Whiskers and Wonder: A Night to Remember

Where do cats go out at night? 

Some say out there in the streets, but last night, the gathering of these felines is no longer a mystery, an answer is finally found, as this year's Acquaintance Party opens the stage for another whimsical event for these pawsome crowd, at Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), as the cat returns.


Organized by the Kataastaasang Sangunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) under the theme, "The Cat Returns", this pounce of cats is straight from a magical Ghibli movie, paired with the convergence of clothing styles from several categories like cottagecore, laid back, campus vibes and being extra. Seasoned with a hint of fun activities, enough to rile up the energy and bring out the heat for the rest of the night.


At the entrance, the Baron's house porch stands in the middle of it all. Extending a warm welcome to the cats for another meowmorable night to enjoy. Fairy lights from a line of shrine gates warm up the ambience as they bring you to an unfamiliar place you've never been to. Yet, as the venue warms up from the heat they are bringing on the dance floor. The "Echoes" plucked each heartstrings as the audience got spirited away once the songs started strumming in their hearts.


Hands raised and blinding lights dancing to each their own rhythm. What a night for the cats, as the crowd goes wild from the songs like Dance with Somebody, Salamin, Countings Stars and 22 more. Rick rolled, and everyone was flabbergasted as the lights went out and there, appeared the mystical image of Rick Astley as the band sang and the audience marvelled at the nostalgic beat of a time long gone.


Certainly! There was never a dull moment throughout the night, as the venue became filled with a variety of aesthetics, adding to the excitement of being crowned as one of the Best Dressed. Along with, the brewing energy concocted by several "pakulo" like Random dance challenges, Tumpakners, Human Bingo, Trivia, Show Me and Tell Me, as well as, an astounding performance from the reigning drag queen herself, Prima Bella from the College of Arts and Social Sciences, along with an unkabogable performance by MCGA from the College of Education.


But, of course, the party wouldn't be complete without dresses that flow like the wind, and hair adorned in wreaths of flowers. As well as their corsets and pearls shine under the neon lights as the MSU-IIT cats embody the aesthetic.


Some wore Ghibli character-inspired outfits, others were really driving the limits of laid-back style as some wore their comfy pyjamas, and lastly, feeling the campus vibes, they just wore PE uniforms. Signifying the diverse students from each college and their gimmicks in how to get a party started.


With drip in mind, hands down, students from different colleges ate up the runway as 8 were selected as nominees, but only 3 prevailed to be crowned as the Best Dressed at this year's Acquaintance Party.


Hazel Nime B. Umpa, a 2nd year BA Philosophy student from our very own, College of Arts and Social Sciences. She clutched the title, wearing a glamorous pink fit, inspired by Dress to Impress, this damang got her style from the "extra" category, making her way up the red carpet in her own style and finesse. When asked about what her outfit's song would be, she happily replied, "Cherry on Top! " Finding out, that last year she didn't quite enjoy the party and was late. Tonight's celebration beats her past sorrows, as she marvels in the now, very enjoyable venue and event. In contrary of recent winners, she described her favourite part of the night as getting ready to dress up. Naming three words to describe her drip, "Girl with Ribbons."


Next in line is Clark Gester T. Tomol, A student from the College of Engineering, their outfit was influenced from pinterest boards of cottagecore and if others say so, one would admit, the fit does resemble, Esmeralda from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. When asked about their favourite part of the night, they playfully said, "It's the party jud eyyy!" With their fit, white as ivory paired with a brilliant smile, if it was a song, they said it would be "Any song from Lauvey!" In three words, they described their outfit as "Very demure, Very Classy and Cutesy!"


Lastly, Ryan Jules Soledad, a 1st year BS IAM (Industrial Automation and Mechatronics) student from the College of Engineering, also wins the title with his magical flowy outfit, standing out like no other. When asked about his outfit inspiration, he confidently replied, "I’ve always been into that fantasy regal style, so for the GAAP event, I mixed it with a touch of Neo-Renaissance. I loved how it came together—it felt really unique and true to my personal taste." During his stay, the highlight of the party for him, was when they announced the nominees for Best Dress. He said," It felt really nostalgic because the same outfit was also nominated at my graduation ball, but I didn’t get a chance to showcase it fully back then. So, it was a nice surprise to see it getting some love at GAAP." Describing his outfit in three words, "Ethereal, divine, and enchanting."


With that chapter done, the welcoming week is now officially closed as the party ends in a bittersweet goodbye, a farewell to the times of leisure and hello, to next week's start of classes. Though some of the cats may be from places far from here, one thing's for sure, the campus has become a second home for them to remember. To reminisce nights like these and cherish the memories shared with one another.


This has become more than just an annual event a tradition for the students themselves. Not just to welcome the newcomers but also to forge a bond with the new generation. Its themes give a platform for IITians to explore and indulge in diverse styles whilst showcasing their unique skills and personalities. Moonlit nights like these have never felt so special, as they resonate with the youth, the freedom, and the feeling of being alive amidst the rat race of college life. What a feeling indeed, for the cats to return and until the next time, remain once more.



About the Author

Author bio image

Jazel Ann A. Maghilum

A mystical woodland creature that has landed her place here in the city of Iligan and is now studying at MSU IIT. She is Jazz, a BS Psychology student and an alien that hopes to publish her own book someday. Continuing her life here in CASSayuran as a feature writer, she wishes that, like her senior writers, she can also contribute great things to this organization and perhaps the betterment of the school. She is also an OSPF peer facilitator and lives on by writing poems and making weird art, which are her best loved ways to express herself. Other than that, she joined CASSayuran, hoping to get the chance to pursue her passion of writing, and thankfully she did.

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