by John Vincent Balustre
Blast, colors, and chants; ingredients of a chemically X-hilarating experience for the CATS proved searing as the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) officially lit up Palakasan 2025 to a start on April 2, Wednesday in the University Gymnasium.
With the theme: “Saving the Day, Victory is Our Play”, this year’s gathering reimagined popular cartoon network series Powerpuff Girls with heroes from the seven colleges, namely Beta Byte (CCS), Nyxara (CHS), Aurelion (CEBA), Blynx (CSM), Nova (COE), Borealis and Blaze (CED-IDS), and Tali (CASS).
Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan declared the commencement of the annual celebration and showdown through a symbolic strike of the agung that captured the roaring sound of the crowd in full anticipation.
“This isn't about winning. This is about flying side by side in the face of challenges. Much like your favourite characters from Townsville, it's about each of you bringing your abilities to the various games and events, supporting one another, and creating memories that last a lifetime,” he shared
“These interactions are the real trophies you carry forward in your heart,” the Chancellor added.
Afterwards, the torch lighting ceremony, participated in by the College Governors, Oath of Sportsmanship, and Officials’ Oath marked a pivotal moment for an array of competitions that would soon unfold.
The opening program also spotlighted the home-grown talents of the university.
In the opening salvo, the Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) performed MinDuriaNao, inspired by Kublai Millan’s Durian Series that tells the myth of Mindanao’s peoples with roots emerging from the fruit. Meanwhile, the evening featured university athletes in Karate Do, Taekwondo, and Arnis through a passionate exhibition.
Blazing further the heat, Adrian Ray Agosto and Princess Lucille Mutya also brought home a nationally acclaimed special performance through a contemporary dance.
The Crawling Cats
Holding the University Peace Park captive with another chemically X-tra performance, the College of Arts of Social Sciences (CASS) Tali swarmed like true arachnids, weaving a three-tiered festive march to kick off PALAKASAN in style.
From a sikad blasting beats, with an arachnid sitting atop leading the charge, the parade saw a chain of street dancers weaving through the rhythm, the drum and lyre corps pounding in sync, majorettes twirling in flair, and pom-poms shaking to cheers, as voices rise in a thunderous battle cry.
Indeed, this PALAKASAN 2025 like any other, seven societies are fighting as one, endeavored to emerge as champions in this Palakasan.
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