For the glory of God and the pride of the Philippines, Clem Marnel Burgos was hailed as Champion in the acting category during the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture held in Yerevan, Armenia.

Clem Marnel Burgos won as overall Champion in the Acting Category during the 5th International Competition of Arts and Culture held in Yerevan, Armenia last July 7-12. He triumphed over 44 other delegates from more than 12 countries. Mr. Burgos received a perfect 10 on the score card from the eight judges coming from Lebanon, Armenia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Cyprus, and Lithuania for his performance about a mentally ill patient. Burgos, the first Filipino representative in the competition’s history, received high praises from other nationalities after the competition.

The International Performing Arts Festival is organized by different directors all over the globe from the World Association of Performing Arts. Burgos did not only earn a trophy and certificate for himself but was able to make a mark and bring honor to both CPU and the country. The Filipino community in Yerevan, Armenia considered Burgos’ win a matter of pride and “a big deal.” Our kababayans hope that the Burgos’ achievement create an impression that Filipinos are talented and, indeed, blessed children of God.

Looking the part – Burgos scored a perfect 10 for his portrayal of a mentally ill patient.

Clem Marnel Burgos proves that Filipinos showcase their best and portray their competitive spirits in international competitions. 

During the preparation for the contest, Burgos remembered how much he struggled to process all the documents and raise the funds needed for the competition. Moreover, he had to travel alone to Armenia. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in the Lord and his heart was filled with optimism because of the love and support his family and other Centralians sent to him through social media as well as the well the wishes of the Filipinos he met along the way.

Burgos shares this victory with his hardworking parents, Rev. Efren Burgos, a former member of the CPU faculty and Mrs. Ligaya Burgos, a public school English teacher; the people who believed in him since the beginning; CPU High School where his talent was discovered by the late Mr. Roger Dellosde; the College of Nursing, his first home; his current department, the Department of Languages, Mass Communication and Humanities of the College of Arts and Sciences, his current college; the CPU Republic; Dr. Teodoro Robles; the whole community of Central Philippine University; the city of Iloilo; and our beloved Philippines. Most of all, he offers this triumph to the Almighty Father who has been his strength and source of everything.

Burgos is a 4th year Mass Communication student of CPU and a two-time CPUR senator. He hopes to be given an opportunity someday to work in the field of arts as this is his inclination. He also dreams that CPU will someday have a special course in theater arts.