followed by the evening gown competition, where the candidates looked
4:30 AM of February 12, 2023, at the UM Oval Track and Field, awaiting the start of Subang Mindanao: The University of
stunning in their lava-like gowns — elegance and glamorous in red. In the end, Jennica P. Linterna of the College of Teacher Education stood tall and proud as the Mutya ng UM 2023.
In her pre-pageant interviews with OSA, she was asked why she decided to join this pageant. She answered, “I was motivated to join in this year’s search to bring change and to give the future educators the recognition and acknowledgment that
an explosive opening salvo from the University of Mindanao United Physical Educators (UMUPHED) Organization. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Director Marianne P. Afrondoza sounded the gong, signifying the official start of the UMyong Festival 2023. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the significance of the UMyong Festival to the students, “Having this UMyong Festival, we would like to think that the UMyong Festival will not only be beneficial to the academic pursuits of our students but also it would develop them holistically.”
ings of the University, beginning at the UM Oval Track and Field, Matina Gravahan Gate, and ending at the UM ROTC Field where sumptuous lugaw and breakfast were prepared for all participants.
Mindanao Color Fun 2023. Students began to register, as the program formally commenced following
we deserve.”
During the coronation night, her judge, Ms. Jehza Mae Huelar, asked the final question: In your opinion, what does it take to be the next Mutya ng UM?
“More than just glitz and glamour, she should be someone who is a good role model, more than just her beauty and charm, she should also be an effective spokesperson. A transformational woman who engraves in her heart this university’s core values
Moreover, the sound of the gong meant the fun run was to begin. The route of the fun run covered the different build -
in which everyone can look up unto.
And so, I believe that to be a Mutya ng UM is more than just being the face of this University — it is a job, a responsibility — which means that she should be able to apply this with or without any audience, in or outside the campus. And I believe that I embody all these characteristics and is more than willing to take on the job of the next Mutya ng UM”. Jennica P. Linterna, Mutya ng UM 2023
After having breakfast, the students took part in the UMOLYMPICS, a series of physically challenging yet enjoyable activities which consists of five different games: the Base Guard, Military Crawl, Pass the Bottle, Water Game, and Minefield, which pushed them to the limit, but walked out in colorful glee. The Subang Mindanao: UMYONG Color Fun Run 2023 is just one of the many activities in line with the celebration of the week-long UMyong Festival.
Indeed, beyond the glitz and glamour, the queens of the Mutya ng UM 2023 showed how strong, smart and beautiful women are. It still feels like a dream come true for Linterna, after the long and challenging journey, to finally serve and reign as the Mutya ng UM, and to continue becoming an inspiration and showcasing the brand of quality education the institution has to offer.
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RUN FOR LIFE. UMians take their place in the starting line as they prepare to partake in the Subang Mindanao: UMYONG Color Fun Run 2023.
Photo Courtesy: Katherine Sienna Macasaet
JENNICA P. LINTERNA MUTYA NG UM 2023
EUANNE PREGLO 1st RUNNER UP