The UST Department of Modern Languages held the “Concurso de canto en español” (Singing Contest in Spanish) at the UST Central Laboratory Auditorium on February 27, 2025. This Singing Contest was done in partnership with the UST Office of Public Affairs.
A celebration of artistry through Spanish songs, the event showcased the talents of 14 students from different programs. The contest began with the opening remarks of the Department of Modern Languages Chair, Mr. Royce Randall G. Lim, M.P.H., M.I.S. Contestants then gave their own rendition of Spanish songs in front of a panel of judges.
Journalism student Ma. Kristianna Fantine D. Trinidad won First Place for her performance of “Solamente Una Vez”; Slanny M. Alvarado, a Political Science student, won second place for her performance of “Sabor a mi”; and Communication Arts student Jessica I. Abe placed third for her performance of “Cielito Lindo”. The special award for Best in Pronunciation in Spanish was given to Stephen Roi Lacostales, a Political Science student, and the Audience Impact award went to Paolo Dominic G. Orijola, a History major, for his performance of “La Bamba”.
Thomasian talent was also featured through the song and dance numbers performed by various student groups during the contest’s program.
Along with the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Letters, Prof. Melanie Turingan, Ph.D., the event was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests. Among them were Consul Bryan Ang of the Honorary Consulate of Peru in Manila; Education Advisor of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines Ms. Beatriz Jimeno; the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines Mr. Álvaro Garcia; the Administrator of the Instituto Cervantes Manila Mr. Ignacio Urquijo and Manager of the Philippine-Italian Association & Società Dante Alighieri Manila Mr. Giunell Flores. Their collective presence made the event a truly memorable occasion, emphasizing the importance of language, culture, and international collaboration.
The contest is part of the year-long celebration of the 60th Founding Anniversary of the Faculty of Arts and Letters. More than 250 attendees were at the event and enjoyed the fantastic performances of the 14 contestants, who showcased their talents in singing in Spanish. 
