Cookout MMX!

CEBU, Philippines - It was a lucky Friday the 13th. Students from all over Cebu gathered at the University of the Philippines Campus in Lahug to celebrate the annual and perhaps the biggest collegiate event in town, the UP Cookout. What began as a small get-together of UP students many years ago has now grown into a grand nightlong presentation of UP talents and noted Cebuano artists.

This year’s theme, “Magpakabana, manginlabot… to the extreme!” is UP’s shout-out to the youth who have become increasingly apathetic to the pressing issues in our society. The Cookout served as a call to UPians and non-UPians alike to refrain from being merely spectators, but instead to be more involved in the political, social, and environmental matters in our nation. This theme was fervently voiced out in all four segments–Kantahan (“Popathy”), Sayawan (“Take it to D’Streets!”), Bandahan (“Music Ko, Music Isko”), and of course, the most anticipated, Rampahan (“Freak Revolution: Para sa PNoy”).

From 5PM to 5AM, it was a showdown of specta-cular perfor-mances. The event was opened with a colorful parade of circus performers displaying their skills in acrobatics, juggling, and fire dancing. Mind-blowing, it was! But that was only the beginning.

It was followed by the aforementioned four segments, which are actually competitions between the different campus-based organizations. The spotlight was given to the UPians as they displayed their creative talents in the various fields.

In the highly awaited Rampahan portion, UPians were given the chance to voice out which issues they think should be immediately looked into by our newly elected president. Aptly named “Freak Revolution: Para sa PNoy,” there they were able to present their needs and ideals through their outlandish and imaginative attires.

Cookout MMX also had performances from Cebu’s local music scene. Rocking the night away were The Line Divides, Bethany, Dance with me Kris, Shuffled, Rescue a Hero, Mungkanghan, Sefyla, and many more. Cebu’s very own dance groups were also present such as Type One, Wired Dance Crew, and Tribo Basakanon (in cooperation with the Liberation for Gay Advocates organization).

Mixing creativity, talent, and passion, that is the true spirit of a UP Cookout! And to be one with fellow Cebuanos in celebrating and advocating a message directed not only to UPians, but to everyone – “Magpakabana, manginlabot… to the extreme!”

(Fun fact: COOKOUT MMX also means Cookout 2010)