The Saint Louis University Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU-CCA) once again brought the stage to life through the Music Festival 2026, held on 29 April 2026, at the Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen, CICM- CCA Theater.
The celebration served as a platform for talented Louisians to express their passion for music through singing and instrumental performances. The event allowed participants to express their love for the music and share to the community how their journey brought them to perform.
The program formally opened with an invocation, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, that set a celebratory tone for the event. This was followed by an audio-visual presentation, which gave attendees a glimpse into the participants’ preparations and the journeys that led them to the stage.
Mrs. Normita Rio-Pablico, Head of CCA and Chairperson of the event, delivered her welcome remarks, expressing gratitude for the participants. She said, “Today, we are here not just to listen to music. We are here to celebrate your strength. You have been rehearsing faithfully since late last year, pushing through every challenge, refining your craft, and turning those quiet practice sessions into the powerful performances that we are about to hear.”
She also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the SLU Glee Club for continuously organizing and leading the festival through the years, “As your trainer, I beam with pride as I watch you take on responsibilities and manage this event with minimal supervision. Your professionalism and hard work made this entire festival possible. Thank you for all the effort you put in behind the scenes”, she stated.
The panel of judges was then introduced, composed of Jefferson R. Manalang, Ian Gabriel T. Corpuz, and Anthony G. Villanueva, chair of the Board of Judges. Each brought their expertise in music and performance, carefully evaluating the contestants across different categories.
The mechanics and criteria for judging were presented prior to the competition proper to guide both performers and the audience. Each category followed specific guidelines to ensure fairness and to highlight the strengths of the participants.
The festival had a wide range of categories, including Elementary and Junior High School Vocal Solo and Instrumental Playing, College Vocal Solo (Male and Female), All Male and Choir Categories, Pop Acapella, and Mixed Choir, demonstrating the depth and diversity of musical excellence within the Louisian community.
Adding excitement to the competition were the specific song requirements for certain categories: the female vocal soloists performed songs popularized by Celine Dion, while male vocal soloists rendered songs associated with artists such as Daryl Ong, Michael Pangilinan, Bugoy Drilon, and Raphy Calicdan. These selection strategies elevated the performances and created a more engaging experience for the audience.
Participating schools included the SLU Basic Education School (SLU BEdS), School of Law (SOL), School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA). Their participation reflected the strong sense of unity and collaboration within the university.
The event finally concluded with the awarding ceremony, recognizing outstanding performances across different categories. The list of winners is as follows:
College Vocal Solo (Male):
2nd Runner Up – Stan Harold N. Delim
1st Runner Up – Ricky Marc S. Ramos
CHAMPION – John Kenneth Z. Abacus
College Vocal Solo (Female):
2nd Runner Up – Natalie Amidala E. Anonog
1st Runner Up – April May Q. Ortega
CHAMPION – Kim Kristin Julia E. Zara
All Male:
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
1st Runner Up – SEA
CHAMPION – SOM
Elementary Instrument Playing:
2nd runner Up – Eli Hugo L. Floresca
1st Runner Up – Kaizzer Nathan M. Ico
Champion – Nathaniel B. Wacnag
Junior High School Instrument Playing:
2nd runner Up – Guan-Yan Chen
1st Runner Up – Aaron Ben U. De Vera
Champion – Patricia Louise D. Laurente
Elementary Vocal Solo:
2nd Runner Up – Sam Lovelia T. Cagaoan
1st Runner Up – Zoriel Abe E. Landicho
Champion – Sophia Corinne L. Gallardo
Junior High School Vocal Solo:
2nd Runner Up – Rhys Sage D. Prestousa
1st Runner Up – Franzelle Faith S. Sabalones
Champion – Julienne Kate L. Saure
Pop Acapella:
2nd Runner Up – SOM
1st Runner Up – STELA
CHAMPION – BEdS
All Male Choir:
2nd Runner Up – SONAHBS
1st Runner Up – SEA
CHAMPION – SOM
Mixed Choir:
2nd Runner Up – SEA
1st Runner Up – SOM
CHAMPION – STELA
Best Conductor – Clarence F. Diolazo (STELA)
While not every participant took home awards, their smiles were evident. Despite the long hours of preparation and rehearsals, they were able to share on stage their talents with confidence and pride. For the winners, the recognition reflected the value of their hard work and effort to their amazing performances. Their achievements served as a testament to their passion for music and artistry.
As emphasized by Mrs. Pablico, “Today is about more than winning a prize. It is about the hours you spent practicing, the patience you showed while learning, and the joy of sharing your music with others. You have earned your place here.”
The Music Festival 2026 stands as a testament to SLU’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural community aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) which highlights the importance of nurturing talent, and providing opportunities for students to grow and express themselves.
More than a competition, the festival served as a celebration of passion–reminding everyone that talent, when utilized with care and confidence, can inspire others and leave a lasting impact within and beyond the university. (Article by Mariam Qatarina Santos | Photos by Kassandra Marie Lucero, UIO Interns)
