CATSPEAKS Defining Glamour: A Night of Dreams and Dazzle

by Jocel Mae Latris

With green and pink blending into one, beauty and defying gravity took center stage. On the night of January 31, the glamorous and vibrant Acquaintance Party, organized by the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA), transformed MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. Students arrived in outfits that spoke for themselves—exquisite, expressive, and radiating uniqueness in every corner of the gymnasium.


As attendees stepped into the venue, they were greeted by enchanting decorations that transported them to the magical land of the Emerald City. Adding to the spectacle, dazzling lights shimmered like the sun’s rays, illuminating the night and making IITians feel as though they were soaring high.


Dressed in Elphaba-and-Glinda-inspired ensembles, students found themselves answering two compelling questions: Would they rather defy gravity or be popular? Those lucky enough to catch the eye were asked to share their choice—and reveal the most wicked thing of their look.


Promise Froilan Jade Lumapas, a second-year BA Sociology student from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), chose to break free from expectations. “I’d rather defy gravity, to deviate from the norm of going with society’s standard and having the courage to soar and fly away from it in order to speak out, ultimately leading one to popularity,” he shared.


“It’s like, grounded kaayo siya [Elphaba]. Murag she can’t possibly be herself, pero atong paglupad niya, like didto na niya gi-express iyang emotions, tanan niyang na-feel, tanang siya! Iya na jud na-express iyang self fully, so I would rather defy gravity than be popular… and in a sense, she became popular after everything bitaw,” he added. As for the most wicked part of his look, he joked, “Kani, the broom, kay kinawat raman ni hihi.”


Defying gravity was also the goal for Mary Shekinnah C. Tadle, a second-year Bachelor of Physical Education student from the College of Education (CED). Her reason was simple yet striking. “For me, I would rather defy gravity, because why not? Diba? Yun lang.” To match her bold choice, the most wicked part of her look, according to her, was “My Crocs!” A fashion statement that proved—why not Crocs for tonight’s party?


Fascha Wryly R. Valenzuela, a first-year BS Hospitality Management student from the College of Economics, Business, and Administration (CEBA), also aspired to rise above. “To defy gravity. Isn’t that everyone’s dream? To fly?” she said. “I think the most wicked thing about my look is the wig because I wasn’t planning on wearing it, but I did anyway,” she added. That last-minute decision turned out to be the perfect touch, making her presence shine even more.


This dream was not exclusive to her. Mark Mendoza, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Microbiology student from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), shared the same sentiment. “I would rather defy gravity because I want to fly,” she said. And as for the most wicked part of her look? “I would definitely say… probably me, and my skirt because it won’t zip up.” Perhaps, for some, the real connection at the party was found in a shared dream—to fly.


Stepping into the World of Oz, two dazzling ladies walked hand in hand, embodying two different ideals. Kristin Irah Grace T. Actub, a second-year BET Computer Engineering Technology student from the College of Engineering (COE), chose to “defy gravity.” When asked about the most wicked part of her look, she pointed to “the eyeshadow.”


Meanwhile, Mary Therese C. Sumagang, a third-year BS Philosophy student from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), had a different aspiration. “To be popular, kay dili sa pag ano ha but like if popular bitaw ka, murag well-loved ka and all.” For her, “My blonde hair” was the most wicked part of her look.


Though they embodied different choices, they entered the party together, proving that whether one dreams of flying or standing in the spotlight, the night was for everyone to celebrate.


Beyond the stunning outfits and playful themes, the Acquaintance Party was also a night of incredible performances and non-stop fun, giving students the chance to momentarily set aside the weight of academic pressures and fully embrace the joy of self-expression. Whether in green or pink, whether dreaming of flight or seeking the spotlight, IITians continue to defy gravity, have a blast, and embrace popularity in their own way, together, for a future that soars beyond the ordinary.