Press Conferences, tarpaulins, banners and media are just some of the old-school devices used for campaigns. Meanwhile, Mediartrix, the university-wide organization for performing, visual, and literary arts. Conducted a campaign in a more sprightly way…they did it through a showcase of artistic skills!
Mediartrix sent out text messages prior to the launch of its mid-year event “Wanted: Perfect Voter” last December 02, 2009 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium. The text brigade encouraged students to submit literary pieces and short films that depict their thoughts and insights of what a perfect voter should be. The event was produced by Ms. Elaine Quinto and directed by Mr. Jowell Reodica. This was intended to promote awareness among the youth in the upcoming 2010 elections.
An invocation opened the event then the national anthem, and to complete the opening, an audio-visual presentation (AVP) was flashed on the screen, presenting clips of election campaign atmosphere such as: television campaigns, banners hanging from electric posts, and politicians mingling with the marginal communities. A lively dance number kept the audience alive which was choreographed by Ms. Charm Clutton, Mr. Maike Jahnke and Mr. Mic Bautista.
Things got spiced up when models entered the stage, all wearing white shirts with statements printed on it. The statements were written in glow paints which would become more noticeable in dim light. After the glowing fashion walk, the awarding ceremony for the literary election-themed compositions of fellow Thomasians, accompanied with the flashing of AVPs, projecting the winners’ names came next in line. For the Tula category, Jeseth Marie Loren de Vera won both of the second and third places for “Kasalungat” and “Basted” compositions and Reinan Gonzales for the first place with his masterpiece entitled “Magkano ba talaga?”. For the Poetry category, third place was grabbed by Inno Paolo de Leoz for “Deception and Cons”. Second place on the other hand was bagged by Reinan Gonzales for “Why vote?”. The first place was then awarded to Pocholo Anton Torres for his splendid work, “Research before a resurge”. The awards were handed by Mediartrix’s president Mr. Alexander Valcos, Executive Vice President Mr. Carlo Adriano and together with them was the Production Manager Ms. Elaine Quinto.
After the awarding ceremony, another AVP was shown and this time it showed the “steps on how to vote”, followed by another fashion show with the models going to the ramp in their stylish and colorful dresses. As soon as the models made their glamorous walk and gracefully exited the stage, another set of awards was announced for Maikling Kwento and Short Story categories. For Maikling Kwento category, second place was taken by Jeseth Marie Loren de Vera with her story “Sa muling pagbabalik” and the first place was taken by Francisco Sorilla IV with his story “Boboto ka ba?”. On the other category, the third placer was Ralph Sy Siong Kiao for his story “The Perfect Voter”. For the second place, Jeseth Marie Loren de Vera took it for her story “Chasing Changes”. Lastly, first place was bagged by Inno Paolo de Leoz for his story “RWEREW”. The awards were given by the same people mentioned.
The organization acknowledged the presence of the members of the board of judges. Certificates of Recogniton were given to them as a sign of appreciation by Mediartrix’s President and Vice President, and the Production Manager of the said event. Afterwards another fashion show followed , the models in their formal wear then a jazz dance number followed. Designers: Ms. Diane Kwok, Ms. Harmae Gardon, Ms. Joyce Balansag, Mr. Lonix Abanil and Mr. Ram Santa Maria were acknowledged and called on stage to take a bow for a job well done.
Finally, the winner for the short film was awarded to Rubber Duckie Productions with their film “Balewala.”
By: Danielle Marie B. Jordan
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