Art by Pepin Josef Turla

College, with its endless cycle of lectures, requirements, and examinations, does not always make the journey memorable enough to look back on with fondness. Sometimes, it becomes more meaningful when you take an extra leap beyond the classroom, using your talents and showcasing passions that often remain unseen.

There’s always a place where these passions can thrive, whether through dancing, singing, or performing. As part of the university’s 22nd Charter Celebration, and in this year’s KANYAW: Kanta at Sayaw, performers step onto the stage not only to bask in the spotlight or impress the audience but also to carry the traditions and folklore of those who first inhabited the land, preserving and presenting them with renewed vigor.

A born-to-perform dancer, Jasmine Salazar from the School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship (SAME), finds her way to the stage despite the demanding nature of her academics, making time and exerting effort just to perform before a crowd.

“Passion ko po talaga ever since an pag-dance,” Salazar expressed. “Bisan busy an amon schedule, ginhahatagan ko talaga hiya hin time to perform kay I love dancing man in front of the crowds.”

One of the reasons she chose to participate in the competition was her love for performing before an audience and hearing their cheers as they showcase the fruits of their hard work. Yet beyond the applause, freedom of expression remains her driving force as both a student and a performer.

“An crowds talaga na nagchi-cheer ha amon, ngan makita hira ha amon nga nagpe-perform. Amo gud ito an akon pinaka-main nga rason—to express myself,” she said.

Meanwhile, Heart P. Restituto from EVSU-Ormoc Campus, who electrified the crowd with her powerful vocals, shared how she managed the demands of academics while still bringing her passion into the spotlight, emphasizing that time management plays a crucial role for students who wish to pursue their talents.

“Kay naa man koy, kanang, time management. Importante jud ang time management kay mao man jud na’y trabaho sa mga student performer,” Restituto shared. “Dapat i-manage jud nimo imong mga oras as estudyante, so makaya ra jud nato.”

For Restituto, balancing academic responsibilities and performing is no easy feat, but proper time management allows her to fulfill both roles while continuing to nurture her passion for music and the stage.

Beyond academics and professional duties, KANYAW provides a stage where EVSUnistas rediscover their passions, showcase hidden talents, and celebrate the artistry that often remains behind classroom walls and office desks. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are not found in lectures, examinations, or daily responsibilities, but on the stage, where individuals transform passion into performance.

These talents may remain unseen for most of the year, but when the opportunity arises, they emerge and make those who possess them even more remarkable than they already are.

Article by John Elemar Restor