PAUGNAT 2023: Reigniting USTP’s Vigor with Trailblazing Festival

As you step in the threshold of this glorious university, the air crackles in the resonance
of anticipation, the wind rises to that of a euphoric thrill. A sense of reverie hangs in the
atmosphere, intertwining with the faint aroma of delectable food with the arduous hum
of the bustling crowd, an ardor that promises an unforgettable experience. The
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), dormant since
the havoc of COVID-19, comes alive once more with an explosion of vibrant colors,
electrifying rhythms, exuberant dances and enchanting song jams as the PAUGNAT – A
Trailblazing Festival 2023, burst through and brought upon symphony of life.

From May 22nd to 26th, the PAUGNAT Festival ignited a weeklong extravaganza of
exhilarating festivities. As it takes center stage and with it a spirited tapestry of
electrifying activities that celebrate the diverse cultures and rich traditions of the
Philippines. Like a symphony of memories and appreciation, this extraordinary event
transports us to a realm where the beauty of our heritage intertwines with the pulsating
rhythm of the present–a call to embrace our roots, to delve deep into the intricacy of
Philippine cultures, and to honor the traditions that have shaped us. In extension, the
PAUGNAT left no stone unturned in its mission to captivate and engage every soul in
attendance. From dawn to dusk, a cornucopia of fun and engaging activities unfolded,
ensuring that every individual was swept away on a whirlwind of excitement and delight.

Six college departments, referred to as districts, contested to raise their banners—the

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) or the Rising Legends, the Howling
Lycans or the College of Information Technology and Computing (CITC), the College of
Science and Mathematics (CSM) famed as the Majestic Wizards, the College of
Science and Technology Education (CSTE) or the Raging Phoenix, the College of
Technology (COT) or the fabled Blazing Guardians, including the Senior High School
(SHS) Spartans. They were hand-in-hand testaments of might and the undying prowess
of a trailblazer as they showcased their strengths to prevail atop the districts.

In the clamor of the midday sun, the PAUGNAT surged through with an ebullient,
mellifluous brew of festival music composed in the heart of various Mindanao cultures,
and then the moment swelled in DRER Memorial Hall, with the dances of the districts
replicating famous festivals sprawled across Mindanao like the Kaamulan of Bukidnon
and the Higalaay Festival of our very own Cagayan de Oro City, with the captivating
azure aura of their Festival Queens and Kings that pranced about the limelight.
Following that, it was a night to remember as the “Swifties'' gathered to sing their hearts
out to Taylor Swift hits, happy and free, forgetting about the deadlines as they tossed all
their burdens and jived along with the bands and under the purple light. Unleashing a
tidal wave of fierceness, the "Drag Race Superstars'' took the stage by storm. With their
mark set and accelerators pressed, they sashayed, slayed, and left the audience
gagged. Their out-of-this-world fashion , their eyeshadow game on point and
choreographies, wigs were snatched! The "Trailblazing Ambassadors and
Ambassadress" didn't just conquer the week, too, they owned it. Radiating beauty,
brains, and charisma, they commanded the stage, leaving a trail of awe in their wake.
The cheers echoed relentlessly, honoring their triumph as they represented their
districts as they redefined what it means to be extraordinary.

Aside from those highlighted, a multitude of vibrant events came alive, setting the stage
ablaze with excitement. Larong Pinoy, with the traditional Filipino games, added a
nostalgic touch, rekindling childhood memories. The Open Mic sessions provided a
platform for budding artists to shine. The Battle of the Bands showcased the electrifying
energy of local musicians as they unleashed their musical prowess. The Pinoy Ako!
Quizbowl tested participants' knowledge of Filipino culture and history. Athletes found
their haven in the exhilarating games. These diverse events illuminated the faces of the
Trailblazers, reigniting their smiles with radiant joy. Any trailblazer would be a testament
to this jubilation. As one walks around the campus, the colors, the ardor in the air, the
comforting surge of the crowd, the smell of fried cuisine, the yellow light slowly
embracing the pavement as the dusk veiled the grounds—it is as if one blurs with the
moment. The PAUGNAT, then, ended with the Oh Caraga! Concert as they “brought
Bisaya music to the world.”

In retrospect, PAUGNAT emerged as a captivating vernacular term, whispering the word

"sport" within its letters. Yet, within its grasp, it wove a tapestry that surpassed mere
rivalry. It painted a picture of unity, where unwavering valor and tenacity shone upon a
trailblazer’s spirit. Also embedded within the fabric of PAUGNAT lies a narrative that
beckons for a needed respite, to revel in joy, and to savor the essence of living amidst
the pressures of the world. Everyone will concur that, at the dawn of another year, our
hearts await the trumpets that signal the rebirth of the Trailblazing Festival.