Kapampangan high school students shine in PatalaSanlahi 2009

March 8, 2009 – The UP Sanlahi Alliance, an organization of duly-recognized provincial student organizations in UP Diliman, successfully held PatalaSanlahi 2009 at Benitez Hall (College of Education), UP Diliman campus. With its theme “Kabataang Pinoy: May Dunong, May Paninindigan”, it gathered the most excellent high school students of the provinces to unleash their academic and creative prowess and at the same time, like the title of the event signifies, to sharpen their minds in a spirit of cultural solidarity. Its other objective was to inform the Filipino youth about the current local and global issues and the need to build a sustainable future through the contests the students will be competing in and through the talks and presentations by different invited guests for the event. This annual event was endorsed by the Department of Education. The Sanlahi Alliance Vice-Chair for Education & Research, Gabrielle Mangahas (of UP Sandiwa), was the project head. She was joined by the other officers, Sanlahi Alliance Chair Eden Malabuyok (UP Batangan), Secretary General Mark Cervantes (UP Lakan), Vice-Chair for Membership Fergie Panganiban (UP Aguman), Vice-Chair for Finance Roy Devesa (UP Tangway), Vice-Chair for Publicity Paulo Hernandez (UP Kalilayan) and Vice-Chair for Culture & Sports Fermina Agudo (UP Lambak), in ensuring the success of the activity. Representatives of the different member-organizations also helped out in the staging of the event.

Winners from the respective academic and art competitions held by the member-organizations in their respective provinces qualified to compete in the 6 competitions: Quiz Bee, Essay Writing (English & Filipino), Impromptu Speech (English & Filipino) and Poster-Making. To represent Pampanga, the UP Aguman sent the Top 3 teams and individuals from its roster of Pautakan 2008 and Sining 2009 winners. Unfortunately, the winners of Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS), St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) and San Lorenzo Center of Studies and Schools (SLRCSS) were not able to compete due to schedule conflicts. Meanwhile, Don Bosco Academy (DBA), Holy Angel University (HAU), Holy Family Academy (HFA), New Era University (NEU) and University of the Assumption (UA) proudly sent their delegates, assisted and accompanied by their coaches and the UP Aguman members.

Essay Writing – English
Jhonry Dela Cruz (UA)

Essay Writing – Filipino
Mara Louella Sangilan (UA)
Merry Gel Sigui (NEU)

Impromptu Speech – English
Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
Jericko Samson (UA)

Quiz Bee
Adrian Neil Pineda, Royette Abby Mamangun & Ruth Ann Marie Dimalanta (HAU)
Madison Dominguez, Ron Errick Loyola & Zjan Turla (DBA)
Renato Galvan, Anne Kristine Rivera & Mark Apollo Lusung (HFA)

All the individual competitions and the eliminations of the quiz bee were held simultaneously in the morning. For the afternoon program, Mark Ruiz, who initiated HaPinoy (1st chain of sari-sari stores) and Rags2Riches, was invited as Guest Speaker and talked about being a social entrepreneur to the participants. The Quiz Bee Semifinals and Finals followed after.

The Kapampangan delegation in the Quiz Bee was notable during the eliminations because all three of them entered the semifinals for finishing in the Top 13 out of the 22 participating teams. HFA placed 6th, HAU 10th and DBA was tied for the 11th-13th spots. Another set of 30 questions was asked in the Semifinals and DBA clinched the 5th and last spot in the Finals. HFA was a close 6th and HAU again placed 10th. After another round of 30 questions in the Finals, DBA finished 3rd overall, behind Philippine Science High School Region 1 Campus (1st) and Baguio City National High School (2nd).

In the Awarding Ceremonies, UP Aguman and its delegates received its certificates of appreciation and recognition for being a part of PatalaSanlahi 2009. Along with the winning quiz bee team of DBA, Jericko Samson (UA) was also declared as 3rd Place winner in his own event, Impromptu Speech in Filipino.


LEFT: DBA Pautakan Team. DBA was the top-placer among private schools in the Quiz Bee competition.
RIGHT: HFA Pautakan Team. HFA also held their ground almost made it in the Finals.

All in all, the Kapampangan student delegates of UP Aguman remarkably represented Pampanga and made their own significant mark on their fellow high school students across the country. For more camaraderie and fellowship, the UP Aguman members invited the schools to eat together at the UP-Ayala Techno-Hub during the lunch break. The organization also gave UP key chains to all the delegates as another simple token of appreciation.


LEFT: HAU Pautakan Team. The Pautakan 2008 Champions proudly represent Pampanga.
RIGHT: Social Entrepreneur. Mark Ruiz shares to the young audience about his noble social cause.

DBA wins overall championship of Sining 2009

February 21, 2009 – The second day of Sining 2009 proved to be a wonderful showcase of Kapampangan youth talent as contestants from 11 different high schools of Pampanga showed up at The Event Centre of SM City Clark for the 5 remaining competitions of Sining 2009.

The participating schools were:
Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS)
Brightwoods School (BWS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
Holy Angel University (HAU)
New Era University (NEU)
Pampanga High School (PHS)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies & Schools (SLRCSS)
School of the Infant Jesus – Dau (SIJ)
St Ann Colleges (SAC)
St Mutien College (SMC)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)

Like in Day 1 last February 7, record number of competition entries registered for the Declamation (7), Solo Singing (15), Interpretative Dance (7), Modern Streetdance (9) and Rockoustic Band Competitions (9). The mall-goers at SM City Clark were surely entertained the whole afternoon and evening as the contestants bravely showcased their talent in the performing arts.


LEFT: Wowed. The SM City Clark audience enjoyed watching the performances.
RIGHT: High Intensity Win. HAU accept their Championship trophy in the Interpretative Dance Competition

Here’s the final and complete list of winners from all the events, from Day 1 to Day 2:

Essay Writing – English
"The Kapampangan language 50 years from now"
CHAMPION: Clarisse Katrin Ducusin (SSA)
2nd: Maria Nareen Mendoza (SSA)
3rd: Jhonry Dela Cruz (UA)

Essay Writing – Filipino
"Ang wikang Kapampangan 50 taon mula ngayon"
CHAMPION: Mara Louella Sangilan (UA)
2nd: Kayla Camacho (SSA)
3rd: Merry Gel Sigui (NEU)

Poetry Writing – English
"Who is a Kapampangan?"
CHAMPION: John Verlin Mayday (NEU)
2nd: Jose Mari De Jesus (PHS)
3rd: Ma. Katrina Gaylord Marcos (SLRCSS)

Poetry Writing – Filipino
"Sino ang Kapampangan?"
CHAMPION: Rhea Camille Malang (AUFIS)
2nd: Maria Carla Canlas (SSA)
3rd: Madison Dominguez (DBA)

Art Photography
“Modern Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Katrina Mae Lim (BWS)
2nd: Ian Paulo Punzalan (DBA)
3rd: Lorenz Dale Rances (SLRCSS)

Poster Making
"The importance of language in preserving one's culture"
CHAMPION: Gia Mae Malonzo (SSA)
2nd: Angela Panlilio (AUFIS)
3rd: Leona Trishia Cortez (SSA)

Still Life Drawing
CHAMPION: Stephanie Manuel (SSA)
2nd: Ernanie Marin (PHS)
3rd: Sun Jung-Youn (BWS)

Impromptu Speech – English
“How does the Global economic crisis affect you as a student?”
CHAMPION: Abriam Josh Esteban (AUFIS)
2nd: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
3rd: Katrina Cuaresma (SLRCSS)

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
“Ano ang epekto ng multilingualism sa pag-unlad ng wikang Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Mheanne Celis (SSA)
2nd: Antoneth Castillejos (AUFIS)
3rd: Jericko Samson (UA)

Crisotan
Kaninu ing Parsala by Rafael Maniago
CHAMPION: Renc Dizon, Rose Ann Calma, Cristine Jenel Cruz (NEU)
2nd: Charmaine Manlapaz, Bettina DeLeon, Claire Cochon (AUFIS)
3rd: Archie Dela Cruz, Francis Panganiban, Albert Gomez (DBA)

Declamation
I Am A Filipino
CHAMPION: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
2nd: Al Thomas Patawaran (SLRCSS)
3rd: Alyanna Marie Bermudo (NEU)

Solo Singing
CHAMPION: Karl Andrew Sicat (PHS)
2nd: Bettina De Leon (AUFIS)
3rd: Mark Jolly Mallari (SLRCSS)

Interpretative Dance
“Mirrong the past, Reflecting the future”
CHAMPION: High Intensity Performers (HAU)
2nd: Teatro Busko (DBA)
3rd: Eraians (NEU)

Modern Streetdance
CHAMPION: Intensity 8 (DBA)
2nd: NEU Streetdance (NEU)
3rd: AUFIS Dance Club (AUFIS)

Rockoustic Band
CHAMPION: Free To Play (BWS)
2nd: Equinox (DBA)
3rd: Mighty Band (NEU)


LEFT: Mall Show. The rockoustic performance of Free To Play (BWS) was like a professional mall show.
RIGHT: Day 1 Big Winners. The Scholasticans were the big winners for most of the Day 1 events. They placed 2nd overall.

After tabulating the points garnered by the winners from the 15 different competitions, Don Bosco Academy emerged as the Sining 2009 Overall Champion. SSA came in a very close second while AUFIS placed third. Bosconians rejoiced excitedly as they went into stage to receive their school's trophy.

OVERALL TALLY
DBA – 100 pts
SSA – 95
AUFIS – 85
NEU – 80
BWS – 40
PHS – 35
SLRCSS – 30
UA – 25
HAU – 20


LEFT: Another success. The AguPips take a pose after a successful major project!
RIGHT: Stepping it up. DBA's streetdance crew show off their dance moves after being declared the Streetdance Champion.

Sining 2009 is present to you by:
UP Aguman
The only and official organization of Kapampangan students from UP Diliman

Co-Presented by:
Lirna Tiatco, CPA

Also brought to you by:
Roymed Pharmaceuticals
Cerealicious (SM City Pampanga & AUF Branches)
Zen Zest (SM City Clark, SM City Pampanga & Nepo Mall branches)
Brgy. Captain Arien Carreon

UP Aguman would also like to thank:
Bags O'Beads
Cy Bautista (Kaputul 2004A)
Balibago Waterworks
Susie's Cuisine
Dondon Dy (Baskal 2007A)
Sikrams & Bitrams
Dominador Quizon
CreamLine
Waterbest
Rosing's Candy Store

The Event Called "Sining"

By Jeremiah Torrico

I can still remember back in high school, I heard my classmates planned to join this certain art competition. They were saying that this would be organized by students from UP Diliman, and that they were excited about joining. They told me every detail they know about it and, based from those, I thought it was just a usual type of art contest; you make your art, wait for it to be judged, and win (although, of course, the possibility of losing should also be prepared for). There was nothing unusual on it for me. Even its name, which literally means art in Filipino, also made me think of it as a normal contest suitable for amateur high school artists. Somewhat a typical high school competition where you do your best to grab the gold and brag about it. I never knew much about this Sining. Not until I went to college and join the UP Aguman.

During my first semester of being a member of the UP Aguman, I was invited to be a part of the ad hoc committee for the Sining 2007. I was so excited because I thought it would be an easy task just looking over a high school event, making colorful backdrops and props, watching the contestants do their thing while waiting excitedly (and impatiently) over who’s going to win. I was convinced that Sining was nothing but a mere art competition where high school students showcase their artistic prowess just to find out who’s the best at the end of the day. Until one time, I realized there was something different, something sort of consistent. The contest events in Sining seem to have something in common. They appear to focus on things that made the whole competition stand out among all the other art contests I’ve ever known. Their themes were all about things that I am very much aware about, things that are not uncommon to me. These things that have been part of me, things that I have taken for granted—being Kapampangan and being proud of it.

Sining, as it turns out, is an event that aims to incorporate the Kapampangan identity in showcasing the artistic endowments of young Kapampangan student artists as a way of uplifting and preserving the Kapampangan culture. It was then that I realized why the contest event Crisotan was given too much priority in Sining. It was actually during my first time to participate in Sining when I first heard of Crisotan. I thought it was just a Kapampangan version of the ever famous Balagtasan, but its implications reflect more than that. These events like Crisotan are more than just gateways of talents but are means of continuing the legacy of Kapampangan artistry that our Kapampangan ancestors initiated.

The other Sining events, on the other hand, seem to be in shape for different purposes. A friend of mine once asked me, “If this Sining is really Kapampangan oriented, then why do you hold events using languages other than Kapampangan?” He surely was referring to events like the poetry writing, impromptu speech, essay writing and declamation, all of which require the contestants to use either the English or Filipino language. It really was difficult to answer such an implicative question, but come to think of it, I was able to understand that these events were really not intended solely for the preservation of the Kapampangan heritage. Nevertheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these events are not in line with the goals of Sining. Instead, they are actually means of achieving the main objective of Sining; to allow young Kapampangan student artists to uphold their Kapampangan identity amidst the changing social trends brought about by foreign influences. Nowadays, educational curriculums dictate students to use only the English and Filipino language as the medium of instruction. Recognizing this is the reason why Sining opted to make some of its events in parallel with educational institutions in choosing the language to be used. By these, the greatest, most inevitable challenge of change is being considered. Nonetheless, Sining is able to set the momentum stable in maintaining its focus on the Kapampangan culture by integrating Kapampangan social issues on its themes, emphasizing the importance of the perspective of Kapampangans towards these predicaments.

Beyond doubt, Sining has been able to make important contributions in uplifting the Kapampangan legacy, at the same time recognizing the fact that artistry should always go hand-in-hand with socio-cultural concerns. Sining may not be the best art competition, but it is undoubtedly the perfect venue in showcasing the Kapampangan culture, artistry and talents.

Day 2, February 21, 2009, SM City Clark
Featuring the following competitions:
Declamation
Solo Singing
Interpretative Dance
Modern Streetdance
Rockoustic Band

AUFIS leads Sining 2009 Day 1 winners

February 7, 2009 – The first day of Sining 2009 was held at the New Era University with a total of 9 schools enlisting for the 10 different competitions.

Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS)
Brightwoods School (BS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
New Era University (NEU)
Pampanga High School (PHS)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies & Schools (SLRCSS)
St Mutien College (SMC)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)
University of the Assumption (UA)

The contestant turnout was bigger this year for almost all the events: Art Photography (7 entries), Essay Writing – English (17), Essay Writing – English (18), Poetry Writing – English (16), Poetry Writing – Filipino (16), Poster Making (15), Still Life Drawing (16), Impromptu Speech – English (8), Impromptu Speech – Filipino (8) and Crisotan (4).

The winners for Impromptu Speech Competitions for English and Filipino and the Crisotan were immediately announced after they were held and AUFIS.

Impromptu Speech – English
“How does the Global economic crisis affect you as a student?”
CHAMPION: Abriam Josh Esteban (AUFIS)
2nd: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
3rd: Katrina Cuaresma (SLRCSS)
Judges: Anril Tiatco, Ana Marie Alfelor, Jen Castro & Wendell Capili

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
“Ano ang epekto ng multilingualism sa pag-unlad ng wikang Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Mheanne Celis (SSA)
2nd: Antoneth Castillejos (AUFIS)
3rd: Jericko Samson (UA)
Judges: Arvee Salazar-Cruz, Homer Gallardo, Francisco Guinto

Crisotan
Kaninu ing Parsala by Rafael Maniago
CHAMPION: Renc Dizon, Rose Ann Calma, Cristine Jenel Cruz (NEU)
2nd: Charmaine Manlapaz, Bettina DeLeon, Claire Cochon (AUFIS)
3rd: Archie Dela Cruz, Francis Panganiban, Albert Gomez (DBA)
Judges: Francisco Guintu, Homer Gallardo, Erlinda Cruz

OVERALL TALLY as of Day 1
AUFIS – 40 pts
DBA – 20 pts
NEU – 20 pts
SSA – 15 pts
SLRCSS – 5 pts
UA – 5 pts


LEFT: Team Registration. The AguPips man the Registration Table.
RIGHT: Mirroring the future. The crystal vase is the object in the Still Life Drawing Competition.


LEFT: I, Write. One rooms of the writing events for Sining 2009.
RIGHT: Sining 2009 Audience. The audience witness the showcase of talent at the NEU Hall.

Sining 2009 Schedule of Events

DAY 1 - February 7, New Era University
8:00am Registration
9:00 Opening Ceremonies
10:00 DEADLINE: Entries for Art Photography
10:00-11:30 Impromptu Speech Competition (English)
10:00-12:00 Essay Writing Competition (English)
Essay Writing Competition (Filipino)
LUNCHBREAK
1:00-2:30pm Impromptu Speech Competition (Filipino)
1:00-4:00 Still Life Drawing Competition
Poster Making Competition
Poetry Writing Competition (English)
Poetry Writing Competition (Filipino)
2:30-4:00 Crisotan


DAY 2 - February 21, SM City Clark
10:00am Registration
11:00 Opening Ceremonies
11:30 Declamation Competition
12:30pm** Solo Singing Competition
2:00** Interpretative Dance Competition
3:00** Modern Street Dance Competition
4:00** Rockoustic Band Competition
Intermission numbers
5:30** Awarding Ceremonies

**Approximate times only. Actual schedule depends on number of participants in competitions before it. There will be 5-10-minute breaks in between competitions for any setup changes.

Sining 2009 coming this February

February 7, 2009 - New Era University
February 21, 2009 - SM City Clark

To join and for more inquiries:
Text JER 0927 803 3350, JEN 0915 331 5457