Center Stage: ALAB and Mr. & Ms. Universality Own the Day
Written by: Jean Ashlee Viktoria Zervoulakos & Maria Covinnie Martinez
Center Stage: ALAB and Mr. & Ms. Universality Own the Day
Written by: Jean Ashlee Viktoria Zervoulakos & Maria Covinnie Martinez
(from left to right) Photos courtesy of Athaliah Eliezer Buenaflor, Alleyya General, and Ralph Clarence Buendia
ALAB and Mr. & Ms. Universality participants set the stage of Bacoor Coliseum on fire on its 5th day of Fun Week.
APEC Schools Bacoor commenced its 5th day of Fun Week with ALAB, an event that brought music, dance, and pageantry all together in one fiery stage on February 21, 2024, in Bacoor Coliseum. With the singers taking the stage, dancers with striking outfits, and bands with their guitars and drumsticks, the stage was filled with echoes of cheer and excitement as the coliseum ran wild. This was also followed by the main event, Mr. and Ms. Universality 2025 — wherein grade levels seven (7) to twelve (12) compete for the reigning crown and title.
The event started with a solemn prayer, accompanied by singing the national anthem and reciting the APEC Hymn, a symbol of each individual becoming better each day. Once the stage was set, the hosts welcomed the enthusiastic crowd, setting the tone for a day to remember. Cheers were heard throughout the coliseum as each segment of the event was introduced, building more anticipation as each second ran.
With the ALAB event hosting 3 branches of talents, namely, the singing category, dance category, and Battle of the Bands, the coliseum was filled with posters and placards, each representing their contenders, making the stadium colorful with how each banner was hung and cheered upon.
ALAB: Symphony of Talents started strong with the singing category. Each contender had their way with the crowd, and their voices made waves throughout the coliseum. From solemn, sad songs like Before It Sinks In by Moira Dela Torre to cute love songs such as Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez, the crowd was left in awe and speechless with every lyric sung.
Following the performances from the Singing Category, the energy shifted as the Dance Category made its way onto the stage. Dancers in striking outfits moved with precision and smoothness, while the crowd responded with cheers and over-the-top support. From cutesy K-pop dances to heart-pounding hip-hop, the stage was surely set to ignite with fiery hearts.
As the event progressed, the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands took the stage. The crowd ignited with an explosion of energy as each band performed. No matter the genre—rock music, OPM, or Japanese pop— ALAB contenders had it all. Each group showcased precision in chord progression, drums, and strong vocals that could be heard from a mile away.
With each showcase of poise and talent coming together, ALAB: Symphony of Talents ended strong with the awarding of winners of the three (3) categories — Singing, Dancing, and Battle of the Bands.
After each contender in the singing category raised their voices high, judges concluded Jasmine Antonnette Pallones was the champion of the show. This is then followed by the awarding of the champion from the dance category, which has been striked by Divadoovee. Ending ALAB: Symphony of Talents with a bang, the reigning champion of the Battle of the Bands category was given to NewJins.
With everything sizzling down to the main course, Mr. and Ms. Universality commenced. Each contender struck with such poise and fashion — from glimmering ball gowns to rockstar-ready outfits, every outfit shown had added to the last day of Sports Fest worth remembering.
The pageant concluded with the announcement of this year’s Mr. and Ms. Universality. Representing Passion 10-1, Ashley Phoebe Patrimonio was crowned Ms. Universality 2025, while Vince Joseph Santiago from Passion 10-2 took home the title of Mr. Universality 2025. Joining them on the winners' podium were Quiean Diada, Ella Loraine Nalumen, Cean Marco Cabbo, and Austine Janer as runners-up. Their presence, charisma, and confidence captured not just the judges’ attention but also the hearts of the audience.
With every category presented during the event, ALAB: Symphony of Talents has proved that it was not just a showcase of pure talent but a presentation of effort, commitment, and passion for building friendship and finding purpose. The celebration was made even more vibrant by the Mr. and Ms. Universality pageant, which highlighted not only beauty and confidence but also empowering stories of each candidate. A memorable end to a fun week for every APEC Bacoor student.