A NEW batch of Artlets freshmen carried icons from the past as they entered the historic Arch of the Centuries to begin their college journey during the Welcome Walk last Aug. 5.
Embracing the nostalgic theme of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, UST Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB) freshmen chanted “Meeska Mooska” as they transformed the Arch of the Centuries into a gateway of endless possibilities and new adventures.
The cartoon characters that once taught them the simple joys and sorrows of life now accompany them as they become their own protagonists.
Beyond the nostalgia that the creative gimmicks radiated, a wide array of lessons from each program’s characters mirrored the reality that the incoming batch must tread. Be it as deep as learning the meaning of a family with an alien species or as bizarre as the life of a sea sponge deep below the Pacific Ocean, each tale that has carved its place in their young hearts will serve as a catalyst in finding their niche among the eclectic environment that the Artlets community offer.
Sailor Artlets, assemble!
Moon prism power shone brightly as Asian Studies freshmen made their entry to the historic archway. The Sailor Moon-themed armada of freshmen wielded their own wands.
They acted like the Sailor Guardians that protect the world from evil forces with their legendary silver crystal. In their own way, they seek to bring change to communities with their wisdom.
“That is what Asian Studies wants for its scholars: to become beacons of change [in] communities not only in Asia, but all over the world,” Asian Studies Society executive coordinator to the public relations committee Hanz Fontanilla told The Flame.
BES will make your wish come true
The clever protagonist of The Fairly OddParents Timmy Turner came to life in the form of 150 Behavioral Science (BES) freshmen who will be guided in their college endeavors by their very own ‘OddParents.’
Asked why the theme was chosen for the welcome walk, Behavioral Science Society executive board member Chynna Bagon said it was intended to fulfill “the wish to be in the moment” as freshmen participated in the University’s onboarding festivities.
“The seniors, [as ates and kuyas, we act as their ‘guidance’] as they (BES Freshmen) enter the Arch. Through their journey as a BES student, we wish for a good endgame of their journey all throughout their college years,” Bagon added.
Race to the goal with CASA
The first-year Communication students’ quick-as-lightning wit matched their theme Cars, as they ka-chowed their way into the Arch.
“In Cars, there is a moral lesson especially in Lightning McQueen’s part — even if you’re close to the goal, you won’t leave [the others.] That is the value that we keep in CASA,” Communication Arts Students’ Association acting president Mary Grace Guillen said.
The four blocks of first-year students also showcased their versatility and creativity in the program’s yearly banner-making contest. Each block designed its own representative posters that described the essence of their program and referenced the 2006 animated film.
What’s gonna work? Team-CWork
The phone was ringing and the Creative Writing freshmen eagerly answered the call for creativity as they brought the heroics of Linny, Tuck and Ming-Ming too into reality.
UST MaKatha Circle President Psalmuel Lasquite said the program envisioned this year’s freshies to engage with their imaginative side, akin to the protagonists of the Wonder Pets show, when solving their problems.
The program also sustained its tradition of adorning Creative Writing students with green laurel crowns.
“[It represents] the fresh years and fresh creativity that they’ll pursue into their journey as creative writers,” Lasquite said.
Into the Land of ECOoo
With the endless adventures of Jake the Dog and Finn the Human come the beginning of one for the first-year Economics students.
Their navy blue shirts contrast with the bright yellow and blue capes that danced in the wind as they entered the Arch with boisterous cheers.
“As they enter Econ, an adventure immediately awaits them. This is the start of that adventure for four years. Hopefully, they will be happy. I hope they use this day to foresee their future in UST,” UST Economics Society President Lea Garcia said.
Sesam-ELS Street
The UST English Language Studies Society welcomed its freshmen with a vibrant “SesamELStreet” theme in this year’s welcome walk, drawing inspiration from the lively world of Sesame Street.
It was a colorful celebration for the freshies, who displayed shimmering metallic backdrops and their signature orange and blue hues to create a festive, party-like atmosphere.
The blue and orange colors not only represented the society but also cleverly paid tribute to the beloved characters of the children’s show, with the vibrant orange capturing Ernie’s playful spirit and the deep blue echoing Cookie Monster’s cheerful charm.
Margarette Yabut, the society’s auditor, said the theme was brought to life with whimsical props like orange and blue clappers and large ELS block letters, adding to the playful environment inspired by the world of Sesame Street.
Powerpuff ‘future’ historians
First-year History Artlets brewed up to be the perfect mix of sugar, spice and everything nice as they flew through the Arch with a Powerpuff Girls-themed assemblage donning their vibrant capes and fans.
“The concept of Powerpuff Girls is fun [and] courageous; these are traits that we encourage our History freshmen [to emulate],” UST History Society acting president Allexus Andaya said.
Journos to the Mystery Shack
The Journalism freshmen came prepared to investigate the mysteries that would befall their college life as they passed the Arch with their Gravity Falls-themed hand banners.
“[Gravity Falls] focuses on unlocking secrets and uncovering mysteries. As future journalists, part of the job is investigating these mysteries and covering the unknown to shed light on it,” UST Journalism Society chief-of-staff Kirstien Santos said.
Four Nations: One LegMa
Legal Management freshmen dove into the world of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” for this year’s welcome walk, celebrating themes of justice and peacekeeping that align with the mission of their program.
Ma. Samantha Pampoliano, a UST Legal Management Society board member, said the four nations of the Avatar world reflected the four blocks of their program, symbolizing unity and diversity within the society.
To bring this theme to life, the society distributed stickers representing the elements—fire, air, water, and earth—and provided color-coded scarves for each block.
Spread your Winx, LIT
The UST Literary Society enchanted freshmen with a “Winx Club” theme for the welcome walk, capturing the magic and transformation of entering university life.
According to society president Jhanin Arianna Carandang, the theme celebrated the students’ potential to grow and thrive in their new academic environment.
“They have wings, which symbolize the students’ flight. As we welcome them, they will flourish just as caterpillars transform into butterflies,” she said.
Even after losing props because of the recent typhoon that flooded the campus, including the AB Board of Majors office, the society kept the beloved tradition of the LITSOC notebook, a symbol of its enduring commitment to literature. The tradition highlights the program’s resilience and dedication to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for incoming freshmen.
Philosophy’s Web of Wisdom
The UST Concilium Philosophiae swung into action with a “Spider-Man Multiverse” theme for its welcome walk, capturing the essence of philosophy as an interconnected web of reality and knowledge.
Nick Flores, a director of the organization, likened philosophy to Spider-Man’s web, saying different threads of thought connect to form a comprehensive understanding of the world.
The society also handed out quote cards equipped with philosophical wisdom and Spiderman-themed balloons, shades, and ID laces, further amplifying their chosen theme.
Spartans SquarePants
The UST Political Science Forum brought a splash of childhood joy to this year’s welcome walk with its playful “SpongeBob SquarePants” theme, transforming the event into a vibrant celebration of nostalgia.
The theme was brought to life with playful props such as clappers, which filled the air with rhythmic applause, evoking the fun and energetic spirit of the beloved cartoon.
James Egwaras, the forum’s president, said the choice was a fun nod to beloved childhood shows, dubbing the group “Spartan SquarePants” and infusing the event with a birthday party atmosphere.
Egwaras encouraged freshmen to dive into their UST journey with excitement and openness.
“Just enjoy, four years go by quickly. You might not even realize it, you’re already going out the Arch.” he said.
Ohana in Sociology
The UST Sociological Society celebrated the heartwarming “Lilo and Stitch” theme in its welcome walk, embracing the concept of “Ohana,” which means family.
According to Zia Robles, the society’s internal vice president, the theme highlighted the importance of unity and togetherness and reflected the value the organization places on creating a close-knit community.
The walk symbolized the freshmen’s entry into the sociology family and emphasized the importance of belongingness and mutual support.
Sociology freshmen marched their way to the arch wearing Hawaiian garlands and sunglasses. The UST Sociological Society also set up a photo booth and displayed a tarpaulin that highlighted the essence of “Ohana,” its way of giving new students a warm welcome. F
