KINDLING THE “BEDAN spirit,” the San Beda University (SBU) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) welcomed the Class of 2029 during the annual Freshmen Welcoming Day (FWD) last July 31, celebrating the arrival of a new generation of Bedans. 

For this year’s FWD, the CAS Student Council (SC) embraced a concept that blends retro with the Bedan identity, labelling this year’s event as “The ROARcade: Freshmen Welcoming Day 2025.” 

In an interview, SC President Mitziko Yema shared her vision for this year’s FWD, emphasizing the importance of bond and connection among the Class of 2029.  

“Our main purpose kumbaga during this Freshmen Welcoming Day is to have activities na makakasalamuha sila sa isa’t isa,” she said. 

14 professional student organizations that make up the entirety of the CAS community adopted the same theme in their preferred retro arcade games as they welcome the freshmen in their respective departments. 

The event began with the opening remarks at the MVP Gym, followed by the launch of the ROARcade Carnival, where freshmen explored interactive booths and enjoyed performances from various artists.  

Afterward, as part of CAS tradition, the Class of 2029 passed through the Old Gate of San Beda during the frosh walk, before heading to their respective professional organizations for orientation and briefings. 

Yema also emphasized how the message that the event envisioned to instill into the newest breed of Bedans, to recognize their oneness among the Bedan community, was still carried off.  

“Nag-uusap yung iba’t ibang department… I was so excited. Kasi ‘yun talaga yung main purpose namin, yung magsama-sama sila together and to enjoy as one Bedan family,” she said. 

She mentioned how this sense of unity is something the SC, Student Organization Circle (SOC), and other organizations strive to nurture throughout the freshmen’s journey, saying, “We want them to feel like we’re one Bedan family… I want them to feel like they are one with everyone.” 

Initially scheduled on July 26, preceding the opening of the academic year, the FWD was postponed by five days due to inclement weather conditions. 

The first day of classes for academic year 2025-2026 began on July 28. 

(with Benedict Asher Ugaddan)