Under the unpredictable skies, the vibrant Cobra spirit shone through as Southwestern University PHINMA celebrated this year’s Maroon Jam on June 24-25, 2024, the university’s annual welcoming event, kicking off the new academic year.
Ongoing building construction and heavy downpours did not stop the Cobras community from engaging in a wide range of student engagement and camaraderie, painting the PHINMA Grounds with glee and festivity.
The event featured a variety of booths from different colleges and organizations, all offering fun-filled and exciting activities for every student.
“I think it doesn’t just help me integrate into my own department,” Maria Leamae Patagnan, a Fine Arts sophomore said.
“I think it overall embodies what Southwestern is like as a student community. It’s interactive, it’s open, it’s free for all,” she added.
Among the highlights of the two-day event were the showstopping performances from student groups like Forward Crew, Hiraya, Maroon Echoes, PRISM, and Oral Six.
This year’s Maroon Jam battled with heavy rain on the night before the event and another downpour on the first day, significantly interrupting the activities.
Reduced space due to the construction of the Arts and Sciences Building near the PHINMA Grounds added a challenge, as the area for the event became more limited compared to previous years.
Despite these hurdles, the participants’ enthusiasm and resilience held the celebration undeterred.
“They say the old building for dentistry to be demolished is for parking and more space for us to use,” Ms. Maita Magalong, Vice President of Student Life commented.
“I’m really looking forward to that. I [would really] like bigger and better spaces for student activities,” she added, quoting hopes for future improvements.
The first day of Maroon Jam subsequently marks the first day of classes for the upperclassmen while Grade 11 and Freshmen students are set to start their classes on July 15, 2024.
