Carolinians sing WitnesSING to the Word
Photo by Garel Sison
The third WitnesSing to the Word has proved once again the Carolinians’ flair as their music filled the Michael Richartz Convention Center today, August 23, 2017.
In line with the theme for USC Days 2017, “Exodus in Education: Deconstruction, Reconstruction and Re- launching”, 10 contestants from the administration, faculty, staff and students of the University of San Carlos showcased their original songs relevant to the said theme.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Roger Bag-ao, SVD, stated that the WitnesSing to the Word was done as a rebranding of the Carolinian attribute. In an interview, he admitted that he sees music as a convenient way of inculcating the Carolinian identity to the students of the university. He also stated that the event was a celebration not just of the academic excellence the university offers, but of the musical ingenuity of the Carolinian community as well.
Mr. Benedict Salise, master of the ceremony, then introduced the contestants of the ten entries from the tertiary and secondary level of the university who sung their heartfelt pieces to the crowd.
The messages of the music were all filled with personal stories, testimonies and experiences. EG Arganza, a contestant and an SHS student, admitted that she experienced depression earlier this year due to her declining musical career and related the theme of USC Days 2017 to her personal exodus.
She said, “At first, I only joined the competition for compliance”. However, the event became an opportunity for her to overcome her depression and create music.
The crowd cheered for their bets as songs continued to fill the entire venue. Members of the Voices Club of the University of San Carlos- Basic Education Department South Campus, supported Martina Trabajo, a Grade 10 student. In an interview with one of the club member, the event has been an opportunity for them to share their talent to the whole Carolinian community.
With all the songs ending on a high note, the crowd cheered once more as the host announced the winners. The second runner up was James Gabriel Verallo of the School of Education (SED) while the first runner up was Kristel Budomo, a senior highschool (SHS) student. The School of Business and Economics (SBE) representatives, Emmanuel Casquejo and Athaniel, with their song, “In His Calling” made them garner the award of Best Interpretation and the champions of the third Witnessing to the Word songwriting contest.
In an interview, they said that they both wrote the song to evangelize and never really expected to win.
“Winning is secondary,” the duo stated.
This year’s Witnessing to the Word is one among the many activities that showcase the Carolinian talent, wherein the organizers hope to receive more entries next year.
