05/02/2026
The hive is buzzing! Members of the Benildean LGBTQIA+ community and their allies gathered as Benilde Hive (BHIVE) held its General Assembly on Jan. 16 at The Atrium @ Benilde Campus with a playful theme, โWedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi.โ
After an opening prayer, the assembly kicked off with opening remarks from BHIVE President, John Mathew Bautista, ID 123, BSBA-HRM, who posed the fundamental question โWhat is BHIVE?โ Attendees responded by reaffirming the organizationโs identity as a safe space that fosters a culture of inclusion within the College. Following this was an introduction to the organizationโs core identity, stating that BHIVE aims to fight misconceptions and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community through information and education.
The presentation further detailed the organizationโs Vision and Mission, envisioning a College that works collaboratively to promote respect, equity, and social justice. BHIVEโs three-fold mission was emphasized, providing identity-based health resources such as free HIV awareness and testing, creating platforms for professional and leadership development, and maintaining a safe community for students to receive social and emotional support. This was followed by a brief discussion regarding the organizationโs history and achievements through the years.
After introducing BHIVEโs officers, the assembly featured a โMiss Q&Aโ icebreaker. The segment was filled with joy as participants tackled funny questions with equally entertaining answers, setting a vibrant tone for the committee introductions that followed.
The program also included a productive โworking breakโ where members met with their respective committee heads over snacks to be oriented. Shortly after, a Snap Election occurred during the assembly, Theodore Cabra and Nica Heart Cabral, both ID124, BSBA-HRM, were elected as BHIVEโs Finance Officer and Secretary, respectively. The energy remained high throughout the afternoon with thrilling games that left the venue echoing with laughter, hosted by the Creatives Head and President of the organization.
Closing the assembly, BHIVE Creatives Head, Bonn Cajuday, ID 123 AB-GPA, delivered a short but sweet message, emphasizing that while being q***r is a shared identity, the true strength of BHIVE lies in being a family. Through this general assembly, BHIVE strengthened its community ties, proving that the organization remains a vital platform for leadership, support, and authentic self-expression in the College.
(Words by/Althea Paytoc)
(Ad Astra Photos by/Axel Paredes)
