Grandslam Win for UNEP in Voyadores Fest

Naga City -- Competing delegates from the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) went home with all smiles, triumphantly chanting on their way home after they seized the much coveted crown as Voyadores Champion for this year's competition, held September 15 at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds here.   What is more significant is the fact that it was their first time to join the said challenge.

"All for the Glory of Our Lady of Peñafrancia..." was all Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda could say amid the exultant shouting and merriment that filled the Metropolitan Grounds after the name of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) was called to receive the award.

The sweet scent of victory was already invading the air that night for even before UNEP was declared as the over-all champion, their contingent was already being cited as winners of various categories.  UNEP performers grabbed the title in Best in Costume and Best in Music. They were also cited as Best in Street Dance and Best in Pilgrim Dance for their almost perfect synchronized cadence and body movements.

If there is somebody who can't seem to contain her joy that night, it was UNEP Executive Vice President and concurrently EVP for Finance, Ms. Deli Alfelor- Tibi.  "I have nothing but all praises for the team for the job well done. What we did was a tribute for the Blessed Virgin as  we join the entire Marian community in celebrating the 300 years of unceasing devotion to her."

Miss Tibi also made mention of the performer's dedication during their week-long practice and their patience during the rehearsals.  "They have to endure several nights of practice to perfect their movements and synchronized every sway of their bodies. I also would like to give kudos to Mr. Romy Abaño, our Creative Director for his concept of the Voyadores presentation that our contingent have performed and luckily got the nod of our jurors."

Atty. Moraleda was also in high spirit for the outpouring of blessings given to them.  "There is really so much to thank Our Lady of Peñafrancia for, except for the shower of her blessings to my family, my extended family - the UNEP community is also being blessed in surprising ways that we never expected."

Atty. Peachy, as she is fondly called is referring to no less than the previous awards that the university had received early that week.  On the first week of September, UNEP Circle of Consummate Artists under the UNEP Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) also bested other competing schools and universities when they were named as Champion during the Tercentenary Marian Song Interpretative Dance Competition held September 9 at the Ateneo De Naga University Gymnasium.

On the same day, another brain challenge is simultaneously being held in another venue - the "Cherishing Ina 2010 Tercentenary Quiz bee being held at the Naga Parochial School. The UNEP Grade School Department was also declared as Champion during said competition where Rony Marialen P. Lagatic and Sara Mae S. Santos, both Grade VI pupils, proudly represented the university.

UNEP Grade School Principal, Ms. Editha Filio-Evangelista congratulated the contestants and their coaches for emerging as victors.  "It was so fulfilling.  We give the honor to our Lady of Peñafrancia for guiding our students during the said competition.  I also would like to congratulate their coach, Ms. Irene P. Padrigone and our Coordinator, Ms. Jocelyn L. Bemales .

UNEP Grade School pupils bested other competing teams coming from the University of Nueva Caceres   (2^nd place) and the Dominican School of Calabanga (3^rd place).  Other contending schools includes La Consolacion College (Iriga City), La Consolacion College (Daet, Camarines Norte),  Sta. Monica Academy (Baao) , Pili Parochial School (Pili) and the Holy Cross Parochial School (Nabua).