By Eugene Matthew B. Juanico, BA-COMM 4, Centralian Link Intern
The students of Grade 10 gather for a commemorative photo op after their performance which consisted of a Hip-Hop and Line-Dancing Routine.
The Central Philippine University Junior High School (CPU JHS) community gathered at the JHS Gymnasium on March 11, 2026, to celebrate MAPEH Day. Revolving around the theme “Rhythms of the World,” the day-long event served as a vibrant showcase of culture, dance, and student talent.
The morning session, which saw full attendance from Principal Charlett B. Dianala alongside the JHS faculty and staff, officially commenced with a morning prayer led by Patrice Abigail Dignadice and the singing of the national anthem led by Hepolito C. Doroteo.
During the opening ceremonies, Principal Dianala delivered a message highlighting the importance of MAPEH Day as a vital opportunity for students to engage in creative self-expression. Following her address, MAPEH Coordinator January Love A. Desamero provided the welcome remarks, where she outlined the various activities to take place throughout the whole day. The energy in the gymnasium reached a high point early on with a mass Zumba dance session led by the JHS MAPEH teachers, which set a spirited tone for the competitive performances to follow.
A major highlight of the morning was the series of field demonstration performances featuring students from all grade levels. Each year group was assigned a specific dance genre to reflect the global theme, with Grade 7 performed Foreign Folk Dances, Grade 8 performing a variety of Ethnic Dances, Grade 9 performing a Ballroom Dancing routine, with the Grade 10 concluding the demos with a dual performance of both Line Dancing and Hip-Hop. These performances allowed the students to demonstrate their physical coordination and cultural appreciation in front of their peers and mentors.
The students of Grade 9 Narra take the stage with their musical stage play, which lasted throughout the duration of the afternoon.
The competitive portion of the program featured the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” talent showcase, a reenactment competition where students emulated famous music artists and their respective songs. A panel of judges with backgrounds in the performing arts: including Seña Louise Asin, Ivan J. Lopez Acepcion, Juan Carlo Catage, Franzine Kate Novilla Rouscha, and Candelaria Albata, evaluated the performances based on accuracy and stage presence.
Lindsell Villanueva emerged as the Grand Champion and recipient of the Voter’s Choice Award for her rendition of “Never Enough.” She was followed by Cypher Nelli, who took second place with a performance of “Unstoppable,” and Sean Gean Allo, who placed third with “What is a Man without Love?”
The morning session concluded with closing remarks from Principal Dianala, who reiterated that MAPEH is essential for fostering significant values and identifying the latent talents within the student body. However, the festivities continued into the afternoon with a special musical play performed by Grade 9 Narra. Under the instruction of Hepolito C. Doroteo, the students presented a tale of fantasy and romance filled with dramatic twists and elaborate musical numbers, providing a sophisticated end to a day dedicated to the arts.