Written by Katrina Nicole Vallesteros & Aiken Ramos
Some things are too important to set aside. Mental health is one of them. It shapes how Ubianos care for themselves, show up for others, and stay steady in the rush of school life.
On February 24, 2026, the University of Baguio brought this belief to life at Centennial Hall with its first-ever Love and Wellness Fair. High school and college students came together under one roof, not just out of curiosity, but out of a collective need to pause, connect, and breathe.
The event was the culmination of a month-long celebration initiated by the University of Baguio Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), offering a new and genuine way to reach out to students. The event was led by Guidance Associates Ms. Rizza Joy Quitaleg and Ms. Kristina Velasco, who brought together the university’s different offices with one goal in mind: to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn about wellness and support for one another.
The Centennial Hall was filled with life through the fourteen booths run by students, each of which was filled with character. Food booths, crafts, mini-games, photo booths, and open mic sessions filled the hall with color and sound. More than just activities, these booths were ideas that came to life. Students were given complete freedom to conceptualize and run their booths, turning the fair into more than just an event.
Beyond just a lively scene, the event continued to promote an underlying message. Mental health support and wellness stations were available throughout the hall, subtly reminding everyone that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. HIV awareness was also given emphasis during the morning program, expanding the discussion on health, responsibility, and compassion.
At its core, the Lover and Wellness Fair was about community. It encouraged inclusion, sparked partnerships, and empowered students to champion wellness within their own circles. What began as an effort to strengthen collaboration grew into something more meaningful: a campus-wide reminder that care multiplies when shared.
