21 Nov – Geometric-abstract is Samar State University’s (SSU) 1st giant Christmas tree (GCT) concept to welcome a different point of view of Christmas, said Mary Ann Y. Abalos one of GCT designers.
GCT is 6.3m (h) and 2.8m (d) made of a round bars welded metal frame structure, white foam sheet covering the structure with silk cloth, tin foil and styro balls decorative.
Placed in front SSU’s old flag pole for space availability and visibility, GCT’s recognizable feature is her tilted-four-layer chunks creating fuss to anyone who comes to see or even takes a glance of her.
SSU wants to be unconventional because everybody is different, unique and change is eminent, according to Abalos.
GCT therefore symbolizes new beginning, a change for development and program, Supreme Student Council president Jason Ty shared in an interview over electronic conversation. “I’m happy that we come up with a historic event in SSU. The light of the Christmas tree is the light for a new hope and beginning in SSU. It’s different because it is designed creatively. I love it and it is loved by the students, too,” he added.
Students bunched under the surrounding trees near the GCT awaiting the official opening while engaging in distant solo and group pictures, discussions over an afternoon snacks and listening to a whole-day playlist of Christmas songs.
Why the curves?
As a post-birthday celebration of the university president Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, GCT came to the picture with her escalation of the unconventional design including the curves. Deeper sense of reflection, GCT looks imperfect for the idea of the usual Christmas tree. It even breaks the traditional idea of a tree. Her curves are reflective imperfections of any human, of any family, organizations, and relationships. But once the tree is lighted, it becomes just as beautiful and captivating to spend time in awe and doing “selfies” or “grouphies” but more specially making perfect of the imperfect. That light is Jesus, according to Dr. Redentor Palencia, the real reason in celebrating the yuletide season.
Reasons in arrears the concepts
Arch. Evan Nabaunag said, as people can see in international concepts of a Christmas tree, GCT is like one; it’s unconventional simply because SSU is world-class.
“Actually, Dr. Marilyn Cardoso liked it. The launching aligns her belated birthday celebration.”
Nabaunag expects varying reaction from viewers both positive and negative criticism since it’s not the usual Christmas tree.
Collaborative ideas
The drafting and architecture group in the persona of Arch. Evan Nabaunag, Francis Abalos, Joseph Cervin Bacuetes, Mary Ann Abalos teamed up to make GCT an incontestable genuineness. Misses Amores and Carcellar and Mr. Udhay – addressed in their last names – from mechanical deparment assisted in the structure and framework of GCT not to mention the expertise of the Mechanical Technology Area by Sir Joaquin Pacayra.
Instructors Jhonil Bajado, Art Roncesvalles, Arianne Rose Tafalla facilitated the roughly 30-minute launching with the feted SSU’s Vice-Presidents, Deans, Associate Deans, Faculty and personnel from main and external campuses, administration and the celebrated presence of Dr. Marilyn Cardoso who gracefully pressed the button to light the first ever SSU’s giant Christmas tree.