As artists share a stage to celebrate the craft they have made their own, creativity thrives, reshaping art forms and forming deeper connections with their audiences as performers.
On 21 March 2025, it was the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen- Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) Theater stage that lit up both hearts and passions in an exuberance of melodies, colors, movements, harmonies, and voices in the Second Festival of Champions – a celebration of artistic expression at its finest.
As the speakers roared into life and engulfed the audience in anticipation for the show, the lights flickered on and gained applause. This festival welcomed students, employees, and visitors into its abode, where a step into the grand doors led them to another dimension of diverse talents and vibrant performances.
The CCA head, Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, graced the stage as she opened the curtains with an empowering welcome message. “Each performance, whether drama, music, or dance, felt like the first flaps of wings testing the air and seeking direction. Over time, we’ve seen this festival take flight in a way that shows us it is not just about the categories anymore. It is about the caliber of what we can create, how high we can soar, and how far we can go,” she expressed.
Mrs. Pablico also acknowledged the respective heads, coordinators, and participants who contributed to making the Arts Festival a success. She reiterated that this celebration of exceptional talents would not have been complete without everyone’s dedication and hard work.
After a fascinating show of lights, the winners from each category shone under the spotlight as they performed with passion and enthusiasm. Every performance had its own story to tell about a world that lay between the lines of reality and imagination.
The winners of multiple categories in the Music Festival performed their renditions of various pieces and songs. Each executed their own interpretation, giving a unique take that pierced the audience’s emotions and sentiments.
- Instrumental Elementary – Patricia Louise Laurente
- Instrumental Junior High School – Anthony Jethro Mendoza
- Instrumental Senior High School – Victoria Biel Pablico
- Instrumental College – SOM
- Vocal Solo Elementary – Sophia Corinne Gallardo
- Vocal Solo Junior High School – Aria Bernice Agoot
- Vocal Solo College Faculty – Mr. Glenford Gamilde (SONAHBS)
- Vocal Duet Senior High School – Francene Laura Balmeo and Agatha Jasmine Kiara Olowan
- Vocal Duet College – Biaslie Arellano and Joval Arce (SONAHBS)
- Pop Acapella – BEdS-SHS
- Best Choreography – BEdS
- Mixed Choir – SEA
- Best Conductor – Marvin Curt Cunanan
The virtuosos of the Dance Festival graced the stage, showing their precise form and graceful executions. From the impactful contemporary dance to the electrifying hip-hop categories, each dance expressed rhythmic footwork and electrifying choreography.
- Philippine Folk Dance – SOM
- Contemporary Dance – SONAHBS
- Dance Duet – SEA
- Latin Ballroom Formation – SONAHBS
- Hip Hop – SONAHBS
Lighting up the stage with their masterfully-staged acts were the Drama Fest champions. Their plays highlighting meaningful stories captured the audience’s hearts with compelling stage presence and layered dialogues.
- One Act Play Category – “Sherem Derem… Sherem Derem…” (SOL)
- Tula Dula Category – “Manong Tatlo po sa Bente” (SOM)
Following this, the solidarity of the performers in the uplifting unity dance, proved that the Louisian spirit is demonstrated in more ways than one.
As the show ended, the audience was left with an imprint: the theater was not just a structure but a place where one’s imagination and creativity were awakened. It is this shared language of art that transcends boundaries, leaving both artists and audiences forever changed—bound by the magic of creativity, passion, and the shared experience that only arts can forge. (Article by Michael John Dadd and Ydelvess Faith Morales, UIO Interns | Photos by Faithe Janerie Dugay and Kyla Moreno, UIO Interns)
