ASCENDANCE 2023: Convergence in the Vertex of History

The ASCENDANCE 2023: Convergence in the Vertex of History held at Batangas State University-The National Engineering University-Alangilan Campus on May 23, 2023, Tuesday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm inside the Fitness Development Center, an initiative of the Association of Civil Engineering Students enlivening the event as the semester draws to an end.

Jorn Xyronn Javier, ACES Secretary, welcomed Engr. Emmanuel Maala to formally launch the program, recalling the hardships that the semester brought to students as they embark on their next journey. Engr. Ria Anne Merylle Ilagan, the guest speaker, reminded us that we all have different journeys and that having a path of survival has a ripple effect of motivating people by driving others to achieve that license. Engr. Ilagan delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on her hardships in pursuing the degree. She wanted us to know one thing: we are on separate routes, but our hearts only beat for one thing, our desire for the license.

Furthermore, lack of motivation leads us to see ourselves as less of what we really are; hence, we needed words from the chair of the Civil Engineering Department, Engr. Ernesto Magundayao. We all know that the challenges this field has been giving its students are incomparable, yet he wants us to stay reminded that no matter how difficult it gets, we are more than just a few points. We should never belittle our ability to understand the genuine meaning of civil engineering and its application and contribution to society. We are never just students – we are civil engineering students of great integrity.

A certificate was given to the guest speaker, Engr. Ria Anne Merylle Ilagan, after the speech. The awards were presented by the President of ACES Joshua Onin Olivenza, Engr. Ernesto Magundayao and Engr. Emmanuel Maala to Engr. Ria Anne Merylle Ilagan, as a thank you for her inspirational speech for aspiring CE students. After the awarding of the certificate of appreciation, the ACES CEkal performed to make a move to recall the song "Toyang" to get the crowd going.

As the event continues, the hosts, Mr. Jorn Xyronn Javier, and Mr. Allen Malicsi begin the event for the bench cheering competition with a powerful and energetic tone as they introduce the bench cheering participants. As the tension between every team rises, rising from the festive occasion and cheering their hearts out, 1st-year bracket B triumphs in for the bench cheering. Prof. Paulina M. Macatangay, Vice Chancellor, graced the event to encourage everyone to release the CE Student spirit in ending the semester. She highlighted Handog 2023, a tribute to Civil Engineering graduates. The CEkal embraces the current Filipino dance theme, showing a dynamic performance that defines the quality of being a true Filipino.

An event cannot be deemed a success if there is no sense of fun and eagerness on their faces. The palarong pinoy took place in keeping with the concept of this festivity. The Palarong Pinoy begins with the traditional Pinoy game Kadang-kadang, followed by a sack race and tug of war. The overall third place goes to 3rd-year bracket A, the overall second place goes to 2nd-year bracket B, and the overall champion goes to 2nd-year bracket A. Missing that part of the enjoyment is like missing half of your school year. Those moments when they prepared to get dirty and wounded brought back memories of their youth.

The Lakan and Lakambini candidates' primary purpose as they represent Filipino art through pageantry is to sparkle with poise, wit, intellect, and elegance. Countless people, especially the young, appreciate the glitter of old Filipino times much more when it is applied in the field of beauty and open minds competition. This year's selection of deserving Lakan and Lakambini has been filled with the ambition and passion to contribute and prove something to the civil engineering community. Furthermore, sophistication and grace were evident in the opening stages of the competition as various crafts, such as apparel, were created utilizing recycled materials, promoting global sustainability.

When the top four for each category were chosen, they were already a part of the previously mentioned portion. In no particular order, Lakambini numbers 13, 9, 1, 11, and Lakan numbers 16, 2, 10, and 12 took the positions. After careful consideration, the judges were able to choose the candidates who were worthy of the titles of Lakan and Lakambini 2023: Ms. Rica Gaya, third runner-up; Ms. Lyka Roselle Cabrera, second runner-up; Ms. Desiry Adia, first runner up; and Ms. Teresa Claire Agtay, Lakambini 2023. Consequently, Mr. Jonathan Fajarda is the third-place finisher, Mr. Xyrus Castillo is the second-place finisher, Mr. King Emmanuel Dimaculangan is the first-place finisher, and Mr. John Exzel Macaraig is the Lakan 2023 laureate.

The Ascendance of this year is undoubtedly noteworthy. Despite the heat, the satisfaction it brought has made up for all the difficulties we had last week. Words by: John Red De Mesa and Ana Jessa Genete

Photos by: Maria Celine Blanco, Jenelle Erika Mendoza, Ian Paul Gualberto and John Rev Gatdula Layout by: John Rev Gatdula