Graphics by John Carl Acosta
To honor outstanding achievements in journalism and the arts, this year’s CineSulat recognized students whose works exemplified creativity and artistic integrity during its awarding ceremony at the New COBE Building Function Hall 2 on Friday, February 27.
The seventh edition of the CineSulat: Film and Writing Festival spanned three days, featuring competitions in multimedia, writing and spoken word, and visual arts categories, with all participants receiving certificates of participation and top placers awarded medals.
In his closing message, Editor-in-Chief of The Industrial Wheel Alrey John Lacaba emphasized the significance of student expression, noting that every piece submitted served as proof that the youth are observant, principled, and creative contributors to society.
“Ang bawat piyesa na inyong ipinasa, ang bawat eksenang inyong binuo, at ang bawat salitang inyong isinulat ay patunay na ang kabataan ay hindi tahimik, tayo ay mapanuri, mapanindigan, at mapanlikha,” he said.
He further stressed that creating profound work requires vulnerability, conviction, and strength, commending participants for demonstrating these qualities throughout the festival.
Winners and top placers across the competition categories were recognized, with standout performers including Lian May Malot for Poetry Writing, Kristel Janell Aborita for Essay Writing, Jofken Apoya Jr. for Extemporaneous Speaking, Geance Fernandez for Spoken Poetry, Mizpha Joy Abgao for Declamation, Juliana Mae Ramos for Short Film, Alfred John Quimsing for Photography, Athea Ross Esperas for Digital Art, and Roldan Margallo for Traditional Art.
In an interview, Associate Editor of the publication Francine Kaye Resilla shared that CineSulat is held annually to provide students a platform to amplify their voices not only within the university but also in addressing broader societal realities, encouraging them to inspire, question, and challenge through their art.
“The Student Publications Office has always been a means for students to amplify their voices and concerns, whether in relation to the university or the nation at large. Through CineSulat, we gave student artists a safe space to use their gifts not just in the spirit of competition, but within a community that nurtured and challenged their standpoints to take the spotlight and inspire, transform, and question our lived realities,” she said.
Meanwhile, Geance Fernandez, a Batsilyer ng Sining sa Filipino (BSF) student and winner of the Spoken Poetry competition, shared that participating as a first-timer had been nerve-wracking yet inspiring, as he drew strength from his single mother’s perseverance and learned to trust the process and remain steadfast, win or lose.
“Bilang usa nga first timer hini nga competition, makulba, lalo na kun damo it tawo na nagkikita. Bumulig ak hini para ha akon parent, single mom hiya, nag-serve as inspiration it kun paano hiya nagiging masipag ngan matiyaga ha amon nga magburugto. An na-gain ko gihap na lesson is trust la ha process lalo na kan God, bisan mapirde ka man o magdaog, dapat padayon la,” Geance said.
As CineSulat 2026 concluded, the event reaffirmed the publication’s commitment to empowering youth voices, with plans to stage its eighth edition next year.
Article by Jairra Sey Villar