University News

Al-Farabi Becomes the Alpha of the Night

It is more than a battle of wits and confidence and there’s so much more in store than one came prepared for. To welcome the newest members of our big family,

Nadine A. Calmerin

22 Oct 2021 • 3 min read

Graphics by: Junette Lorenzo

Culture shocks, frequent headaches and emotional rollercoasters are just a few of the adjustments any freshman in MSU Law would attest. It is more than a battle of wits and confidence and there’s so much more in store than one came prepared for. To welcome the newest members of our big family, the College of Law Students Association organized the Freshmen Night 2021, a quick getaway from academics and a virtual socialization among the four sections: Al-Farabi, Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates.

Held on October 10, 2021, with the theme, “Future Lawyers: Aspirant Guardians of Law to Strengthen and Preserve the Society Amidst Diversity,” freshmen students paraded their culture by wearing colorful clothes, also reflecting the brightness of their dreams and the smiles on their faces. Unity and camaraderie shone on every section with the use of uniform virtual backgrounds and supportive cheers on the chat box of the meeting, all upbeat for the different events.

Spoken Poetry (Hugot Lawng, Walang Personalan), Hottorney Challenge (featuring the case of Chi Ming Tsoi v. Court of Appeals and Gina Lao-Tsoi), the search for Mr. and Ms. Eye Catcher and the Best Headdress, are the highlights of the night, spiced up by the “What’s My Name?” game and the noteworthy messages of the guest speakers. The night was young, the students were eager, and everyone was patiently waiting for the results. Everyone’s efforts paid off, but one team stood tall.

Aristotle was hailed the winner for The Spoken Poetry on Hugot Lawng, Walang Personalan challenge, followed by the runner-ups (in the order of their places): Al-Farabi, Socrates, and Plato. It was an easy jackpot for Al-Farabi, on the other hand, for their viral entry on the Hottorney challenge, followed by Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato. The Mister and Miss Head Turner of the Night awards were also bagged by the Al-Farabi representatives, Krizza Nadine A. Calmerin and Neil Malvin Elloren.

Special awards were given away to the outstanding freshmen of the night. Dioscoro Nuñez III of Socrates and Renelyn Lavador of Al-Farabi sported the Best Headdresses of the event. Codals were given away to the game winners: Shaira Magno (Al-Farabi), Bell Noel (Aristotle), and Ivan Jay Tagupa (Al-Farabi). Claire Noel of Al-Farabi, on the other hand, brought home a tee shirt as her prize. As the night came to a conclusion, the class of Al-Farabi emerged as the overall champion.

Speaking for the victorious class, Czesar Saul mused that Al-Farabi has become the alpha of the night, a declaration that inspired the title of this article. It was a joyous night for the alphas (or Alfas, as the class would like to coin themselves) as they celebrated small wins but great memories. It was a positive, fulfilling, and motivating night for everyone, not just for the winners, but to all of those who participated. Of course, it’s not a game without its winners, but the qualities of a winner always rest in each one, only with different times to bloom. Let me share a quote from the dynamic beadle of the Al-Farabi class:

“Although we have different challenges here in law school, even when we are decreasing in number, we have a good fighting spirit, and we are fighting. We choose our battles properly. Congratulations to all sections as well. Maybe this is our time but maybe next time, it will be yours, too.”
-Dan Ian Casicas

To end, sportsmanship means playing fair and being supportive. To celebrate victory is monumental but to learn and accept defeat constitutes a lesson. By that, we congratulate the four sections: Al-Farabi, Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. Welcome to law school (where the real battle commences), freshies, and job well done.

Sign up for more like this.