The 2025 iteration of TAN-AW, the yearly display of talent, culture, and the performing arts in the Main Campus, returned impressively in a festive mood on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Canuctan Hall.
Now in its second year and bearing the theme "TAN-AW: Recognizing Diversity, Embracing Traditions," the event was made successful by the concerted efforts of the Student Services and Alumni Affairs (SSAA) headed by its Dean, Dr. Aris A. Lapada, through the Supreme Student Council (SSC) in partnership with the Culture and Arts Development Office, headed by Ms. Patsy Caballa.
Starting off with a parade around the campus with a simultaneous street dance presentation of each participating college, the event featured a remarkable display of talent and cultural presentations by the various groups from different colleges competing in cultural dance, Kundiman song interpretation, and street dance, aptly called 'Bayle Sa Kalye.'.
The dance presentations presented a fun-filled, captivating narrative of the country’s distinct cultural heritage, while the Kundiman singing competition showcased operatic renditions that reflect the depth and splendor of traditional Filipino music.
In the Kundiman singing contest, College of Criminal Justice Education’s (CCJE) Ms. Precious Angel C. Bautista, a third-year BS Criminology student, took home first-place honors with her alluring rendition of "Kalesa." College of Education (CoEd) and College of Agriculture (CAg) representatives secured second place and third place, respectively.
Meanwhile, Tribu Ngarab of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) was victorious in the Bayle sa Kalye competition. The CCS dancers emerged as first-place winners via an enthralling dance performance to go along with their captivating costumes. Tribu Magturutdo of COED and CHM's Tribu Pagdayaw took home second and third place honors, respectively.
In the Traditional Folk Dance competition, the College of Agriculture (CAg) won first place by captivating the judges with their graceful dance moves, while the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) and the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) came away with the second place and third place finishes, respectively.
In his closing message, Mr. Philip Raymond B. Bote, Head of the Student Organization and Activities, announced that because of the huge success of the said activities in their two-year run so far, cash prizes for the competitions will be doubled for the following year, earning a boisterous cheer from the crowd. For TAN-AW 2025, cash prizes were sponsored by former Eastern Samar Vice Governor, Hon. Christopher ‘Sheen’ Gonzales.
Furthermore, the event will also include an Art Exhibit in the following years, offering student artists an avenue to showcase their work and the attendees the opportunity to appreciate an array of unique artworks that embody the diverse perspectives of talented local artists. TAN-AW aspires to honor the vibrant traditions that shape our community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage we collectively share.
