LAST Dec. 4, the Student Executive Council (SEC) hosted this year’s annual Integration at the SBCA Gymnasium with the theme, “Isang Tinig: Ilabas Ang Lakas ng Bedista!” The event kicked off with an opening ceremony last Nov. 13, followed by the booths set up by the co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations at the SBCA Covered Court.

In the Opening Ceremony, representatives from the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) and the administrators of the Tertiary Schools gathered at the Rosendo Hall. The event was hosted by SEC Auditor, Archimedes Dingle (II-BSE) and President Jules Reyes (III-BSBA MM). Ms. Roma Wynn Sedo, Dean of Student Affairs, delivered her opening remarks and explained: “We intend that the Freshman feel the love of the Bedan community as early as the first semester and have full awareness of the vision mission of the institution,” hence why they decided to push through with Integration taking place during the first semester. This was followed by the Integration pledge and signing led by Loki Relova (IV-BSBA FM), SEC Treasurer. Afterwards, Dr. Andres Ignacio San Mateo Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), struck the gavel to officially commence this year’s Integration. 

SEC President, Jules Reyes said that although the Integration is a competition among the Tertiary Schools, she emphasized that it is “not about division, but about unity.” The ceremony concluded by launching this year’s Integration theme song, a rendition of "Isang Tinig". The remake of the song was created by the Himig Bedista members: Stephen Gallardo (IV-BSP), Vincent Tolentino (IV-BACMS), Miguel Rivera (IV-BSBA MM), Andre Barroso (IV-BAP) and Samantha Cambronero (II-BSLM), along with the assistance of their moderator, Ms. Cheribin Cruz

After a busy week due to the final examinations, the day of Integration has finally arrived. The event was hosted by Marketing Management students, Ernest Samson (II-BSBA MM) and Marciana Valle (II-BSBA MM). The program was filled with music and movement that included intermission numbers from the SBCA Bedanz Troupe, SBCA Athletes, SBCA Pep Squad and Pep Band, Himig Bedista, and Teatro Bedista. Major sponsors such as Barrenbliss, Dental’s Finest, and K-Chase Korean Street Food, were present to support the event, as well as minor sponsors namely Dairy Queen, Mr. Softy, Biskota Homemade Cookies, and many more. 

In line with the theme, departments of the Tertiary Schools were assigned OPM songs by various artists. Students of International Studies, Communication and Media Studies, and Education were teamed up and given the theme “Elesi” by Rivermaya, Psychology with “Huling Sayaw” by Kamikazee, Marketing Management with “Alumni Homecoming” by Parokya ni Edgar, Human Resource Management (HRM), Financial Management, and Entrepreneurship with “Deadma” by Rocksteddy, Legal Management with “Sandalan” by 6cyclemind, Accountancy with “Kabataang Pinoy” by Itchyworms and the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) with with “Hay Buhay” by Sugarfree.

The Psychology department reigned as Champions once again in this year’s Battle Cry competition, with Accountancy following in 2nd place, and SET students in 3rd place. “Winning the Battle cry competition for this year's Integration was the best way to end the 1st Semester of the Bedan Psychological Society dedicated to the entire Psych community,” said Bianca Lavin (III-BAP), President of the Bedan Psychological Society. She also expressed that their Battle Cry performers exceeded their expectations and that the Psychology community is beaming with pride and inspiration. “This is definitely one of our organization's proudest moments,” Lavin added.

For the Sing & Dance competition, the students of Marketing Management triumphed as the Champions, followed by Psychology winning 2nd place, and Legal Management landing 3rd place. Special awards were given to the students of HRM, Financial Management, and Entrepreneurship who were named “People's Choice” and “Best Booth'' respectively. The Psychology department was awarded “Best Set Design”. Michael Elijah Viray (I-BSLM) was named “Outstanding Male Performer” while Charlize Sacilioc (I-BAIS) won “Outstanding Female Performer.”

THE BEDAN HERALD interviewed this year’s Integration Head and SEC Public Relations Officer, Fritzen Aldaba (III-BAP). He said that he and his co-project head, Loki Relova, are fans of OPM, which is where they tapped into inspiration for this year’s Integration theme. The heads incorporated this with the Bedan values for the students to show their patriotism and value to local artists in the country. “We do tend to forget that we have our own brand and own sound [in] terms of music. That's why this Integration was a smoking gun for us to really value what's ours.” Aldaba expressed.

To conclude the interview, the project head shared a few inspirational words for the Freshmen: “It's not all about the grandeur of the set of the Integration stage or even the outlook of who won or who lost in its competitions. It's all about the values and tradition that all of us must instill for the next 4 more years of being under this brilliant institution of San Beda College Alabang,” Aldaba said that it is camaraderie and togetherness that unites the Tertiary Schools despite being divided into three different schools.