Mabalacat City College (MCC) held its highly anticipated Sayaw ASEANO 2024 on August 27, 2024 at the MCC Gymnasium, transforming the campus into a vibrant celebration of ASEAN culture. The annual event, which showcases the rich and diverse dances of ASEAN member countries, reaffirmed the college’s commitment to promoting ASEAN awareness and cultural appreciation.
MCC President Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong opened the event by highlighting the significance of this celebration, especially given the college's location near Clark, which serves as a gateway for ASEAN collaboration. She emphasized the importance of immersing students and the community in the diverse traditions of neighboring ASEAN countries to strengthen regional connections. Her message underscored MCC's goal of fostering a culturally aware and globally connected student body.
This year’s Sayaw ASEANO featured an impressive lineup of performances from various MCC institutes, each focusing on the traditional dances of a specific ASEAN country. The competition was fierce, but the Institute of Teacher Education took home the top prize with their stunning rendition of Brunei Darussalam's traditional dances. Their graceful movements and attention to authentic cultural details captivated both the audience and the event's panel of judges.
The judging panel for Sayaw ASEANO 2024 included Dr. Mark Inigo M. Tallara, a professor from De La Salle University's International Studies Department; Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Director of Linkages and International Office at Philippine Normal University; and Mr. Lance Dela Cruz, a member of Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts. Their expert evaluation helped determine the winners among the talented performers.
The Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management earned the 1st runner-up spot with their vibrant performance of Indonesian dances, while the Institute of Business and Computing Education claimed 2nd runner-up with their elegant portrayal of Vietnam's traditional dances. The Institute of Arts and Sciences rounded out the top four, placing 3rd runner-up with their captivating performance of dances from Laos DPR.
Beyond the remarkable performances, Sayaw ASEANO highlighted MCC's strong commitment to cultural exchange and internationalization. The event brought together students, faculty, and the community, fostering a spirit of learning and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of ASEAN countries. It also reaffirmed MCC's role as a leader in promoting ASEAN integration and awareness through meaningful and engaging cultural events.
As this year’s celebration came to a close, the success of Sayaw ASEANO 2024 left everyone eager for more. MCC is already looking forward to continuing this cherished tradition in the years ahead, further solidifying its place as a beacon of ASEAN culture and unity in the region.
