Living the Moment: My First and Last Experience of CNU's Panagsangka 2024

Hey, Hivers! @makiyumee here and I am back with a new blog! Today, I want to share to you a very special first and last experience of how I joined in celebrating CNU's Panagsangka 2024.

I was still a third-year student when I traveled to Cebu early one morning with my classmate, who also happens to be one of my closest friends. We left Medellin before the sun had risen, starting our journey in the stillness of dawn. The black taxi we rode in was quiet, with only the occasional sound of the engine and soft conversations between us breaking the silence. Along the way, we talked about our excitement and shared a few laughs to pass the time as the sky slowly turned from dark to light. After a few hours of smooth travel, we arrived at Cebu Normal University’s Main Campus at around 6 a.m. The campus was still quiet, with only a few students and staff beginning to move around. Before entering, we decided to grab some breakfast outside at a nearby eatery. The warm food and a chance to sit and relax helped us recharge after the long journey. It was a simple yet meaningful way to start what we knew would be a busy and memorable day ahead.

After eating our breakfast, my classmate and I finally entered the gates of the main campus of Cebu Normal University. As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by the lively sight of players getting ready for the big competition. They were all wearing their uniforms, representing their respective campuses, and their energy filled the air. Some were warming up, others were chatting with their teammates, and the excitement was contagious. It was clear that everyone was eager to start the day and showcase their skills.

Panagsangka 2024, as we learned, is more than just a typical school intramurals. It is a grand event that brings together students from CNU’s campuses in Balamban, Medellin, and the Main Campus. The scale of the competition is impressive, with athletes competing not only to win but also to represent the pride of their respective campuses. The friendly rivalry and the spirit of unity among the students made the atmosphere even more special. It felt amazing to be part of something so big and full of life, knowing that this event was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and school pride.

We arrived just in time for my friend’s basketball game, which was the first match of the morning. I found a good spot in the bleachers, where I could clearly see her on the court. As the game began, my other friend and I cheered as loudly as we could, calling out her name every time she made a move. The energy of the game was intense, with players darting back and forth and the crowd reacting to every pass and shot. My friend’s determination shone through as she hustled on the court, her focus unwavering despite the mounting pressure.

However, it soon became obvious that the opposing team wasn’t playing fair. They made questionable moves—pushing, blocking improperly—but the referees didn’t call them out. Frustration grew as we watched this unfair play, and when the final whistle blew, my friend’s team had lost. The disappointment was palpable, not just for my friend but for all of us who had cheered for her. To shake off the heavy feeling, we decided to explore the campus. After wandering for a while, we stumbled upon the volleyball court, where a men’s match was about to begin. Watching the players leap for spikes and dive for saves lifted our spirits as the crowd’s excitement filled the air.

Once the match ended, we headed to the athletes' quarters with our friends from CNU–Medellin. The atmosphere there was lighthearted and filled with conversation and laughter. We spent the entire lunch break sharing stories about the games and catching up with one another. Despite the rocky start to the day, being surrounded by friends and hearing their encouragement helped my friend feel a little better. It reminded us all that while winning mattered, the bonds we shared and the experiences we created were what truly made the day special.

After having lunch, around 2 p.m., we were still waiting for the next game to start, so we decided to visit the museum located inside Cebu Normal University's main campus. I was amazed by the fascinating things we discovered and saw inside. The museum displayed many old and valuable items that the school had carefully preserved over time. After exploring the museum, we came across a cute photo booth nearby. All of us took pictures together, and we each got our own copies of the photos. They turned out really adorable, and we loved them.

After we finished taking group photos at the photobooth, we decided to explore the stalls outside the building. There were so many interesting things on display, like K-pop merchandise, vintage and aesthetic items, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. Each stall offered something unique, and we couldn’t resist buying a few items for ourselves.

We kept browsing and enjoying the lively atmosphere until we realized our budgets were all spent. Satisfied with our little shopping spree, we made our way back to the basketball court to watch the much-anticipated match between the men’s basketball team from our campus and the main campus.

The game was thrilling, with both teams giving their all. Every shot, block, and rebound kept the audience on edge, and the excitement in the air was contagious. However, as much as I wanted to stay and cheer for our team until the end, I had to leave to catch my bus home. It was already getting late, and I didn’t want to risk missing the last ride. After thinking it through, I decided I would go home alone since my friend, who had come with me earlier, wanted to stay a bit longer to watch the match.

When it was time to leave, my friends accompanied me to the terminal to make sure I got there safely. Their thoughtfulness warmed my heart, and I felt grateful for their company. As I boarded the bus and found my seat, they waved goodbye with big smiles, and I waved back as the bus slowly pulled out of the terminal. Watching them disappear into the distance, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of sadness at leaving and happiness for all the memories we had made that day. It was truly a day to remember.

That would be all for today, I hope y'all enjoyed reading my blog. Thank you so much and I'll see you all again on the next one!