schoolscolleges2020 hed news


SUPERHEROES. Emblems dressed in popular superhero costumes frontline the various student councils and other organizations at the Festival of Heroes parade and general assembly.

Text by Maria Monica Borja and Stephen Pedroza
Photos by Billy Jo Macale and Carlo Kristian Pailagao

Heralding the theme, “Festival of Heroes: Unleashing the heroes within,” this year’s organizational trip captivated Xavier University college and senior high school students to seek the orgs that pique their interests, talents, and skills.

The event, spanning from July 20 to 26, kicked off with the Parade of Heroes followed by the university-wide general assembly at the XU Gymnasium.

Organized by XU - Central Student Government (CSG) and the Assembly of Extra-curricular Organizations (AECO), the theme for this year’s org trip was also patterned after the university’s vision of “forming leaders of character by 2033.” 

Composed of mother councils, convening bodies, and program-based organizations, the parade has provided the students a glimpse of what the organizations have in stored for them.

Each college council had an emblem donning the costume of a particular hero. The emblems from the councils and AECO led the parade around the campus.

The following mob also wore their org shirts, culminating at the general assembly where members of the XU community filled up the gym.

The promotional videos of the councils were also presented before the performances.


HOMEGROWN TALENT. Muriel Lomadilla renders a song during the university-wide general assembly on July 20, photographed by Billy Jo Macale.

Joining the emblems on stage, homegrown talents Muriel Lomadilla, Josh Adornado, Gherika Amper, Nicole Bahala, Maia Marbella, Arthur Nery, and MJ Rodriguez belted out songs with messages of heroism and unity. Dance groups Elements, The Concept, Executives, Class Act, and C9 also performed during the event.

The Xavier University Crusader Cheer Allstars, who emerged as the champion squad at the 2016 T’nalak Festival Cheerdance Competition in South Cotabato earlier this month, also showcased their cheerdancing prowess in a special performance at the general assembly.

CSG president Edison Lacea presented the CSG 100 Days Report, which he also delivered during the oath-taking ceremony for student leaders dubbed "Panunumpa 2016" on July 16 at the Magis Roofdeck.

“When this administration came into office, we wanted a government that is accountable to the student body, a government that is focused, student-centered and service oriented, and a government of greater purpose,” he said.

(READ: Lacea: The CSG 100 Days Report)

CSG has earlier made a statement calling for the deferment of the strict implementation of the Blue Form Policy to the next academic year. Lacea called on the student body “to unite and make our voices heard through the ongoing signature campaign.”


BEYOND BOOKS. XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ reminds the student organizations of the rights and responsibilities they have to uphold.

In his message, XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ reminded the students that life at Xavier is not just limited to books but is also about developing one's talents and skills in a relevant organization. “It is also a life where we would like to form the whole person, your head, your hands, and your heart,” said Yap, adding that each student organization has “rights and responsibilities to uphold” in this mission.

To make the general assembly more exciting, the event included a competition for best emblem, best council video, and best organizational video. Office of Student Affairs director Ivanell Subrabas, Campus Ministries staff member Omar Tan, and local fashion designer Boogie Musni Rivera served as judges.

Winners of the said contests, including the most creative booths from mother councils, convening bodies, and program-based organizations will be announced during the culminating activity at the XU Covered Courts on June 26, the org trip’s last day.

Following the general assembly, different orgs had set up booths where students signed up for membership and they will remain open until July 26. 

With more than 70 co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations to choose from at Xavier, Festival of Heroes hopes to have unleashed the "heroes within" the students to discover their passion, experience a different journey outside the classrooms, and celebrate accomplishments and lessons along the way.∎


GENERAL ASSEMBLY. (L-R) XU's VP for Mission and Ministry Irene Guitarte, CSG president Edison Lacea, and Student Activities and Leadership Development head Richel Petalcurin marvel at the presentations of different student orgs during the university-wide general assembly at the XU Gymnasium on July 20.