Serving as a breaktime diversion during the intense UFest and Palarong Atenista games, the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo – Davao (COA-D) gathered cluster assemblages for a sentimental revisitation of childhood experiences with Gimikan 2025, hosting an Impersonation event that showcased Ateanean’s theatric and comedic wits. 

GIMIKAN 2025 Overall Head and COA-D Internal Vice President Angelica Louise Rivamonte illustrated the conception of this year’s theme, elaborating on the goal to resonate “the nostalgic and playful energy” to the whole student body.

“The theme for this year’s COA-D GIMIKAN 2025 revolves around television channels, much like how, as kids, we used to flip through channels until we found something that truly caught our attention.”

Rivamonte accentuated how the event is organized as an avenue to build a common space of joy and belongingness for students with differing experiences. 

“We wanted to bring in something that feels close to everyone’s heart: the shared love for music, regardless of language, and the joy of the games we grew up playing…It is all about creating a space that feels both familiar and exciting for the students.”

She also noted their successful invitation of the students to the event, breaking through the challenges they had initially anticipated.

“…One of our biggest worries was whether students would actually be interested in the activities we prepared. But with the help of our assemblages, clubs, and effective information dissemination, we were able to spark excitement and participation across the community.”

Impersonation Channel 9

With their cheeky and humorous impression of the classic Korean pop song “Gangnam Style,” Business and Governance Assemblage’s Tuberculosix was hailed as the Bida Diva champion at GIMIKAN 2025: Impersonation Channel 9.

Tuberculosix’s John Kyle Chiongson shared that he was already used to impersonating PSY, contributing to his almost uncanny and copycat-like rendition of the South Korean Pop Star. 

“Ever since bata pa ako is ini-impersonate ko na siya sa school namin before then ganun din cina-call ako to perform PSY every event ng school dati so nasanay na ako sa PSY,” Chiongson explained. 

He revealed that his key to winning the crowd is either by making their jaws hurt through laughter or gasping for air in amazement, which was proven to be effective with their win. 

“For me, kase, entertainment is either you make the crowd amaze or patawanin mo sila. Ayaw ko na mag-entertain ako na like boring… kahit mapa-ulaw ka sa harap, as long as napatawa mo ang audience it’s entertainment na.”

The event featured online personalities Reyna Aton and Sherwinabols as guest judges and performers, bringing more energy to the hyped-up crowd. 

As Business and Governance Assemblage’s Tuberculosix took home the championship, the Science and Technology’s Binengbeng claimed second place, while Social Sciences and Education’s Girltrendz 2K25 settled for third. 

However, despite the initial success of its first day, the succeeding GIMIKAN events were cut short because of the recent earthquakes that struck the Southern Mindanao region, forcing classes to be moved to a temporary online setup. 

GIMIKAN 2025: Impersonation Channel 9  was held on October 9 at Arrupe Hall, Martin Building.