Article by: Maurine Claire F. Kim and Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo
Graphics by: Cassius Klai C. Francisco
Mapúa University (MU) will once again open its doors to face-to-face gatherings as it hosts the FroSHS week celebration with the theme “MX: Genesis” from August 15 to 19 at the Intramuros and Makati campuses.
Aiming to introduce the incoming freshmen and Grade 11 students to the Mapúan experience and showcase the members of the community, the University Student Government (USG), which is composed of the Council of Organizations (COO), Council of Presidents (COP), and the Central Student Council (CSC), will spearhead the five-day event as well.
On August 15, a morning mass will be held at the Sta. Rita Chapel to initiate the first installment of events. Following this, the Cardinal Rites, which will serve as the opening ceremony of the FroSHS week, will be conducted at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium. The Cardinal Rites will include a Mini-Pep Rally to support the student-athletes in their bid to take home the crown during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 98, performances from students, the ceremonial passing of the torch, and the Red Walk.
Meanwhile, the Cardinal Rites for students at the Makati Campus will begin in the afternoon on the same day, while the Campus Tour at the Intramuros campus is ongoing.
According to CSC President Niña C. Cagalawan, the Cardinal Rites is “... a rite of passage, similar to how we initiate members to join our community. […] that’s the symbol that we impart to them as they enter their Mapúan journey.”
By the end of the week, the Welcome Party will be hosted on the Intramuros school grounds with performances from guest artists as well as Mapúans Gale Rafer, Dustin Bequillo, and Jade Angelica on August 19.
The Cardinal Rites and Welcome Party will be streamed live on the University’s official Facebook page.
When asked about some of the health and safety protocols to be followed during the in-person events, Cagalawan added that only fully vaccinated attendees will be allowed to join the festivities and there will only be a limited number of participants.
Other events for the week-long celebration include a Zumba session on August 16, a Photo Scavenger Hunt on August 17, and an escape room event on August 18. Local school events, spearheaded by the COP, will also be anticipated on August 16. Furthermore, there will be open campus booths, headed by the COO, for the student organizations that will be set up starting August 17.
The CSC President also imparted her advice to the new batch of Mapúans, saying that they should brace themselves for the fun ride. “...just enjoy kasi kahit naman na our goal is to graduate on time, Mapúa doesn’t fail to shape us holistically in different aspects, so we are being formed through our physical nurturing, and mental, and spiritual, like they support us in every aspect,” Cagalawan said.
“...eventually when we graduate, we bring everything that we learned in our respective fields and may we nurture as individuals and as functioning citizens of our country,” she added.
Students will be required to complete the Daily Health Checklist before entering the campus. Fill out the form here: https://dhc.mapua.edu.ph/. Make sure to sign up for your chosen activities as slots are limited.