AERO GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2023

The flickering lights and the nostalgic sounds of arcade tunes like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Tekken filled the Chairman's Penthouse as the Aeronautical Engineering Research Organization (AERO) hosted the "AEROcade Mania: Play, Compete, Conquer!" for the organization's general assembly. The event took place on the 21st of October 2023, and was attended by students and faculty members from the BS Aeronautical Engineering Department with Engr. Denis S. Desolo (BS AeroE Program Chairperson) and Engr. Jabes A. Isoli (Head of Drawing and CADD Department). It was packed with various activities, including Tetris and Tekken battles, Talentadong AERO, and the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. AERO competition. The party was graced by Munimuni, a folk and indie band known for their hit songs "Marilag," "Bawat Piyesa," and "Sa'yo," among others.

The event officially commenced with a warm welcome from Engr. Desolo, emphasizing that the assembly aimed to provide a safe space for aspiring Aeronautical Engineers, allowing them to take a break from the stress brought by their academic workload. He also shared a few words of encouragement, highlighting that every AERO student should possess ambition, resilience, collaborative capabilities, adaptability, determination, and most importantly, empathy, which would enable them to succeed in the "arcade of life."  Mr. Kyle Russel Catoto (AERO President) presided over to tease the audience about the upcoming activities the organization has in store for the coming months.

Also present in the General Assembly was a BS Aeronautical Engineering alumnus from Batch 2020, Mr. Adler Ross Dionila, who took the stage and delivered an inspirational message to all attendees. He reminisced about his early days as freshman at PATTS and stressed the importance of embodying empathy. He encouraged everyone to be kind to one another and to consider different perspectives by putting themselves in others' shoes. He also emphasized that aspiring aeronautical engineers should embrace their passion and love for aviation, recognizing that they are not just engineers but potential pioneers and the future of the aeronautical industry.

As the night continued, the crowd eagerly awaited more activities planned for the event. This year's assembly featured a unique talent competition entitled, "Talentadong AERO," showcasing the talents and skills of AERO students in singing, dancing, and various unique abilities. The competition featured five contenders namely: Mr. Nikk Mathew Belisario, the singing duo of Mr. Albert Piawan and Ms. Krista Saquing Meriales (known as the "Uno Duo") and the local rock band "Tres." The dancing duo named "Skyvogue," featuring Mr. George Loto and Mr. Jerimiah Pano, also heated up the floor with their radiant dance moves. The dancing group "Born Next" delivered a peculiar and jaw-dropping performance with their "synchronized swimming" exhibition.

Following the entertaining performances of the segment, a riveting competition in nostalgic arcade games, Tetris and Tekken, took center stage. The match was displayed on a giant LED screen for attendees to enjoy. This segment also provided an opportunity for some to play the actual games using the machines available at the venue, including air hockey, foosball, basketball, and the arcade, Tekken.

The event was made even more special as it coincided with the birthday of Engr. Desolo. The AERO and all the attendees celebrated this special occasion by singing a birthday song and presenting a celebratory cake. A special audio-visual presentation on birthday greetings from Engr. Desolo's former students, faculty colleagues, and close relatives were also featured. After which, a special performance by the folk and indie band Munimuni, serenaded all attendees with their top hits from their album "Kulayan Natin."

Of course, AERO's General Assembly would not be complete without the annual Mr. and Ms. AERO pageant. The competition was joined in by Ms. Bianca Galvez and Mr. Jay Christian Leria (representing the 2nd year level), Ms. Angela Shenina Guinto and Mr. Von David Angelo Vallejos (from the 3rd year level), and Ms. Eunice Zeke Kylle Ong and Mr. Aron Ace Armijo Magnaye holding their head high for the 4th year level. The contestants showcased arcade-themed attire, followed by a round in smart and elegant formal gowns and suits. In the end, Mr. Vallejos and Ms. Ong were crowned as this year's Mr. and Ms. AERO. Mr. Magnaye and Ms. Guinto were awarded the First Runners-Up, and Mr. Leria and Ms. Galvez were the Second Runners-Up.

The event reached its pinnacle with a sincere expression of appreciation from Ms. Beatrix Graecia Fernandez (Project Head). She took flight with her words of gratitude, thanking every participant for serving as unwavering guides throughout the course of the event. She also expressed appreciation to the entire AERO team for their ceaseless commitment, drawing a parallel to a synchronized aircrew whose exactitude guaranteed a seamless and successful flight. 

With the event reaching its zenith, attendees were greeted with elation and contentment, akin to passengers disembarking from a triumphant and uplifting journey that had brought them to their desired location.