Graphics by Dyric Espinosa

Showcasing the diverse talents of the university community, student-performers and faculty members from various schools and campuses of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) took center stage during the KANYAW 2026: Kanta at Sayaw Competition, held at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, Tuesday, August 25.

Said event brought together EVSUnistas in a display of camaraderie and school pride, with each contingent delivering musical and dance performances inspired by the theme “Visayan Pop” (V-Pop), reflecting the cultural identity of their respective campuses.

In the overall results, EVSU – Ormoc Campus defended its championship title, emerging victorious in this year’s competition, followed by the School of Architecture and Allied Disciplines (SAAD) and the School of Education (SED), which placed second and third, respectively.

For the special awards, SAAD dominated several major categories, clinching Best Dance Ensemble, Best Stage Production and Best in Choreography, highlighting the contingent’s creative execution.

Meanwhile, EVSU – Burauen Campus stood out in the musical categories, securing Best Vocal Performance, Best Male Vocalist, Best Lyrics, and Best Musical Arrangement, while EVSU – Ormoc Campus earned Best Female Vocalist.

In an interview, Heart Restituto, a vocalist from EVSU – Ormoc Campus, shared that their team was surprised to be hailed as champions, noting that the other contingents also delivered impressive performances.

“At first is, wa ako katoo nga kami diay ma-champion kay nakita mi sa lain nga mga contingent, so like makapawow jud ilahang mga performance, and also we do our best pud. So, in God’s will, natupad sa Ginoo among prayers,” Restituto shared.

Further, Justhine Grace Tante, a vocalist from EVSU – Burauen Campus, expressed that all the effort and exhaustion they invested in their performance were worth it.

“Worth it tanan na pagod and effort na amon gin-hatag han amon performance, nakikita man naton kun paano naglipay an aton mga audience and co-EVSUnistas, naiibanan an amon kaguol,” Tante expressed.

She added that their preparation for the performance was rooted in dedication and perseverance.

As an audience member representing the School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship (SAME), Jed Seatiel Nogar, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship student, emphasized that this year’s KANYAW celebration stood out for its unique concept and well-executed performances.

“An akon la masisiring hit mga performance hit mga EVSUnistas yana na KANYAW is very unique and enthusiastic talaga hiya. Like, never-been na mga talents, arrangement hit music, hit pagsayaw, like it’s very well performed talaga,” Nogar said.

The KANYAW 2026 competition was part of the university’s 22nd Charter Celebration, showcasing the artistic talents of EVSU students and faculty through music and dance.

Article by Nicole Cheyne Formentera