OWA 2024: Celebrating Cultural Diversity the ASEAN Way

Photo by Angela Castro/ UST Asian Studies Gazette

By Marielle Isabel Altuna

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the UST Asian Studies Society conducted its annual One With ASEAN (OWA) celebration onsite last May 28, 2024, at the St. Raymund de Peñafort building and Thomas Aquinas Research Complex.

This year’s theme, "One With ASEAN 2024: The Story of One Identity through Nationalism and Cultural Diversity," celebrates unity and understanding amid the diversifying cultures in Southeast Asian nations.

Mary Laurice Guiling, the outgoing Vice President-Internal of the UST Asian Studies Society, and Ayessa Uberas, the Guild Head Coordinator spearheaded the opening of the event at the lobby of the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building.

Photo by Angela Castro/ UST Asian Studies Gazette

Each block set up booths exhibits in accordance with their assigned countries: 1ASN1 with Brunei, 1ASN2 with Thailand, 2ASN1 with Indonesia, 2ASN2 with Cambodia, 3ASN1 with Vietnam, 3ASN2 with Myanmar, 4ASN1 with Malaysia, and 4ASN2 with Laos PDR.

The second half of the event showcased the video presentations, which included the cultures, traditions, norms, and customs of their assigned ASEAN country.

The freshmen from the ASN2 block received the Best Main Poster Award with their country, Thailand. Meanwhile, the 4ASN2 representing Laos PDR bagged two awards, including the People’s Choice Award and the third place for the Best Video Performance and Booth Exhibit.

The second place is conferred to two blocks that tied, the 1ASN1 and 4ASN1, with their country assignments, Brunei and Malaysia, respectively. The Asian Studies sophomores from the ASN1 block emerged as champions after winning first place in the video performance and booth exhibit. 

The One With ASEAN is an annual event organized by the Asian Studies Society, focusing on the current ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).