Chavez highlights cultural understanding at ParSU-Salogon ASEAN celebration
Chavez highlights cultural understanding at ParSU-Salogon ASEAN celebration
Richa Angela Sapon
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SALOGON, San Jose — Emphasizing the value of cultural diversity and understanding, San Jose Municipal Councilor Mark Gem “Mak” Chavez joined students and faculty of Partido State University (ParSU)–Salogon Campus during the UNIFIESTA ASEAN Celebration on August 26, 2026.
Centered on the theme “Uniting Cultures, Celebrating Together,” the event brought the academic community together to celebrate the diverse cultures and shared heritage of Southeast Asian nations through activities that promoted cultural appreciation and solidarity.
Serving as an honored guest, Chavez underscored that each ASEAN country possesses a distinct culture shaped by its people, traditions, and way of life.
Drawing from his personal experiences, he recalled his years of education in Pulilan, Bulacan, and shared observations from his travels abroad. He recounted visiting South Korea, where he saw locations featured in Korean dramas, as well as traveling to Japan and China, where differences in everyday practices, particularly food and dining habits, exposed him to cultures different from those he was accustomed to in the Philippines.
He noted, for instance, how noodles were commonly served during meals in some of the places he visited, contrasting this with the Filipino preference for rice as a staple food. Through these experiences, Chavez encouraged students to remain open to cultural differences and appreciate the diversity found among nations.
Chavez also reminded the audience to value both health and happiness, saying, “If you want to be happy, be healthy; and if you want to be handsome, enjoy life.”
Beyond cultural appreciation, Chavez said his participation in the celebration also gave him an opportunity to better understand the campus and identify areas where the local government may extend support.
“Very thankful ako and grateful at the same time. This is also an opportunity for me na ma-check kun ano si mga possible na i-extend kan satong local na gobyerno and also ma-check pa kun ano si mga possible pang mag-arise digdi sa satuyang campus. Dakol akong nanudan, at the same time, naaraman,” Chavez said.
His remarks reflected the importance of direct engagement between the local government and the university in identifying possible areas for collaboration and responding to the emerging needs of the campus community.
The UNIFIESTA ASEAN Celebration showcased ASEAN culture through activities centered on fashion, cuisine, and community, providing students with opportunities to experience and appreciate the diversity of Southeast Asian cultures while strengthening connections within the university community.
Ballingasa, Verdejo Win Best in ASEAN Attire at UNIFIESTA
Ballingasa, Verdejo Win Best in ASEAN Attire at UNIFIESTA
by Jasmine Rose S. Francia
SALOGON, San Jose — Jayvee E. Ballingasa and Sheaneah Verdejo emerged as winners of the Best in ASEAN Attire competition during the UNIFIESTA ASEAN celebration held on August 26, 2026, at Partido State University–Salogon Campus.
Ballingasa, a BS Agribusiness 1A student showcasing Laos-inspired attire, topped the Male Category, while Verdejo of BS Agribusiness 3A, showcasing Brunei-inspired attire, claimed the title in the Female Category.
The competition formed part of the campus-wide UNIFIESTA celebration, which highlighted the diverse cultures, traditions, and identities of ASEAN member countries through fashion and cultural presentations.
During the runway presentation, student participants took the stage wearing ASEAN-inspired attire based on the countries featured by their respective classes. Each candidate introduced the country being showcased before presenting costumes inspired by its cultural heritage.
The candidates performed before teaching and non-teaching personnel, students, and invited guests. Municipal Councilor Mark Gem “Mak” Chavez, the event’s guest speaker, served as one of the judges alongside Ms. Joy Respeto and Ms. Josephine Pesimo, both non-teaching personnel of the Salogon Campus.
The runway drew enthusiastic applause from the audience as the students confidently presented colorful ensembles reflecting distinctive cultural elements of various ASEAN countries.
The competition was among the featured activities of UNIFIESTA, which brought together students and faculty in celebrating ASEAN cultural diversity through fashion, cuisine, and community activities.
BSAB 1A Tops UNIFIESTA ASEAN Cuisine Competition
BSAB 1A Tops UNIFIESTA ASEAN Cuisine Competition
by Ronalyn Lizano and Rich Mae Clutario
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (BSAB) 1A won first place in the UNIFIESTA ASEAN Cuisine Competition after showcasing Singaporean cuisine through nasi lemak at Partido State University–Salogon Campus on August 26, 2026. The winning entry was prepared by Anellyn and Ronalyn.
Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) 4A placed second with a presentation featuring shwe yin aye from Myanmar, prepared by Chamile. BSCD 2A secured third place after presenting Malaysian chicken rendang, prepared by Ronalyn and Dianna.
Other sections also showcased dishes associated with different ASEAN countries. BSAB 2A featured Cambodian cuisine through lok lak, prepared by Cam Andrei and Freddie, while BSAB 4A presented Vietnamese pho, prepared by Iza and Rico. BSCD 1A also participated by presenting sticky mango rice prepared by Rizzy, Christian, Karizza, and Via.
The competition formed part of UNIFIESTA: A CACD Celebration of ASEAN Culture Through Fashion, Cuisine, and Community. It featured traditional and popular dishes from across Southeast Asia and provided students with an opportunity to learn about different ingredients, cooking methods, and culinary traditions.
Through the activity, participating sections demonstrated their creativity, preparation, and teamwork while promoting appreciation of the cultural diversity among ASEAN countries.
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