The elegantly familiar double doors of the Theater embraced SLU students, employees, and guests with its majestic presence. From its towering ceilings, rich red velvet draperies and opulent seats, to polished wood surfaces that reflect a soft and warm golden glow from the theater lights, the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM- Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Theater’s sheer beauty overwhelmed senses as a home of artistic talents and passions dedicated to uplift the human experience through timeless stories and performances.
On 15th of March 2024, the Theater, once again, steered the audience into a different world of songs and dances, music and movements, and emotions and cognitions. The day marked a milestone for the conduct of the very first “Festival of Champions”. While bringing the spectators to wander in a different world, the Theater ushered them into appreciating our rich culture and arts, into being an avenue to the expression of Louisians’ creative excellence.
In his opening message during the Festival, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD remarked, “My dear Louisians, I am thrilled to welcome you all to our first ever holding of the Festival of Champions. A celebration of creativity, talent, and hardwork in music, dance, drama, and digital arts.” Showcasing the exceptional winning entries of the talented students who have poured their hearts and souls into their crafts, Rev. Fr. Sales affirmed that he is constantly inspired by their dedication and passion and is proud to see their talents on display for the audience to enjoy.
The performers from the different schools took center stage with their mesmerizing and breathtaking performances, celebrating the fruits of their hard work for the love of culture and the arts.
The Music Fest victors soared with their impressive vocal range and renditions, gracefully hitting their championship-winning notes. Musical pieces from different schools harmoniously serenaded the audiences.
- Female Vocal Solo – SONAHBS, Dean Viaslie Arellano (I Have Nothing)
- Male Vocal Solo – STELA, Stan Harold Delim (Mamma Mia)
- Senior High School Vocal Duet – BEDS, Huey Javier and Jyohanna Berona (All I Ask of You)
- Junior High School Vocal Solo – BEDS, Freyjah Jazz V. Tablizo (I am Here)
- Elementary Vocal Solo – BEDS, Azriel Kristan P. Valle (Speechless)
- All Female – SEA
- All Male – SEA
- Mixed Choir Chorale Piece – SOM (Kruhay)
- Mixed Choir Common Piece – SEA (Butiki)
- Pop Acapella – SONAHBS, (Belting Medley)
- Best Conductor – SEA, Marvin Cunanan
- Faculty Vocal Duet – SEA, Engr. Maria Corazon de Guzman and Engr. Benedict Marzan (Somewhere Out There)
- Instrument Playing – BEDS, Kyan Audrick C. Payoyo (Voice of Hearts)
- Instrument Playing – BEDS, Aaron Ben U. de Vera (Raining in Manila)
The Digital Arts winners presented their masterpieces, sharing their experience and stories behind their crafts.
- Elementary Category – “Dove’s View” by Turtle Villacorta
- Junior High Category – “Spiritual Journey” by Mary Abygale Aro
- Senior High Category – “Walk in The Light” by Ayiana Aquino
- College Category – “Wisdom Builds” by Aliya Joy M. Profeta
Taking the stage with their jaw-dropping choreography, the champions of the Dance Festival grooved with their masterful performances, with every beat expressing their artistic messages through their dances.
- Philippine Folk Dance – BEDS (Bayluhan)
- Contemporary – STELA
- Standard Ballroom Formation – STELA
- Latin Ballroom Formation – SEA
- Latin Ballroom Pair – BEDS
- Hip-Hop – SONAHBS
The champions of the Drama Festival also captivated the hearts of the audience once again as they wowed with their winning plays.
- One Act Play – SOL (Echosera)
As the curtains closed, Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, Head of CCA, looked back on the journey that brought everyone together in the finale, saying, “Holding a festival of champions is indeed one of the best things that we thought of this year.” Every step of the Arts Festival was surely a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance. “It is a journey marked by relentless dedication, tireless rehearsals, and the unwavering spirit of collaboration,” Mrs. Pablico added.
Mrs. Pablico then urged the participants to keep nurturing their skills as she assured them that the CCA is fueled with the desire to explore and introduce new categories that will surely unleash their God-given talents. She finished her remarks by commending the hardworking and artistic staff of the CCA for organizing and conducting this year’s Arts Festival and expressed her gratitude to Rev. Fr. Sales for his undying support for the arts.
The pioneering Festival of Champions officially ended with the dynamic and passionate performances of the Tula Dula, Pop Acapella, and Hip-Hop group, leaving the audience in awe and anticipation of the next time when the Theater’s doors open again.
Article by: Rita Lopez and Antonio Lim, Jr., UIO Interns
Photos by EJ Doña and Justhine Plana, UIO Interns
