Filled with exciting performances, the Benilde Culture and Arts Unit (BCAU) presented the Benildean community with Ningning ng Sining, this year’s much-awaited Christmas concert. The concert took place on Dec. 5 at the Miguel Febres Cordero (MFC) Building parking lot of the Taft campus.
The night started off strong with a festive performance from the Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC) who danced to the beat of Korean singer Rosé and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars’ hit song “APT.” Following this were the opening remarks from Mr. Levi Albania the Dean of the Center for Student Life (CSL). Performances from various groups and other talented artists filled the night with fit for a year-end celebration.
A Benildean celebration
Following the event’s theme “Ningning ng Sining,” the various talents lit the stage with their performances and brought to life performances
In line with the event’s theme and name, the talents brought to the stage lit up the night with their creative and exciting performances. DJ Yugi set the tone for the night, being one of the earlier musical talents brought up on stage. Next was the SBRDC who helped hype the crowd for the night of performances to come. Following this, the dance group Silent Steps, composed of students from the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) stunned the crowd with their performance to the Christmas classic “Angels We Have Heard on High.”
A performance by the group Dulaang Filipino told a story of friendship and passion through the medium of songs and musical performances. The singer Esang was next up on stage, performing covers of the songs “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” originally by American singer Andy Williams, “Grown Up Christmas List,” an original by American singer and personality Kelly Clarkson, and lastly “Last Christmas,” a Gen-Z fave originally written by the band Wham!
Meanwhile, BCAU’s Karilyo took to stage with their shadow-play performance about three children trying to revive the Christmas spirit through caroling. Fittingly, the next group on stage was Coro San Benildo, the College’s choir group. They sang covers of Christmas classics namely, “Sing We Now of Christmas,” and “Jingle Bells,” followed by “Calypso,” and lastly “Kumukutikutitap.”
Rocking to the Christmas Spirit
Following these talents were the much-awaited performances of Benildean bands, each bringing their own flair to the College’s yuletide celebration. First on stage was Tonio, composed of ID123 Music Production students, Antonio Medina, Alec Alberto, Sanders Bayas, and Lucius Jardinero. Their band performed a mix of original songs and covers including their groovy rendition of the song “Feliz Navidad.”
After a short intermission and an announcement on the raffle winners, the band Fitterkarma was up next with their rock-and-roll attitude and songs. Following Fitterkarma was Karilyo: The Band, another band bringing in a grunge-y flair to the season's festivities.
Last in the line-up of bands performing during the event was the much anticipated The Juans, who captivated the audience by performing a mix of both original songs and covers. Audience members vibed to their performances of their songs “‘Di Tayo Pwede,” and “Anghel,” to name a few.
Ending the night with a bang, Benildean drag queens Poblaxion, Selang Bagsik, Kunzumi Xion, Juana Bang, Popovy Automata, and Mamser sashayed their way up the stage to deliver an unforgettable performance. Together the group delivered an outstanding lipsynced performance of several classic Christmas songs including “Kampana ng Simbahan” and “O Holy Night.”
Overall the concert sought to celebrate the yuletide season and give Benildeans the chance to unwind despite their finals. Catch more of BCAU’s upcoming events by following their Facebook and Instagram.
