The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) emerged victorious at the recently concluded Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Socio-Cultural Festival, held at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, North Cotabato, from November 21 to 25, 2023.
MASTS Socio-Cultural Fest brought together over 3,284 delegates from thirty (30) State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the island with the theme, “Celebrating Inclusivity in Diversity Through Mindanao’s Vibrant Arts and Culture.”
USeP’s thirty (30) delegates showcased their exceptional talents in four (4) major events: Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Theater Arts, and Dance Arts. Their impressive performances earned USeP five (5) bids to the upcoming Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) National Arts and Culture Festival.
Literary Arts team bags two PASUC Festival bids
The Literary Arts team, “MaLiAg,” set the stage for USeP’s success by securing the first two (2) PASUC bids. Cindy Clair M. Repulidon, a third-year English BSEd student, led the charge with a 5th place finish in Extemporaneous Speaking and a 7th place finish in Storytelling. John Rey B. Pagal, a first-year English BSEd student, clinched the 11th spot in Essay Writing, earning him a place in the PASUC Culture and Arts Festival 2024.
Meanwhile, Christan Ian A.Fundal, a second-year BTVTEd-Automotive Technology student, and John Mar Carlos B. Tajado, a third-year BSCE student, also clinched 5th place finishes in Literary Filipino: Pagkukwento and Dagliang Talumpati, respectively. Wrapping out the team’s success was Keith O. Ulangkaya, a third-year BSEd Filipino Major student who finished 7th in Pagsulat ng Sanaysay.
Visual Arts team grabs 3 PASUC Fest tilts
The Kuris Visual Arts team continued USeP’s winning streak, securing three (3) PASUC bids. Gene Belle M. Lawas, a first-year English BSEd student, snatched silver in Artistic Photography, while Kyle John C. Gomez, a first-year BALCS student, secured a second-place finish in Pencil Drawing. Charles David M. Bartolome, another talented team member, placed 6th in In Situ Painting.
Meanwhile, third-year BPEd students Jeffry O. Cabilogan and Arjie E. Requina placed 9th and 22nd in Poster Making and Charcoal Rendering, respectively.
Theater Arts Guild reclaims prestige
USeP’s Lantaka Theater Arts Guild, led by the Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Cultural Studies (BALCS) students, defended the University’s prestige after a strong finish in Radio Drama and Short and Sweet (Musical) play competitions.
Among 23 teams in Radio Drama, 5th place was awarded to Lewi B. Origenes, David Joaquin J. Medel, Emma Fe L. Villaflor, Sittie Hannah C. Entreno, and Dessa Maree R. Eborde after a remarkable portrayal of their piece titled “Rainbow Cake,” a story of a once torn family rescued by gender acceptance and unconditional love.
Moreover, among 15 teams in Short and Sweet Play (Musical), the team of Salome Ann I. Halog, Kristina Cassandra L. Caballero, Jan Felix E. Alban, Rojem Madelo, Lefre Jay S. Argawanon, and Carmel Earl B. Palabrica snatched the 6th place after a relatable musical titled “Thesis” that tackled a typical student life having topsy-turvy days in doing academic tasks.
Sahaya Dance Collective Ensemble shines with a 6th-place finish in Indigenous Dance in Bangsamoro Kapagapir (Maranao)
The 13-member Sahaya Dance Arts showcased the University’s commitment to preserving and celebrating indigenous culture. The dedicated dancers from BPEd students include Leah Mae II Tajale, Miguelito A. Jervoso, Karyll C. Gonzaga, Georgia Eloiza T. Raz, Trisha Marie B. Piamonte, Arturo T. Pantastico, Ralph M. Lanaban, Khen Mark D. Manumpay, Katherine C. Abedijos, Mikee Angel C. Crave, Neryll P. Sacayan, Mylene A. Saquilabon, Lenie Mae A. Mahilum, and Florencio J. Lodripas Jr., a BTVTEd student. Their performance, which highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Mindanao’s Indigenous Peoples, earned them a well-deserved 6th place in the Indigenous Dance category.
USeP’s outstanding performance at the MASTS Socio-Cultural Festival 2023 is a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant arts and culture in its community. USeP is truly a powerhouse in Mindanao’s arts and culture scene. Hence, the University is well-positioned to excel at the PASUC in 2024.
The PASUC National Socio-Cultural Festival is a prestigious national competition that brings together the best and brightest students from SUCs across the Philippines. The University is confident that its Literary Arts and Visual Arts teams will proudly represent the school and bring home more accolades.
Congratulations to USeP and its delegates on their triumph.
