Unfiltered and Unforgettable: GC Talent Showcase Pushes Boundaries of Art and Advocacy

The Gordon College (GC) Function Hall transforms into a cauldron of raw emotion and artistic flair as the Mr. & Ms. GC Talent Competition pushes contestants to their creative prowess on February 19, 2026.

MR. AND MS. GORDON COLLEGE TALENT PORTION

The atmosphere turned electric early on as Christian Mendoza and Marielle Denise Garcia from College of Education, Arts, and Sciences (CEAS) entered the stage. What began as a fluid, lyrical interpretative piece took a sharp, daring turn into a high-octane “sexy dance” routine.

The day took a turn toward the cinematic with a series of narrative-driven interpretative dances. College of Computer Studies (CCS) Representatives Latrell Justin Desmonte and Riza Joyce Fetalino delivered a sweeping romantic saga that left the room breathless, only to crush spirits with a calculated, heartbreaking finale.

Following in that somber vein, Paulo Tarrayo and Athena Faith Manglicmot, College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Candidates leaned heavily into the “tragic” aesthetic.

Breaking the dance-heavy flow, Juanito Dominador Jimenez and Charmyn KC Sierra, College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) students, delivered the night’s most socially conscious entry. Merging spoken word poetry with a gritty musical performance of Gloc-9’s “Upuan,” the pair took a firm political stand.

There was an energetic cultural display by College of Allied and Health Studies (CAHS) Andrei Vistada and Aura May Mesiano, which earned them a standing ovation for their professionalism.

The cultural celebration continued with Ronvasti Atenante and Precious Abigail Reforba from CEAS who brought the timeless elegance of the Kumakaret Dance to the hall.

Rounding out the talent showcase, Marc Anthony Acula and Samantha Macapagal (CBA) brought the ballroom flair to the GC Function Hall.

MX. GORDON COLLEGE TALENT PORTION

Confidence, creativity, and courage filled the Function Hall of Gordon College as candidates of the much-anticipated campus pageant—Mx. GC—showcased their talents on the morning of February 19, 2026.

Mx. Jin Tonx, from CEAS, gave a high-energy dance performance. Wearing an eye-catching costume, Mx. Jin Tonx radiated confidence and a commanding aura that immediately captured the audience’s attention.

Mx. Dave, another representative from CEAS department, shifted the mood with a heart-touching vocal performance with acting elements. Dressed in a clown-inspired costume, Mx. Dave portrayed the painful realities of hidden loneliness—someone who smiles outwardly while struggling internally. Through expressive facial gestures and subtle dance movements, the final twist in the performance highlighted the silent struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ community who are often ridiculed yet carry unseen emotional burdens.

From the College of Business and Accountancy, Mx. Kally delivered an interpretative dance focusing on queerness and rejection. Inspired by a song about unreciprocated love, the performance illustrated the painful experience of confessing only to hear “Pare, kaibigan lang kita.” The performance captured vulnerability and the emotional weight of being “frienzoned,” resonating strongly with the audience

The fourth candidate, Mx. Jat Ashanty, representing the CAHS department, showcased a dramatic acting performance accompanied by background music, addressing abuse against queeer individuals. The line “Sinong mapalad? Sino ang kaawa-awa?” echoed as a cry for mercy and justice. The skit also incorporated themes of life abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), connecting struggles of identity with displacement and survival. The emotional act prompted reflection and empathy from viewers.

Mx. MJ, from CHTM as well, then brought a wave of empowerment through a combination of dance, lip sync, and singing. Incorporating memes and sarcastic humor, the performance reclaimed stereotypes and celebrated resilience and oppression. The audience eagerly joined in, singing along and turning the moment into a collective celebration of pride.

Closing the talent portion, Mx. Jeremy, another contender from the CEAS Department, delivered a fierce dance performance. With bold movements and striking stage presence, Mx. Jeremy ignited loud cheers from the crowd, ending the competition segment on a high note. | via Kana Maye Dueñas and Zena Alexandra Madulara/The FOREFRONT

Photos by Rogeen Alcantara and Kana Maye Dueñas

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