19 February 2025

Benguet State University Center for Culture and the Arts (BSU-CCA) conducted its third Inter-College Socio-Cultural Competition with the theme, “Kalinangan: Illuminating the Filipino Artistic Spirit.” The event, held at the College of Teacher Education’s Dominador S. Garin Hall and the Secondary Laboratory School Covered Court, was participated by the students of the three BSU campuses.

During the opening program, Leonardo L. Samonte, Director of CCA, shared the three main goals of the event: to provide a platform for all college students to showcase their talents in the arts; to select official contestants for the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Association of State Universities and Colleges (CARASUC) Socio-Cultural competition; and to celebrate the National Arts Month.

BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan emphasized the importance of the event as an opportunity for students to display their talents, which are often unnoticed due to academic requirements. He also advised them to continue developing their art, as these can be beneficial when applying for work. Furthermore, he urged them to promote camaraderie throughout the competition.

The competitions in visual arts, music, and radio drama began after the BSU President’s message. The visual arts competition was divided into five sub-categories: charcoal rendering, on-the-spot poster making, painting, pencil drawing, and photography. The music competition was also divided into five sub-categories: instrumental solo, vocal solo, vocal duet, and pop solo.

Jeric Bautista of CTE won first place in charcoal rendering, Shanely Palitogen of the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) won the second place and Sheal Domeyeg of the College of Home Economics and Technology (CHET) earned the third place. The on-the-spot poster making competition was won by Travis C. Balacio of CHK, followed by Gundran P. Cadulas in second place, and Margareth Jacinto in third place.

Krizle Galino of CHK won first place in painting while Pauleen B. Arce of CTE and Clarisa G. Tarnate of the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) shared the second place followed by Kyleigh Christen D. Materum of the College of Veterinary Medicine at third place. For the pencil drawing, Gary T. Bangsao of Bokod campus garnered first place, followed by Ruuthe Gumpad of CTE in second place and Regie A. Bosque from the College of Public Administration and Governance at third place. Jessica C. De Guzman of CSS won first place in the photo contest, followed by Moses Yisrael D. Chua of CIS at second place and Liezel P. Palayao of CHK at third place.

In the musical category, Justine Balero of CHET playing the violin was first place in the instrumental solo while John Ray Gonzalo of CIS and Devorah Acuña of CSS followed at second and third place respectively. Justine A. Leon of CTE owned the spotlight as the lone contender for the piano instrumental solo.

For the bandurria instrumental solo, Charles Balala of the College of Engineering won first place, John Ray Gonzalo of CIS and Warry James Fomeg-as of CTE shared the second place, and Precylyn Humakey of CHK earned third place. Gonzalo also won the classical guitar instrumental solo followed by Ethan Yssach Meimban of the College of Agriculture at second place and Glenn Russel Royales of CAH at third place.

The competition also featured vocal talents. Darsen Suyat and Charisse Pelino of CTE won first place in the vocal duet, Jhomel Lander Calam and Florence Tristan Tacedena of CAH won second place and Genesis Habon and Ronalyn Faye Espada of Bokod campus placed third. In the pop solo category, Arebella Joan Moltio of CIS won first place, followed by Habon in second place and the third place was a tie between Micah Jade Marzan of CAH and Jay-ron D. Sadiao of CTE. The vocal solo (kundiman) was won by Jethrine Ann Pasian of CHK followed by Melchedec Boraga of CTE at second place and Larry Mangawa of CAH at third place.

The Radio Drama competition was won by the team of Clarence Pakigan, Gideon C. Balang, Annan Desierto, Joseph P. Longao, and Jessa Mae Gaddang of CIS. The second place was awarded to the group of Farah Trisha Kiw-an, Angel Faith Saysayap, Arianne Rose Alubia, Daniela Dalilis, and Tiane Mae Amoggao of CTE. The third place was won by three teams from the CHET, Bokod campus and CHK. The CHET group consisted of Charlie Papag, Lance Darryl C. Manaday, Kenan Pepocsa, Clint Lestine, and John Rey Marcos. The Bokod campus group consisted of Tyron Justine D. Nanglegan, Airah Cher Pili, Rhea Grinaran, Jaylord Timama, and Adly June Quinio while the CHK group consisted of Jesalyn Addug, Shakira Dio, Van Andrei Evasco, Rosemarie Sabado, and Ismael Sumacyab.

The winners from the different categories will represent the university to the upcoming 2025 CARASUC Meet at Mountain Province State University on March 24-26, 2025.

The event ended with the message of Tecah Sagandoy, Unit Head of the University Museum. He congratulated the participants for the wonderful display of their talents and encouraged them to continue pursuing their passions. //BTayaban