Even affirming that Louisian excellence goes beyond academics, Saint Louis University (SLU) students showcased their talents during the Louisians Got Talent 2024 competition held at the Fr. Paul Van Parijs Event Center, SLU Main Campus on 29 November 2024.
Organized by the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) in line with the University’s 113th Foundation Week celebration, the event gave Louisians the opportunity to perform a three to seven minute performance of their choice before their fellow students. Each performance was judged according to the following criteria:
- Overall Quality/Performance of Talent (25%)
- Technical Ability (25%)
- Stage Presence, Personality, and Professionalism (20%)
- Creativity and Originality (20%)
- Audience Impact (10%)
The panelists for the competition included Department of Political and Social Sciences Instructor Maureen Pandan, Department of Languages and Communication Associate Professor Analyn Caroy, Tanghalang SLU President Margaret Fernandez, and SLU Dance Troupe President James Roland Urayan.
The first set of contestants included Erica Lee B. Barroga, Franceena T. Virtudazo, and Kryztian S. Miranda of Indayog; Zakkiyah Aeisha J. Suarez, Rosse Mergarette S. Castellano, and Lowen Cryle S. Lagmay of The Trio; Vinnie “Vince” Nathaniel R. Nicolas; Irvin “Kota” Kyle L. Montenegro; Jeza “IsDis0k” Danielle M. Tolentino; Abe “Divalladeer of PolSci 1” O. Dela Vega Jr.; and Aladdin “Vocal Genie” C. Lopez. STELA Repertory HiveUp then performed a dance intermission number.
The second set was composed of Timothy “Tim” S. Melegrito; Reena “Arem” Micah D. Gurtiza; Josiah Anivyan F. Saboy; Caila Denise F. Dimalanta and Arnel Galera Jr. of ArCaid; Ma. Vivien R. Lived; Isaac S. Ronquillo; and Lian Clive M. Sadang. An intermission number from the Theatri Sonata Artium of SONAHBS preceded the awarding of winners.
BS Mining Engineering student Isaac Ronquillo won as 2nd Runner Up with his cover of “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script, while BA Political Science Abe Dela Vega Jr. won 1st Runner Up with a rendition of “Ang Buhay Ko” by Aegis. BS Medical Laboratory Science student Aladdin Lopez emerged as the champion of LGT 2024 with his beatboxing medley.
The program formally ended with SLU KASAMA/SSC Vice President Xzylene Gutierrez’s closing remarks, where she voiced out the council’s support for the students’ activities. “Basta Luwisyano, talagang talentado,” she said.
SLU expresses its support for innovation, creativity, and inclusivity by providing a platform for students to demonstrate their capabilities. This commitment is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). (Article by Katrina Garcia, UIO Intern | Photos by Andreanna Martin, UIO Intern)
