BukSUan spirit now has a melody

When Bukidnon State University (BukSU) launched its brand identity, a pop-rock melody served as the backdrop to the unveiling.

Titled “Proudly BukSU,” the jingle was composed by BukSU personnel Lovely May Ejem, who described the song as both personal and institutional.

“My inspiration when I wrote this song, I can say that this song comes from a place of gratitude. As a BukSU graduate, I carry the university with me, and “Proudly BukSU” is my way of sharing that pride and inspiring future generations to rise together,” she said.

For Ejem, the melody was designed to stay with listeners long after the program ended.

“It is a tribute, a declaration, and a promise.”

Intentional repetition anchors the song’s structure, making the university’s name part of its rhythm.

“I intentionally repeated ‘BukSU, BukSU’ because the name itself becomes the rhythm. I designed the melody to be easy to sing and naturally catchy, so students can echo it back immediately. If someone can hum it even five minutes later without trying, then I know the recall is strong. For me, the brand and the melody should become inseparable,” Ejem shared.

The composition was crafted to move across settings within the university. Its arrangement allows flexibility without losing identity.

“For formal ceremonies, it can be arranged as a full orchestral or marching band piece,” Ejem added. “For student events, it can be produced as a modern, upbeat track with stronger drums and energy.”

While not confined to a single genre, the song blends steady melodic structure with contemporary pacing. The goal was to connect different generations within the BukSU community.

Younger listeners connect to rhythm and energy. Alumni connect to pride and legacy. Through a classic melodic structure combined with modern pacing, becomes a bridge across generations as a shared anthem for every BukSUan.

Ejem, who was born and raised in Malaybalay City, traces her musical roots to her maternal family. Her uncle, Sammy “Faith” Asuncion, is the composer, arranger, and singer of “Kaamulan,” a song played annually during the Kaamulan Festival.

With “Proudly BukSU,” Ejem returned that inherited love for music to the institution she once called home, turning gratitude into a melody that now carries the university’s name. (BukSU – Information Unit)