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

• Crazy
• Wake Up
• Endless Faith
• At 2:00 am

Contemporary Solo Category

• Invincible
• Do I Have to Lose You
  
• Feel the Music Within
• If You Only Knew
• I Promise
• No More Lies
• These Lies are Keeping Me Alive

Nationalistic Category

• Agila
• Peninsula
• Nakikiusap, Kabataang Katutubo

Jam Atenista Category

• Jamming
• This Is Our Legacy
• Teorya

Religious Category

• Dalangin Ko Para Sa’yo
• You Are the Life
• Here I Am

• Omar Justin Ariete

Interpreter(s):

• Erika Gail G. Hernandez
• Gino B. Perez

Accompanist(s):

• Marvin Eric Aguilos
• Mark Jim Manabat
• Michael Tolentino
• Baian Miguel Karlos Valdez

(more…)

• Cherizz Michelle S. Fernandez

Interpreter(s):

• Daryl Santos

Accompanist(s):

• Akira Asano
• Brian Dan Congson
• Matthew Evan Mercado
• Kim Venus

(more…)

Interpreter(s):   Francisco Rupenta

                           Henkee Ty

Accompanist(s):   Vidsonpaul F. Dela Cruz

                              Samuel A. Naromal

                              Karlos Manlupig

Lyrics

I

Palagi na lang bang ganito

Wala tayong naibabato

Puro na lang teorya at libro

Nalilito na kung anong totoo

Refrain

Imulat ang mga mata

Tanggalin ang ipod sa tenga

Halika lumapit ka

Buhayin ang tunay na Atenista (2x)

Chorus

Halika kasama/Atenista

Bangon at kumilos ka

Ito ang ating panahon

Ipaglaban ang naaayon

II

Hindi ka ba napapagod

Sa palagi na lang na pagsunod

Meron ka bang nagawang aksyon

O puro ka na lang ba imahinasyon

Repeat Refrain and Chorus

Kung hindi ngayon, kailan?

Kung hindi ikaw, sino?

• Omar Justin Ariete

Interpreter(s):

• Erika Gail Hernandez
• Liezel F. Salera
• Michelle J. Taopa
• Joanne Rosario B. Tubao

Accompanist(s):

• Marvin Aguilos
• Omar Justin Ariete
• Jericho Sidney A. Domingo
• Baian Miguel Karlos L. Valdez

(more…)

• Erick Misoles

Interpreter(s):

• Glen Arquiza
• Erick Misoles

Accompanist(s):

• Glen Arquiza
• Karlos Ferrer
• Paul Anthony C. Salvo
• Dave Francis C. Yangyang

(more…)

• Anthony Edward Enison F. Barril

Interpreter(s):

• Sarah Rosanne Lim Bok
• Adrian Nikko Maligad

Accompanist(s):

• Licino Batican
• Anthony Edward Enison F. Barril
• Michael Shem Joshua R. Labor
• Andrew Niccolo S. Pangilinan

(more…)

• John Arthur Magno

Interpreter(s):

• Josie Anne Vita V. Quemado
• Romina Jahanna G. Cuison
• Eunice K. Gonzaga

Accompanist(s):

• John Raymond D. dela Peña
• Jetter G. Gaviola
• John Arthur Magno
• Patrick Michael Manalaysay

(more…)

Interpreter(s): Rose Danelyn M. Lagnayo

Accompanist(s): Jim Z. Lombiso

Jan Transmonte

Lyrics

Sa mga pagsubok na dumarating

Sa ating buhay ay wag masyadong intindihin

Kase, tayo lang ay tatanda

Ngumiti ka lang, kaya mo yan, wag kang mabahala

Di mo kailangan mgmuk-mok at mag-isa

Tumayo ka, at lumaban hanggang sa manalo ka

Chorus

Lipad, parang agila

Lawakan ang isipan mo at mag-tiyaga ka

Lipad parang agila

Gawin mo dapat at manalig ka 2x

Kayang kaya mo yan

Oh… lipad…

Magsikap, para umasenso

Magdasal lagi sa Panginoon, wag kakalimutan ito

Kailangang isa puso mo, lahat ng gagawin maliit o malakihan man ito

Di mo kailangang magmuk-mok at mag-isa

Tumayo ka, at lumaban hanggang sa manalo ka

Repeat Chorus 2x

Ngunit minsan, ay di naiiwasan

Tayo’y nadadapa, at nasusugatan

Pero kailangan pa nating lumaban

Kayang-kaya mo yan, wag na wag kang susuko

Di mo kailangan magmuk-mok at mag-isa

Tumayo ka, at lumaban hanggang sa manalo ka

Repeat Chorus 2x