FiesTalento 2026 brought the festive spirit of arts and community to the Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (HiFi) Building on May 22, gathering Benildeans in celebration of creativity and self-expression. Inspired by the theme of Filipino Fiesta, the event highlighted a variety of performances that showcased the students’ diverse talents in music, dance, and performing arts.
Headed by the Benildean Scholars Association (BSA), along with collaborative efforts from participating scholars and student volunteers, the event served as a platform for students to display their abilities and passion while raising funds for Peak-A-Book, BSA’s annual outreach program where they visit children in nearby barangays to give them a dynamic and educational experience—ranging from storytelling to arts.
The event featured two programs—The FiesTalento Art Exhibit and Concert—both featuring the artistic passion of Benildeans. With each craft and performance presented, FiesTalento 2026 embodied the spirit of unity and “paying it forward,” inspiring attendees to continue uplifting their fellow community members.
The canvas
The morning opened with the FiesTalento Art Exhibit at HiFi Building. Kicking off the program, Chancellor Benhur Ong delivered the opening remarks, urging the scholars to see that they have the power to shape the world. “One day, you will leave Benilde not just carrying a diploma but also values, lessons, and experiences that will help you contribute meaningfully to the country,” he said.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Eleanor Elloso, an ID124 student from the Architecture (BS-ARCH) program introduced FiesTalento 2026 as a space for scholars to step beyond their academic identity and simply share who they are. "We wanted the scholars to show their talents beyond being a scholar, beyond academic responsibility," she shared, also noting that the fundraising from the event will go towards purchasing books and supplies for Peak-A-Book.
Five artists then took the floor for the Artwork Sharing segment, each presenting an original piece and the story behind it. ID125 student from the Creative Industries Management (AB-CIM) program, Camille Jane Agliam, shared Handog sa Larong Abitin which explored themes of belonging and cultural pride through Filipino language. Meanwhile, Rojo Mabilin, an ID125 student from the Game Design and Development (BS-GDD) program, presented Beni of Taft, depicting one of Benilde’s beloved campus cats as a tribute to the joy and gratitude he finds in his education.
On the other hand, ID124 BS-ARCH Hannah Penaso presented Memoria, a deeply personal work on grief and healing. ID125 student from the Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA) program, Jonathan Ty’s Tingin invited viewers to look beyond surface value and find meaning in the mundane. Concluding the segment, ID123 AB-MMA student Angeli Villamor shared Manlilikhang Bulakenya, a bold celebration of her identity as a Filipino artist wherein she reflected on how she transforms personal ideas into work meant to be shared with the world.
The exhibit closed with remarks from BSA’s advisor, Mr. Randy Pabona, reflecting on the showcase as a benchmark of what FiesTalento stands for—a platform highlighting the incredible creativity of Benildean scholars and expressing that this celebration acts “as a reminder that art has the power to bring the community together.”
Musical pride
As the afternoon progressed, the performances by scholars and volunteers filled the program. From the melodious voices of those who sang, to those who moved with passion with the beat of the music, and to the groove of an extraordinary drag performance. Each presentation radiated what being a Benildean scholar is all about.
Adriel Sid Tandoc, an ID124 student from the Diplomacy and International Affairs (AB-DIA) program, performed an operatic piece—a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s final letter “Mi Ultimo Adios.” When The Benildean asked about his performance, he mentioned how it connects to FiesTalento's theme of being Filipino by showcasing our national identity through our culture and heritage. Rooted in nationalism, his piece was a deliberate departure typically associated with the lightheartedness of a fiesta. "Our heroes and ancestors didn't die for nothing," he said, urging fellow Benildeans to honor that history.
He also reflected on the personal stakes of performing a piece he hasn't performed in a long time to quiet his doubts and to simply trust himself. “You can only find yourself in the things you almost never do," Tandoc shared. "And when you find yourself in those things, you will see the truest version of yourself that no one can ever replace.
Veronica Larona, an ID125 AB-CIM student, swayed the crowd through her moves that reflected her personality. She embraced who she truly is and was not afraid to show it, especially as a Filipino, tying it to the event’s overall theme. Like Tandoc, she shared that she had not danced in a long time. Through her performance, she hopes to inspire others not to fear continuing where they left off, and to move forward with courage, determination, and trust in their own values.
A vibrant celebration
FiesTalento also served as a space for Benildeans to find their voices as artists, scholars, and as Filipinos.
For ID124 Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies (BAPDST) students and Assistant Project Head Gabriel Dayrit, the event was rooted in the spirit of inclusion—as a bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities by offering a space where both could celebrate diverse cultures. “My contributions promote [inclusivity among] Filipino students in Benilde, where it could create the greatest interaction [here],” he shared. “We are thinking a lot about building without leaving [anyone behind].”
Meanwhile, the event’s art curator and BSA’s secretary Arianna Bonagua, an ID124 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Culture-Based Arts (BFA-CBA) student, reinforced that FiesTalento is a reminder of what Benildean scholars and students are capable of. "We are creative. We are creative with excellence. We can excel in different fields," she declared.
FiesTalento 2026 really demonstrated what Benildean scholars had to offer, highlighting their skills in music, dance, and art as a means of raising money for BSA's yearly outreach program. These kinds of events encourage students’ creativity, giving them the confidence to shine and show the community what it truly means to be a scholar. As Tandoc shared, “it gives students the spotlight to discover who they truly are.”
FiesTalento 2026 truly manifested what it means to merge the Benildean and Filipino identities—blending creative and innovative values that shine not only for themselves, for one another and for others.
