Awitenista 2009

Ateneo's College Days started off a bit drowsy for a freshmen like me. This was for obvious reasons like we weren't able to get inside the 7th floor Auditorium for the inter-university contests, information and public announcements of the events were not much disseminated, a couple of events had poor organizations and the list goes on. But the most successful event in the whole celebration I think is the Awitenista.

Whoever were behind this really had something going on in their minds and hearts as they put their plans from paper to reality.

First up - the advertisement stuffs are great.

Even the actual visuals were Apple or iPod inspired. And for an extremely musical event, this scheme was effective.



Then they had awesome single/album covers.

For every entry that made it to the finals, they actually had some sort of Album cover. This act was more than great considering the contest was all about songs and compositions. My sources say the graphics were made by the Kalasag staff. To them I send my appraisals! They could actually sell these things.

Here are some of the covers.







The setting was great.

Awesome lights - it was colorful yet never near childish. Fantastic sounds - they actually paid some heavy bucks for this one for the themes were new and exciting. Although there were a couple of mute microphone moments, those were obscurred by the better side of the sound system. And, for the fun of including this here, the sponsors were lavishly extravagant. A certain coffee shop's advertisement was even the crowd's favorite - they gave away gift certificates and a couple of laughs to those who enjoyed [may be sarcastic or satirical, however you put it] their advertisement video. *remembers the girl in the video*evil laugh*



Finally, the songs were undoubtedly deserving to be in the finals.

Of course, hints of cheesiness will never be eradicated from certain compositions. Those glimmers of exageration and hyperbole are the things that make their songs sound how they're supposed to sound. Some songs really were great. I, for one, appreciated much the songs of Kuya David Jalotjot, the song Lovely Day and one of the night's favorites Halika.

Here is Halika from Shades of White.
The singer said it was written and sung for first years who seem to be freezing out in the big world they came in to.

Halika - Shades Of White




For the panoramic view, the entire event was a success. Rumor has it that it is the most ambitious Awitenista ever. Well, the rumor is no longer a wisp of cold voices in the air for the ambition's been put to reality.

As a part of the audience, I congratulate those behind everything!


Today marks the beginning of my long anticipation for next year's College Days. What lies ahead are unseen - only visualized. I wish those visionaries well. May they achieve what they yearn to put up next year.

Sapienta et eloquentia in Ateneo! Animo Ateneo!

Excelsia,

Aiyan Aquino


P.S.

Pictures are from the official site of Awitenista 2009.
The song is from the owner's iMeem.