Sand Esquisse 2025 Highlights Student Creativity and Environmental Awareness

Students, local artisans, and university departments gathered on the shores of Dauin last Saturday, September 13, for the Sand Esquisse, an annual sand sculpture competition organized by the Foundation University chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA-FU).

From 1 p.m. until the close of day, students from Silliman University (SU), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), La Consolacion College Bacolod (LCCB), and several departments of Foundation University gathered on the shores to build memorable sand sculptures. This year’s theme runs “From Islands to Highlands: Protecting Our Shared Home, Preserving Our Future.” Participants were challenged to shape the loose and inarticulate sand into sophisticated and elaborate formations that take inspiration from the natural world, including landscapes, ecology, and environmental symbols.

There are four event categories in total:

In the high school category, Silliman University Senior High School emerged as champion over competitors from Foundation Preparatory Academy.

For the UAPSA division, NORSU teams dominated, taking top spots with Team Onierus earning first runner-up and NORSU Architectural Drafting winning champion. UAPSA LCC-B secured second runner-up, while entries from UAPSA-Silliman and UAPSA-FU also joined the field.

Within Foundation University, the School of Industrial and Engineering Technology (SIE) claimed first place, followed by the College of Hospitality and Management (CHM) as first runner-up and the College of Computer Sciences (CCS) as second runner-up. Other participating colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Criminology, College of Education, Department of Fine Arts, and the College of Business Administration.

The Department of Architecture had its own category, featuring teams from different year levels and design studios. Team Arkitortured took top honors, with Team Jenardzz securing first runner-up and Team Green placing second runner-up. More than a dozen groups under the department fielded entries, showcasing a wide range of concepts and techniques.

Every year, the Foundation University Chapter of UAPSA conducts the Sand Esquisse in order to cultivate creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness among students. The day concluded with a bonfire by the beach, where participants and organizers celebrated the successful close of the event.

UAPSA-FU officers reflected on the challenges of hosting Sand Esquisse 2025, especially with minimal faculty supervision. “Being new to organizing events, it was a challenge for all of us, but with dedication, unity, teamwork, and perseverance, we managed to make it happen. We truly wanted to give our best this year, and we believe we achieved it.”

The organizers expressed hope that Sand Esquisse will continue to grow, drawing more participants and strengthening the collaboration among architecture students and partner schools in the years to come.