When the Campus Turned Into a Bubble Party and My Stress Melted Away

Hi, Hivemates!

It feels really good to be back here. I'm Seth, and today, I want to share something that gave me a short—but deeply refreshing—pause from all the usual academic chaos.

Ever had that rare moment when life suddenly slows down? Not for long, but just enough for you to breathe and feel alive again?

That's exactly what Hangkat 2025 gave me.

This three-day college-wide event came at the perfect time. After weeks filled with lectures, back-to-back deadlines, and those never-ending problem sets, Hangkat arrived like a soft reminder: student life isn’t always about surviving the pressure. Sometimes, it’s about pausing to laugh, to move, and to feel something lighter.

Everything began on a Wednesday morning.

We, the students from every program under the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (CMNS), gathered together for the opening parade. It wasn’t just a walk around campus. It felt like we were marching with pride. There were flags waving, cheers echoing, and even our professors had that bright, proud look in their eyes. It wasn’t even 9 AM, and yet the campus was already buzzing with energy.

What made Hangkat different from the university-wide Sangka was its structure. Instead of colleges battling each other, this time, it was our individual programs taking the spotlight. Whether it was Applied Math, Physics, Biology, or Chemistry, each group gave their best, hoping to claim the top spot. But even with the competition, the whole event had a warm feeling to it—like a healthy rivalry fueled by community and friendship.

And I’m proud to say, our program—BS in Applied Mathematics—came out strong. We placed second overall. That wasn’t just a small thing for us. We worked hard, and we showed up.

One of the most unforgettable parts for me? I joined the debate competition.

It was my first time, and I won’t lie—my nerves were all over the place. This was a university-level event, and I remember standing there, heart pounding, hands cold. I could barely hear my thoughts over the noise in my chest. But once I started speaking, something inside me clicked. I found my rhythm. I pushed through the fear, and in the end, I received an award. That moment reminded me how growth sometimes comes wrapped in fear. And how stepping up, even when you’re unsure, can lead to beautiful things.

Another highlight? The Mr. and Ms. CMNS pageant.

While our program didn’t bag the crown this year, the candidates from BS Physics absolutely stole the show. Their confidence and grace filled the entire stage. Watching them represent our college with so much heart made us all proud, regardless of the result.

And then came the most fun part—our victory party.

It wasn’t just your usual gathering. It was an actual celebration. The energy was wild in the best way. They called it a “bubble party” and “water party,” which I didn’t understand at first. But when I got there? I finally knew. Foam machines filled the area with bubbles, and people danced like kids in a cloud of soap. Then came the water chaos—buckets flying, water guns spraying everywhere, and yes, even the faculty got splashed. I went home soaking wet and freezing, but I didn’t care one bit.

Because in that mess, there was freedom. And joy. And the kind of carefree fun we don’t often get in our college routines.

Hangkat lasted only three days, but it felt like a full reset for me. Not just for my body, but for my heart and mind too.

It reminded me why I chose this path. Why I keep showing up. And why it’s okay—sometimes even necessary—to take breaks and just live.

To all the organizers, performers, volunteers, and students who made it happen: thank you. You turned Hangkat into something meaningful.

It wasn’t just a celebration of talent. It was a celebration of spirit.

And to you, Hive fam—thank you for taking the time to read this.

If there’s one thing I learned from all this, it’s that even the busiest student deserves a chance to dance in bubbles.

Until next time 💙