Unveiling the Odyssey: Google DSC-USLS's Journey of Triumph in 2022

In July 2022, we, the Google Developer Student Clubs at the University of St. La Salle (GDSC-USLS), were a tight-knit group of eight. A mere month later, after a successful Info Session and a robust club promotion, our family blossomed into a formidable force, officially welcoming over 150 new members. A remarkable achievement, considering it was only our first year as an officially accredited club of the school.

Throughout the year, we orchestrated over 30 events, captivating the minds of more than 5,000 participants and viewers. From workshops to webinars, our engagements spanned a wide spectrum of topics, showcasing the depth of our passion for technology and community.

In our quest for excellence, we undertook a monumental task—completely redesigning and revamping our hierarchical system for leads and officers within the core team. This structural metamorphosis empowered us to operate more efficiently and dynamically, laying the foundation for our future endeavors.

GDSC-USLS achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first chapter worldwide to host an International GDSC Chapters Collaboration, titled "Perennial: Diving Into the World of Software." This grand event featured collaborations with 30+ GDSC partners from around the world, boasting 500+ attendees. Four main organizers, each representing the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan, joined forces, sending Google Developer Experts (GDEs) to share insights on diverse topics.

Breaking new ground, GDSC-USLS became the first GDSC chapter globally to utilize two unique 3D models of humanoid avatars, incorporating AR tracking technology to host immersive events. This innovative approach not only elevated our events but also showcased our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

To capture our journey and showcase our achievements, we created our digital abode at gdsc-usls.live. Here, visitors can witness the milestones, events, and impact we've made throughout our transformative year. It was developed by our Chief Technology Officer Josh Daniel Bañares and Technology Lead Joseph Dale Bañares during my term in the Google Developer Student Clubs - University of St. La Salle.

Our commitment to empowering the future generations of developers led us to partner with Zuitt for a free Coding Bootcamp. Additionally, we developed website features enabling easy access to certificates, awards, and IDs for each member, facilitating seamless distribution and accessibility for all GDSC-USLS members.

GDSC-USLS worked hand-in-hand with 11 non-GDSC partners and sponsors, collaborated with 30 GDSC partners, and fostered connections with 14 international GDSC partners across various events. Collaborative efforts with GDSC chapters nationwide, such as Tara ML and Lawig, drew over 200 attendees, amplifying our impact on a national scale on which I made the main poster of Lawig and made its branding althroughout the event.


Aligning with our commitment to social responsibility, GDSC-USLS partnered with ISACA USLS and SM to organize an e-waste disposal event, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 12—responsible consumption and production.

Adding a harmonious note to our achievements, we collaborated with the up-and-coming artist Marco Aèvi Cornejo to compose a song, celebrating the spirit of GDSC-USLS through Google Awards Show. This musical creation stands as a testament to our creativity and collaborative ethos.

Our relentless pursuit of excellence garnered accolades, with GDSC-USLS being recognized as the Most Outstanding Emerging Student Organization of Animo Grand Cup: Empyreal of Excellence, surpassing 40+ clubs in the university. Further, we emerged as a finalist for the Most Outstanding Special Interest Club at the Corps d’ Elite 2023, competing against 40+ other clubs.

GDSC-USLS played an integral role in partnering and organizing key events like DevFest 2022, IWD WTM, I/O Extended, and more, in collaboration with GDG Bacolod. These events drew over 300 attendees, fostering knowledge exchange and community building.

A picture speaks a thousand words, and our visual archives tell the story of our journey. We posted over 1,000 photo documentations and created 30+ videos in half a year, capturing the essence of our events and the vibrant spirit of our community.

As I reflect on this whirlwind of accomplishments, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. The journey from a small group of eight to a global force, recognized for innovation, collaboration, and community impact, has been nothing short of transformative.

The crowning moment of this journey was our participation in the Google Awards Show, where we stood as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and community spirit. This is not just a celebration of achievements but a commitment to continuing this remarkable journey.

As we look ahead, the path is clear—more collaboration, more innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of developers. This is not just our story; it's a testament to the potential that lies within every community, waiting to be unleashed.

For more details about our journey, accomplishments, and future endeavors, visit gdsc-usls.live.