By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Health and Sciences representative Ortus District Dance Alliance and Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF) Powerband were hailed as Champions of ‘Sayawit: Battle of Dance’ and ‘Sayawit: Battle of the Bands,’ respectively, at the FEU Grandstand today, March 24.

Held before One Concierto Piyu last February 14, Ortus District Dance Alliance bested four other dance groups with their Ariana Grande-inspired dance routine.

Meanwhile, IABF Powerband reigned supreme over five other bands for their politically empowering performance of ‘Upuan’ by Gloc-9.

The dancing champions also won the Best in Choreography and Most Creative Performance awards while the winning band claimed the Best Stage Presence award.

One Day Plate from the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) followed as first runners-up for the Battle of Dance and also claimed the Most Energetic Performance award.

Meanwhile, FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS) were hailed as second runners-up for the dance competition.

Additionally, Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Groovers claimed Best Group Photo and Best Attire.

For the Battle of the Bands, IHSN Alunig were awarded first runners-up and the Best Cover Performance award. 

Second runners-up IAS Sessionistas also bagged the Best Vocalist award.

Moreover, the event recognized IARFA Pastorale with Best Group Photo and Best Composition and FEU High School (FEU HS) Music Society with Best Attire.

The performing groups were judged by Sophia Silayan Echauz, Gicel Roger Salvilla, and Mark Anthony Rosario for the dance contest while Daniel Paringit, Angela Cuenta, and Kyla Nicoli Elchico for the vocal showdown.

Representatives from the FEU Institute of Technology were supposed to participate in the Battle of the Bands, but declined due to conflicting midterm examinations, according to FEU Central Student Organization Vice President Patricia Luansing.

FEU HS previously swept both the dance and band stints last year.

Sayawit was supposed to be fully held last February 14, with winners set to perform in One Concierto Piyu. However, logistical issues and the sudden rainfall prompted multiple delays and the postponement of the event. 

Only the Battle of Dance pushed through with the winners privately announced days later.

(Photo by Krystoffer Zyanel Bermudez/FEU Advocate)