Around 1,700 students of Adamson University celebrated this year's Falcon Fete concert as a welcome celebration for the return of the students on the ground after almost three years of online setup.
The event, with the theme "AdU@91: Initiate, Inspire, and Innovate Towards Shaping the Future," was organized by the Adamson University Student Government (AUSG) and held at SV grounds on February 17.
Regina Epres, AUSG Vice President for External Affairs, said the Falcon Fete 2023 concert was inspired by ‘Hiwaga’ (Magical).
“The organizers wanted to manifest and celebrate the return of our Klasmeyts to face-to-face events that would be remembered as ‘magical,’” she said.
AUSG aimed for the students to establish the meaning of ‘Hiwaga.’
“We wanted them to have their own attachment to the word. may it be the event itself, other people, their significant others, or even themselves as the ‘Hiwaga,’” she said.
Moreover, Epres directly emphasized that they have experienced technical and student problems.
“A few challenges were on the part of the participants not following the guidelines… some participants’ names and IDs were collected… There were some technical difficulties, but it was solved right away,” she said.
Meanwhile, communication students from different year levels critiqued the overall result of the event.
According to Ruth Daryne Clores of AMC 201, she enjoyed the event but encountered minor difficulties.
"There was a minor inconvenience lang regarding microphone malfunctions no'ng ibang artists (of other artists). But, overall, I enjoyed the experience," she said.
She hopes that AUSG will be more alert and prepared for unexpected issues in such events.
"Hopefully, ma-improve pa nila and ma-anticipate agad ‘yong any issues na p'wede mag-occur any time (they can improve and immediately anticipate any issues that may occur at any time)," she said.
While Alan Capati of AMC 101 expressed his satisfaction with the concert as a first-timer but wished to improve the lack of meals offered inside the university.
"As a first-time attendee of Falcon Fete, I am pretty satisfied… However, I do want to bring up the availability and selection of food and refreshments, which, in my opinion, was a bit lacking during the event," he said.
Capati also rated the overall event 8 out of 10 for giving them an enjoyable night.
"I would rate the event an 8! It was a very fun and memorable experience for me and my block mates," he said.
Niño Ronquillo of AMC 202 stated that the event was remarkable because of the performance of the band, The Itchyworms.
"Itchyworms was my favorite part, especially when they performed the song ‘Beer," I never thought I would ever sing it live with the band in my life, so it was definitely a core memory for me," he said.
Ronquillo expects to have more energetic artists in next year's Falcon Fete.
"I look forward to artists that would hype the crowd out and tire me out just by jumping and vibing to their song and performance live," he said.
Regardless of the concert's ticket price, Raphael Calabio of AMC 301 said it was justifiable.
"I was worried because I thought the ticket price was expensive… it was worth it… Watching the bands live, particularly The Itchyworms, the band whom I was truly looking forward to," he said.
He also shared his expectations for next year's concert based on his recent experience.
"My expectations for next year's Falcon Fete are higher, especially with how I enjoyed this year's edition," he said.
Furthermore, Gabriel Tongco, a fourth-year irregular student, mentioned that the concert lineup was excellent.
“This year’s Falcon Fete had a pretty solid lineup, so the hype during the concert was definitely well-earned… because it’s been a while since the Falcon Fete had been held face-to-face,” he said.
Tongco reminisced about how the band The Itchyworms uplifted the students, which made him satisfied with his overall experience at the event.
“There was one moment during The Itchyworms… they asked the rest of us to tell Klassmeyts that we loved them. I thought it was a beautiful gesture… I naturally felt tired after the Fete, but I also felt fulfilled,” he said.
During the event, AUSG loaded the concert with OPM guest artists, including rock bands like The Itchyworms, Lola Amour, and Moonstar88; singer Nikki Nava; pop band Spacedog Spacecat; singer-songwriters Leanne & Naara; and musical band HEY JUNE!.