In continuously cultivating creative expression, Saint Louis University’s Center for Culture and Arts (SLU-CCA) hosted the 2024 Drama Festival at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Theater on 13 March 2024, gathering performers from the different schools of the University.
The program opened with a prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. Ms. Katherine Nobleza, Trainor of Tanghalang SLU and the Chairman of the SLU Drama Festival 2024, then took to the stage for the opening remarks with a powerful message saying, “This festival is not just about showcasing performances, it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, perseverance, and the power of expression.”
The board of judges was then introduced, consisting of established creatives from the theater industry: Director for Theater and Live Events Mr. Karl Alexis Jingco, Professional Theater Actor Mr. Remus Villanueva, and playwright and overall creative and notable figure in the Philippine theater scene, especially in The Virgin Labfest, Mr. Eljay Castro Deldoc.
Following the theme “Children’s Story: The Value of Friendship” for the One Act Play, and “Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability” for Tula Dula, each school graced the stage with their own creative interpretation of the core messages. Ranging from playful to dismal, the performances kept the audiences at the edge of their seats, true to the promise that the Drama Fest is a show to remember.
The event began with the One Act Play category in the morning and was then followed by the Tula Dula in the afternoon. Concluding the event was an intermission number by Tanghalang SLU of “Boombastic Perya” and a same day edit (SDE) video before the winners were announced.
The following are the list of winners in the respective categories:
Digital Arts Festival 2024:
Elementary B
Champion – “Dove’s View” by Turtle Villacorta
1st Runner-Up – “Louisian’s Connectivity” by Curtney Kendra Ferrer
2nd Runner-Up – “Together We Can Change the World” by Luna Marienea Camero
Senior High
Champion – “Walk in the Light” by Ayiana Aquino
1st Runner-Up – “One Who Builds the World” by Krishirie de Vera
2nd Runner-Up – “Resonating Through Generations and Geographies” by Casey Jularbal
College
Champion – “Wisdom Builds” by Aliyah Profeta (SEA)
1st Runner-Up – “Students’ Prayers” by Vivien Grace Fontanilla (SOM)
2nd Runner-Up – “Embracing Holistic Education” by Jemmlee Malado (SOM)
People’s Choice – “The Light” by Jose Elian Akia (SOM)
Drama Festival 2024:
Tula Dula
Champion – “DA THREE LITOL DAKS” (SEA)
1st Runner-Up – “SIMBOLO NG PAG ASA, KANINO AASA?” (STELA)
2nd Runner-Up – “MAKINIG” (SOM)
Best Director – Jeff Dominic Pramio (SEA)
Best Script – Jann Destine DC Esteban (SEA)
Best Narration – STELA
Best Ensemble – SOM
Best Costume Design – SEA
One Act Play
Champion – “Echosera” (SOL)
1st Runner-Up – “Ang Tanda ng Pagkakaibigan” (STELA)
2nd Runner-Up – “Ang Graduation ni Girlie” (SOM)
Best Director – Gaudwin Gaean Dumo and Jerehmiah Israel Domingo (SOL)
Best Script – Gaudwin Gaean Dumo and Daniela Ivy Ducusin (SOL)
Best Actor in Female Role – Nicole Dulay as “Violet” (SOM)
Best Actor in Male Role – John Erick Cortez as “Kigan” (STELA)
Best Supporting Actor in Female Role – Angelica Zipagan as “Junifer” (SOL)
Best Supporting Actor in Male Role – Francisco Elumba as “Caleb” (SEA)
Best Lights and Sound Design – STELA
Through creative minds and talents alike, the Drama Fest fostered SLU’s core values of Creativity, Competence, Social Involvement and Christian Spirit that champions a holistic environment where the arts and culture thrive.
To formally close this year’s Arts Festival, SLU CCA will be conducting a victory concert titled “Concert of Champions” on Friday, 15 March 2024 at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Theater. (Article by Keen Oviedo and Khryss Arellano, UIO Interns | Photos by Justhine Plana and EJ Doña, UIO Interns)
