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
