Southern Leyte State U recognizes local artists who help promote So. Leyte's culture, history, arts

Being the lone state university in the province of Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte State University showcased the talents of the artists and recognized the homegrown individuals and groups who help promote the province's culture, history, and the arts.

The recognitions were given to various local artists during the Pagdajeg 2022, the gala for illustrious local and international champions in the culture, history, and the arts on June 17, 2022 at the Multi-Purpose Court at the Main Campus of Southern Leyte State U during the culminating program of the Hometown CHA CHA CHA (culture, history, and the arts).

It also provides an opportunity for filmmakers, distributors, critics and interested students to make a film to discover and show their talent in filmmaking both local and international student who have talents in making film.

Hometown CHA CHA CHA (culture, history, and the arts) one of the year-long activities in view of the celebration of the 18th Charter Anniversary of Southern Leyte State U dubbed as "Moments of 18" that celebrates ethnicity of Sawdihanon (Southern Leyteños), driven by passion through the richness of Southern Leyte's history, diverse culture and art influences.

Further, it staged an artistic show to give due recognition to our proud Sawdihanon, who paved the way in arts, music, poetry and literature in local, national, and international arena through a benefit dinner featuring their masterpieces that truly bring pride for a true blooded Southern Leyteṅos.

Part of the activity was awarding of the winners for the first-ever Hudyaka, organized by the Student Development Services (SDS), that recognizes student artists through short-film competition.

Here is the complete list of the winners:

Best Cinematography: Clarence Clide Cabero from the short film "Kung Makawat Ko ang Ugma"

Best Actress: Alyka Jane Sarco from the short film "Bus"

Best Screenwriter: Apple Glaze Guinoo from the short film "Kung Makawat Ko ang Ugma"

Best Director: Mark Rodel Tabontabon from the short film "Kung Makawat Ko Ang Ugma"

3rd Best Film: "Dibuho sa Ilo" (Plot: A boy turned orphan caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was begging for alms and his life changed with the crayons he picked from the trash.)

Production Team of the short fim "Dibuho sa Ilo" receiving their award as 3rd Best Picture

2nd Best Film: "Bus" (This follows an existential teacher who constantly seeks her purpose as an educator. As she ponders about her mundane routine while waiting for the bus to depart, she meets a beggar eager to read the writings on the bus. Watching how patient and inclined the beggar reads, she realized that her purpose in life is right in front of her.)

Production Team of the short film "Bus" receiving their award as 2nd Best Picture

Best Picture: "Kung Makawat Ko ang Ugma" (A little boy who ran out of hope led him to become a thief at a young age but his unexpected encounter with a lady and a policeman changed everything.)

Production Team of the short film "Kung Makawat Ko Ang Ugma" receiving their award as Best Picture

Artworks from several students and employees of Southern Leyte State U were also in display as an exhibit during the gala night. They are on-sale and all the proceeds will be utilized for the development of students’ potentials on visual arts.

Here are some of the artworks featured during the exhibit:

Further, some local artists have also been recognized in the field of visual arts, music, culinary heritage, dance, performance arts, fashion designing, and hair and make-up.

Mr. Gershon V. Destora was recognized for his exemplary renditions of hyperrealisms and art abstractions in various media coupled with the numerous laurels and recognitions garnered in the local and national foray as well as local and international exhibitions.

Mr. Gershon V. Destora receiving his plaque of commendation

Mr. Klyde Francis Ledamo and Hon. Brian Gilles were recognized for their stellar performance and victories in the local and national foray making their work worthy of emulation and inspiration to the students of Southern Leyte State U.

Parents of Klyde Francis Ledamo receiving his plaque of commendation on his behalf

Hon. Brian Gilles receiving his plaque of commendation

Mrs. Denny Arsenio was also given commendation for her unwavering dedication to provide quality food delicacies in the localities truly reflected the heart of Sawdihanon which eventually pave the way for the famous Hopia Malitboganon.

Mrs. Denny Arsenio receiving her plaque of commendation

In the field of Performance Arts, Ms. Joanna Jane Ang, Mr. Alexander Dulfo, and Mr. Romeo Salada were recognized as multi-faceted artists for their indelible contributions to the arts on top being an embodiment of youth role model as exemplified by the numerous local and international recognitions they received.

Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes receiving the plaque of commendation on behalf of the honoree Ms. Joanna Jane Ang

Mr. Alexander Dulfo receiving his plaque of commendation

Allan Carl Gumera, newphew of the honoree, receiving the plaque of commendation on behalf of Mr. Romeo Salada

Mr. Christopher Y. Asma, who wholeheartedly shared and served the youth and community with his talent in dancing pro bono, received a plaque of commendation as well.

Mr. Christopher Y. Asma receiving his plaque of commendation

Our local fashion designers in the name of Chloe Amoren and Ivan Clair Gabi, Martin Urdaneta, Rhigel Vir Dulfo, and Cris Evale, and local hair and make-up artists namely Gremer Edurece, John Lastra, Bern Villaronza, Rico "Erica Fox" Calope, Babe "Bangs" Mortales, and Robert "Saira " Lopez Jr. were also recognized for sharing their expertise in the field of fashion designing and makeup.

The creations of the aforementioned local designers in the province were showcased during the gala night to display their achievements while providing a promotional platform for local fashion designers’ fashion brands and works.

(L-R) Martin Urdaneta and Chloe Amoren receiving their respective certificate of recognition

Limasawa Island, the Island from the Far East, was also recognized for bringing the province of Southern Leyte to the top because of its world-class beaches, dive sites, pilgrim sites, warm hospitable people, and most especially its cultural and historical accounts. Southern Leyte and the municipality of Limasawa itself take pride as it holds the claim as the site of the First Easter Sunday Mass on the Philippine soil.

Provincial Tourism Officer Mr. Nedgar Garvez receiving the plaque of commendation for on behalf of the Municipality of Limasawa

Meanwhile, Cultural Affairs Coordinators from the six campuses of the University were also given certificate of appreciation for their hard work and dedication in support to all stakeholders-related activities.

(L-R) Head of the Student Development and Services  Mr. Rey Comabig and Cultural Affairs Coordinator of Maasin City Campus Mr. Aris Rex Espinas receiving their respective certificate of appreciation

(L-R) Cultural Affairs Coordinator of San Juan Campus Mr. Michael Diaz and Cultural Affairs Coordinator of Main Campus Christian Errol Bandalan receiving their respective certificate of appreciation

(L-R) Cultural Affairs Coordinator of Hinunangan Campus Ms. Nova Marie Maranguit and Cultural Affairs Coordinator of Tomas Oppus Campus Ms. Haidelyn Jacobe receiving their respective certificate of appreciation

Cultural Affairs Coordinator of Bontoc Campus Dr. Peter June Dadios

The Pagdajeg 2022 aims to create a strong affiliation of the University's stakeholders through culture, history and the arts in local, national, and international to create a multifaceted platform for recognition of our local artist as an inspiration.