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
