Saint Louis University’s Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) brought together a vibrant celebration of Thespian prowess in its hosting of the much-awaited Drama Festival 2025 at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen Theater on 19 March 2025.
In her opening remarks, CCA Tanghalang SLU Trainer and Drama Festival Director Mrs. Katherine Mae Nobleza-Estavillo acknowledged the dedication of the participants in the preparation for the festival. “I am truly excited to see the culmination of so much passion, talent, and hard work from all our Louisian performers. First and foremost, I want to recognize, of course, and celebrate the incredible effort of each and every Louisian student who has poured their time, energy nila, ang kanilang puso sa festival na ito,” she expressed. (First and foremost, I want to recognize, of course, and celebrate the incredible effort of each and every Louisian student who has poured their time, energy, and heart into this festival.)
This year’s judging panel was a constellation of talent, featuring renowned figures in the performing arts landscape: Mr. Nel Gumalog, a seasoned theater actor and mentor, Mr. Paw Castillo, an award-winning stage performer, and Ms. Regina De Vera, a professional theater artist and director.
With the theme “Threads of Time: Choices that shape destiny” guiding the One-Act Play category in the morning and “The Ripple Effect: Consequences of Kindness” for Tula Dula in the afternoon, each performer wove powerful emotions in their immersive and engaging storytelling.
Following this was a captivating intermission number by SLU Dance Troupe and an enchanting sneak peek of Tanghalang SLU’s play titled, “Ibong Adarna,” that is slated for 3 May 2025.
The event concluded with the awarding of the winners in each category:
One Act Play Category
Champion – “Sherem Derem… Sherem Derem…” (SOL)
1st Runner Up – “The Boy Who Loves Needles” (STELA)
2nd Runner Up – “Sumugba sa Ningas” (SEA)
Best Director – Jeremiah Israel C. Domingo (SOL)
Best Script – Daniella Ivy L. Ducusin (SOL)
Best Actor in Female Role – Hannah Colyn C. Likiyan as “Nymphia” (SOL)
Best Actor in Male Role – Ryan Gamaliel S. Gallao III as “Rigour” (SOL)
Best Supporting Actor in Female Role – Gail Rhea Rivera as “Magdalena” (STELA)
Best Supporting Actor in Male Role – Emmanuel Gonzalez as “Nestor” (STELA)
Best Lights and Sound Design – STELA
Best Set Design – SEA
Tula Dula Category
Champion – “Manong Tatlo po sa Bente” (SOM)
1st Runner Up – “Agos” (SEA)
2nd Runner Up – “Alab ng Puso” (STELA)
Best Director – Christian Nathaniel Domingo (STELA)
Best Script – SEA
Best Narration – Gail Rhea Rivera & Emmanuel Gonzalez (STELA)
Best Movement Ensemble – SOM
Best Costume Design – SOM
Saint Louis University’s Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) further highlights the Arts Fest trilogy with the Drama Festival, fostering multidimensional artistic expression. This event is a testament to the University’s commitment to providing an environment where students can nurture their talents and creativity. (Article by Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Intern | Photos by Kyla Moreno, UIO Intern)
