10 May 2016, 1:38 pm – THE RICHNESS Filipino culture was celebrated through
performances by homegrown talents in a cultural night dubbed “Atin Kupong
Sining” last May 4 at the Quadricentennial Square.
Office for Student Affairs Director Evelyn Songco narrated the history of the University’s
lost tradition of holding a cultural night. “ As we celebrate the university’s
405th founding anniversary, we have been inspired by the thousands of students
and alumni who contributed to the continuing flourishing of arts and culture in
the country,” Songco said in her opening remarks.
The program started with the Doxology and National
Anthem performed by the Accountancy Chamber Singers, champion of 2015 Himig
Tomasino 2015 intercollegiate choral competition.
The Salinggawi Dance Troupe, the official dance troupe
of the University, displayed precision and grace as they performed “Karahayan:
Oasioas,” a folk dance.
Filipino folk songs were highlighted as the UST High
School Glee Club serenaded the audience with “Rosas Pandan,” a
Cebuano song about a mythical Visayan maiden, and “Kruhay” (“long live”), an
ethnic composition based on a Panay folk tale.
The audience was then treated to an on-the-spot
painting and poetry reading session by Christian Laberinto, a third-year
student from the College of Fine Arts and Design, and Chelsea Jan Tamayo of
Teatro Tomasino, who recited the poem “Habang Pinagmamasdan ang Dagat Pagkatapos
Pumutok ang Pinatubo” by National Artist for Literature Cirilio Bautista.
The UST Guitar Octet from the Conservatory of Music
performed “Rythmaginaires” by French guitarist and composer Roland Dyen.
The Salinggawi Dance Troupe again went onstage for an
energetic performance of “Karayahan: Tinikling,” a popular Filipino dance involving couples maneuvering
and dancing swiftly between sliding bamboo poles.
An electrifying performance energized the audience as
the UST Percussion Ensemble performed “Gong Starter,”“SamabaYanan”
and “Afrilata.”
The internationally renowned and award-winning UST
Singers, under the baton of Fidel Calalang Jr., capped the evening with their
enthralling performance of Filipino folk songs “Banwar iti Cordillera,”
“Dandansoy” and “Paru-parong bukid.” They also performed the medley of “Get
Happy” and Happy Days are Here Again” popularized by Barbra Streisand.
The choir broke into dance as they performed “Happy”
by American singer Pharell Williams from the soundtrack album of the hit
animated film “Despicable Me 2.”
With cheers from the audience, the UST Singers
performed an encore of “This Is The Moment” by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie
Bricusse, popularized by the musical “Jekyll and Hyde.”
Music Dean Raul Sunico expressed hope that the event
would continue to be held for years to come. “We are hoping that this particular
series will be an ongoing one because this is the counterpart of the University
of Santo Tomas’ corporate social responsibility,” Sunico said in his message
for the event. Ma. Czarina A. Fernandez
