SMU Celebrates International Students Day Through Global Intercultural Exchange
On April 22, 2025, Saint Mary’s University held the “International Students Day: Global Intercultural Exchange Event” at the Pedro Calungsod Hall, celebrating the diversity and unity of its academic community. The event brought together local and international students to share food, music, and culture, fostering deeper intercultural understanding and global awareness.
University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina delivered the welcome message, followed by the statement of purpose by Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Promotions, External Relations, and Internationalization Office (PERIO). Dr. Monaloufel Rosario Jasmin presented the SMU foreign students, recognizing their vital role in enriching campus life.
The program featured various cultural presentations, including “A Taste of Culture” by Belgian interns Yenthe Vuylsteke and Mira Boden, “Pasta la Vista” by Italian exchange student Agata Montanari, and “Adobo Delights” by Mr. Jasfer Dela Cruz. An intermission number was performed by the SMU Chorale Society and BIBAK. Additional segments included a talk on Filipino puto by Mr. John Michael Ibarra, a presentation on Japanese cuisine by Mahina Moriyama, a musical quiz by Belgian interns Silke Dewulf and Febe De Decker, and a cultural showcase by West African student Dickson Nyantakyi.
In attendance were key university administrators, including Dr. Moises Asuncion (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. John Tayaban (Vice President for Administration), Dr. Zayda Asuncion (Junior High School Principal), Dr. Felipe Nantes (Dean of STEH), Dr. Regina Ramel (Dean of SAB), and Mr. Samuel Damayon (Dean of Student Affairs), showing strong support for the event and its goals.
To conclude the celebration, foreign students offered samples of specialty dishes from their home countries to students, faculty, and staff—bringing the spirit of cultural exchange to life through shared experiences and meaningful connections.
Written by: Mark de Vera (PERIO)
Photos by: Mark de Vera (PERIO)
