The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) emerged victorious in the International Collaborative Contest (ICC) 2024, sweeping top honors in drama, speech, singing, and dance competitions, organized by the Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU) Indonesia.

During the live announcement, UNP’s drama team won first place with “Exchange,” written and directed by Genine Manalastas (BA Communication 4) and coached by Dr. Irene Abigail Guerrero. Jake Axel Tacadena’s (BA Political Science 3A) “Culture of Education: The Other Side of the Narrative” secured second place in the speech competition under the guidance of Mr. Nelson Benzon.

In the singing category, UNP students Jakie Lou Puller (BS Entrepreneurship 4) and Rosette Torrijos (B Public Administration 1A) took first and second place, respectively, with their rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen,” coached by Ms. Marie Garce Jaramilla. Meanwhile, the University’s folk dancers did not let anyone sway away their title as “nasasaririt” for they won first place in the dancing competition, coached by Mr. Mark Christian Palo.

Under the theme “Strengthening International Relationships through Education and Culture,” UNP showcased its talents and skills, solidifying its position as a globally recognized and competent university.

The University Student Council, led by President Noriel Paino, and production team, led by Mr. Ade John Gestole, played crucial roles in submitting the entries online. The University Information Office, supervised by Dr. Irene Abigail Guerrero, Dr. Shareen Navarro (University Information and Communication Technology Office) and Dr. Sally Jarin (International Affairs and External Linkages Office) provided valuable support.

ICC 2024 was held to encourage the young generations with international quality, excellence, and competitiveness. In organizing ICC 2024, UPU Indonesia collaborated with several ASEAN universities including UNP. The timeline of registration and submission of entries was from August 1 to September 30, 2024.

UNP has forged a partnership with UPU Indonesia for educational and cultural exchange as part of its internationalization initiatives.

Here is the complete list of participants in their respective categories:

SPEECH COMPETITION: Jake Axel Tacadena, Coach: Nelson F. Benzon

SINGING COMPETITION: Jackie Lou Puller and Rosette Torrijos, Coach: Marie Garce A. Jaramilla

ESSAY COMPETITION: Marphie Viernes, Coach: Alain Rodney

DRAMA COMPETITION: Kyle Christane Davalos as Sarah, Aaron Gerry Apalis as Li Wei, Gieminn Mhyel Teaño as Ji-Hoon, Ejen Glenn Torda as Vince, Franz Danielle Fabie as Dan, Princess Joy Gonzales as Bea, Elmo Virgilio Cabarloc Jr. as Mr. A, Alberto Rebula Jr. as Student #1, John Carlo Piano as Student #2, Coach: Dr. Irene Abigail S. Guerrero, Production Coach: Mr. Ade John T. Gestole

DANCING COMPETITION: Trixie Mae Alambat, Reimar Martinez, Maria Jenina Agcamaran, Ahron Andrei De Leon, Nympha Barut, John Denver Seguban, Mary Sandhee Tabbada, Jann Rodney Cadaoas, Coach: Mark Christian T. Palo, Asst. Coach: Howarth Dody Quereza

PRODUCTION TEAM: Ade John T. Gestole, Genine Eriane Manalastas, Noriel Jay P. Paino, Arcy Mae Christian S. Reburon, Juan Paolo B. Segundo, Jade Edmar E. Sesuca, Noelle Jnyx C. Tacas, Al Melchor Q. Palomas, Reymar Barie Balbalec, Aaron Gerry Apalis

Article by Genine Manalastas.