Despite practicing primarily in rented KTV rooms, the Business and Management (B&M) Vipers’ pride proved they were not to be shadowed as they clasped the cluster’s first Star Search championship title in ten years.

B&M Vipers’ Ixy Mae Solis shared the difficulties she encountered in preparing, especially after being tapped to represent her cluster at the last minute. 

“Since I’m only staying in an apartment, all of my resources are so limited. I can’t really practice well, so, like, I have to go out to KTVs or even studios para lang ma practice akong song.”

Solis also highlighted how disciplined practice helped refine her performance, underscoring the importance of repeatedly reviewing her pieces to identify areas for improvement. 

“I’m just listening to my own song and relistening to it in order for me to find my cons na pwede ko ma-improve,” she added.

She drew inspiration from her all-time favourite artist, Morissette, a Filipino singer-songwriter widely recognized as Asia’s Phoenix, who captivated her since childhood.

“Ever since I was young, si Morissette kasi talaga yung nag-struck sa akin kasi she’s phenomenal and like kilala talaga sya as like songbird ng Philippines and parang naging inspiration yun for me to like push myself lang, just like her.”

On stage, Solis performed a medley of Morissette’s most heartfelt songs, beginning with “Akin Ka Nalang”, followed by a stirring rendition of “Ikaw ay Ako”, and closing with “Naririnig Mo Ba” that ultimately sealed her victory.

The Humanities and Letters (HUMLET) cluster’s pride, Chanian May Escalias, secured her position as first runner-up, while the School of Nursing (SON) Panthers’ representative, Quisha Modequillo, claimed second runner-up, placing the cluster in the same overall ranking they took hold of in last year’s competition.

This year’s Star Search was held on December 10 at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium.