21st Awitenista, the night with a bang
The stage was set and the lights were on!
And so were the 18 finalists for the 21st Awitenista last Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Campus Covered Court.
It was a night to remember especially for composer, Omar Justin Ariete, who once again, proved himself by winning three titles including the much coveted title of Awitenista Grand Champion for his song Dalangin ko Para Sa’yo under the Religious/Contemporary Christian Category which bested under the same category (Mr. Ariete also won the same title for the Awitenista 2006 for his song Di Ko Akalain). Ariete won the Best in Jam Atenista category for the song Jamming.
Other winners include Anthony Edward Enison Barril whose song “Endless Faith” won the Best in Contemporary Group, at the same time winning the hearts of the audience by a great performance from the interpreters Sarah Rosanne Lim Bok and Adrian Nikko Maligad.
Faith Go and her boys rocked the stage by her powerful voice during her performance of “Peninsula” which won the Best entry for the Nationalistic category which was composed by Gould Macrey Barbas.
A surprised Ana Patricia Basa received the Best entry for Contemporary Solo together with the composers of the song “If You Only Knew”, Patricia Vergara and Florence Tan.
However, Jenny Belle Penano left the crowd with a last-song-syndrome with her song “Pressing Onward” which won the Best in Diamond Jubilee category. The song will be used as the official theme song for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the university next school year.
“I Promise”, an entry from the Contemporary Solo composed by Natalie Granfon won the People’s Choice Award courtesy of Mix FM 105.9.
On the other hand, The Ateneo Talents and Ateneo Dance Troupe did not fail to give a heart-pumping dance number during the intermission.
The heavy downpour and a power interruption did not stop the show to be one (if not the most) successful productions of the Ateneo ever staged.
The Awitenista is an annual song-writing competition organized and produced by Kalasag, the official yearbook of the Ateneo de Davao University.
The organizers wish to thank all the people who have been part of Awitenista 2008 (all composers, interpreters, accompanists, production staff, sponsors and the whole Ateneo de Davao Community).
See you all next year as we continue to discover authentic Atenean music in the Awitenista 2009!
by Precious Jem Carcillar
e-mail the author at preciousjemcarcillar@batangyagit.com
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