Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) celebrated unity in diversity through a Flag Raising Ceremony and Cultural Showcase marking the 59th ASEAN anniversary, held on the evening of July 31, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Gym, Talisay Campus.
Anchored on this year’s regional theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the celebration brought together 150 student leaders from all CHMSU campuses as part of the 8th RIPPLES (Responsive, Innovative, Proactive, Passionate, Leaders by Example, and Social Change) Leaders Training Camp.
CIER / Jason Pascual photos
“This year’s ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony and Showcase gives you, our young leaders, a peek into the different cultures of our Southeast Asian neighbors—and shows how you, as youth of this region, can navigate the future together,” said Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director Maria Victoria Violanda in her welcome message.
Organized by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations (CIER) under Director Rhoderick Samonte, the annual gathering honored the diverse cultures that make up Southeast Asia ahead of ASEAN Day on August 8. Also in attendance was Vice President for Academic Affairs Engr. Russel Dela Torre, along with participating faculty, staff, volunteers, and alumni.
CIER / Jason Pascual, Harold Demaisip, & John Carlo Visca photos
Dressed in outfits inspired by the traditional attire of ASEAN member states, the vibrant program opened with a Parade of Nations representing all 11 ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Each nation was represented by a delegation of RIPPLES campers. The Philippine delegation co-organized the event, reflecting the country’s role as this year’s ASEAN summit host and chair.
The program continued with the singing of each country’s national anthem, followed by the ASEAN Anthem, “The ASEAN Way.”
CIER / Jason Pascual, Harold Demaisip, & John Carlo Visca photos
Cultural Performances
The festivities began with an opening number from Team Philippines, leading into the Runway Showcase, where students highlighted traditional silhouettes from across the region. Despite limited resources, campers creatively reinterpreted these designs using available materials and textiles.
The evening’s cultural showcase then took center stage, with each delegation—except the host country—performing pieces that captured their nation’s traditional and contemporary art forms.
Myanmar’s delegation claimed first place, impressing judges with a performance blending traditional puppetry, courtship customs, and scenes from Thingyan, the country’s water festival marking the traditional New Year.
Timor-Leste placed second with “Tebe Hamutuk,” a traditional dance built around synchronized stomping and hand-in-hand formations symbolizing unity and community. Vietnam rounded out the top three with a graceful Áo Dài dance pairing the fluid movements of female performers with the measured gestures of their male counterparts.
CIER / Jason Pascual, Harold Demaisip, & John Carlo Visca photos
Fellowship and Games
Campers capped the night with a fellowship dinner featuring Southeast Asian delicacies, including Malaysia’s kuih kosui, Indonesia’s beef rendang, Laos’ sai oua, Cambodia’s amok trey, Thailand’s mango sticky rice, and the Philippines’ iconic lechon.
Afterward, Team Philippines led mini-games, highlighted by a round of “Pinoy Henyo,” where teams raced to guess symbols, traditions, foods, and landmarks from across the region. Winning teams took home prizes to share among members.
The evening closed with Team Philippines ceremonially passing the key of responsibility to Singapore’s delegation, which will assume ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
In his closing remarks, Information Officer Keith Brandon Cari-an reminded campers that “although we come from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, we are bound together by shared values of respect, cooperation, and friendship.”
The 2026 ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony and Showcase concluded with a community dance led by the Philippine delegation.
CIER / Jason Pascual, Harold Demaisip, & John Carlo Visca photos
