by the University Information Office
“This is for you and your God-given gifts. This is for our rich arts and culture, which we will enrich further.”
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM
The 30th Anniversary celebration of the Saint Louis University Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU CCA) was distinguished by the rising of curtains on the newly renovated and now officially inaugurated Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen CICM Center for Culture and the Arts Theater earlier today, August 5, 2023.
Designed and constructed under the sterling leadership of Fr. Sales, the newly opened Fr. Joseph Van Den Dalen CCA Theater features a state-of-the-art sound system, lighting system, a fully automated fly system that manages all the curtains, and new theater chairs housed in a comfortable, fully air-conditioned space. With these, Fr. Sales expressed excitement to witnessing even exceptional performances and productions from the CCA performing groups.
The Theater has been envisioned to be a center where the talents and gifts in performing arts of the students are honed. It was also vested with a special mission to give emphasis on the appreciation of the culture and arts of the Cordilleras.
“The Theater we have today is built upon the theater that was established through the leadership of Rev. Fr. Joseph Van Den Daelen, CICM in 1993, during his administration. Hence, it is only fitting that we call this Fr. Joseph Van Den Dalen CCA Theater,” Fr. Sales also noted.
The renovation project began with a dream– one that spawned from a casual conversation between Fr. Sales and Senior Consultant and former director of SLU-CCA, Ms. Rebecca Lim-Nulud, wishing for CCA’s renovation. In due time, the project came to fruition.
University campus planning officer, Architect Lord Byron Gonzales, devised the design for the theater’s renovation. The Campus Planning, Maintenance, and Security Department, headed by its Director, Mr. Jeff Gamit, was in charge of the project monitoring. RNQ, the winning bidder, under the leadership of Engr. David Rullan finished the project on time which also marks the beginning of the new academic year.
The Office of the VP for Administration, under the able leadership of Dr. Felerina Ellamil, and the Finance Department, through the efforts of Dr. Noel de Leon and Dr. Robert Argueles, paved the way for the availability of the wherewithal to finish this project.
Those who collaborated in giving artistic life to the plans include Ms. Normita Rio-Pablico, the Head of CCA, and Ms. Rebecca Lim-Nulud, Senior Consultant for CCA. Trainors and Staff: Sherwin Santiago, Marivic Macadaeg, Katherine Mae Nobleza, Ysabela Mae Javier, Lloyd Alfred Benter, JR Malubay; and Engr. Erwin Posadas contributed to completing the technical as well as physical aspects of the theater. It is to be noted that the project was successful through the efforts of the Saint Louis University community: the CICM Fathers, SLU executives, deans, officers, and employees.
Painter Architect Dulthe Munar, also graced the theater with his painting, “Umali Kayo,” a beautiful rendition of Cordilleran dances in oil and canvas, which welcomes guests and performers who come to the Theater. His painting is an interplay of Songs, Musical Plays, and Dance, wherein the colorful tapestry of life in the Cordilleras through Theater is reflected. “I have painted this with the colors of the wind,” Ar. Dulthe writes.
As one of the most esteemed art centers in the North and throughout the country, the inauguration results from the unwavering commitment to excellence, dynamic teamwork, and God’s grace. This milestone marks the three-decade history of SLU-CCA’s strength and vibrancy as a bastion of artistic excellence, a home for the creative expression of the city’s cultural heritage, and a center of world-class performances and storytelling for the years to come.
The message of the Head of CCA, Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, echoes with pride in the newly inaugurated theater as she said, “Here, the stage will witness the magic of performances where actors embody characters, musicians weave melodies, and dancers amaze with beautiful movements. With this center, we aspire to kindle the flames of creativity in every individual, young and old, and provide a platform for emerging talents to shine. May this theater be a home for artistic expression, a sanctuary where dreams find their wings, and passions find their voice.”
Pasasalamat: An Artistic Expression of Gratitude
The inauguration day opened with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Prince Bernard Hall and was followed by the Blessing Rites held at the Van den Daelen Theater Lobby.
The highlight of the momentous day was the outstanding collaborative performance, “Pasasalamat” by the five resident performing groups of the CCA: Symphonic Band, Concert Orchestra, Tanghalan SLU, Dance Troupe, and Glee Club.
As the first performance that graced the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM Center for Culture and the Arts stage, Pasasalamat holds a profound meaning that centers on gratitude for the immense talent and grace bestowed upon CCA that created awe-inspiring shows and original plays throughout its 30-year journey.
Pasasalamat featured SLU CCA’s iconic productions:
The Nine Fathers (1998)
Script and Direction by Dan Rommel Riopay
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
“Gabriela Silang” (1998, 2003, 2015)
Direction by Laurel Bangaoet (1998), Dan Rommel Riopay (2003, 2015)
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Script by Laurel Bangaoet
Choreography by Rebecca Lim-Nulud
“Pintakasi” (2001-2002)
Direction by Laurel Bangaoet
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
*Based on the book, “Something to Crow About” by Alejandro Roces
“Little Glass Slipper” (2010)
Directed by Dan Rommel Riopay
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Script by Peejay Bengwasan
“Epiko” (2019)
Script and Direction by Peejay Bengwasan
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Orchestration by Ethan Andrew Ventura
Choreography by Sherwin Santiago
“Inglay” (2012-2013)
Direction by Dan Rommel Riopay
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Script by Peejay Bengwasan
Choreography by Rebecca Lim-Nulud
“Ramayana” (2015)
Script and Direction by Dan Rommel Riopay
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Choreography by Rebecca Lim-Nulud
“Kapadpada” (2023)
Playwright and Direction by Katherine Nobleza
Music by Normita Rio-Pablico
Choreography by Sherwin H. Santiago
Saint Louis University’s dedication to the celebration and creative expression of culture and the arts through the production of original works has always been at the core of the center’s artistic mission, allowing the opportunity to craft unique and captivating performances that resonate with the essence of the Cordillera region.
