HONORING HERITAGE: CAPIZTAHAN STREET DANCE CHAMPS 

by Erica Mae G. Cala and Esamei G. Legaspi

Street dancers from CAPSU Burias emerge as the 1st Runner-Up in the Street Dance Competition during the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024.

Photo Credits: Capiz Provincial Government Communications Group

    Who can say we are doing enough to preserve our culture? 

    In the heart of Capiz, where the coastal breezes carry whispers of the past and the vibrant culture pulses through every street, the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Capisnon people. 

    With the aim of highlighting and promoting the values and culture of Capiznon, the province of Capiz, situated in the island of Panay in the Philippines, celebrates the “Mother of All Festivals” in Capiz – the CAPIZTAHAN, a combination of “Capiz” referring to the name of the province and “pista” from the Spanish term for “festival.”

    Showcasing the culture of the Capizeños, the event encapsulated the commemoration of Capiz founding anniversary, death anniversary of Pres. Roxas, and the celebration of the Seafood Culture. Usually celebrated every 15th of April, this year it was made a month-long celebration by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro. This catalyzed the opportunity for the province to display its cultural diversity, historical pride, and activate the very essence of being a Capizeño.

    As the sun rose over the tranquil waters of Pilar Bay, Roxas City awakened with anticipation. Grand floats filled the streets, adorned with colorful banners, while the sounds of laughter, music, and the rhythmic beats of drums magnified the festivities.

    Then on April 27, the MARAGTAS SANG CAPISNON: HISTORICAL PARADE, STREET DANCING, AND PERFORMANCES (DANCE DRAMA) commenced, a tradition that has grown to symbolize the

soul of CAPIZTAHAN. 

    Known to have over 30 dances which depict the province’s culture, values, and people’s way of life, Capiz highlighted MARAGTAS SANG CAPISNON as it featured colorful and vibrant performances from various groups, featuring traditional costumes, music, and dances that reflected the heritage and legends of Capiz. This competition formed part of the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024, synchronous with the Historical Parade, which took the main highway route from SM City Roxas to Pueblo de Panay TechnoPark.

    Festival goers witnessed over 20 dance drama performances showcasing the historical timeline of the Province of Capiz. 

    Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus along with others contingents from different towns, clad in lively costumes that reflect the diversity and richness of Capisnon culture, gathered in the heart of the city.

    On the day of the competition, the streets of Roxas City transformed into a vibrant canvas, alive with the energy of performers and spectators alike. The air thickened with excitement, and as performers took their places, a profound sense of purpose enveloped them. The music began, and with it, their story unfolded. Each twirl and leap paid tribute to the Maragtas, the ancient chronicles that recount the origins of the people, reminding them of the strength and unity that have carried them through generations. The street dancers performed not just for the judges, but for every Capisnon who had come before them, for those who stood beside them, and for the future generations who would carry the torch forward.

    It is through this involvement that one could truly say that we are doing the best that we can through participating in the celebration of the CAPIZTAHAN. The smiles, laughter, and stories of experiences validated the effort given by everybody to make the spirit of the Capizeños alive. It is also through the celebration that the heart of the province continues to beat to live for its people. One  of the living testimonies of preserving and valuing what Capiz has to offer - the CAPIZtahan.

    This is organized by Capiz Provincial Government through the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office in partnership with the Philippine Folkdance Society (PFDS) – SAOT Capiz Chapter.

 PSABE-PPG BURIAS CHAPTER BAGS MULTIPLE NATIONAL AWARDS

by Krissha Mha E. Labaniego

PSABE-PPG Burias Chapter brings home multiple national awards, setting a new benchmark in agricultural engineering.
Photo Credits: Supreme Student Council CAPSU Burias Campus

With the theme “Sustainable Innovations in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering: Greener Future for Food-Secured Philippines,” the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers - Pre-Professional Group (PSABE-PPG) Burias Chapter from CAPSU Burias showcased significant achievements in the field of biosystems and engineering, emerging as one of the top three delegates in the recently concluded 73rd PSABE-PPG National Convention 2024, held from April 22 to 27 in Legaspi, Albay.

Together with the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (BSABE) Program Chair, Engr. Marilyn L. Bernabe, and the PSABE-PPG Burias Chapter Adviser, Engr. Ela Mae O. Villegas, and BSABE students, including Mary Joy Cullo, Jules Vincent Bagtong, Rizza Mae Silverio, Cassandra Jane Gaspar, Hazel Ann Cayetano, and Lea Joy Necor, demonstrated extraordinary skills and performances individually and as a group that enabled them to obtain the 3rd Place spot, bagging the other nine awards as well.

Placing the participants in the spotlight who brought honors to the college, Engr. Bernabe stated that she is supportive of the endeavors of the ABE students.

In particular, Cayetano proved her mettle in the biosystems and agricultural engineering fields by winning 1st Place in the Agricultural Machinery Parts Identification Category, and together with Gaspar, they excelled in the Undergraduate Thesis Oral Presentation Category, securing 3rd and 4th Places, respectively.

“Participating in the PSABE-PPG National Convention 2024 is an exciting and challenging experience. The competitions provided a platform for us, ABE students, to showcase our skills, knowledge, and creativity in a competitive environment,” Cayetano said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Cullo stood out as the 1st Runner-Up in the Ms. PSABE-PPG National 2024 Pageant and also took home the People's Choice Award, a testament to the overwhelming love and support she received from the Facebook users during the online voting, and at the same time, Bagtong garnered the 3rd Runner-Up in the Mr. PSABE-PPG National 2024 Competition and also received additional awards, including Best in Formal Attire and Best in Advocacy and Video Presentation.

Cayetano believed that the endeavor “is a great opportunity to learn more and appreciate the importance of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in achieving a greener future and a food-secured environment. It's a beautiful moment to socialize, test one’s abilities, and potentially achieve recognition from our fellow Bayaws.”

Moreover, the team brought home 2nd Place in the DABEST Showdown while Engr. Villegas got elected as one of the board of trustees for the PSABE Young Engineers Section, and Cullo got elected as the PSABE-PPG National Auditor.

 TELL CLUB HOSTS ENGLISH FEST 2024: A CELEBRATION OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE 

by Kristine Jill F. Llegue

TELL Club, composed of students from the BSEd major in English, organizes the English Fest to highlight the immersive journey of understanding and appreciating life through literature.

    To provide an avenue for the students to engage in various activities that celebrate the power of language and its ability to connect individuals through shared experiences, the English Language and Literature (TELL) Club spearheaded the English Fest on April 24 at the Campus Gymnasium with a theme: "Experience, Explore, Engage: Making Connections through Life and Literature.”

    Due to the extremely high heat index that temporarily halted face-to-face classes, the initial part of the program was conducted via TELL Club's Facebook Page Live, where Dr. Romulo N. Lagon, Dean of the College of Education (COE), extended a warm welcome to all the attendees and emphasized the importance of literature and establishing connections with one another, noting that “we come together not only to appreciate the beauty of nature but to form connections with one another through shared experiences and discussions."

    The keynote speech of Mr. Michael John S. Escosio, an English Teacher from the Dewey Schools in Vietnam, highlighted the event. He shared his educational journey and experiences from his time as a student at the COE, where he specialized in English.

        "I can still vividly recall our literature class with Sir Gerard, where we portrayed Greek gods and goddesses all around the CAPSU Burias Campus. It was a bit embarrassing at first but also incredibly fun and a powerful reminder that literature can be brought to life, Mr. Escosios shared.

    The TELL Club held various competitions in celebration of the English Fest, including Character Impersonation, Choral Reading, Poster-Slogan, Essay Writing, Poetry Speaking, Vest in Spelling, BaTELL of the Brains, and Radio Drama.

 DANCING CLOSE TO THE PINNACLE 

by Jeanelle O. Ledesma

Student dancers from CAPSU Burias represent the Campus in the SAOT CAPIZ: CAPISNON FOLK DANCE COMPETITION 2024 as part of the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024.

Photo Credit: Radyo Maragtas

    The air was electric with anticipation, combined with banners of every hue that fluttered in the gentle breeze and the scent of sizzling delicacies sold on sidewalks. Roxas City's main square became a grand stage where tradition and modernity danced in harmony. For months, they rehearsed tirelessly, perfecting each step and synchronizing every movement, all for this one moment — SAOT CAPIZ: CAPISNON FOLK DANCE COMPETITION 2024.

    The vibrant rhythms of Capisnon culture came alive at the event that showcased the rich heritage and artistic prowess of local performers from the different towns of Capiz as part of the CAPIZTAHAN FESTIVAL 2024, the cultural and food festival, founding anniversary, and memorial celebration of the Province of Capiz. Among the many talented groups, one dance troupe stood out from Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus, earning the prestigious title of 1st Runner-Up under the category of “Western-Influenced Dances.”

    The event, held in front of the Capiz Provincial Capitol on April 14, was a spectacle of colors, music, and dance, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. "Saot," a local term meaning "dance," perfectly encapsulated the spirit of this competition. With its role in preserving traditional Capisnon folk dances, the competition uncovered dances that are more than just performances; they are living records of the region’s history, customs, and values. By encouraging young people to learn and perform these dances, the competition ensured that these cultural treasures were passed down to future generations.

    "Folk dance is more than just a form of exercise or entertainment – it's a way to connect with our heritage and express ourselves in a unique way," the folk dancer, who wished to remain nameless, said. 

    

    Their group, adorned in white, Maria Clara costumes that echoed the elegance and purity of their ancestors’ attire, stood at the edge of the stage, hearts pounding in unison. The team of folk dancers from CAPSU Burias, composed by Ela Mae Dalida, Rhealyn Joy Gevero, Princess Joy Isoy, Michelle Labto, Angel Llauderes, Riza Mae Lantoria, Marry Joy Lorca, Angel Lupo, Jezel Salomeo, Rowena May Quisto, Angel Vaay, and Kyla Velado, accepted the challenge to carefully choreographed display of traditional dance moves, classic costumes, and melodious music, while showcasing synchronization with precision and passion.

    The moment seemed a slowdown as they heard the name of their represented school. At last, they made the University proud, revealing a moment of immense pride.

    The team’s outstanding performance of Jota Pilareña, a traditional folk dance from Pilar, Capiz, left the audience mesmerized and the judges impressed, as evident in every step, spin, and gesture they executed during their routine. The audience enjoyed a stunning performance, and women in Maria Clara dresses, moving in perfect harmony with the beat, while looking back on their journey and reminiscing the lessons they learned along the way.

    The dancer further added that, “I think what I learned most is that even as a first-timer, you can achieve your goals with believing in yourself and your abilities."

    The team's success became testament to the dedication and hard work of their outstanding dance director, Prof. Glen Rose L. Mejia, assistant director, Prof. Angeline L. Vestidas, and costume designer, Prof. Joan Rae L. Lantoria.

    Furthermore, the team shared that Mr. Regie Dajay and Mr. Jhon Ritch Howell Delatado, supported them every step of the way and provided invaluable guidance and motivation to keep the dancers driven and focused.

    They also shared that in the end, dancing to victory spoke more than just the about the journey, the bonds formed, at the cultural pride that fueled every step. As they accepted their well-deserved recognition as the 1st Runner-Up, the CAPSU Burias Folk Dancers proved that with teamwork, dedication, and passion for their craft, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.

    The achievement marked another milestone in the University's commitment to promoting cultural heritage. The team's success symbolically manifested the power of arts and culture in bringing people together and showcasing the beauty of Capisnon identity.