By Jonas Rey Lugas Macabangon / August 21, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar State University has taken center stage in the prestigious 2023 ASEAN Commemorative Contest, a focal point of the Regional ASEAN Month Celebration organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII. With the overarching theme “ASEAN MATTERS: Epicentrum of Growth,” the university’s delegates displayed exceptional skill and creativity.
The event unfolded on the 18th of August, 2023, at two prominent venues: the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus, Graduate School Building, and the Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation (DRTRMF). The former hosted the Essay Writing and Poster-Making Contest, while the latter set the stage for the captivating Dance Sports performances, harmonious Chorale Competition, and evocative Spoken Word Poetry presentations.
Guiding the university’s delegation were esteemed SSU Key officials and staff, Dr. Elmer A. Irene, Director for the Office of International Affairs; Jonas Rey Lugas Macabangon, Staff from the Office of International Affairs; and Prof. Andres III B. Sequito, DRRM Coordinator from the College of Education.
SSU’s delegation featured outstanding contestants who brought their A-game to the competition:
Lovely A. Abanes participated in the Essay Writing category coached by Prof. Jeff Harold B. Uy. Ed Chieson C. Sapetin, coached by Ar. Maricel L. Modesto, made his mark in the Poster-Making Contest with his creative visual storytelling. Prof. Rowel A. Dacanay coached the institution’s Dance Sports contestants for both the Modern Standard and Latin American category. The Modern Standard dance duo, composed of Arvin C. Dacanay and Rina Therese E. Jimenez, graced the stage with elegance and precision.
The Latin American Dance duo, Den Mark A. Barcoma and Marissa L. Dacanay earned their place as Semi-Finalists, showcasing their skillful and dynamic performances. Asel B. Dela Peña, coached by Prof. Elma C. Sultan, showed emotive and powerful Spoken Word Poetry in her original piece “Bercambah” which earned her 10th place. The Chorale team led by its coach, Prof. Bliss C. Gara, comprised of John Braile B. Espadero, Mark Lester L. Cerdeña, Rodel A. Molito, Marlo G. Delmonte, Vence Jerome D. Espinar, Giselle R. Daligon, Kirk Jonathan A. Bao, Jayson Z. Osabel, Louise Kristel C. Baylon, and Edsel R. Topacio, secured their position as Top 3 Finalists with their harmonious melodies.
The 2023 ASEAN Commemorative Contest was not only a platform for showcasing talent but also an opportunity for academic and artistic exchange among various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) from Region VIII.
