AUniVFG officially opens, fosters unity across Asian community
Maria Frances Dianne C. Incipido
Empowering harmony towards a unified Asian community, 35 universities from ten countries unite into one virtual arena as the second Asian University Friendship Games (AUniVFG) officially commenced last February 12, 2022, hosted by the University Student Government (USG) of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) with the theme “Accentuating Camaraderie and Unity through Friendly Virtual Competitions for a Dynamic and Resilient Asian Academic Community.” The opening ceremony was streamed via Facebook live through AUniVFG’s offiicial page.
Intending to establish friendships across international borders, the AUniVFG ignited once more, organized by various Asian institutions. The UIC spearheaded it from the Philippines, and the Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and University Malaya from Malaysia cohosted the event.
Joining them were the University of Saint Joseph from Macau, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, and Universitas Katolik St. Tomas Sumatera Utara from Indonesia.
With utmost gratitude and enthusiasm, Sister Maria Marissa Viri, RVM, the university president of UIC, extended her warm welcome to the participants and the people behind the said event.
“This event is proof that the pandemic has provided an opportunity to gather despite the distance and threat of the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been a painful and challenging experience for many of us, but this did not stop us from collaborating and being creative and innovative,” she highlighted.
The presence of the Regional Director of Commission on Higher Education XI (CHEDRO XI), Dr. Maricar R. Casquejo, made the event more memorable as she expressed her heartwarming greetings and congratulations to the organizing committee.
“Together, let us be partners in building a strong, united, inclusive, and resilient Asian academic community,” Dr. Casquejo stressed as she ended her message.
To ensure a fair and smooth turnout of events, the USG president Ley Nicole Jangolan led the virtual oath of sportsmanship, followed by the official declaration of the games’ opening headed by Charles Andre Nieves, UIC Global president.
Video teasers of the e-SPORTS, e-NVIRONMENTAL, e-LITERARY, e-COOL-tural, e-DANCE, and e-BOARD events were presented, giving a preview of performances and games to pique the interests and excitement of the viewers. Messages from the directors of the partner schools were heard between each teaser.
The Ambassador and Ambassadress of Goodwill candidates showed off their elegance and grace in their introductory videos.
This week-long event would run from February 12 until February 19 to display the talents and wit of Asian students in the different virtual competitions.