LOOK | SSU shines at 21st Manaragat Festival cultural showcase

As part of the 2024 Catbalogan City Fiesta month-long celebration, Samar State University (SSU) took center stage with a captivating performance at the annual cultural presentation on Tuesday at the City Plaza.

The highlight of SSU’s contribution was a compelling play titled “An Ilo nga Bukid,” brought to life through the enchanting folk song “Diri ko Iginbabasul,” arranged by the late Catbaloganon piano virtuoso, Amparo Cinco Tizon.

SSU Museum and Archives Head Jhonil Bajado has been the director and scriptwriter for the last five plays staged by SSU as part of the Manaragat Festival. However, this year, Bajado took on the role of director exclusively, while the script was written by Marlon Baldago, an incoming second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education – Social Studies student.

Moreover, the play featured performances by SSU students, Giselle Daligon, John Michael Iso, and Jasper Cabacang.

Themed “Kultura Katbalogan: Swaying to the Rhythm of our Identity,” which focuses on uplifting and reinvigorating love for folk music, the song “Diri ko Iginbabasul,” featured prominently in the play, is a piece from the book “Mga Karantahon nga Samarnon.”

In partnership with the City Government of Catbalogan, this production was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the SSU Arts and Cultural Heritage Office, SSU Museum and Archives, and various organizations including the SSU Chorale, SSU Ukulele Ensemble, Society of Physical Educators, Social Studies Circle, as well as dedicated faculty members and students.