By Eunhice Corpuz

Each year, the Tamaraw community navigates through a spectrum of emotions, from soaring triumphs to exhausting stress. Living through 2025 felt like an unrelenting cycle—a constant question of when the storm will finally break. From the roar of protests and walkouts to the lashing rainfalls and shifting learning modalities, these events crashed over Far Eastern University (FEU) like a tidal wave, testing the resilience and spirit of every student.

This chance paves a way to look back on last year's happenings and serves as a reminder that we cannot move forward if we forget the lessons of the past. So, keep scrolling and immerse yourself in the stories and milestones of #TAMWrapped2025.

1. Another year, another struggle to enroll 

After the holidays, Tamaraws encountered familiar foes before officially welcoming the second semester of school year (S.Y.) 2024-2025, as they entered the battleground that is the Student Central portal to secure their enrollment slots. Some reported being labeled as ‘not eligible’ for enrollment while others experienced difficulties in securing the specific courses they needed to complete their units.

This issue sparked widespread concern and criticism among students, many of whom sought guidance regarding their situation. Some have turned to the One Piyu Community to share their status, hoping to connect with others facing similar challenges. Others also reached out to the FEU Student Central Organization and the University Registrar to address their situation, waiting to receive clearer solutions and alternatives. 

Furthermore, while the enrollment periods for other year levels were adjusted, students expressed dismay over persistent technical issues. They were unable to access the Student Central portal due to frequent system crashes, which remains a recurring problem, contradicting the University’s commitment to being a ‘student-centered’ institution.

Should this predicament persist, Tamaraws are left to endure yet another enrollment hurdle. These recurring failures take a significant toll on students’ effort, overshadowing their expectations for a seamless start to the semester. With the introduction of Student Central Neo as the latest platform, questions still stand: is it the ultimate solution we’ve been waiting for, or simply Student Central with a fresh coat of paint? #TAMWrapped 

2. From 5-TB to 3-GB real quick

Upon the start of the new semester, another setback affected the Tamaraw community as the administration reduced the five-terabyte (TB) storage due to the new three-gigabyte (GB) policy of Microsoft 365. This sudden shift of storage policy not only limits the students but also affects the faculty. 

The previous storage allocation provided students with a secure environment for their academic files, including projects, documents, and assessments. It served as a centralized hub, allowing them to organize, compile, and retrieve essential materials with ease. However, the significant reduction in capacity forced students to drastically rethink how they manage and maximize their limited resources.

Despite the time that has passed since the storage cut, students are still grappling with this substantial shift. The Tamaraw community remains burdened by the manual transfer of vast amounts of data across platforms. #TAMWrapped 

3. Last-minute revisions during SAYAWIT and One Concierto Piyu 2025

Foundation Week stands as a cornerstone of campus life for every Tamaraw. From the excitement of predicting the concert performers to seeing what the week-long festivity has in store, it is the event that students eagerly await more than any other.

This year, preparations were both rushed and compromised as an unexpected downpour disrupted the program’s flow. Last-minute adjustments became necessary, such as artist sets being shortened, the announcement of winners being rescheduled, and various competitions being delayed. Most notably, the University’s homegrown artists were unable to take the stage since, according to reports, other performers were prioritized, bringing their long-standing performance streak to an unfortunate end.

In spite of the chaos, the event found success in new ways. The Concierto stage welcomed its first-ever crowned drag queen, Missy Rider, together with her fellow FEU drag queens, marking a celebratory first for the University. Furthermore, the event saw a significant safety improvement, with reported incidents decreasing compared to previous years.

Thus, even though the University's most anticipated event underwent significant changes, it remained a remarkable experience that proved well worth the wait for every Tamaraw. As the fireworks ignited the campus sky, they served as a spark for every student, rekindling the joy and hope that define their journey within Thy Happy Halls. #TAMWrapped 

4. Low voter turnout continues during the University Election 2025

In every university election, exercising the right of suffrage is an essential practice for student empowerment. This year, however, a visible decline in voter turnout was felt across the campus. Hence, the impact of the low engagement was most evident in the numerous vacant posts left across various student government positions.

Aspiring student leaders campaigned from room to room, presenting their platforms to earn the trust and votes of the Tamaraw community. A vibrant array of blue, green, and yellow swept across the campus as political parties advertised their visions and advocated for student concerns. Other candidates who vied independently also managed to present their motives and platforms to each student. Moreover, the race for the presidency was particularly significant, as it marked a rare occasion where three students contested the position, signaling a renewed interest in student leadership.

In spite of the vigorous campaigning by aspiring leaders, the results were still overshadowed by unfilled positions and declining campus participation. This apparent neglect from the relevant offices must be addressed before the next election cycle, where they must prioritize a space for every Tamaraw to feel empowered on exercising their right of suffrage. #TAMWrapped 

5. Batch 2025: Overcoming one final hurdle on the road to Graduation

Graduation rites represent the ultimate fulfillment—a breakthrough and a sense of relief from the long years of struggle every student endures. It is the moment when tassels are turned, and a new, pivotal journey begins. Yet, for Batch 2025, what was supposed to be a celebratory milestone has transformed into another hurdle for them to overcome.

The unforeseen weather during Commencement Week weighed heavily on Tamaraw seniors and their families, many of whom hoped the long-awaited event would be rescheduled. They urged the administration to show compassion for those trapped by rising floodwaters and impassable roads. 

These were the predicaments the graduating batch faced just to claim the diplomas they earned through years of sacrifice and sleepless nights. However, despite their plea to reschedule the event, the University proceeded with the original schedule, sparking widespread dismay among the graduates. No graduate deserves to endure such hardship, especially on a day meant for celebration. This turning point—marking the end of a long academic journey and the transition into the professional world—should be defined by joy, not struggle. As these issues come to the surface, may this be the final instance where the safety and well-being of students and their families are compromised. #TAMWrapped

6. Did the hybrid setup fulfill its promise to students?

At the onset of S.Y. 2025-2026, a new educational modality emerged that was met with immediate pushback from the Tamaraw community. Rather than streamlining accessibility, the new framework has exacerbated student grievances, fueling concerns that the quality of their education no longer justifies the rising financial burden.

FEU introduced a hybrid learning modality requiring students to attend face-to-face classes from Monday to Wednesday, followed by virtual sessions from Thursday to Saturday. Meanwhile, certain departments adopted specialized approaches; for instance, the Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing mandates in-person laboratory attendance regardless of the day. Furthermore, nursing students are subject to a distinct set of policies to accommodate the clinical requirements of their program.

The University’s provision of shared hybrid learning spaces has done little to appease the student body. The requirement for students to attend virtual classes while being physically on campus sparked demands for a total return to face-to-face instruction, with many questioning the logic of maintaining a hybrid setup under such conditions. 

Students argue the current setup undermines the University's advocacy for student-centered education. This frustration is worsened by rising tuition costs, creating a tipping point where the Tamaraw community feels the new modality is both academically and financially unjustifiable.

Ongoing discussions, including TamHall meetings, have focused on refining the blended learning model. Additionally, a new policy will take effect next semester: face-to-face, blended, online sessions will now be conducted during designated weeks throughout the term.

The hybrid setup feels like an unwelcome regression to the pandemic era. While virtual learning was a necessary trend three years ago, it is no longer a progressive solution for a student body that has long since moved past emergency measures. The administration must heed the call of the community: this modality fails to align with student needs and actively undermines the pursuit of high-quality education. #TAMWrapped

7. First Tam Walkout in 30 years

Lightning protests and marching rallies are familiar scenes along the streets of Morayta. This tradition of student activism is deeply rooted, with generations of students participating in these movements. However, after years of relative quiet and limited visibility, a significant shift occurred, paving the way for the first ‘Tam Walkout’ in 30 years last September 29. This is where Tamaraws stand up against corruption, impunity, and an inefficient hybrid setup.

Uniting student leaders with grassroots organizations like Kabataan Partylist, Anakbayan, and the League of Filipino Students, the movement found its voice at the University’s Gate 4. There, representatives from across the coalitions testified to their shared struggles, transforming personal grievances into a collective demand for a system that cares and a policy that serves the needs of each Tamaraw.

Students who gathered to witness and participate held their placards high, demanding accountability from government officials in the face of mounting corruption issues. Moreover, despite the walkout being struck by a sudden, intense downpour, the program continued. The Tamaraw community remained steadfast, demonstrating the true spirit of bravery as they refused to let the weather dampen their resolve.

To this day, despite countless rallies and protests, there remains little to no visible action against the politicians embroiled in these corruption scandals. So, if the government continues to shrug off the demands of its people, the cycle will inevitably persist—corruption will linger, and the marginalized will continue to suffer the consequences of ill-gotten wealth and systemic selfishness. #TAMWrapped 

8. Demand for accountability, fight against impunity 

Even before the Tam Walkout, the presence of the Tamaraw community was felt at the 'Baha sa Luneta' rally on September 21. Students raised their fists and marched toward Mendiola, demanding accountability and transparency regarding corruption in flood-control projects. 

In this pivotal moment, students collectively raised their voices to demand justice against the anomalies and impunity plaguing the country. It is clear that the masses are no longer content to simply wait for change. Instead, they are actively challenging the status quo and pushing the system to evolve for the better. 

Yet, the path of advocacy is often a perilous one, where the exercise of fundamental rights can lead to the very edge of safety. Reports emerged from the Luneta protest of a Tamaraw journalist being bashed by a police officer and others being subjected to illegal detention. It is a sobering reality; for some, the price of demanding justice is the threat of violence or the loss of their liberty.

The persistent shadow of red-tagging continues to stifle student activism, fueling a wave of enforced disappearances. This alarming trend exposes the fragility of the justice system, as officials—shaken by the truths brought to light—attempt to preserve a facade of peace. By meting out silence while claiming the rallies were 'peaceful,' the government only highlights its own desperation to stifle the realities confronting it.

Rallies were never intended to be comfortable or 'peaceful'; they are, by nature, a platform for the oppressed to manifest their lived experiences and testify to systemic failures. This visibility is the first step toward disruption—a necessary catalyst for raising awareness and compelling the community to confront the truth.

Progress remains stalled, but the fight is far from over. What began as a student movement is growing into a national outcry—the loudest uproar against the corruption that strangles our hope for the future. The battle for good governance continues, and the voices of the people will remain. #TAMWrapped

9. Twists and turns of UAAP Season 88 

When students begin flocking to the R. Papa Gym in hopes of securing free tickets, you know the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season is finally upon us. The festivities kicked off with the TAMRally, a vibrant introduction of student-athletes where fellow Tamaraws can meet and greet their favorite players.

The basketball tournament remains one of the most anticipated events of the season, with the green-and-gold community filling the bleachers of the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena. Although both FEU basketball teams fell short of clinching a spot in the Final Four, they remain undeterred, pledging to return with even greater resolve. 

Thus, despite this collective heartbreak, Janrey Pasaol provided a significant morale boost for the Tamaraw community; the standout point guard not only secured a Mythical Five selection but was also heralded as the season's Most Valuable Player.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the Cheerdance Competition date sparked the familiar rush to the Science Building, with students eager to secure a seat to the season's most electric event. This year, the FEU Cheering Squad drew inspiration from 'larong Pinoy,' delivering a high-energy routine that served as a defiant response to their critics. They may not have secured the championship this year, but a back-to-back podium finish proves their consistency. Most importantly, their routine won over the hearts of the entire University, proving that their value transcends a trophy.

Beyond the mats, the event carried a deeper significance; participants were encouraged to wear white as a 'collective statement of resistance' against corruption, transforming the arena into a sea of protest and solidarity. This movement was initiated by the UAAP together with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to showcase the ‘sea of white’ in hopes for better governance. 

The dynasty continues for the women’s football team, who captured their fourth consecutive title in another stellar season. On the other side of the pitch, the men’s football team is still in the heat of competition. Their journey to clinch the championship remains alive, with the entire community hoping they can complete the golden double and bring the title home.

While awaiting the football results, the FEU track and field teams successfully clinched gold and silver titles this season. Additionally, the chess teams secured podium finishes, continuing their dominant streak this season. 

Alongside this streak, after 15 years, the women’s table tennis team struck gold, while the men’s team added a bronze to the tally. Meanwhile, the women’s beach volleyball team landed on the podium with a solid third-place finish.

As we head into the first half of 2026, stay ready to shower our athletes with unwavering love and support. Let us continue to unite as a sea of green-and-gold, showing what it truly means to be a Tamaraw. #TAMWrapped

10. A glimmering hope: The twinkling spirit of Pasko sa Piyu '25

December arrives with the heavy weight of finals, bringing a surge of piled-up deadlines and exhausting exams. Before diving into the ocean of stress, the Tamaraw community found a much-needed reprieve. 'Pasko sa Piyu' officially lit up the campus, serving as the annual beacon that signals the start of the holidays and offers a moment of joy amid the academic rush.

Under this year’s theme, the FEU Center for the Arts delivered a soulful repertoire of Original Pinoy Music classics. The performances evoked a deep sense of nostalgia, capturing the timeless essence of a traditional Filipino Christmas. With every note played, the music felt like a warm embrace for the inner child of every student watching, offering a moment of pure, heartfelt comfort.

This event was a sanctuary before the storm of finals week. It gave students a moment to breathe before diving back into their studies. Hence, no matter the results of their upcoming exams, the spirit of this celebration reminds them that their hard work is valued and that success is within their reach. #TAMWrapped 

(Layout by Phoemella Jane Balderrama/FEU Advocate)