Published September 15, 2025
Written by: Royce Vincent Alangsab, Mary Jane Pilawen, Joi Mari Angelique Mina, Kyra Kelly, and Princess Janynne Abreu
University Week 2025 at the University of Baguio was nothing short of extraordinary, with this year’s theme, “Dapit UBiano: Retracing Footsteps in the Familiar,” setting the tone for a celebration of memory, culture, and connection. Among the most talked-about highlights of the three-day event was the Supreme Student Council’s Jeepney Booth, a creative and colorful attraction that invited UBians to take a trip down memory lane while enjoying fun freebies, nostalgic snacks, and traditional Filipino games.
The Jeepney Booth, held from September 8–10 at the campus grounds, was more than just a booth — it was an experience. Modeled after the iconic Filipino jeepney and inspired by the classic tindahan ni Aling Nena, the booth brought back the simple joys of childhood. Students were greeted with Sari-saring Libre, a variety of snacks popular in the 2000’s, which they could claim after answering questions about UB history, general knowledge, or facts about their departments. This interactive twist turned a simple giveaway into an engaging learning experience while strengthening students’ sense of belonging to the UB community.
Day 1 started strong with a special treat — free ice cream for everyone who participated. The lines were long, but the smiles were even longer as students enjoyed their cold desserts under the Baguio sun. Days 2 and 3 kept the excitement going with free taho, a crowd favorite that had UBians eagerly bringing their own cups to reduce waste and support the council’s sustainability campaign. At the same time, contacting sellers for the free taho and sorbetes ice cream to support local products as it boosts their business. The booth also offered free ballpens, sticky notepads, highlighters, alcohol, and wipes, making sure students went home not just happy but equipped for their academic needs.
What truly set the Jeepney Booth apart was its atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. Traditional Filipino games like piko, pop the balloon and plinko brought groups of students together, cheering each other on and laughing like kids again. For many, it was a much-needed escape from the stress of exams, projects, and deadlines.
“The Jeepney Booth was my favorite part of University Week!” shared by Perre Lagadan, a BSTM-IT Freshman student. “It really brought back childhood memories, and the free ice cream and taho made it extra special.”
But the booth wasn’t just about fun and freebies — it had a deeper impact. By requiring participants to follow the SSC’s official social media pages, the council strengthened its digital presence, ensuring real-time communication with students and encouraging more active engagement in future events. The Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) policy also promoted environmental responsibility, reminding students that even small actions contribute to a greener campus.
Looking ahead, the Jeepney Booth stands as a model for future SSC initiatives. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia, education, sustainability, and student engagement, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production). Most importantly, it succeeded in its mission to give students a short but meaningful break from the chaos of academic stress, life chaos and a chance to reconnect with their inner child
The Jeepney Booth was an experience that brought students together through shared memories, culture, and connection. Designed to reflect the iconic Filipino jeepney and the traditional tindahan ni Aling Nena, the booth offered a glimpse into the past, making students feel like they were stepping into something familiar and nostalgic.
The booth was not only about reminiscing; it created a meaningful experience. Through engaging activities and learning opportunities, it helped students connect with each other, fostering a stronger sense of community.
Events like the Jeepney Booth play an important role in university life. They give students a chance to connect, learn, and appreciate their culture. These activities are essential for building a supportive environment where students can grow and thrive. The success of the Jeepney Booth shows how meaningful student activities can be in bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
