The Rizal Technological University (RTU-Mandaluyong) W-CARP Phil Chapter hosted the 1st Inter-collegiate Sing and Dance Competition last September 20, 2007, Thursday at 3:00 pm. It was held in RTU gymnasium. The event was an initiative of W-CARP Philippines Integrated NCR Chapters through the proposal of Dr. Aldrin Nituma, W-CARP Philippines National President and NCR Regional Leaders.

Sixteen colleges and universities send their contenders with the recommendation of their respective Office of Student Affairs, Namely, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) - Manila., Philippine Normal University (PNU), Eulogio "Amang"Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) - Manila, Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East (UE), University of Makati (UMAK), System Plus Computer College (SPCC), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay (PLP) or City College of Pasay, Access Computer College (ACC), Tasashyass College (TC), Interface Computer College (ICC), Sta. Cecilia College (SCC), Jose Rizal University (JRU) and Rizal Technological University-Pasig (RTU-Pasig). There were 26 contestants in the singing category and 16 dance troupes in the dancing category showcasing their talents during the search vying for the prizes at stake.

National Capital Region (NCR), convened the participating schools on the theme, "Expanding the Culture of Heart through Dance and Music". This is in concomitant with W-CARP Philippines initiatives on the over-all goal on expansion, establishing and developing WCARP centers in every campus of each member-nation of the United Nations (UN), set by W-CARP International.

Currently, there are 291 universities and colleges in the NCR, 31 has W-CARP recognized and accredited chapters while 52 colleges have foundation and the rest are in pioneering stage.

Though faced with blows of challenges in short period of preparation, financial constraints, technical limitations and oppositions by some critics, the activity was very successful because of the unity of the organizers and staff of the event. Despite, every stakeholder of the program could objectively focus on the event's promising turnout in connection to HQ's expectations. It was made possible through the constant guidance of the key figures in the national head-office every time and again.

In a nutshell, the success of the event suggested a possibility to further conduct the same and it also opened innovative ideas on other possible activities gathering and tapping up talented and potential conscientious young people in the academe in the future. As Pres. Nituma of WCARP Phil claimed, such talents of young aspirants can also be capitalized for the upcoming Global Peace Festival in 2007 and 2008 where W-CARP Philippines will play a very integral role.

Attendance of contingents witnessing the event was composed of professors and students from different schools particularly those who have bets for the contest, W-CARP NCR different chapters officers, advisers and members, parents of the contestants, special guests from other agencies and W-CARP Philippines National staff. Emcees of the event were Mr. George Alexis Jarquio, Center Leader, W-CARP Cubao Center and a student from TIP-Quezon City and Ms. Fahly Poblete, Ms. University, Philippines 2007 and a student from PUP-Manila.

The program commenced with a heart-touching doxology rendered by the Hiraya Theater Group of TIP-Manila. Dr. Edmon Pacson, VP for Education, Witnessing and Outreach, W-CARP Philippines delivered the welcome and opening remarks. He conveyed W-CARP's vision and mission statements and its core values. He presented plainly the objectives of the activity in connection to the over-all vision and mission of W-CARP in raising conscientious young people to become responsible young citizens of the nation and as the promising leaders of the future. He stressed that the said activity will become a vehicle of which young people today can be guided towards a positive direction to their promising talents and youthful energies instead of becoming slough victims of the degrading and corroding modern youth culture nowadays.

Encouraged young audiences were truly impressed with the commendable goals of W-CARP eliciting calls-to-action in young people amidst the present sad state of stark aimless youth image. As Ms. Angelica Omones, a contestant in the singing category (2nd placer) and an EARIST BS-Public Administration Student commented, "It is such a good way of molding the youth of today towards realizing their potentials in their creative God-given talents. Such a chance to showcase what we are gifted made us able to prove what a youth of today can be positively capable of doing.

The activity also became a natural key that opened a new door of friendship and camaraderie with students from other schools and colleges. It helps us associate with each other under the same goals and objectives. It is hoped that W-CARP will continue being a major partner of the academe in the character development of our future career professionals and keep the good aim of shaping a positive and hopeful youth's future." Omones said.

The competing talents were rated by the board of judges composed of Dr. Aldrin Nituma as the chairman of the board; Dr. Edmon Pacson; Dr. Ann Marlita Montejo-Arevalo, Acting VP for Leadership Development, W-CARP Philippines and Dean of Student Affairs, UTS Asia; Ms. Sharleen Estiandan, Secretary General, W-CARP Philippines; Ms. Mishuku Nikkuni, Pure Love Itinerant Missionary from Japan, Pure Love Alliance International; Dr. Caroline Ninanuevo, National Executive Director, Service for Peace Philippines; and Prof. Ryan Regala Manal, Voice Instructor and Owner of Grand Music Palace Philippines School.

Prizes at stake for both categories were trophies and cash prizes for major winners. Cash prizes were given as consolation prizes. Each participating singing and dancing contestant received certificates of participation. Cited as winners were also given a chance of performance engagements with Service for Peace Musikapayapaan, in celebration of the International Day of Peace on the 21st September 2007 in San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila and also on the upcoming Global Peace Festival 2007 slated on December.

Meeting the criteria for singing category needs: voice quality, 40%; interpretation, 30%; timing, 20% and diction 10%; three contenders were chosen as major top winners and 5 as consolation prize winners. The affectionate and poignant voice of Ms. Alyssa Temea of PNU brought her shining to the top 1st prize at her winning piece "Shine", with an average of 95.57%. Others on the rank were Ms. Maricor Ocampo of PUP, 2nd placer (94.86%) and Ms. Angelica Omones of EARIST, 3rd placer at 94.43%. Consolation prizes were given to Mr. John Vincent Decena (PUP), Ms. Berna Churl Lacay (Tasashyass College), Ms. Joan Jabines (UMAK), Mr. Erlimson Perez (EARIST) and Ms. Cathleen Cena (FEU).

On the other hand, the dancers made their razzle-dazzle modern hip-hop moves to meet the criteria of dancing category: group coordination, 40%; creativity, 30%; costume, 15% and timing 15%. The FEU Dance Company won the top 1st prize garnering an average of 95.86% with their raucously chaotic to friendly united concept of a modern youth hip-hop neighborhoods. RTU-Mandaluyong Teatro Rizalia made it 2nd with an average of 95% with their energetic and unpredictable acrobatics. UMAK's Funky Jazz Extreme's concept of today's youth depicted through their performance made them 3rd placer with an average of 90.714%. Consolation prize winners were UMDT of UM and EARIST's Maximum Extreme Dance Company.

Through the success of the event, W-CARP Philippines NCR was able to create a momentous event that impacted positively the whole audience, leaving a promising image and good impression especially to schools where W-CARP still yet to be pioneered, founded, recognized and later accredited. In reaction, after the event many representatives from pioneering campuses approached HQ staff expressing their deplorable state in the absence of W-CARP in their respective campuses.

They expressed their willingness to support the probable motion of applying W-CARP's initiatives in their own campuses. As Mrs. Cherry Rodriguez-Chasteine, Choreography and Artistic Director, FEU and Adviser of the FEU Dance Company shared, "Thank you for the warm hospitality. Your staff was very cordial. It is such an excellent program for the youth especially students from different universities and colleges. I commend that this program should become a channel to reach out to different academes in carrying out the same goals and objectives that W-CARP holds and stands for, that is, raising young leaders of today for a promising and hopeful future."

W-CARP Philippines Integrated NCR Chapters Association President, Mr. Resty Caedo closed the activity with his grateful remarks to the participants and attending contingents. Added more colors to the event, were Dr. Aldrin Nituma, some sponsors like Mr. and Mrs. Jun Tevez, Grand Music Palace Philippines, Engr. and Mrs. Ricky Abuyuan, Mrs. Novi Gumayagay and W-CARP Philippines.