Photo shows the Ballroom Dance Competition Champion, School of Dentistry
Centro Escolar University turned the Smart Araneta Coliseum into a sea of pink for the Opening Ceremony of this year’s sportsfest with the theme, “Isandaang Taon at Isang Dekada ng Pagkakaisa,” held last August 3, 2017.
The 16, 500-seater venue was jam-packed with the Escolarian community from the university’s campuses in Manila, Makati, Malolos and Centro Escolar Las Piñas (CELP).
Students from the School of Accountancy and Management, School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Education-Liberal Arts-Music-Social Work, School of Medical Technology, School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, School of Nursing, School of Optometry, School of Pharmacy, School of Science and Technology and Senior High School were geared with their lighting props as they cheered for their respective teams.
The sports ceremony kicked-off with the parade of administrators, deans, student council officers, faculty, and student athletes from the different Schools.
Dr. Julieta Z. Dungca, Dean of the School of Science and Technology and overall chairman of the event’s steering committee, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
A grand opening production number showcased a spectacular Filipino native dance from the CEU Folk Dance Troupe. This was spiced up with breathtaking stunts and synchronized dance routines from the CEU Pep Squad and CEU Street Squad, accompanied by OPM songs sung by the CEU Singers Manila. What made the performance extra interesting was the part where selected varsity athletes were individually put on spotlight to exhibit moves and drills that represented sports like basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, and futsal for men and women.
“My emphasis always in giving inspirational remarks is to bring in our philosophy into all events that we have in CEU,” University President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina said.
Dr. Padolina added that knowledge and skills for the different sports as well as knowing the rules is where Science can be applied, while teamwork, honesty, perseverance, passion and risk-taking constitute the Virtue.
The lighting of the torch was led by Dr. Carlito B. Olaer, Vice-President for Student Affairs, Mr. Cesar F. Tan, University Treasurer, and Mr. Jericho P. Orlina, Assistant Vice-President for Business Affairs, followed by reciting the Oath of Sportsmanship, then the formal declaration of the opening of this year’s sporstfest which was led by the University President.
Women’s volleyball player Michelle Gumabao and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Jeff Chan graced the occasion to give messages of encouragement, inspiration, and support. Also present in the event were actors Jong Cuenco and Juancho Trivino.
Each year, Escolarians look forward to the Search for Mr. and Ms. Sportsfest and the Ballroom Dance Competition. Among the nine participating Schools who battled to be the champion in the dance formation competition, the School of Dentistry emerged as the best. The School of Accountancy Management ranked second, followed by the School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management. The fourth spot was grabbed by the School of Medical Technology, while the School of Optometry landed in the fifth place.
Juan Luis Mangahas of the School of Dentistry and Mygie Allison Santillan of the School of Education-Liberal Arts-Music-Social Work got the coveted title of the Mr. and Ms. Sportsfest. John Rafael Leonardo from the School of Pharmacy and Alexandra Nicole Barreto of the School of Optometry were the 1st-runners up. Completing the top three spots were Steven Balauitan of the School of Medical Technology and Kendale Escaros of the School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management.