Graphics by Uriel Astorga
Filipino artistry and cultural identity took center stage as Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) performing groups presented music, dance and fashion during “Indak at Himig: Alay ng Puso at Kaluluwa” at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, Wednesday, August 26, as part of the university’s 22nd Charter Celebration.
Spearheaded by the EVSU’s Office of Culture and the Arts, the show featured performances from Samleyaw Performing Arts, Maroon and Gold, EVSU – TC Dance Troupe, POSTURA, EVSU Chorale, and LIKHA.
Among the featured performances was the EVSU – TC Dance Troupe’s rendition of SB19’s “DUNGKA!,” which previously earned a silver medal in the Street Dance Competition during the PASUC National Culture and Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026.
Also featured was the LIKHA Street Dance Group, now part of the EVSU Performing Arts Group, which performed “Tatsulok,” highlighting the group’s contribution to this year’s cultural showcase.
In an interview, Director for Culture and the Arts and one of the show’s organizers, Prof. Jerry Mores, said this year’s production shifted from last year’s focus on traditional cultural performances to honoring Filipino artists, composers, singers, veterans and emerging artists.
“This time we honor the Filipino artists, Filipino composers, singers, veterans, artists, and the new generation artists. So we emphasize patronizing our own local artists, most especially,” he said.
Mores added that the production sought to promote patriotism and appreciation for Filipino cultural identity by encouraging audiences to support and recognize local artists.
Mores further noted that this year’s show brought together more performing arts organizations from the main and satellite campuses, in contrast to last year’s production, which featured only the EVSU Chorale and Samleyaw Performing Arts Group.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Agillo, a student-performer from the LIKHA Street Dance Group, reflected on how performing in the show strengthened his appreciation for Filipino culture.
“Tungod hit amon pag-perform, na-realize ko na dapat mas tangkilikin naton it culture hit Philippines, kay in the first place, dapat mas maging proud kita ha aton, kay we are Filipino,” he said.
Agillo further explained that their performance of “Tatsulok” connected their presentation to current issues in the Philippines, particularly corruption, with the group using the piece to encourage audiences to make informed choices during elections.
Meanwhile, Shayne Danica Lopez, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) student who watched the performance, said she was impressed by how students combined their talents with an appreciation of Filipino culture.
“In this modern world where we are easily influenced by cultures from other countries, especially Western and K-pop, through this event it can help the Filipino youth or students to appreciate our culture more and also look back to our own roots,” she expressed.
The event marked Day 6 of EVSU’s 22nd Charter Celebration, with the Office of Culture and the Arts eyeing the inclusion of literary and visual arts in next year’s cultural presentation.
Article by Jairra Sey Villar