The Department of Communication Research (Comm Res) brought together generations for the Balik Tambay sa Comm Res Homecoming and Open House, part of its 50th anniversary celebration.
The event opened with a merienda at the CMC FOI Garden, where guests enjoyed classic UP street food such as carioca, banana cue, taho, ice cream, and various tusok-tusok.
Guests then proceeded to the CMC Auditorium for the main program, which began with an In Memoriam segment honoring departed faculty, staff, alumni, and students. The tribute paid special recognition to founding dean Dr. Gloria Feliciano and founding co-chair Dr. Cesar Mercado, as well as faculty members Dr. Benjamin Lozare, Dr. Herminia Corazon Alfonso, Prof. Andres Sevilla, Prof. Edwin Varona, Dr. Marilou de Ocampo, and Dr. Florinda de Fiesta-Mateo. The segment featured the song “Pagpupugay,” composed and performed by Ms. Shine Rapanot.
The auditorium was filled with warmth as students from different year levels delivered testimonial messages. Freshman student Amir Fajardo described Comm Res as an interdisciplinary field that opens pathways across sectors. In a separate interview, he shared his interest in public health and his curiosity about how communication research can help raise awareness about symptoms and early detection of rare and terminal illnesses.
Faculty members and alumni also took part in the program. Beloved retired faculty member Dr. Jose Lacson reflected on the department’s growth over the years. Alumni representatives Carole Sarthou (Batch 1979), Bea Caloyloy (Batch 2018), and Kyla Lagman (Batch 2019) shared messages that encouraged and inspired younger generations of students. Sarthou belongs to one of the pioneering batches of Comm Res.
In between the program were recorded faculty performances, including surprise numbers, which drew enthusiastic responses from the audience.
The celebration concluded with a community rendition of “With a Smile,” led by Dr. Randy Solis.
The homecoming was hosted by CRes junior student Karol Ramos.
-Sto. Tomas, 2026-
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