The College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT), through the Brahman Integrated Computing Society (BrICS), partnered with the Counselling and Psychological Wellness Center (CoPWell) to host its first-ever live talk show, “CICT Asks: HOW R U?”, on February 26, 2024, at the CICT Building.
The event’s title, an acronym for Health Over Workload, Relationship, and Urself (Yourself), reflected its mission to help students manage stress, build healthy relationships, and nurture self-awareness. Through the talk show, CICT and CoPWell created an open and supportive platform where students and faculty could discuss real-life challenges and share strategies for maintaining mental and emotional wellness.
BrICS President Reven Jan Isaiah Aguilar and P.R.O Edrielle Hernandez hosted the event, joined by Mrs. Elvie Pita as the special co-host. They opened the program with a prayer, the national anthem, and an energizing intermission by Philip Muleta before diving into the discussion segments.
In the first segment, students Lenard Macatangay, Lance Dalisay, and Christian Atalalag joined guest speakers Mrs. Bernadet Macaraig from CICT, and Mr. Carl Reman Maranan and Ms. Nina Macarandang from CoPWell, to discuss how they managed workloads and responsibilities. Mrs. Macaraig shared that she channeled work-related stress into positive energy by engaging in creative outlets outside her teaching routine. The segment also featured a video from a CICT alumna at Accenture, that emphasized listening to one’s body and taking breaks to prevent burnout.
The emcees presented survey results showing students’ top stressors—eliciting laughter at some humorous responses—and highlighted gaming as a common source of stress. Mrs. Macaraig commented on the irony of gaming becoming a stressor rather than a stress reliever and encouraged students to play with balance and moderation.
The second segment shifted the focus to relationships. Guests Mr. Rene Eboy Magpantay, Dr. Carl Reman Maranan, Dr. Hannah Ericka Maranan, and students Elaine Magbuhat, Rochelle Balhag, Michelle Esguerra, Vann Raybhen Panopio, and Sara Christopher Rose shared their views on love and respect.
When asked about traits they sought in a partner, most guests agreed on the importance of respect. Vann Panopio, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, expressed the desire for a partner who shows affection confidently and without fear of judgment. The conversation expanded to love languages, physical intimacy, and personal values.
Dr. Hannah Maranan discussed how views on intimacy differ based on personal and cultural beliefs, emphasizing mutual consent and respect. She advised students to practice safe and responsible behavior, regardless of their values or relationship status.
In the final segment, Dr. Maranan, Dr. Anadal, and students Chlovette Salas, Isaiah Aguilar, and Jonathan Ray Sicat tackled the topic of self-love. They discussed insecurities, anxiety, and how self-love differs from self-care. Dr. Maranan urged students to embrace self-compassion, practice mindfulness, and manage life’s pressures with emotional resilience.
Performer Mark Ilagan closed the program with a heartfelt musical number, followed by a photo opportunity with all guests and organizers to commemorate the event.
“CICT Asks: HOW R U?” successfully opened meaningful conversations about mental health, relationships, and self-growth. Through the initiative, BrICS and CoPWell demonstrated their commitment to support the university’s pursuit of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by fostering a healthy, compassionate, and inclusive academic community.
The organizers expressed their plan to enhance future installments of the talk show with more interactive segments, improved production design, and extended discussions to strengthen student engagement and promote lifelong learning.