UST ASSOC Celebrates Its Houses and Shapes Legacy at the Annual General Assembly

By Janna Alessandra Lagman

On September 30, 2024, the UST Asian Studies Society held its annual General Assembly and Celebration of Houses at the Function Hall and Auditorium of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building. With the theme, Echoes of the Dragons, it featured the prowess of the student body, highlighting the values and unique stories of ASSOC, along with its committees, flagship events, and guilds.

Prof. Melanie Turingan, PhD, the Dean of Faculty and Letters, commenced with the event by formally welcoming the students of Asian Studies with her opening remarks.

Photo by Janna Lagman/UST Asian Studies Gazette

Meanwhile, Dr. Tyrone Jan Nepomuceno, CCEO, LPT, PhD, a professor and graduate of the program, gave a brief presentation about the history of the Asian Studies program, focusing on its origins and continuing existence.

Photos by Joshia Morta/UST Asian Studies Gazette

Subsequently, the Asian Studies Department Chairperson and Program Coordinator, Ms. Ma. Regina Agustin, MPS, introduced the program and its faculty. She discussed the opportunities students can pursue while enrolled in the course, as well as the careers they can take after graduating from the program.

In line with this, some of the fourth-year students - namely Joshia Morta, Leana Reyes, and Jem Gonzales - were invited to share their experiences from the international exchange programs they took part in abroad, giving prominence to the interdisciplinarity of Asian Studies.

Photos by Joshia Morta/UST Asian Studies Gazette

Aside from the presentations and attestations of esteemed guests, interactive games and live performances from Furasia (the dance guild) and AScoustics (the music guild) were held, respectively, while the ASSOC Elections Committee discussed the current Articles of Association (AOA) with students.

As the event came to an end, ASSOC President Lara Chua, delivered the closing remarks and initiated the opening of booths, wherein Asian Studies students were encouraged to visit, interact, and participate in the activities prepared by the different committees, flagship events, and guilds.