Students, faculty, staff, and guests enjoyed a night of music, dancing, and merriment as Carlos Hilado Memorial State University ended its first University Foundation Week celebration on May 12.
Crowds of spectators gathered at the University Plaza of the Talisay Campus for the culminating event dubbed “ExCELSIOR Party,” with “ExCELSIOR” being the acronym of the university’s core values and the Latin word which means “higher.” The event was spearheaded by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations in collaboration with the Office for Student Affairs and Services, University Student Government, and Federation of Student Governments.
Justin Pornales, Student Regent and Fortune Towne Campus USG president, expressed his gratitude to the people who made the week’s celebration possible and said that this event is a reminder to appreciate the school’s roots as the community moves forward.
“With gratitude and so much hope in our hearts, we look to the future with a strong resolve,” he said.
Talisay City Councilor Angel Gabriel Villacin, one of the show’s major benefactors, also graced the event and thanked CHMSU for inviting him to be part of the school’s celebration.
CHMSU students performed various acts throughout the show. Kurt Philip Espiritu, Bachelor of Public Administration student and Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Grand Finalist, captured the hearts of the audience with his charming voice and stage presence. Student band Stand Firm, vocal group CHMSU Four Corners, and solo vocalists Frances Marie Amarillado, Austine Kyle Bello, and Shean Geronimo also performed song renditions.
The CHMSU Dolls, Ang Mananayaw Dance Troupe of Fortune Towne Campus, and Krispy Kreme of Talisay Campus showed off their dance moves during their performances, while the Student Society of Physical Education Majors led the crowd in a community dance. K-pop fans from the audience also got on stage for the K-pop Random Dance Challenge.
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student Stephen Penuela displayed his skills in Flair Tending and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student Christine Belgira showed her fiddling skills with her violin performance.
Aside from students, external performers were also invited. Jimnell De Dios amazed the audience with his captivating magic show and Boracay Fire Blaze Dancers duo Johnny Valiente and Alfredo Bustamante wowed the crowd with their fearless fire routine.
The energy continued to rise as the show’s featured artist Bacolod-based Pop Punk/Alternative Rock band “Kill the Boredom” took the stage. The audience proved to be fans as they jumped to the music and sang along with the band from start to finish.
After an electrifying string of performances, the night ended with the crowds dancing to the beats of CHMSU DJs.*
