Unleashing Potential, Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the 31st Gawad Benildyano Awards Ceremony
In a celebration marked by groovy tunes, vibrant outfits, and a palpable camaraderie, the 31st Gawad Benildyano Awards Ceremony unfolded on January 26, 2024, at the D+A Theater, Design and Arts Campus. The event, both face-to-face and broadcasted via Facebook Live stream, showcased the exceptional talents and contributions of Benildean students and organizations.
Hosted by Adriel Bartolome and Tim Pena, the attendees set a nostalgic tone with 70s-inspired attire. A heartfelt prayer and a rendition of the Philippine National Anthem by the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS)’s Silent Steps, followed by an opening number by the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company-Hip Hop, set the stage with the Parade of Nominees, introducing this year’s outstanding students and organizations. The event’s theme song, composed by Benilde’s Arts Management alumna Dianne Torres and arranged by former student artist Coach Josh Vidamo, added a personal touch to the choreography.
Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Brother President, graced the occasion with a warm welcome, emphasizing the importance of embodying Benildean-Lasallian values. The Individual Awards segment spotlighted exemplary students who have excelled in various fields. Michael Anthony Mojica, Director of the Center for Learning Resources, and Mary Grace Abiera, Head of the Logistics Support Unit, presented the following awards. Each awardee was allowed to take the microphone and share a short message to thank their families, fellow students, and mentors who helped them throughout the year.
Individual Award Winners
- Outstanding Campus Journalist – Danielle Sabine Lim
- Outstanding International Student – Michelle Faye Wang
- Outstanding Student Artist – Earl John Marquez
- Outstanding Student Athlete – Krizelle Therese Yadao
- Outstanding Student Leader – Lyza Aliah Seguin
- Outstanding Student Volunteer – Alexandra Denise Alcazar
Saint Benilde Romancon Dance Company-Contemporary, Coro San Benildo, and Dulaang Filipino of the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit then treated the audience to an enchanting excerpt from the classic 1964 Broadway musical “Funny Girl” for the evening’s intermission.
Gelo Fabian, an alumnus and former student leader, shared in his speech about his batch’s experience of going through a pandemic and feeling lost on how to continue with their endeavors. He then proudly recounted fellow student leaders and volunteers who rose to the occasion with resourcefulness and dedication. They moved everything online on short notice and were successful during their time.
The hosts acknowledged Meritorious Recognition Awardees through a video presentation. It showcased the numerous accolades garnered by Benildean students in AY 2022-2023 on national and international platforms. The awardees were called onstage to be recognized and awarded certificates.
Meritorious Recognition Award Winners
- Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company-Hip Hop – Campus Dance Drive 4 Champions (Culture and Arts Unit)
- SDEAS Volunteers – Outstanding Volunteer Organization in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2022 under the Non-Profit Organization Category awarded by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies)
- Charlie Vitug – Best Debut Filmmaker, Best Romantic Short, and Best Original Soundtrack for Love Again (2023) at the 25th Black Swan International Film Festival 2023, as well as Best Music Video and Best Song in a Film for Love Again (2023) at the Top Shorts Film Festival 2023 (Student Involvement Unit)
- Romançon Gaming-Astra – 1st runner-up in the Collegiate Center for Esports Season 3 (Student Involvement Unit)
- Benildean Press Corps – Word Cup 2023 Winners: Wallace Beltran, 2nd Place, Feature Writing; Frances Jade Clarito, 1st Place, Pagsulat ng Balitang Agham; Dylan Kirsten Melencion, 3rd Place, Copyreading and Headline Writing; Jyllan Sydrey Bitalac, 1st Place, Photojournalism; Julia Mikaela Natividad, 2nd Place, Photojournalism; and Michaela Sherry Arguelles, Honorable Mention, Photojournalism (Student Publications Unit)
- Ad Astra – Word Cup 2023 Winners: Joshua Gayuma, Honorable Mention, Photojournalism; Max Soliman, 2nd Place, Editorial Writing; and Rizia Marisse Guico, Honorable Mention, News Writing & 2nd Place, Copyreading and Headline Writing (Student Publications Unit)
Jose Mari Gonzales, Faculty Member from the School of Multidisciplinary Studies, and Ana Veronica Solano, Faculty Member from the School of Environment and Design of the Industrial Design Program, presented the Group Awards. For the final award in this category, the Outstanding Student Involvement Group is given to the student organization that has generated the most significant impact and influence in the Benildean community, measured in the excellent quality of their project/activities and actively promoted learning beyond the classroom, evident in empowering its members to take part and be more involved in the College and the community.
Group Award Winners
- Outstanding Athletic Team – Women’s Taekwondo Team
- Outstanding Volunteer Group – SDEAS Volunteers
- Outstanding Artist Group – Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company-Hip Hop
- Outstanding Student Involvement Group – Benildean Press Corps (BPC)
Rogelio Del Cano, OIC Director of the Center for Educational Technology, presented the Project Awards. The Outstanding Community Outreach Project, honors the best student-initiated outreach project, which made the most significant impact on partner communities, and the Outstanding Student Development Project highlights the most deserving student-implemented development project that made the most significant benefit to the Benildean community.
Project Award Winners
- Outstanding Community Outreach Project – AD ASTRA 2024 Yearbook Launch by Ad Astra
- Outstanding Student Development Project – Outreach Program for Student Journalists of The Hilarian Bagac, Bataan by Ad Astra and Benildean Press Corps (BPC)
In addition, the hosts awarded two special citations in acknowledging outstanding delivery in the Individual and Group/Project Award categories. These citations are in recognition of the meticulous efforts put into each presentation.
Special Citation Winners
- Best Presentation in Individual Award Category – Lyza Aliah Seguin
- Best Presentation in Group/Project Award – Outreach Program for Student Journalists of The Hilarian Bagac, Bataan by Ad Astra and Benildean Press Corps (BPC)
Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, Nicky Templo-Perez, delivered closing remarks, expressing pride for the achievements of Benildean students by saying, “Benildyano, ang galing mo!” She emphasized that all nominees are winners in her eyes, whether bringing home an award or not, asking for another round of applause for everyone’s achievements for the year. She hopes the night’s attendees inspire more Benildeans students to share their time, talents, and resources to elevate their organizations and serve others.
The 31st Gawad Benildyano is a resounding success, a testament to the talent, dedication, and excellence that define the Benildean Community.
