Entry XVI: A Week of Culture and Diversity
Sunday morning greeted me gently. As the sun peeked through the curtains of my room and the rustling of leaves accompanied the chirping of birds, I was slowly waking up, preparing myself mentally for the 9am mass. But just as I was about to rise from bed, a single notification rang from my phone, echoing in the silence of the room. It was a message from the governor himself. My heart skipped a beat. It read: "There will be another meeting tonight regarding 'Bridge and Build' for COE Week. All mayors must attend."
I sighed. Another meeting. But deep down, I knew that it was my responsibility to attend. The COE Week—our college's much-anticipated event—was no small matter. It was a mix of celebration, tradition, community engagement, and internal competition. So, I responded with a simple thumbs-up emoji, and began preparing for the day.
The mass was peaceful. I prayed not just for myself but for the strength and clarity to continue fulfilling my responsibilities. Later that day, I made sure to clear my evening schedule and prepared for the meeting.
Night fell, and the virtual meeting began. The College Governor, ever composed and eloquent, discussed the purpose of the upcoming Bridge and Build: the College of Engineering Week. It would only span three days, but each one packed with events, programs, and challenges designed to unite and celebrate the entire college. As he outlined the agenda, the College Senator stepped in with an important note: All COE students were mandated to join, except the fourth years, who would focus on their academic projects and final requirements.
This caused a bit of chatter in the meeting's chat box, but eventually, the conversation steered toward logistics, registration, and event assignments. The final day, according to Governor Maxwell, would end in a grand socialization night, themed with the native fabric of Nueva Sevilla. It would be an evening to celebrate not only tradition but also our identity as engineering students of this region.
After the meeting ended, I wasted no time in informing my classmates. I compiled the details, summarized the Governor's instructions, and sent a detailed message in our class group chat. Enthusiasm sparked. One by one, names began appearing as students volunteered for various events. Some chose the Parlor Games; others leaned toward intellectual and creative contests. As for me, I secretly signed up for the Spanish Essay Writing competition. I didn't announce it publicly. I just wanted to try something I was passionate about without raising expectations.
The first day of COE Week arrived with vibrant energy. Our university campus was transformed. Booths, banners, and decorations lined the hallways. Games and events were scheduled back-to-back. From tug-of-war to quiz bees, to dance performances and mini-engineering challenges, the day was bustling. I threw myself into the action, helping organize the flow of participants and reminding my classmates of their schedules. But by late afternoon, the constant running around took a toll on me. My head throbbed and a slight fever seemed to be creeping in. Still, I pushed through.
The next event on my plate was an outreach program set for the following day. We were to travel to a small, isolated community 12 kilometers away—10 kilometers on paved roads and 2 kilometers deeper into rugged paths. We were told that only first-year mayors were to participate, yet I noticed that some did not join. It was disappointing, but I chose not to dwell on it.
Riding the university shuttle, I felt uneasy. Maybe it was the fever, maybe just nerves. But I kept a calm exterior. Once we arrived, we were greeted by the smiles of elementary school children. The simplicity of their joy touched something deep inside me. We handed out school supplies—bags, notebooks, pencils, coloring materials—and shared snacks and drinks with them. There was also a short program where a few of us performed and danced.
By the time we left, I was exhausted. The fever I had been ignoring was now growing stronger, but I still refused to let it stop me.
The following day, I woke up light-headed but determined. It was the day of the Spanish Essay Writing contest, and I couldn't let my illness rob me of this chance. Carl was there when I entered the venue. I was surprised, and so I smiled and asked what was he doing here. And so, we chatted briefly, shared a laugh, and bought some soft drinks to keep ourselves hydrated.
The essay contest went smoothly. I poured my thoughts, my perspectives, and my passion for language into the paper. I didn't think of winning. I just wanted to express myself.
Later that afternoon, the Bingo event was set to happen. It required an immense amount of preparation. The EDSA officers had planned a massive game that would involve the entire College of Engineering. Over three hours were spent in setup alone—laying out hundreds of chairs, preparing the sound system, and printing the cards. I helped in distributing the Bingo cards to the students as they arrived.
The game began, led by Engr. Cornelio, most lively as always and one of the 4 faculty members who are active at that time. He called out numbers with theatrical flair, sometimes dancing or joking as he read them. Laughter erupted throughout the venue. Some students won food containers, some wireless mice, and one guy from my class won a printer. We were all hyped for him—until he opened the box and realized it came with no ink. We laughed even harder.
On the third day, there was a grand parade for the newly passed Sanitary Engineering board passers. They were honored with cheers, medals, and flowers. Pride filled the air. And then came the much-awaited socialization night.
We had been told to wear attire that incorporated the Nueva Sevilla fabric. It was more than just a fashion choice—it was a symbol of our culture. My mother, ever the talented tailor, fashioned mine to resemble a sash-and-blazer combo fit for a mayor. I felt confident wearing it.
As students began to pour into the decorated hall, waivers were collected at the entrance. Some students had forgotten theirs, causing a minor delay for the EDSA office, but eventually, everyone was settled. Tables were assigned, and to my delight, I was seated next to Carl.
The night was nothing short of magical. Fireworks burst in the sky. Fashionable outfits made from the Nueva Sevilla fabric dazzled on the dance floor. Speeches were given, and cheers erupted after each event recap. Then came the moment we had all been waiting for—the announcement of winners.
Our class was mildly cheering when names were called. I sat quietly, not expecting anything. One of the girls at our table leaned over and whispered, "You should've joined something." I chuckled. Carl kept his mouth shut as he heard that and looked at me. Then the microphone screeched slightly, and Engr. Cornelio's voice echoed through the hall:
"And now, for the champion of the Spanish Essay Writing Contest..."
My heart skipped.
"Give it up for... our very own first-year mayor..."
No. No way.
"...Congratulations to Finnian Theodore Liwayway!"
A beat of silence.
Then chaos.
I stood up, stunned, unable to process it. My classmates around me had their jaws dropped. One of the girls clapped my back. "You sneaky genius," he said, laughing. The whole table stood and cheered. Some screamed. Some just shook their heads in disbelief. Carl said, "Jesus Christ, you really did it!".
I walked toward the stage, smiling like an idiot. I wasn't expecting to win, but somehow, I did. The certificate, the applause, the moment—it was all overwhelming.
After the event, I sat on my bed, still wearing the Nueva Sevilla fabric. I looked at my phone, full of congratulatory messages and screenshots from the event. I was tired—no, exhausted—but happy. There was a sense of fulfillment that couldn't be taken away by any fever, any stress, or any forgotten waiver.
The COE Week was over. It was chaotic, challenging, but also beautiful. And above all, I was proud—not just of myself, but of my classmates, my college, and the culture we celebrated together.
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