Five Sillimanians Bag 17 Medals in World Performing Arts Championship

Five Sillimanians bagged a total of three gold, nine silver and five bronze medals during the 22 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) competition held July 8 to 13 in Long Beach, California.

Physical Education Asst. Prof. Manolito Saldivar was named Division Champion of the World in Opera, Division Champion of the World in Latin, and brought home three gold and three silver medals. College of Performing and Visual Arts instructors Ms Kamele Marie Maratas and Ms Cherielynn Opulentisima were also recognized in the competition; Maratas got 2 Silver medals for Opera and World categories, while Opulentisima was awarded bronze for Opera.

Two Silliman students were also awarded in the competition. Senior High student Rakhim Tahir bagged a silver medal each for Pop, Country, and Broadway categories, and a bronze each for Rock, Jazz, and Gospel.  Medical Technology senior Thomas Villalva Reyes received a silver medal for Broadway and a bronze medal for the open category.

Asst. Prof. Saldivar, Maratas and Reyes qualified for the semi-final round of the competition.

WCOPA is an International “Olympic” style event with participants from over 55 countries competing for both Junior and Senior Grand Champion of the World of Performing Arts. Singers, dancers, instrumentalist, actors, models and a variety of artists travel from around the world to participate in the competition.