NUS Philosophy held its fifth annual departmental party–The Philosophy Party–on 5th May 2017. Following last year’s precedence, the event was scheduled for the last day of the exam period. this year’s celebration saw the attendance of around 50 guests including undergraduates and graduate students, alumni, and department staff.

The festivities started with an opening speech filled with personal anecdotes by A/P John Holbo, who spoke of his own philosophical journey and his time in NUS. Dinner lines were opened shortly after, and as with all of our parties, a variety of mouthwatering dishes were provided. This year’s party saw a change in caterer: the party committee went for Peranakan cuisine from Chilli padi. Ranging from servings of authentic laska to kueh dada, each dish was carefully picked out to suit the needs of all our guests.

And of course, no philosophy party works without some alcohol. By now a minor tradition for the department, the party meal was accompanied by bottles of craft beers (sponsored by faculty members; also a tradition). Students, professors, alumni used the chance to catch up and network with one another. It was indeed an evening of great company.

Another highlight of the dinner was a speech delivered by our very own Will Zhang on behalf of the graduating class. In his short yet telling speech, he gave us an interesting perspective of his experiences in the NUS Philosophy Department. His reminisces put a simile on all the guests, as each reflected on their own experience as a philosophy student; a pleasant note as dinner drew to a close. Our guests were also reminded of the importance of giving back and helping needy students with Will, our class champion for 2017, encouraging all present to participate in NUSgiving.

With the evening drawing to a close, each our of guests went home with a customized glass bottle of hard candies bearing a design that came of a collaboration between A/P Holbo and our own Julie Tan. Both the design and gifts were well received, with some guests requesting for more! The event ended as people began to file out of the venue reluctantly. The party committee hopes the pleasant conversations and memories of the party will remain with the guests in the weeks to come!

(You can see more photos from the event on this Facebook album.)

(Prepared by Ms Tan Si En with input from A/P Loy)