23/08/2025
๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐จ๐: ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ค๐ฐ๐/๐๐ซ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ
From waves to shores, the 2025 College of Arts and Sciences Orientation program sparked a magical impression among students, especially freshmen, on what it's like to be a CASimanwa.
Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, officially commenced the event by delivering his opening remarks, emphasizing that being a CAS student is not just about earning a degree but also about shaping oneโs character, future, and society.
The introduction of teaching and non-teaching personnel followed, with Dr. Balsomo presenting the CAS Administration Personnel and Central Science Laboratory staff. The Faculty of the English and Foreign Language Studies, Social Science, Applied Mathematics, Biological Science, and Physical Science departments were also introduced through the courtesy of their respective department heads, succeeded by the presentation of the college guidance counselors Mr. Pedro Galeno Jr. and Dr. Jeanette Simpas, who presented the services offered by Campus Guidance Office, highlighting that guidance is at the heart of counseling and that smart people seek help. The Internal and Local Linkages office also showcased a video presentation featuring WVSU's international university partners and students' immersive experiences abroad.
The Cultural Center then roared to life as the official cheers and yells of each organization were then inaugurated. Moreover, fashion realness ablaze the stage as Type A and Type B uniforms and organization shirts were flaunted. Models from each organization struck the runway with pizzazz and embodied a confidently beautiful CASimanwa.
An Exhilarating CASayawan Dance Battle caused clamorous applause in the crowd. Intense dance steps were gracefully delivered on stage as the six organizations competed in a bloodbath of skills. After the first Elimination Round, ASSEM, MICROBIA, SAMS, and ChemSoc advanced to the semi-finals.
During the semifinals, Round 1 pitted SAMS against ChemSoc, and after an impressive showcase of talent, the mathematicians bested the chemists. Meanwhile, ASSEM's performance effortlessly burned the stage, defeating the biologists in the second round of the semis. The final showdown was between ASSEM and SAMS, with both troupes delivering remarkable performances that murdered the dance floor. Ultimately, the English majors emerged victorious, marking their fourth consecutive win in the category.
The CASelebrity segment showcased the diva-esque charm of the CASimanwas. The production number highlighted their ebullient energy, and despite technical issues, the candidates still managed to vogue their way on stage. Each contestant then introduced themselves in creative soliloquies that demonstrated their charismaโeach earning thunderous cheers from their own fans.
The talent portion was an extravaganza of energy and camp, with all candidates proving the innate talent they possess. From song numbers to dance performances and theatrics, every candidate delivered what needed to be delivered. Then, the Question and Answer portion followed to test the candidates' composure under pressure. Each candidate picked a question from a bowl and answered it on the spot with wit and confidence.
After the spectacles, the top 3 contenders for CASelebrity were chosen in no particular order: Matthew Joseph Samontanes of PSSO, Rian Gabriel Fuentes of MICROBIA, and Althea Jade Tala-oc of FLSS. The official ranking revealed Samontanes as second runner-up, Tala-oc as first runner-up, and Fuentes as the 2025 CASelebrity champion.
CAS Orye and Akwe 2025 concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Derek Coronacion, the event chairperson.
| by Seth Openiano
| Photos by: April Macantan & Maya Ortega
