Day: January 30, 2025

Amid the vibrant hues of green, red, white and blue, one color stood out. A striking shade of magenta, adorned with thousands of crystals, shimmered under the lights of the Iloilo Convention Center. At its center was the belle of the ball—this year’s West Visayas State University Alumni Queen, Janet Castillo Morata.

As she turned to greet her interviewers, an air of grace and confidence surrounded her, yet her warm smile quickly bridged the gap between formality and familiarity. Without hesitation, she welcomed the conversation, exuding the charm and charisma that have defined her journey from WVSU to success abroad.

Morata embodies the transformative power of perseverance and hard work. From humble beginnings in the Philippines to managing a successful caregiving business, nursing homes and hospitals in Tampa, Florida, her journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Amid the lively chatter of the alumni gathering, she reflected on her years at WVSU with fondness and nostalgia.

A proud alumna of the College of Education, Class of 1990, Morata humorously admitted that she never initially aspired to become an educator. However, she pursued a degree in elementary education to honor her parents, both educators themselves. Though reluctant at first, she grew to love the field, crediting her classmates and the university’s unique academic environment for making her college years unforgettable.

With an easygoing nature, Morata approached college life with optimism rather than pressure. Academic rankings were never her priority. Instead, she valued experiences and the joy of living in the moment. “West shaped me differently,” she said, emphasizing how her alma mater instilled resilience and determination—qualities that would later define her career path.

After graduation, Morata began teaching in a remote village, but life had other plans. She soon found herself in the field of caregiving—a drastic shift from education. Despite the change, she carried with her the lessons of hard work and adaptability from WVSU. Today, she ensures quality care for others while making a name for herself in a foreign land.

Though she describes herself as informal and lighthearted, her eyes gleamed as she recalled her carefree college days—days that unknowingly laid the foundation for her personal and professional growth. “You can’t be easygoing if you want a bright future,” she reflected. Her journey, marked by unexpected twists, has become an inspiration. Now, she is committed to giving back to the community that shaped her while setting her sights on even greater opportunities ahead.

Morata’s story is a reminder that success is not always a straight path. Sometimes, it is about embracing challenges, working hard and shaping dreams into reality—wherever life leads.

Story by Joannah Mekaela Jamela, Trixie Ningas, and Hazelyn Aliboso/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Dwiniane Keith Escoltor/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

The sound of roaring applause and cheers echoed through the West Visayas State University Cultural Center on the afternoon of January 29, as the long-awaited Lip-Sync Battle reimagined some of the most electrifying and much-admired musicals, showcasing the exceptional talents of Taga-West students.

With the audience eagerly awaiting the theatrical flair of their representatives, Federated Student Council Board Member Jan Michael Alayon set the tone for the event, saying, “This afternoon, we are not just here to watch people perform; we are here to witness passion, creativity, and the power of music [that] brings people together.”

Seated in the front row were the esteemed panel of judges—the award-winning choreographers Jacob Confesor, Reynaldo Susbilla Jr., and Crisanto Sorsano Jr., who had the challenging duty of evaluating the neck-and-neck performances of the 14 contending groups.

The competition kicked off with Dapog Manugbulad (Calinog Campus), who graced the stage with a spine-tingling rendition of The Phantom of the Opera. Their dramatic and powerful performance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable event during this year’s University Days celebration.

The atmosphere quickly turned into a spectacle of awe and laughter as Dapog Manugpangat (COC) brought a witty twist to the popular Disney musical Frozen. Their Pinoy-style antics and comedic timing had the entire venue bursting with cheers, creating a fun-filled vibe.

Meanwhile, Dapog Manuglechon (COD) took the audience on a nostalgic journey through ABBA’s greatest hits with their medley of the classic Mamma Mia! Their vibrant costumes and engaging stage presence had the crowd singing along with the timeless tunes.

Dapog Manugsugba (COE), on the other hand, stunned the crowd with a creative parody of the iconic 90s hit Ang Huling El Bimbo, which took a bold twist to deliver a powerful message about the importance of supporting education. Their energetic performance, coupled with a meaningful social commentary, resonated with the audience.

Dapog Manugsanlag (CON) took over the stage with their striking props and visuals, set in the heart of the jungle for their own version of The Lion King. Following that, Dapog Manugpakas (CBM) bewitched the audience with their enthralling performance of Wicked. When the mega-hit song Defying Gravity played, it was nothing short of magical, with the crowd singing their hearts out to the melody.

As the competition drew to a close, the cheers from the crowd and the thunderous applause were deafening. It was a true celebration of the power of music and self-expression.

Story by Grace Divine Salumag/The Mediator

Photos by Grace Divine Salumag/The Mediator

West Visayas State University (WVSU) upheld its tradition of excellence as students from various colleges and external campuses showcased their talents like master chefs refining their craft during the second and third days of the 2025 University Days.

From group performances to visual arts and speech competitions in English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon, the events offered a feast of creativity-each performance and presentation meticulously crafted, much like a gourmet dish prepared with precision and passion.

The competitions highlighted not only the students’ technical skills but also their dedication to their respective crafts, reinforcing WVSU’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation.

Here is a flavorful serving of the official top five rankings from the different competitions, each as carefully crafted as a signature dish in this grand feast of talent:

ENGLISH SPEECH CATEGORY

CHARACTER IMPERSONATION

1st Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

4th Place – Dapog Manuglupak (ILS)

5th Place – Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus)

FILIPINO AND HILIGAYNON SPEECH CATEGORY

TALUMPATI

1st Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

2nd Place – Dapog Manuglechon (COD)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

4th Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

5th Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

DAGLIANG TALUMPATI

1st Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

2nd Place – Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

4th Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

5th Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

DEKLAMASYON SA FILIPINO

1st Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglupak (ILS)

4th Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

5th Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

PAGKUKWENTO

1st Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugbusa (CICT)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

4th Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

5th Place – Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)

BINALAYBAY

1st Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

2nd Place – Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglupak (ILS)

4th Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

5th Place – Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)

SUGILANON

1st Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

4th Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

5th Place – Dapog Manugkilaw (Janiuay Campus)

VISUAL ARTS CATEGORY

TRADITIONAL PAINTING

1st Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus)

4th Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

5th Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

PHOTO CONTEST

1st Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugbusa (CICT)

4th Place – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

5th Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

CHARCOAL AND PENCIL DRAWING

1st Place – Dapog Manugbusa (CICT)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

4th Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

5th Place – Dapog Manugmasa (CAF)

ON-THE-SPOT POSTER MAKING

1st Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

2nd Place – Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

4th Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

5th Place – Dapog Manugbusa (CICT)

DIGITAL ART PAINTING

1st Place – Dapog Manugbusa (CICT)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)

4th Place – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

5th Place Dapog Manuglupak (ILS)

GROUP CATEGORGY

SHORT AND SWEET PLAY

1st Place – Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

2nd Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

3rd Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

4th Place – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

5th Place – Dapog Manugkilaw (Janiuay Campus)

LIPSYNC BATTLE

1st Place – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd Place – Dapog Manuglechon (COD)

3rd Place – Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

4th Place – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

5th Place – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

The awarding ceremony on Jan. 30 at the university’s Cultural Center capped off the Sulong Film Festival, celebrating the exceptional talent and dedication of the participants.

As the final day of University Days neared, excitement reached a fever pitch. Colleges and external campuses had an insatiable appetite for victory, eagerly awaiting the results in musical performances, newscasting, radio drama, and dance competitions-each event a carefully crafted course in this grand banquet of talent.

Story by John Gabriel Nietes, Kurson Lapating, and Angel Zamora/Dynamics Publication

Photos by LINK.exe

Dapog Manuglagpang (College of Medicine) ate and left no crumbs as the trio of Maio Vendell Sabidong, Patrick John Benedict Limos, and Earl Cedric Lagapa toppled last year’s champions, Dapog Manugtuom (College of Arts and Sciences), in their fight to the top spot of Banggianay 2025.

In this ultimate battle of wits and words, the two best teams argued whether the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) should be revived as outlined in Senate Bill 2034. Dapog Manuglagpang served on the affirmative side, while Dapog Manugtuom was on the negative side.

The finals round was opened by USC Councilor and University Days event chairperson Rixfel Aperong. She emphasized the value of debates in challenging personal beliefs and encouraging exploration of new ideas – a key indicator of someone’s knowledge of a certain topic.

The debate was opened with Manuglagpang’s necessity speaker, Maio Vendell Sabidong, who called for a “safer, stronger and more prepared Philippines” as he outlined how tensions with China along with the sheer number of disasters the country faces necessitate the training, discipline, and civil service that ROTC provides.

In response, Dapog Manugtuom’s necessity speaker, Kyla Mae Yapendon countered with her own set of arguments against Mandatory ROTC. She argued that our national defense encompasses more than just military training, further adding that Mandatory ROTC should only be reinstated in response to extreme societal needs. Instead, she proposed that we need modern military equipment – not mandatory ROTC.

Patrick John Benedict Limos, Dapog Manuglagpang’s beneficialityspeaker, then took the podium to outline the clear benefits that reviving the program would have. He cited the country’s lack of preparedness in both national defense and disaster management, reinforcing Sabidong’s argument that ROTC would help with both.

He acknowledged the horrors and abuses the previous mandatory ROTC program caused but swiftly argued that due to current laws, like the Anti-Hazing Law and the Safe Spaces Act, as well as the built-in regulatory committee outlined within the bill, enough checks and balances are in place to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.

In response to Limos’ beneficiality speaker, Gelou Jane Bea Alilay quickly rebutted, saying that current NSTP already addresses problems related to disaster preparedness, citing Red Cross volunteers. She also pointed out previous issues linked to the Mandatory ROTC such as physical abuse, hazing and discrimination. She further argued that NSTP provides more diverse options which are centered around peace, collaboration, and nation building.

The duo also went head-to-head in two interpellation rounds where, amidst a flurry of questions, Limos proved to be a tough nut to crack as he got Alilay to agree that the AFP’s numbers are not sufficient.

Manuglagpang’s practicability speaker Earl Cedric Lagapa hammered home their point as he highlighted how enforcing mandatory ROTC is not only feasible but supported, citing statistics and adding that it would streamline the allocation of resources due to the reduced number of programs.

“[Mandatory ROTC is] not a repeat of the past but a reformed and accountable program,” Lagapa declared.

As the last to speak, Vaness Langrio, Manugtuom’s practicability speaker, argued against the statements of Lagapa, stating that treaties were not existent back when World War II happened. She also challenged the reliability of the data presented by the affirmative side, citing a “more reputable” survey with 20,000 respondents which resulted in the majority opposing the revival of Mandatory ROTC.

Further, she said that reviving Mandatory ROTC is impracticable due to logistical problems, saying that Mandatory ROTC would only add to the administrative burden to responsible agencies once implemented. She concluded that the government should instead focus more on programs that could benefit our nation and our system.

The two faced off in a fast-paced interpellation round where Langrio questioned the program’s effectiveness and the affirmative’s confidence in the program, considering it will begin with pilot testing. Lagapa kept cool, pointing out how all laws begin with pilot testing, and it is not a lack of confidence an opportunity to improve and learn from past mistakes.

Langrio closed off the negative side’s arguments by pointing out the flaws in their opponents’ reasoning, particularly with them misinterpreting facts, ignoring current geopolitical contexts and possible priority misalignment.

Her speech echoed their bench’s call for a “diverse pathway to national service”, giving all students the right to choose.

“Choice without effectiveness is meaningless,” refuted Sabidong in his rebuttal speech as he dismantled the negative side’s arguments, affirmed their points and, despite having half their numbers, cinched the debate.

He closed the match with a final shot, saying, “In Banggianay 2025, we served the better dish.”

While Dapog Manuglagpang emerged victorious, Vaness Langrio of Dapog Manugtuom served as the match’s best speaker, while Maio Vendell Sabidong of Dapog Manuglagpang was named the best debater.

In addition, awards for the best speakers and debaters from the semi-finals were also presented. Below are the results:

Match 1 (COM vs. CON)

Best Speaker – Beatrice Yvonne Sorogon – Practicability Speaker (CON)

Best Debater – Patrick John Benedict Limos – Beneficiality Speaker (COM)

Match 2 (CAS vs. COC)

Best Speaker – Kyla Mae Yapendon – Necessity Speaker (CAS)

Best Debater – Kyla Mae Yapendon – Necessity Speaker; Gelou Jane Bea Alilay – Beneficiality Speaker (CAS)

Meanwhile, here are the overall standings of the 2025 Banggianay:

5th place – Integrated Laboratory School

4th place – College of Nursing

3rd place – College of Communication

2nd place – College of Arts and Sciences

1st place – College of Medicine

As the event wrapped up, Federated Student Council Secretary Keven Rizzo Sitjar expressed his hopes that future editions of Banggianay would return independently, incorporating both Oxford-Oregon and Asian Parliamentary debate formats.

Story by Paul Asi Hitalia and Jeraldine Miranda/The Courier

Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico

The eerie laughter of Pennywise, the infamous clown from Stephen King’s It, echoed through the West Visayas State University Cultural Center (WVSUCC), sending shivers down the spines of the audience. At the center of the chilling spectacle stood Ralph Michael Condino, a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Mathematics student, who brought the fear-feeding character to life during the University Days competition.

Dressed in a meticulously crafted Pennywise costume, Condino emerged from the shadows, holding a crimson balloon. His every sinister grin and unsettling gesture captivated and terrified the audience, fully embodying the nightmarish character. For Ralph, the stage was more than just a performance space—it was home.

His love for theater began in ninth grade when he first stepped under the spotlight. For three years, he immersed himself in the world of scripts, rehearsals, and monologues, finding joy in delivering lines, adopting personas, and evoking emotions from his audience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to put his passion on hold, leaving him unable to perform for five years.

That changed when he won the College of Education (COE) Fun Days competition, earning the honor of representing the COE in the university-wide event. With this opportunity, Ralph was determined to give his all, knowing it was likely his last time on stage before graduating.

Preparing for the role of Pennywise required dedication. “If you can’t imitate his voice, it’s hard to bring Pennywise to life,” Ralph shared, emphasizing his focus on mastering the character’s distinct tone. Using a throat voice while singing helped him perfect the sinister speech patterns. Though he had portrayed characters such as Aladdin and Sebastian before, he admitted that playing Pennywise was his favorite.

As he prepared to step on stage, he reminded himself, “I’ll give it my all, and regardless of the outcome, I’ll be happy knowing I did my best. That way, I won’t have any regrets after the performance.”

His dedication paid off. As the awarding ceremony began, anticipation filled the air. The moment his name was announced as the champion, the cultural center erupted with cheers. Ralph’s heart pounded as he took in the overwhelming support from his friends, mentors, and fellow COE students. His victory was not just his own—it was a shared triumph with those who believed in him.

“Michael’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion,” a faculty member remarked. “When you pour your heart into something, the outcome becomes secondary to the fulfillment you gain from the journey.”

With his love for performance reignited, Ralph’s final bow on the WVSU stage was not just a farewell but a celebration of a passion that, once rekindled, burns brighter than ever.

Story by Sherylyn Mae Bonotano, Leigh Diane M. Mandado, and Kenea Hope Dellava/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Leigh Diane M. Mandado/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) campus came alive with excitement and nostalgia during the University Days 2025, as faculty and staff from all campuses revisited their roots through the Laro ng Lahi on January 30.

This special segment, dedicated to traditional Filipino games, aimed to foster camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and a sense of national pride among participants. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with students of all ages engaging in fun-filled activities that highlighted the importance of preserving Filipino heritage.

The university grounds transformed into a lively arena for iconic games such as patintero, piko, tumbang preso, and sipa. Spectators cheered on participants as they competed in these timeless games, once staples of childhood in Filipino communities. The spirited competition, paired with laughter and friendly banter, reflected the strong sense of unity and pride within the WVSU community.

Story by Abemae Alava and Christine Marie Mapa/Dynamics Publication

Photos by LINK.exe

In a spirited competition of visual storytelling at the 2025 DIGAMO short film contest, Dapog Manugpangat (College of Communication) emerged victorious with their entry “Sugilanon sa Kurbada.” They brought home the most-coveted trophy that the College had been eyeing for years, along with multiple special awards.

The winning masterpiece explores the journey of a budding filmmaker, taking the audience into an insightful perspective behind the scenes. It also features a variety of characters, each representing a different taste of life that resonates with many Ilonggos.

“As a director, this is my third and last time joining; at last, COC has finally won again after so many years. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m happy and satisfied knowing that we were able to express what we wanted through this film,” said John Angelo Arroyo, this year’s Best Director awardee.

He also extended his gratitude to his production team, LENSE, who worked closely with him to bring this meaningful cinematic experience to life.

“This win would not be possible without them; I’m proud because we finally brought back the crown in the short film category to COC, where it should be,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dapog Manugsugba (College of Education) clinched the second place by portraying the hopes and dreams of a family through an emotional ride with their entry, “Layang sa Hangin.” Securing third place was Dapog Manugsanlag (College of Nursing) with “Anna, To Me,” which depicts a romantic thrill with a savory twist of flavors.

This year’s Sulong Film Festival is a testament to student filmmakers and their dedication to contributing to cultural memory.

BEST PICTURE AWARDS

Champion: College of Communication

1st runner-up: College of Education

2nd runner-up: College of Nursing

3rd runner-up: College of Arts and Sciences

4th runner-up: College of Information and Communications Technology

MAJOR AWARDS

Best Picture: College of Communication

Best Screenplay: College of Communication

Best Cinematography: College of Communication

Best in Musical Score and Sound Design: College of Communication

Best in Editing: College of Communication

Best Director: College of Communication (John Angelo Arroyo)

Best Performance in a Lead Role: College of Education (Divine Grace Monte) and College of Arts and Sciences (Dick Matthew Montaño)

SPECIAL AWARDS

Best Poster: College of Medicine

Best in Teaser Video: College of Education

Special Jury Citation: College of Communication

Words and photos by Grace Salumag/The Mediator

Fifteen participants showcased their articulation skills during the TV Newscasting Competition held on Jan. 30, 2025, at the College of Communication TV Laboratory.

As part of West Visayas State University’s commitment to equipping students with versatile skills, the event was an opportunity for colleges and external campuses to demonstrate confidence in news delivery.

“It’s my first time joining an actual newscasting competition, so I take this as an opportunity to practice,” said Jan Loyd Abellano, a senior broadcasting student from Dapog Manugpangat, after his performance.

The three-hour competition tested participants’ fluency and composure as news anchors. Each competitor had five to seven minutes to select and present a news script covering local, national, or international stories.

Event organizer Gilbert Cerillo said he is eager to see the new winners but emphasized a broader goal. “Compared to last year, we want to see improvements. Our objective is to help students disseminate reliable and unbiased news,” he said.

Renowned local media professionals judged the competition, evaluating participants based on clarity, accuracy, delivery, and overall screen presence.

Story by Kathleen Pulido/The Mediator

Photos by Aiya Cantomayor and Grace Divine Salumag/The Mediator