In a celebration of talent and artistry, Saint Louis University’s Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) hosted the Music Festival on 11 March 2024. The event, held at Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Theater, showcased a diverse array of performances through its various categories.
The Music Festival 2024 commenced with an invocation, followed by the National Anthem, setting the tone for the first half of the program. Attendees were then able to get a glimpse of the preparations through an Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) that highlighted the participants and the musical legacy of the University.
Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, Head of CCA and the Chairman of this year’s Music Fest, graced the stage with a warm welcome and offered words of encouragement to the participants. In her welcoming remarks, she said, “In this mutual understanding of this intricate craft, we stand as a testament that music is indeed a sublime force that can unite us despite our differences and uniqueness.”
The anticipation heightened as the distinguished panel of judges was introduced, led by the esteemed Professor Malou Venida-Hermo. Joining her were Mr. John Glenn Gaerlan and Mr. Anthony Go Villanueva, each bringing their expertise and discerning ears and eyes to the judging panel.
The morning program unfolded with a series of captivating performances, ranging from college vocal solos to faculty vocal duets, showcasing the remarkable talent within the Louisian Community. In the afternoon, the performances from elementary students took center stage as they displayed their prowess in instrument playing and vocal solos. The junior and senior high school students continued to impress with their soulful renditions, while pop acapella groups and mixed choirs added a contemporary flair and then a folk passion to the line up.
As the event drew to a close, the highly anticipated awarding ceremonies took place recognizing the outstanding talent and performances on display. Here are the winners of the different categories:
College Vocal Solo (Male):
2nd Runner Up – Gerol Alimuc (SONAHBS)
1st Runner Up – Brix Tristan Hertert Tobias (SOM)
CHAMPION – Stan Harold Delim (STELA)
College Vocal Solo (Female):
2nd Runner Up – Kyrene Clarizze Fakat (STELA)
1st Runner Up – Charlyn Vinluan (SOM)
CHAMPION – Dean Viaslie Arellano (SONAHBS)
Faculty Vocal Duet:
2nd Runner Up – Engr. Mark del Rosario and Engr. Maeflor Tipayno (SAMCIS)
1st Runner Up – Mr. Glenford Gamilde and Ms. Cherryl Danglipen (SONAHBS)
CHAMPION – Engr. Maria Corazon de Guzman and Engr. Benedict Marzan (SEA)
All Female:
2nd Runner Up – SOM
1st Runner Up – SONAHBS
CHAMPION – SEA
All Male:
2nd Runner Up – SOM
1st Runner Up – SAMCIS
CHAMPION – SEA
Elementary Instrument Playing:
2nd runner Up – Rayne Enzo Difuntorum (Grade 6)
1st Runner Up – Nathalie Kingat (Grade 6)
Champion – Kyan Audrick C. Payoyo and Aaron Ben U. de Vera (Grade 5)
Elementary Vocal Solo:
2nd Runner Up – Rhain Cyan L. Southerland (Grade 4)
1st Runner Up – Rhys Sage DG Prestousa (Grade 6)
Champion – Azriel Kristan P. Valle (Grade 5)
Junior High School Vocal Solo:
2nd Runner Up – Gerald Cristopher Cervantes (Grade 8)
1st Runner Up – Aira Bernice Agoot (Grade 7)
Champion – Freyjah Jazz V. Tablizo (Grade 10)
Senior High School Vocal Duet:
2nd Runner Up – Abegail Mopas and Andrei Santos (Grade 12)
1st Runner Up – Jayloumae Jose and Gabriel Dacanay (Grade 11)
Champion – Huey Javier and Jyohanna Berona (Grade 11)
Pop Acapella:
2nd Runner Up – SOM
1st Runner Up – SEA
CHAMPION – SONAHBS
Mixed Choir:
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
1st Runner Up -SEA
CHAMPION – SOM
COMMON CATEGORY: BEST CONTEST PIECE (BUTIKI)
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
1st Runner Up – SOM
CHAMPION – SEA
Best Conductor – Marvin Cunanan
The Music Festival 2024 not only showcased musical talents but also celebrated creativity, dedication, and passion for the arts. It was a testament to SLU’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural community and nurturing the next generation of artistic talent. As the final notes faded away, participants and attendees departed with hearts full of inspiration and memories that would last a lifetime. (Article by Rita Lopez, UIO Intern | Photos by Justhine Plana and EJ Doña, UIO Interns)
