Galaxies of Unity: CCS Students Explore New Worlds Together
ASINAN COVERED COURT, OLONGAPO CITY—The College of Computer Studies (CCS) of Gordon College launched its academic year with a universe of energy at the annual General Orientation and Acquaintance Party, “Galaxies of Unity: Exploring New Worlds Together,” held on September 13, 2025, at the Asinan Covered Court.
The event aims to transform into a constellation of colors, performances, advocacies, and camaraderie, welcoming both new and returning students into a community built on diversity, inclusion, and shared growth.
Furthermore, carrying the banner “Innovate, Include, Inspire: Pioneering Equality and Diversity in the AI-Driven World,” the orientation extended beyond the usual acquaintance party.
The event, spearheaded by Dean Ronnie Luy and Assistant Dean Armilyn Martinez with the support of the CCS faculty and coordinators, united students from the three CCS undergraduate programs—Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), and Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC)—in celebrating inclusivity, teamwork, and talent.
“This event is not just for acquaintances, but also for orientation and presentation of our organizations and sportsfest participants. We want freshmen to feel welcome and informed, and for everyone to know the CCS community they belong to,” shared Ms. Yheng Miel Sanchez, CCS faculty.
At the heart of the program was the introduction of eight planetary teams, each representing a social cause: Lumora for Accessibility and Compassion (Persons with Disabilities), Veltraxis for Collaboration (Ethnicity and Race), Aurelia for Empathy (Senior Citizens), Cryonex for Innovation (AI and Robotics), Floraxis for Sustainability and Culture (Cultural Heritage), Kahelion for Resilience and Advocacy (Frontline Workers), Nyxara for Identity (LGBTQIA+), and Zenthara for Equity (Women Empowerment and Gender Equity).
Moreover, the day opened with an invocation, welcome remarks, and the general assembly before teams were formally revealed. Excitement built as each segment unfolded: cosplay presentations highlighted student creativity and confidence; production numbers filled the venue with music and dance; interactive games such as Constellation Connection, Bring Me, Inclusion Mosaic, One Word Explains All, Voices of the Galaxy, and The Matrix sparked laughter and teamwork; entrepreneurial booths offered handmade crochets, stickers, badges, and keychains; Echoes of Unity, the team chant presentations, raised school spirit; and raffle draws added surprise and fun throughout the day.
“Okay lang naman yung event, nakakapagod pero enjoyable. Pinakagusto ko yung cosplay, because makikita mo yung confidence and effort ng mga sumali,” said Jerry Andrew Famanila, CCS Student.
The cheers peaked with the introduction of players for CCS Sportsfest 2025, closing with the fiery chant, “Go CCS Phoenix!”. Student organizations, including the CCS Student Council, Society of Programming Enthusiasts in Computer Science (SPECS), Empowered League of Information Technology Education Students (ELITES), and Innovative Multimedia Artists Guild of Empowered Students (IMAGES), ensured the program’s smooth flow by managing venue setup, technical aspects, and coordination.
Between lively intermissions, the spotlight turned to academic achievements. The Dean’s Lister Awarding Ceremony honored the Top 10 achievers per program (BSCS, BSIT, BSEMC–Digital Animation, BSEMC–Game Development) and the Top 50 overall Dean’s Listers for A.Y. 2024–2025. Special recognitions, including Top Cosplayers, Best Production Number, and Winning Team Planet, added a celebratory flair, affirming that CCS nurtures both artistry and innovation.
In addition, John Derick De Leon, BSIT Student, shared that everything went according to the plan—which makes it very satisfying.
“Medyo mainit at may mga segment na biglaan pero doon lumalabas yung creativity ng students. Kitang-kita rin yung teamwork. Favorite ko yung part na bigla kaming pinag-drawing sa Inclusion Mosaic,” Mateo B. Bandilio, BSEMC student, shared.
Moreover, while the day brimmed with laughter, its deeper purpose was clear: to introduce freshmen to the CCS culture, strengthen bonds among students, and celebrate diversity as a source of strength. By merging advocacies with artistry and recognition with entertainment, the event became more than a kick-off celebration. It reaffirmed CCS’s mission to innovate, include, and inspire while promoting equality across differences.
As acknowledgments and final remarks drew the day to a close, ‘Galaxies of Unity’ stood as more than an acquaintance party. Guided by their advocacies, CCS students are set to carry the spirit of unity into the rest of the academic year, a reminder that while they may belong to different ‘planets’ of identity, talent, and cause, together they can form a universe of their own | Featured by Charyll Mae Cabungcal/The FOREFRONT
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Photos by Edward Mari Fordan
