Themed “ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth,” the 56th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN and the month-long celebration culminated with a Regional Awarding and Closing Ceremony.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) from the region competed in the Song Writing, Spoken Word Poetry, On-the-Spot Digital Poster Making, and Video Production Exhibition.

 

In the Spoken Word Poetry category, CNU’s Dr. Janet Mananay, Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) and Diploma in Professional Education (DPE) Chair, clinched first place with the piece ‘ASEAN: Diamonds in the Southeast.’

 

The winning piece, co-authored by fourth-year BSEd major in English students Jia Palange and Alexandria Montemar, with technical video direction by Fe Obial and Chevy Jairi, and subsequent editing by Mark Costanilla, drew inspiration from their numerous drafts of poems.

 

Moreover, Palange told Ang Suga how they reviewed the ASEAN history, objectives, and adversities that made it develop into a central organization.

 

“Just like how diamonds are discovered and formed, that is how ASEAN made it to be, that is ASEAN right now – [a] diamond,” she furthered.

 

Meanwhile, BSEd English II duo Franckeinstein Alolor and co-writer Karylle Laborte secured third place in the same category with their piece ‘ASEAN Symphony: Nurturing Growth, Celebrating Diversity.’

 

Laborte disclosed that she adapted her style to convey camaraderie incorporated into symbolisms, while Alolor synchronized the music with the piece’s mood.

 

Harmony in achievement

 

The CNU Chorale bagged second place in the Song Writing Competition with their piece “In the Heart of Asia: A Song of Unity.”

 

The production was guided by CNU Chorale Coach Mrs. Darlane Yap and led by members and songwriters Sean Andrex Martinez (Bachelor of Arts in Literature III), Kirsten Jed Therese Orbeta (Bachelor of Arts in English Language III), and Anjaylou Monisit (BSEd English II).

 

The lineup of performers featured Rozenda Mariae Leonil Festejo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education [BCAEd] II), Shiela Mae Delos Arcos (Bachelor of Physical Education III), and Martinez, along with other CNU-Chorale members, while Joel Japheth Guion (BCAEd IV) served as the musical composer, arranger, and director.

 

In an interview with Ang Suga, Orbeta explained that the creation of the song was a testament to the team’s dedication to diversity and collaboration.

 

“It not only stood as a proud representation of the CNU Chorale but also showcased the resilience and creativity inherent in the university’s artistic endeavors,” she emphasized.

 

Despite limited resources, Orbeta admitted that they meticulously prepared for the contest and delved into extensive lyric exploration and consultations with their coach and musical director to ensure adherence to guidelines.

 

Subsequently, their song also featured special participation from Joe Sean Tamayo (BCAEd IV) and Nerl Nathanielle Cutara (BCAEd IV).

The winners from the different HEIs in the region received a plaque of recognition, certificates, and cash prizes. §

 

The following are the set of awards and awardees:

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐘

1st place – CNU

2nd place – Holy Name University

3rd place – CNU

People’s Choice Award – Cebu Technological University (CTU)

𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆

1st place – CTU

2nd place – CNU

3rd place – Buenavista Community College

People’s Choice Award – CTU

𝐎𝐍-𝐓𝐇𝐄-𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

1st place – St. Cecilia’s College – Cebu, Inc.

2nd place – Information & Communications Technology Academy, Inc

3rd place – Buenavista Community College

People’s Choice Award – Cordova Public College

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

1st place – Holy Name University

2nd place – University of Cebu (UC) – Main Campus

Words and Screenshots by Alea Marie Bareng