Diving into the waves of festivities, the University of Makati (UMak) Herons and Lady Herons celebrated Herons Welcome 2026 last September 11 with the theme, “From Nestled Dreams to Limitless Skies, Herons Take Flight,” organized by the UMak University Student Council (USC). The event continued last year’s celebration with a hydro party—featuring several guest artists and a celebration full of performances and jamborees.
An energetic parade by different institutes and colleges fueled the university. This year’s Herons’ Welcome brings together all students from freshmen to seniors, as well as alumni, with free sorbets for the first 500 to register per gate.
‘Multwoh: Patay Na Patay Sa’yo’ casts Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia also joined the crowd with their performance of “Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II” by fitterkarma. Along with them were queer artists Pipay, Sophie Prime, and Gaia Polyhymnia, who also delighted the audience with their humor and performance.
During their production, the waves and tides of celebration soaked the crowd as the main event started with water sprayed all over the UMak Oval.
Sassa and João also invited Herons to embrace the function, emphasizing that their film is a product of liberating love. In an interview, Sassa and Gaia also highlighted the importance of supporting every identity, stressing that individuals should have the freedom to define themselves. “Ang identity natin ay sa atin at tayo ang magdidikta nito, hindi tao o institusyon,” stated by Sassa.
[“Our identity is ours and no one should dictate it to us, not anyone nor any institution.”]
“This is the opportunity to build friendship, build relationships, and at the same time enjoy the moment,” said University President, Prof. Elyxzur C. Ramos, highlighting how the event manifests a warm welcome, especially to freshmen students. The event was also attended by Makati City Councilor, Hon. Marie Alethea Casal-Uy, who extended her support and congratulations to the students and the University.
The UMak Center for Culture and the Arts (UMak-CCA) Artists— Siglahi, Chorale, Tunog Kawayan, Dance Extreme (UDX), and Collective Arts of Students and Thespians (CAST) devoured the stage with their lively performances that brought cheers and smiles to the students. The event also brought light and attention to the candidates per institute and college for Mr. and Ms. University of Makati 2027 (MMU 2027), with the theme, “Nova: Phenomenal”
Adding to the fun, USC also organized a Club Fair, which includes different organizational booths, giving students the chance to participate in different activities and form connections with each other. “The Club Fair is to support students para makilala nila ang mga organizations sa loob ng UMak, at para na rin makita nila ang culture na mayroon tayo”, said Ms. Rhea Mie Matias, the Event Head of the Club Fair, emphasizing the purpose of the Club Fair.
[“The Club Fair is to support students so they can be introduced to different organizations inside UMak and to let them know the culture we have here.”]
“We are grateful that we were able to conduct this event—kaya kahit umulan, rain or shine patuloy pa rin tayo and again thank you for attending the Herons Welcome 2026,” stated by USC Vice President and Herons Welcome 2026 Event Head, Ms. Meredith Sayud.
[“We are grateful that we were able to conduct this event—even if rain poured, rain or shine, the show must go on and thank you for attending the ’ Welcome 2026.”]
Ending the event was an ecstatic performance by UMak Jammers, making the hydro party memorable and unforgettable. This year’s Herons Welcome embodied its theme, making dreams limitless and inspiring every student to soar high and take flight.
Inilarawan ni Prince Lloyd Sebuco
