Celebration of the Rhythm and Excellence

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships” - Michael Jordan

The excellence of performance lies in its ability to bridge social divides, generating a sense of community and common humanity. Performing arts have the unique ability to bring people together and foster a feeling of community. Theatre, music, dance, and other forms of performance all provide shared experiences that can bridge individual differences and promote a feeling of community.

Being part of the SIHTM Special Performing Arts program has been life-changing for us. This organization has given us the resources, mentors, and training to become even better dancers. The support and guidance from our teachers have been invaluable, and we feel so honored to be a part of this talented community.

Caleb and I have always admired the power of performance and how it can unite people. Our path has been characterized by dedication, passion, and a desire to be the best we can be. After three years of virtual competition at the University of Baguio's Fusion XII: Music and Dance Festival, we are thrilled to share our triumph story and celebrate the rhythm of excellence.

The Fusion XII Music and Dance Festival provided an opportunity for us to showcase our skills and artistry at the university. For the past 12 years, the IHTM School has won honours in every category at the Music and Dance Festival. We pushed ourselves to keep getting better and better. When the day of the event finally arrived, we were all nervous but excited. But as we took the stage, the atmosphere was solid. We couldn't help but feel fulfilled and proud. We worked hard to improve our performance, and it showed. Our performance captivated the audience, earning us a standing ovation. It felt amazing to know that all of our hard work and dedication had paid off.

The School of IHTM really shone at this year's Fusion XII: Music and Dance Festival 2024. The Home of the Champions has strived to win in the following categories, which resulted in becoming the Overall Champion. 

These awards are a testament to the hard work and skills of the students, choreographers, coordinators, and faculty members. The unwavering support from our Dean – Ms. Jenelyn M. Magpatoc, hardworking choreographers – Mr. Caryl Kirk Tinaza, Mr. Ian Jerome Garcia & Mr. Robin Ace Atijera, supportive coordinators – Ms. Desiree Anne Olimpo & Ms. Mary Joy Limpin, and the leadership of our Overall Coordinator and SIHTM Special Performing Arts adviser – Ms. Pamela Eileen Mae Consul, motivated and helped us to create a memorable performance. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in helping us to perfect our performances and have brought out the best in all of the participating students.

Reflecting on our experience at the Music and Dance Festival 2024, we are filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. This celebration of achievement represents the culmination of numerous hours of practice, successful moments, and overcoming hurdles. Performing arts have become not just a way of life for us, but also a powerful means of expressing our feelings and connecting with people on a deeper level.

In the end, this excellence demonstrates the power of hard work, perseverance, and the transformative nature of performances. We feel humbled to be a part of this milestone, and we can't wait to share our passion for performance with the rest of the community for many years to come. The success of the School of IHTM is incredibly inspirational, and we feel fortunate to be a part of it. We are the champions' home, not only now, but also in his heart.

This enthusiasm will continue to drive us forward, and we are dedicated to pushing beyond the limits of what is possible in performance.

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Here are the winners:

Music Category

Band Category: Champion

Participants: Leah May Esquivel (Lead Vocalist), Hannah Norjohn H. Janiola (Pianist), Harvey Gonn C. Ranin (Bassist), Ezekiel N. Fanao (Lead Guitarist), Mc Iverson Dulay Palaoag (Drummer)

Vocal Solo: 1st Runner Up

Participant: Leah May Esquivel

Vocal Duet: 2nd Runner Up

Participants: Arvin S. Reyes & Riginia Mae Agayas

Dance Category

Dance and Lip Sync Battle: Champion

Participants: Erica Ramos, Jasper Irone S. Justo, Geom S. Garces, Ian Yabut Santos, Jhackiri K. Cadoy, Lara Jean Soriano, Eugene Angelo D. Guidangen, Justine B. Paragas, Jhonna Gail V. Escuadro, Juliana B. Ordoñez & Robert John Fulgencio 

Folkloric Dance Fusion: Champion

Participants: Dhanica Mae M. Wadwadan, Eira Jaly C. Millare, James A. Collado, Angelica Mae Mabutas, Marcs Stephen M. Castañeda, Jeneah Joy B. Bandong, Ethn Lloyd Alwen P. Mallare, Joane Andrea R. Bernardo, Tehya Rafayelle J. Nuñez, Ryle Dan T. Clemente, Kristel Kate I. Luza, Drei Ravi A. Gayog, Alfred G. Colar, Marc Angelo O. Bulauan, Ralph Julius L. Pagdilao, Princess Ann Quiocho, Jamaica Jane A. Labagnoy, Joana Venus Ollado, Ma. Koreen N. Tabaldo & Vicky Joy Ismael

Hip-hop: Champion

Participants: Caleb Krysstofer Josiah Lozares, Leah May Esquivel, Joaquin Essirahc Olimpo, Lionel Shuheb Khan, Trisha Velasco, Allyzah Hinang, Iyana Rome Garcia, Joe Christian Mabutas, Yanna Ingrid Aguto, & Daniella Mae Nimer