Mindanawon ethnic music and dances were the highlight of this year’s opening of the Festival of Excellence (FOE) as Davao-based band, Sining Kamalayan or Silayan serenaded the crowd along with the indigenous dance performances of Ateneo Sidlak Performing Arts Collective (ASPAC).

The event, held in celebration of the National Arts Month, aims to recognize and provide artists from all over the country with a platform to showcase themselves and their craft.

Silayan band member Giancarlo Candia was delighted in the audience’s reaction and appreciation of their music and performance.

“Ang banda namin ay nagpro-promote ng cultural and tribal music so pagkakita namin sa energy nga mga taga-AdDU kay nainspire kami na mag-perform pa and make music,” shared Candia.

(Our band promotes cultural and tribal music and seeing the enthusiasm of the AdDU students inspired us to perform further and make music)

Crowds inside the Arrupe Hall were treated with great acts throughout the event as the famous Lion Dance was performed by the Davao Lion Dancers Association (DLDA), followed by the performers from the Ateneo de Davao University Chorale, and Davao Kendo Club.

Also gracing the event was the Ateneo Lumad Student Organization (ALSO) who shared their culture with an acapella number and the audience also witnessed the performance of the recent champions in the Vocal Solo and Modern Standard Dancesports Competition of the Mindanao Games Rap Canedo, Aaron James Morales, and Rheliza Faith Quindoy.

Asked about the difference of this year’s FOE, Jesus Montajes, the Program Officer for Culture and Arts, shared that the celebration this year was the best one yet.

“This so far was the most vibrant and most diverse opening ceremony. I think the significance of this event is to celebrate artistry and of course to recognize the talents of our students here in Ateneo,” shared Montajes.

The FOE celebration is in its third year which is also the same date of the founding of ASPAC. The culmination of the FOE will be on February 22.