Month-long ‘green-and-gold’ spirit shines bright at FEU

Far Eastern University (FEU) turned its signature Tatak Tamaraw welcome program into a month-long celebration, giving first year students and returnees a more unforgettable start to the school year.

With the theme “Stronger, Greener, and Brighter than Ever,” the celebration combined tradition, student engagement, and campus pride. The university’s halls and open spaces were transformed into hubs of connection and festivity all throughout August.

The festivities began with plenary sessions from August 6 to 8, where the students were introduced to FEU’s culture, core values, and community. These orientation days laid the groundwork for the weeks ahead, helping Tamaraws feel right at home.

From August 11 to 13, students enjoyed #TamTreats2025, a fun-filled series of activities that offered flavor and first memories. They posed for photos at the FEU@100 Countdown, received free coffee at Café Alfredo and ice cream at the FEU Plaza, and joined a cozy film screening at The Huddle.

Students then explored the campus during a guided tour last August 18 before being treated to a surprise performance by Lola Amour at the FEU Grounds nine days later, building excitement for the culminating weekend. The following day, August 28,  TamChallenge kept the energy high as they enjoyed giant inflatables, station games, and team activities that sparked camaraderie.

The celebration reached its peak last August 29 with a full day of tradition and festivity. A Thanksgiving Mass opened the day, followed by the symbolic Tatakan Rites, where the students were officially stamped as Tamaraws. The rites were made even more special with the participation of FEU Athletes, who welcomed the newest members of the Tamaraw community. The evening came alive with the Welcome Fest Concert, beginning with acolorful Parade of Flags hoisted by student leaders and school officials and highlighted by standout performances from Munimuni, Viñas Deluxe, Sugarcane, Justin Vasquez, Jayda, CHNDTR, and Jenzen Guino. The night ended with a dazzling fireworks display.

For many of the students, the month-long welcome was more than a series of activities as it was their first true experience of what it means to be part of the Tamaraw community.

“Tatak Tamaraw was exciting for student leaders who treated freshmen as their younger siblings. We decided to have pockets of celebrations throughout August instead of the usual week-long opening salvo to engage as many stakeholders. We encountered challenges but bravely overcame them because this is our way of showing the freshmen how important they are to our FEU community,” quips Joeven Castro, Vice President for Student Development and Continuing Education.

 “This year showed us that Tatak Tamaraw is not only a tradition, but a legacy that grows stronger with every batch,” said Rowena Reyes, Vice President for Corporate Affairs.