You find yourself standing under the vibrantly lit sideroads of a small town that beckons vamos a celebrar. Treading a measure, shaking your head, waving your hands, and joining hundreds of gaily-costumed revelers in a dazzling chroma of mindless merriment. The music and loud cheers reach your ears as the upbeat continues to swing. Amidst the zest overturned by a hint of confusion, you suddenly remember where you are: on the festive corners of Zamboanga City!
It was near showtime on the streets when this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival finally ran around the heart of October’s outset. It also brought in its wake the presentation of the official line-up of activities that everyone could participate in–from various sports competitions, a parade of beauties for pageant-loving folks, mascota fashion shows, dance battles, sing-offs, and the list went on. After all, what good is this celebration when it isn’t graced by the creative Zamboangueños who never fail to give its festive arena their phenomenal support?
Alongside the many contenders who took part in this divine exhibition of skills, colors, and life are Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s very own students who, without a doubt, made their presence felt by conquering the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival’s arts and culture scene during their respective categories.
AURORA LA ROSA DE LA MADRUGADA. Serdenia wearing her Marian devotion-inspired regional costume, designed by Erich Miñoza. Photo by MISS EARTH PHILIPPINES – ZAMBOANGA.
“Joining Miss Earth Zamboanga was a terrific feeling,” according to Princess Serdenia, a fourth-year student of BA Interdisciplinary Studies, who’s no stranger to stages that brimmed with question-and-answer portions. Having been attuned to glitz and glamor, her exposure to all manner of events and pageants led her to an opportunity to be a contestant herself. When asked, she underscored that the most memorable part of her recent pageant experience was how she felt motivated and inspired by one of the lessons she braided herself with as an ADZU student.
“Companionship became my foundation throughout the competition, all while pursuing my aspirations and balancing my education. See, I was able to encounter a variety of strong, independent people who motivated me to succeed, and they drove me to do the same. Pageant participation gave me an amazing opportunity to strike up conversations, engage in new activities, and connect with people even more as I was able to ignite friendships It also taught me that we shouldn’t give up easy [sic], and just continue to strive for taking hold of greater things to be able to help others.”
Serdenia wrapped up her note with a quick commentary on how pageants like that of the Zamboanga Hermosa could also amplify the voices of the people who want to share their ideals of what truly defines beauty while looking past the gowns and crowns.
Exuding an overwhelming amount of passion for performance arts too, senior ABM student Christian Sta. Teresa wore the delights of music on his sleeve when he went in for the Zamboanga Hermosa Pop Music Festival. As its name suggests, this competition showcases unique songs in Chavacano. “Joining the Zamboanga Hermosa Pop Music Festival has always been my dream,” Sta. Teresa quipped. This expression of certain aesthetic ideas through rhythm, tune, and language also pushes him to chase such pursuits.
“I’ve always dreamed about being an artist, a songwriter, and a performer, so I started to train myself, my skills, and my works until I found a platform to gain some experience in the music industry. Hence, I decided to compete. As an Atenean, I bring value to my works and projects, to strive more and to strive for the best. Magis. I dedicate this project not just for myself, but for our entire community.”
DIA DE MAGA COLORES. Sta. Teresa serenades the crowd with his song entry, Dia de maga colores, in the Chavacano Pop Music Festival. Photo by EYCEE.
Even more, sports, arts, music, and entertainment, to name a few, are fields populated by a mélange of personalities like BLEU Dance Group, consisting of both Ateneo students and alumni, who won 3rd place in the Zamboanga Batalla, graced the dance floor; each one gifted with unique talents and abilities that strike a sense of awe and revelry into the hearts and minds of many, and these are only some of the moments that demonstrate the truth of every Atenean’s artistry and creative bent.
The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival did a stunning job in serving as an avenue for those who wished to share their passion for the sole love of it. A spectacle to behold indeed.
Enhorabuena, Atenistas!